Nakheel, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded a marine and beach works contract on Island B at Dubai Islands that will add 320 metres of new beach frontage next to the Bay Villas community and upgrade about 3 km of the island's western shoreline. The award was announced on 8 October 2026, and the works are due to finish by Q4 2027.
Credit: Nakheel (official render)
Key Facts
| Master developer | Nakheel (Dubai Holding Real Estate) |
|---|---|
| Contractor | Mar Marine & Building Contracting L.L.C. |
| Location | Island B, Dubai Islands (off the Deira coastline) |
| Scope | New breakwaters, removal of existing rock revetments, a new beach near Bay Villas, and refurbishment of existing beaches on the western side of Island B |
| New beach | About 320 metres near Bay Villas |
| Shoreline upgraded | About 3 km |
| Completion target | Q4 2027 |
| Contract value | Not disclosed |
What the Works Cover
The contract replaces sections of hard rock revetment along the western edge of Island B with new breakwaters and a sandy beach in front of Bay Villas, a 636-home community of villas and townhouses. Mar Marine will also refurbish several existing beach areas on that side of the island so the old and new stretches form one continuous waterfront.
It is the third major package on Island B in just over a year. Nakheel awarded an AED 2.6 billion construction contract for Bay Villas to Fibrex Contracting in August 2025, and an AED 527 million infrastructure and utilities contract to Al Nasr Contracting in April 2026. The beach works now run alongside both.
"The new beach frontage near Bay Villas and enhancements to the western shoreline will create a high-quality coastal environment that develops in step with the wider masterplan," said Khalid Al Malik, CEO of Dubai Holding Real Estate.
Dubai Islands at a Glance
Dubai Islands covers 18.6 sq km across five islands. Nakheel's masterplan targets more than 230,000 residents in about 62,000 homes, plus over 11,000 hotel keys and more than 4,000 branded residences. Nakheel launched Bay Estate on Island E earlier this month, and several private developers are selling branded towers across the islands.
What It Means for Buyers and Investors
Bay Villas owners: a contracted beach and shoreline package, with a firm completion date, is a practical sign that the waterfront around your home is being delivered alongside the houses themselves, not years later.
Buyers comparing Dubai Islands projects: check which island a project sits on and how far it is from finished beachfront. Homes facing a completed beach usually let and resell better than those facing construction or rock edges.
Timing: with the beach due in Q4 2027, buyers on Island B should expect active marine works nearby for the next year or so. Check your own project's handover date against that timeline.
Due diligence: as with any off-plan purchase, confirm the project's DLD registration, escrow account and payment plan, and ask the developer for the latest construction progress report.
Talk to Luxwell Real Estate
Interested in Dubai Islands villas, townhouses or waterfront apartments? Luxwell Real Estate can share current availability across Nakheel's and other developers' projects on the islands.
- Call: +971 50 856 2749
- WhatsApp: +971 50 856 2749
- Email: info@luxwellrealestate.com
- Website: www.luxwellrealestate.com
Based on Nakheel's announcement of 8 October 2026, also reported by WAM (Emirates News Agency).
Related reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nakheel building on Island B at Dubai Islands?
- Nakheel has awarded Mar Marine & Building Contracting a contract for marine and beach works that add about 320 metres of new beach near Bay Villas and upgrade around 3 km of Island B's western shoreline.
When will the new Dubai Islands beach be finished?
- Nakheel says the marine and beach works are scheduled for completion by Q4 2027.
What is Bay Villas Dubai Islands?
- Bay Villas is a 636-home community of villas and townhouses on Island B. Nakheel awarded its AED 2.6 billion construction contract to Fibrex Contracting in August 2025.
How much is the Dubai Islands marine works contract worth?
- The contract value was not disclosed. Earlier Island B packages include AED 2.6 billion for Bay Villas construction and AED 527 million for infrastructure and utilities.
How big is Dubai Islands?
- Dubai Islands spans 18.6 sq km across five islands, with a masterplan for more than 230,000 residents in about 62,000 homes and over 11,000 hotel keys.
Is Dubai Islands freehold for foreign buyers?
- Dubai Islands is marketed as a freehold destination open to all nationalities. Always confirm the specific project's DLD registration and title status before buying.
Request details
Leave your details to download the details