The World Islands Property Guide

The World Islands Overview

The World Islands is a man-made archipelago of around 300 islands arranged in the shape of a world map, located about four kilometres off Dubai's Jumeirah coastline. Created by Nakheel, the archipelago offers private island ownership, boutique resorts and themed island communities, all reached by sea and set against panoramic views of the Dubai skyline.

The Heart of Europe, developed by the Kleindienst Group on a cluster of six islands in the European section of the archipelago, is a major residential and hospitality destination on The World Islands. Spanning around six million square feet, it brings together European-themed hotels, serviced residences, beach palaces, lagoon villas and the Floating Seahorse villas, with a growing collection of completed homes and hotels already welcoming residents and guests.

Highlights

•       Island living: homes and resorts surrounded by the sea, a short boat ride from the mainland.

•       Skyline views: panoramic views of Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa and the Dubai coastline.

•       The Heart of Europe: a six-island destination inspired by European cities and coastlines.

•       Distinctive homes: floating villas with underwater bedrooms, beach palaces, lagoon villas and serviced hotel residences.

•       Hospitality: European-themed hotels, including voco Monaco Dubai by IHG and the Portofino Hotel.

•       Private island ownership: individual islands held by private owners and developers.

A unique offshore destination

The World Islands combines the privacy of offshore island life with the convenience of a location just minutes by boat from Dubai's coast. The Heart of Europe has given the archipelago an active residential and hospitality hub, and its continuing deliveries of hotels, residences and villas add to a distinctive and limited collection of island homes.

The World Islands in Numbers

Key verified figures for The World Islands and The Heart of Europe, with the period and source type stated for market data.

The World Islands

•       Number of islands: around 300

•       Distance from the coast: around 4 kilometres off the Jumeirah coastline

•       Archipelago footprint: around 9 by 6 kilometres

•       Island sizes: individual islands from around 250,000 to 900,000 square feet (about 23,000 to 84,000 square metres)

•       Master developer: Nakheel

The Heart of Europe

•       Total area: around 6 million square feet (about 557,000 square metres or 55.7 hectares)

•       Number of islands: six, including Main Europe, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, St. Petersburg and Floating Venice

•       Planned holiday homes: more than 4,000

•       Planned hotels and restaurants: more than 13

•       Floating Seahorse villas: 131

•       Sweden Island beach palaces: 10

•       Germany Island villas: 15 beachfront villas and 17 lagoon villas

•       Portofino Hotel: more than 450 serviced apartments and suites

•       Developer: Kleindienst Group, founded in 2006

Market data

•       Average sale price per square foot (Kleindienst Group projects): AED 4,814 in 2026, up from AED 3,297 in 2017, an increase of around 46% (DLD sales data, 2026)

•       Average sale price (Kleindienst Group projects): around AED 2.0 million in 2026, up from around AED 1.3 million in 2017, an increase of around 54% (DLD sales data, 2026)

•       Portofino Hotel apartments: from around AED 2.1 million for an 800-square-foot one-bedroom (developer pricing)

•       Floating Seahorse villas: from around AED 21 million, from around 4,004 square feet (developer pricing, 2026)

Timeline

•       2003: Nakheel announces The World Islands

•       2006: Kleindienst Group founded

•       January 2008: reclamation of all 300 islands completed

•       2023 onwards: phased handover of the Floating Seahorse villas

•       2026: further hotels, including The Artist Hotel on Main Europe Island, scheduled to open

Where Are The World Islands? Location and Connectivity

The World Islands lie in the Arabian Gulf around four kilometres off the Jumeirah coastline, opposite the central Dubai coast between Jumeirah and Port Rashid. The Heart of Europe sits in the European section of the archipelago, facing the Dubai skyline.

Archipelago layout

•       Continents: around 300 islands grouped into the shapes of the world's continents, separated by calm channels.

•       The Heart of Europe: a cluster of six islands, including Main Europe, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, St. Petersburg and Floating Venice, linked by floating piers.

•       Private islands: individual islands held by private owners and developers for residences and resorts.

Getting there

•       By boat: water taxis and dedicated boat transfers from the mainland, a short crossing of around four kilometres.

•       Private yachts: jetties and docking facilities on developed islands for residents and visitors arriving by private boat.

Key distances from the mainland departure points

•       Jumeirah coastline: around 4 kilometres by sea.

•       Downtown Dubai and DIFC: around 15 to 20 minutes by car from the Jumeirah coast.

•       Dubai International Airport (DXB): around 20 to 25 minutes by car from the Jumeirah coast.

Island mobility

Within The Heart of Europe, islands are connected by floating piers and walkways, with car-free streets, promenades and beaches designed for walking and leisure.

The World Islands Master Plan

The World Islands master plan creates an archipelago of private islands in the shape of a world map, with individual islands developed by their owners into residences, resorts and themed destinations. The Heart of Europe forms a key residential and hospitality cluster within the archipelago.

Development background

Nakheel announced The World Islands in 2003, and reclamation of all 300 islands was completed in January 2008. Islands were sold by invitation to private individuals and developers, who plan and build their own projects within Nakheel's design guidelines. Adjacent islands can be combined to create larger resorts. The Kleindienst Group acquired a cluster of islands in the European section and has developed them into The Heart of Europe, with hotels, residences and villas delivered in phases.

The Heart of Europe islands

•       Main Europe Island: a city-style island inspired by European destinations such as Rome, Vienna and Andalusia, with hotels, serviced residences, retail and dining.

•       Sweden Island: ten beachfront palaces of around 21,700 square feet each.

•       Germany Island: 15 contemporary beachfront villas and 17 lagoon villas of around 8,660 to 9,180 square feet.

•       St. Petersburg and the Floating Seahorse: 131 floating villas with underwater levels.

