Developer · founded 2000
Nakheel
The island-builder behind Palm Jumeirah and Dubai's affordable suburbs
About Nakheel
Nakheel is a Dubai government-owned master developer founded in 2000, now part of Dubai Holding. It built Palm Jumeirah and created several of the city's largest residential communities, including Jumeirah Village Circle, Jumeirah Village Triangle, Al Furjan, Discovery Gardens and International City.
Most buyers meet Nakheel as the master developer behind a community rather than the builder of every tower: private developers build much of JVC and Al Furjan on Nakheel plots. Nakheel's own current launches focus on waterfront projects such as Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai Islands and new Palm Jumeirah residences.
Signature projects
- 01
Palm Jumeirah · Palm Jumeirah
The palm-shaped island of frond villas, apartments and resorts.
- 02
Jumeirah Village Circle · Al Barsha South
Freehold mid-market community of apartments, townhouses and villas.
- 03
International City · Al Warsan
Low-cost apartment clusters themed on different countries.
- 04
Palm Jebel Ali · Jebel Ali
Second palm island, relaunched with villa sales from 2023.
- 05
Dubai Islands · Deira waterfront
Island development off the Deira coast with beaches and resorts.
Where Nakheel builds
Mixed
Jumeirah Village Circle
Dubai's busiest mid-market address for studios, flats and townhousesHomes from AED 550K
Villas & townhouses
Jumeirah Village Triangle
JVC's quieter neighbour, with more villas and bigger plotsHomes from AED 600K
Apartments
International City
Dubai's lowest-cost studios, in country-themed clustersHomes from AED 300K
Questions
About Nakheel
What are Nakheel's new projects?
Nakheel's recent launches centre on waterfront projects: Palm Jebel Ali villas, Dubai Islands and new residences on Palm Jumeirah. Releases change often, so confirm the project, escrow registration and payment plan before paying a deposit. Most Nakheel launches are on reclaimed islands, so handover timelines can be long.
Did Nakheel build JVC?
Nakheel is the master developer of Jumeirah Village Circle, responsible for the masterplan, roads and community infrastructure. Most individual buildings in JVC were built by private developers on plots bought from Nakheel, so quality varies between buildings. Check each building's developer and track record separately.
Who owns Nakheel?
Nakheel is owned by the Dubai government and has become part of Dubai Holding, which also owns developers such as Meraas and Dubai Properties. Its communities are freehold, open to buyers of any nationality. Buyers pay the standard 4% DLD transfer fee plus registration costs.