UAE-based leading master developer Nakheel, a member of Dubai Holding’s pioneering real estate arm Dubai Holding Real Estate, has marked significant progress in the development of Palm Jebel Ali in 2024, with the ambitious project progressing at pace to meet 2025 milestones.
The man-made island Palm Jebel Ali is part of the impressive Palm Islands project along with Palm Jumeirah and Deira Islands. Palm Jumeirah is already a vibrant waterfront community featuring upscale dining, beaches, luxury properties, and leisure attractions. Palm Jebel Ali, once completed, will surpass Palm Jumeirah in size by 50%.
Construction paused on the Palm Jebel Ali Project for more than 15 years following a break in 2008, but last year it was announced that Nakheel was coming back. The project, which spans 13.4 kilometres of land with 10.5 million square metres of development, will include six marinas, a water theme park, a ‘Sea Village’, homes built on stilts above the water, and boardwalks. It will offer a total of 110 kilometres of coastline and 91 kilometres of beachfront, which will eventually be home to 35,000 families. A third of its public facilities will be powered by renewable energy.
The development masterplan was approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in May 2023, who said at the time; “Palm Jebel Ali will further strengthen our urban infrastructure and consolidate the city’s emergence as one of the world’s leading metropolises. This new groundbreaking project reflects our strategic development plan centred on raising the quality of life and happiness of residents.”
The Palm Jebel Ali area received further recognition this year when His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, approved the master plan for the 6.6 kilometre development of Jebel Ali Beach. The project includes a five-kilometre sandy beach, to be developed by Nakheel, as well as a 1.6-kilometre-long Mangrove Beach, to be developed by Dubai Municipality.
Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said; “At Nakheel we believe in developing dreams, inspired by the vision of our leaders and the hopes of our people. The rapid progress we are currently witnessing on ground at Palm Jebel Ali is testimony to the grand success of our key partnerships and our joint endeavours to ensure we deliver on our commitments.”
Several key contracts for the project were awarded throughout 2024, including the construction of a new 6-kilometre road, the contracts for the island’s marine works, dredging, land reclamation, beach profiling and sand placement, directly supporting the construction of villas. The first eight fronds of the project are expected to be site-ready for villa infrastructure and civil works by the first quarter of 2025.
Crucially, the contract for the construction of exclusive ultra-luxury villas on the first six fronds of the project has also been awarded and are scheduled for completion by late 2026. Nakheel recently announced their partnership with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority for the development of two substations on Palm Jebel Ali.
The Palm Jebel Ali is a project of great ambition set to become a residential and commercial hub, with a diverse range of property types, each with its unique appeal and investment potential. Dubai Holding is highlighting the project as a key part of the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040, so we should expect the project to be finished before then.
Nakheel at a Glance
Founded: 2003 Headquarters: Dubai, UAE Employees: 1500 Master developments: 15K hectares
