Bluewaters Island
Bluewaters Island Property Guide
Bluewaters Island Overview
Bluewaters Island is a man-made island destination just off the coast of Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), developed by Meraas, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate. Opened in November 2018, the island combines boutique residential buildings, townhouses and penthouses with resort hotels, a waterfront retail and dining boulevard, and landmark attractions including Ain Dubai, the giant observation wheel at the island's western tip.
The island was designed as a self-contained waterfront community where residents can enjoy sea views, a pedestrian-friendly environment and resort-style amenities, while remaining connected to JBR, Dubai Marina and Sheikh Zayed Road. Its limited number of homes and its distinctive island setting give Bluewaters a strong identity as an exclusive residential address in the heart of Dubai's coastal district.
Highlights
• Island living: an exclusive island setting with views of the sea, the Dubai Marina skyline and Ain Dubai.
• Limited collection of homes: a small number of mid-rise residential buildings, townhouses and penthouses.
• Pedestrian-friendly design: car-light streets, promenades and a walkway connecting the island to JBR.
• Resort hospitality: beachfront resort hotels and serviced residences on the island.
• Lifestyle destination: The Wharf boulevard with restaurants, cafés, shops and entertainment.
• New residences: Bluewaters Bay by Meraas adding contemporary sea-view apartments and penthouses.
• Freehold ownership: open to buyers of all nationalities.
Bluewaters Island at a glance
• Master developer: Meraas, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate
• Location: off the coast of JBR, Dubai Marina district
• Opened: November 2018
• Bluewaters Residences: 10 mid-rise buildings with 698 apartments, four penthouses and 17 townhouses
• Bluewaters Bay: two residential towers by Meraas
• Ownership: freehold, open to international buyers
• Property types: one- to four-bedroom apartments, penthouses, townhouses and serviced residences
• Key landmarks: Ain Dubai, The Wharf, Madame Tussauds Dubai and the beachfront resorts
A boutique island community
Bluewaters Island combines the exclusivity of an island address with the convenience of a central coastal location. Its compact master plan, limited residential supply and premium design have made it a distinctive waterfront community, and the addition of new residences such as Bluewaters Bay continues to strengthen its profile among buyers seeking sea-view homes in Dubai.
Where Is Bluewaters Island?
Location and Connectivity
Bluewaters Island sits just offshore from Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) on Dubai's western coastline, within the wider Dubai Marina district. It is linked to the mainland by a road bridge connecting to Sheikh Zayed Road and by a pedestrian bridge connecting to JBR and The Beach.
Island layout
• Bluewaters Residences: 10 mid-rise residential buildings set on a landscaped podium, with sea, marina and Ain Dubai views.
• Townhouses and penthouses: a limited collection of larger homes within the residential district.
• Bluewaters Bay: two residential towers by Meraas facing the sea.
• The Wharf: a waterfront retail and dining boulevard running through the island.
• Resort hotels: beachfront hotels and serviced residences along the island's shore.
• Ain Dubai: the observation wheel at the island's western tip.
Key distances and travel times
• JBR and The Beach: a short walk across the pedestrian bridge.
• Dubai Marina Walk and Marina Mall: around 5 to 10 minutes.
• Palm Jumeirah: around 10 to 15 minutes by car.
• Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City and JLT: around 10 minutes.
• Mall of the Emirates: around 15 to 20 minutes.
• Downtown Dubai and DIFC: typically 20 to 25 minutes via Sheikh Zayed Road.
• Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC): around 30 to 35 minutes.
• Dubai International Airport (DXB): around 30 to 35 minutes.
Road access
A dedicated road bridge links Bluewaters Island directly with Sheikh Zayed Road, giving residents quick access to Dubai's main highway, the business districts and both airports. Parking for residents and visitors is provided within the island's buildings and car parks.
Public transport
• Dubai Tram: the Jumeirah Beach Residence stations are a short walk away across the pedestrian bridge.
• Dubai Metro: the Red Line stations at Dubai Marina, including DMCC and Sobha Realty stations, are linked by the tram.
• Water transport: Bluewaters Wharf Station serves as a dock for water transport along the coast.
• Taxis and ride-hailing: available at drop-off points across the island.
Walkability
Bluewaters Island is designed around pedestrians, with promenades, plazas, landscaped walkways and the bridge to JBR making it easy to explore the island, the beach and The Walk on foot.
Bluewaters Island Master Plan
The Bluewaters Island master plan creates a compact, mixed-use island community that brings together residences, hospitality, retail, dining and entertainment around pedestrian promenades and waterfront views.
Development background
Meraas developed Bluewaters Island on reclaimed land just off the JBR coastline. Residential sales for Bluewaters Residences began during construction, and the island officially opened in November 2018 with its residences, hotels and The Wharf retail boulevard. Ain Dubai, the island's observation wheel, opened in October 2021. Meraas later launched Bluewaters Bay, a two-tower residential development that adds a new generation of sea-view homes to the island.
Residential district
• Bluewaters Residences: 10 mid-rise buildings set over a landscaped podium, with 698 one- to four-bedroom apartments ranging from around 815 to 2,473 square feet.
• Penthouses: four penthouses with expansive terraces and panoramic views.
• Townhouses: 17 townhouses offering private, low-rise living on the island.
• Bluewaters Bay: two residential towers with apartments and penthouses, each with private balconies overlooking the sea and Ain Dubai.
• Serviced residences: premium serviced apartments connected to the island's resort hotels.
Hospitality
The island is home to beachfront resort hotels with private beaches, pools, spas and signature restaurants, along with serviced residences that offer hotel-style living.
The Wharf and leisure
• The Wharf: a waterfront boulevard with retail, dining and leisure outlets in low-rise buildings.
• Ain Dubai: the island's landmark observation wheel at its western tip.
• Madame Tussauds Dubai: the wax museum attraction on the island.
• Plazas and promenades: open spaces for events, walking and outdoor dining.
Development milestones
• Mid-2010s: Meraas launches Bluewaters Residences.
• November 2018: Bluewaters Island officially opens.
• October 2021: Ain Dubai opens.
• Recent years: Meraas launches Bluewaters Bay, adding two new residential towers.
Developers and Projects in Bluewaters Island
Bluewaters Island is developed by Meraas, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, which created the island and delivered its residential, hospitality and retail components.
Meraas
Meraas is the developer behind several of Dubai's well-known lifestyle destinations, including City Walk, La Mer and Bluewaters Island.
• Bluewaters Residences: 10 mid-rise buildings with 698 apartments, four penthouses and 17 townhouses, designed with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the sea, Ain Dubai, the boulevard or green spaces.
• Bluewaters Bay: two residential towers offering apartments and penthouses with private balconies, elevated community gardens, a resort-style infinity pool, a fitness centre and a promenade linked to Ain Dubai and The Beach at JBR. The project was launched with an 80/20 payment plan.
• Serviced residences: premium serviced apartments within the island's hospitality offering.
Property types on Bluewaters Island
• One-bedroom apartments: sea-view and boulevard-view homes in Bluewaters Residences and Bluewaters Bay.
• Two- and three-bedroom apartments: family-sized homes with views of the sea, Ain Dubai or the Dubai Marina skyline.
• Four-bedroom apartments: larger residences on upper floors.
• Penthouses: a small number of penthouses with expansive terraces.
• Townhouses: a limited collection of low-rise homes within the residential district.
• Serviced residences: apartments with hotel services and professional management.
Buyers should confirm each project's details and registration with the developer and the Dubai Land Department.
Bluewaters Island Property Prices and Market Trends
Bluewaters Island apartments recorded an average resale price of AED 4,975 per square foot in 2025, up 4.6% on 2024, following an 8.4% rise in 2024. Figures in this section are based on published market analyses of Dubai Land Department (DLD) transaction data, with the period stated for each figure. They should be confirmed at the time of purchase.
Market Overview
Demand for Bluewaters Island property is shaped by its exclusive island setting, its limited collection of homes, its sea and skyline views, and its walkable connection to JBR and Dubai Marina. Because the island has a defined number of residences, each new release, such as Bluewaters Bay, adds to a small and distinctive supply. Buyers include international investors, end users and second-home owners seeking a premium waterfront address with resort-style amenities.
Key Market Indicators
• Average apartment price per square foot: AED 4,975 in 2025, up 4.6% on 2024 (DLD-based resale report, January to December 2025).
• Average apartment price per square foot, 2024: AED 4,757, up 8.4% on 2023 (DLD-based resale report, January to December 2024).
• Average apartment price per square foot, Q3 2025: AED 4,738, up 15.8% on Q3 2024 (DLD-based resale report, July to September 2025).
• Resale market, 2025: 154 transactions worth AED 1.384 billion.
• Resale market, Q3 2025: 29 transactions, up 11.5%, worth AED 237 million, up 5.8% on Q3 2024.
• Off-plan share of resale transactions, 2025: 32.5%, reflecting activity in new residences such as Bluewaters Bay.
Price per Square Foot by Property Type
• Apartments (all sizes): AED 4,975 per square foot on average in 2025.
• Ready apartments in Bluewaters Residences: the majority of resale activity, accounting for 67.5% of transactions and 82.4% of resale value in 2025.
• Off-plan apartments, including new residences: 32.5% of resale transactions in 2025.
• Penthouses and townhouses: a very limited collection, typically priced individually according to size, position and views.
Average Prices by Unit Type
Average resale prices for Bluewaters Island apartments, January to December 2025 (DLD-based resale report):
• One-bedroom apartments: approximately AED 3.55 million.
• Two-bedroom apartments: approximately AED 7.67 million, up 9.3% on 2024.
• Three-bedroom apartments: approximately AED 11.51 million, up 1.9% on 2024.
• Four-bedroom apartments: approximately AED 19.47 million.
• Five-bedroom residences: approximately AED 45.75 million.
Rental Market
Bluewaters Island commands premium rents, reflecting its island setting and resort-style lifestyle.
• Average rent: AED 276 per square foot a year in 2025, up 1% on 2024, across 253 rental contracts worth AED 120.2 million.
• Typical annual rents (2025): one-bedroom about AED 290,000, up 10.2%; two-bedroom about AED 425,000, up 1.9%; three-bedroom about AED 564,000; four-bedroom about AED 974,000, up 11.6%.
• Gross rental yield: 4.5% in Q3 2025 (DLD-based resale report, July to September 2025).
• New contracts: 64% of rental contracts in 2025 were new leases, reflecting steady demand from new residents.
Illustrative Price Scenarios
The example below shows how the value of a two-bedroom apartment purchased at the 2025 average resale price could develop over five years at different annual rates of price growth. It is provided for illustration only and is not a forecast.
• Purchase price: AED 7,670,000
• At 3% a year: approximately AED 8.89 million after five years
• At 5% a year: approximately AED 9.79 million after five years
• At 8% a year: approximately AED 11.27 million after five years
Market Outlook
Several developments are expected to shape the Bluewaters Island market in the coming years:
• Completion of Bluewaters Bay and the arrival of new residents
• Continued activity at The Wharf, the island's resorts and its attractions
• Ongoing growth of the wider Dubai Marina, JBR and Dubai Harbour waterfront
• Growth in Dubai's population, tourism and international buyer demand
Payment Plans and Buying Costs
• Off-plan payment plans: staged payments during construction with a balance on handover; Bluewaters Bay launched with an 80/20 plan.
• Ready property: purchased outright or with a mortgage.
• Dubai Land Department registration fee: 4% of the purchase price.
• Service charges: payable annually to the owners' association.
Upcoming Infrastructure in Bluewaters Island
Bluewaters Island benefits from complete island infrastructure and continuing investment in new residences and in the wider Dubai Marina and JBR waterfront.
Existing infrastructure
• Road bridge: a direct link between the island and Sheikh Zayed Road.
• Pedestrian bridge: a walkway connecting the island with JBR and The Beach.
• Water transport: Bluewaters Wharf Station for water transport services.
• Parking and drop-off: car parks and drop-off areas serving residents, hotels and visitors.
New residential deliveries
• Bluewaters Bay: two residential towers by Meraas with apartments, penthouses and resort-style amenities, bringing new residents to the island.
Leisure and hospitality
• The Wharf: continuing additions to the island's dining, retail and entertainment line-up.
• Resort hotels: beachfront hospitality with restaurants, spas and beach clubs.
• Ain Dubai and Madame Tussauds Dubai: landmark attractions on the island.
Wider district
• JBR and The Beach: continuing renewal of dining, retail and beachfront attractions next door.
• Dubai Marina: ongoing growth of residential, hospitality and retail offerings.
• Dubai Harbour: a nearby marina district with residential towers, yacht facilities and a cruise terminal.
• Public beaches: Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan initiatives to enhance beaches across the emirate.
Long-term vision
Bluewaters Island continues to grow as a boutique island community, combining established residences with new towers, resort hospitality and landmark attractions. Its compact scale and premium positioning give it an enduring appeal as an island address in the heart of Dubai's coastline.
Living in Bluewaters Island: Lifestyle and Amenities
Life on Bluewaters Island combines a calm island setting with resort hospitality, waterfront dining and easy access to the beach and the Dubai Marina district.
Island living
• Homes with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the sea, Ain Dubai, the boulevard or landscaped gardens
• Pedestrian-friendly streets, promenades and plazas
• Podium-level pools, gyms, children's play areas and gardens within the residential buildings
• A quiet residential atmosphere with lively dining and entertainment close at hand
Beaches and waterfront
• Beaches at the island's resort hotels
• The JBR public beach and The Beach a short walk across the bridge
• Sunset views over the Gulf and the Dubai Marina skyline
• Water sports, yacht charters and boating from nearby marinas
Dining and shopping
• The Wharf: restaurants, cafés, bars and boutiques along the island's waterfront boulevard.
• Resort dining: signature restaurants and beach venues at the island's hotels.
• JBR and Dubai Marina: The Walk, The Beach, Dubai Marina Walk and Marina Mall nearby.
Leisure and attractions
• Ain Dubai: the island's landmark observation wheel.
• Madame Tussauds Dubai: a wax museum attraction on the island.
• Spas and wellness: resort spas and fitness facilities.
• Events: seasonal events and celebrations across the island and neighbouring JBR.
Education and healthcare
• Schools and nurseries in Dubai Marina, JLT, Al Sufouh, Emirates Hills and Knowledge Park, covering British, American, IB and other curricula
• Clinics in JBR and Dubai Marina, and hospitals in Dubai Marina, Al Sufouh and Dubai Healthcare City
Community
Bluewaters Island offers an exclusive island lifestyle within an international community of residents and visitors. With homes, dining, leisure and the beach all within walking distance, residents enjoy a resort-style way of life connected to the energy of the Dubai Marina district.
How to Buy Property in Bluewaters Island
Bluewaters Island is a freehold area, so UAE nationals and international buyers of any nationality can buy, own, let and resell property outright through the standard Dubai Land Department process.
Who Buys in Bluewaters Island
• Investors: buyers seeking a premium island address with limited supply and strong rental demand.
• Families: two- to four-bedroom apartments and townhouses in a pedestrian-friendly island setting.
• Luxury buyers: penthouses and high-floor residences with sea and skyline views.
• Second-home owners: buyers seeking a resort-style base in Dubai.
• Residency seekers: buyers combining an island home with eligibility for a UAE residence visa.
Ownership
Freehold ownership gives full title to the property, registered with the Dubai Land Department and recorded on a title deed, or on an Oqood certificate for off-plan purchases until handover. Off-plan projects are registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), and buyers' payments are held in a dedicated project escrow account.
Buying Off-Plan
• Choose the project, unit and payment plan that match your goals.
• Confirm the project's RERA registration and escrow account through official DLD channels.
• Reserve the unit with a booking deposit.
• Sign the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA).
• Register the purchase on the DLD Oqood system.
• Pay instalments in line with the payment plan.
• Complete the handover inspection, pay the final instalment and receive the title deed.
Golden Visa and Residency
Property ownership in Dubai can qualify buyers for a UAE residence visa, including the 10-year Golden Visa when the property value meets the government threshold. Buyers should confirm the latest criteria with the Dubai Land Department or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
Bluewaters Island FAQs
Where is Bluewaters Island located?
Bluewaters Island is located just off the coast of Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) in the Dubai Marina district, connected to Sheikh Zayed Road by a road bridge and to JBR by a pedestrian bridge.
Who developed Bluewaters Island?
Bluewaters Island was developed by Meraas, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate.
Can foreigners buy property on Bluewaters Island?
Yes. Bluewaters Island is a freehold area where buyers of all nationalities can own property outright.
What types of property are available on Bluewaters Island?
One- to four-bedroom apartments, penthouses, townhouses and serviced residences in Bluewaters Residences and Bluewaters Bay.
How many homes are there on Bluewaters Island?
Bluewaters Residences includes 698 apartments, four penthouses and 17 townhouses across 10 mid-rise buildings, with additional homes in the two Bluewaters Bay towers.
What is the average price per square foot on Bluewaters Island?
Bluewaters Island apartments averaged AED 4,975 per square foot in 2025, up 4.6% on 2024. Full details are in the Bluewaters Island Property Prices and Market Trends section.
How do I get to Bluewaters Island?
By car via the road bridge from Sheikh Zayed Road, on foot across the pedestrian bridge from JBR, or by water transport to Bluewaters Wharf Station. The Dubai Tram stops at JBR, a short walk from the island.
What are the main attractions on Bluewaters Island?
Ain Dubai, The Wharf, Madame Tussauds Dubai and the island's beachfront resorts.
Does buying on Bluewaters Island qualify for a Golden Visa?
Property ownership can qualify buyers for a UAE residence visa, including the 10-year Golden Visa when the property value meets the government threshold. Buyers should confirm the latest criteria before purchase.
Important Notice
This page is provided for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or investment advice. Figures are based on publicly available market sources at the date of publication and may change. Illustrative examples are not forecasts, and past price performance does not guarantee future results. Project details, prices and payment plans are subject to change by the respective developers. Readers should verify all information independently and consult licensed professionals before making any investment decision.