•       Switzerland Island: an island planned with residences and leisure inspired by Switzerland.

•       Floating Venice: a floating destination concept inspired by Venice.

Hospitality at The Heart of Europe

•       voco Monaco Dubai: a Côte d'Azur hotel reflagged by IHG as an adults-only hotel.

•       Côte d'Azur hotels: a cluster of hotels inspired by the French Riviera on Main Europe Island.

•       Portofino Hotel: a family resort inspired by the Italian coast, with more than 450 serviced apartments and suites.

•       Marbella Resort: a Spanish-inspired resort.

•       The Artist Hotel: a new hotel on Main Europe Island scheduled to open in 2026.

Development milestones

•       2003: Nakheel announces The World Islands.

•       January 2008: reclamation of all 300 islands completed.

•       Following years: islands sold to private owners and developers; the Kleindienst Group begins The Heart of Europe.

•       2020s: Côte d'Azur hotels and Portofino Hotel open; first Floating Seahorse villas handed over from 2023.

•       2026: The Artist Hotel scheduled to open on Main Europe Island.

Developers and Projects in The World Islands

The World Islands were created by Nakheel, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, with individual islands developed by their owners. The Kleindienst Group's The Heart of Europe is a major residential and hospitality development within the archipelago.

Kleindienst Group (The Heart of Europe)

The Kleindienst Group, founded by Josef Kleindienst in 2006 and headquartered in Dubai Media City, spans development, construction, marine engineering and hospitality.

•       The Floating Seahorse: 131 floating villas with three levels, including an underwater level with views of artificial coral reefs, from around 4,004 square feet.

•       Portofino Hotel: serviced apartments and suites in a family resort inspired by the Italian coast, from around 800 square feet for a one-bedroom.

•       Sweden Beach Palaces: ten beachfront palaces of around 21,700 square feet.

•       Germany Island Villas: beachfront and lagoon villas of around 8,660 to 9,180 square feet.

•       Main Europe residences: studios and one-bedroom hotel residences of around 457 to 840 square feet.

•       The Floating Lido: hotel units of around 228 to 1,436 square feet.

•       Hotels: voco Monaco Dubai, the Côte d'Azur hotels, Portofino Hotel, Marbella Resort and The Artist Hotel.

Nakheel

Nakheel is the master developer of The World Islands and sets the design guidelines for development across the archipelago.

Property types in The World Islands

•       Hotel residences and serviced apartments: studios to two-bedroom units in The Heart of Europe hotels.

•       Floating villas: the Floating Seahorse villas with underwater bedrooms.

•       Beachfront and lagoon villas: villas on Germany Island.

•       Beach palaces: large residences on Sweden Island.

•       Private islands: entire islands held by private owners and developers.

Buyers should confirm each project's details, ownership terms and registration with the developer and the Dubai Land Department.

The World Islands Property Prices and Market Trends

Properties in The Heart of Europe recorded an average sale price of AED 4,814 per square foot in 2026, up from AED 3,297 in 2017, an increase of around 46%, based on Dubai Land Department (DLD) sales records for Kleindienst Group projects. Because The World Islands is a specialised island market with a focused number of transactions, figures in this section are drawn from DLD sales data, developer pricing and market information, with the period and source type stated for each figure. All figures should be confirmed at the time of purchase.

Market Overview

Demand for property on The World Islands is shaped by the rarity of offshore island living, panoramic skyline views, distinctive products such as floating villas with underwater levels, and the hospitality-led environment of The Heart of Europe. Buyers include international investors seeking hotel residences and holiday homes, high-net-worth individuals acquiring villas and beach palaces, and owners of private islands. As more hotels and residences open, the destination's offering continues to grow.

Key Market Indicators

•       Average sale price per square foot (The Heart of Europe): AED 4,814 in 2026, up from AED 3,297 in 2017 (DLD sales data for Kleindienst Group projects).

•       Average sale price (The Heart of Europe): around AED 2.0 million in 2026, up from around AED 1.3 million in 2017, an increase of around 54%.

•       Private island prices: islands were originally acquired for between around AED 25 million and AED 250 million each, depending on size and position (industry analysis).

Price per Square Foot by Property Type

•       The Heart of Europe (all units): around AED 4,814 per square foot (2026, DLD sales data).

•       Floating Seahorse villas: around AED 5,245 per square foot at launch pricing (calculated from AED 21 million for 4,004 square feet, 2026).

•       Portofino Hotel apartments: around AED 2,625 per square foot for one-bedroom units at launch pricing (calculated from AED 2.1 million for 800 square feet).

Typical Unit Sizes

•       Main Europe studios and one-bedroom hotel residences: around 457 to 840 square feet.

•       The Floating Lido hotel units: around 228 to 1,436 square feet.

•       Portofino Hotel one-bedroom apartments: from around 800 square feet.

•       Portofino Hotel two-bedroom apartments: around 3,000 square feet.

•       Floating Seahorse villas: from around 4,004 square feet.

•       Germany Island villas: around 8,660 to 9,180 square feet.

•       Sweden Island beach palaces: around 21,700 square feet.

•       Private islands: around 250,000 to 900,000 square feet of land.

Typical Prices by Unit Type

•       Portofino Hotel one-bedroom apartments: from around AED 2.1 million (developer pricing).

•       Portofino Hotel two-bedroom apartments: from around AED 8 million (developer pricing).

•       Floating Seahorse villas: from around AED 21 million (developer pricing, 2026).

•       Average unit price across The Heart of Europe: around AED 2.0 million (DLD sales data, 2026).

Rental and Hospitality Income

Hotel residences and serviced apartments in The Heart of Europe are designed to operate within hotel programmes, allowing owners to benefit from hospitality management. Villas can be let as holiday homes through licensed operators, appealing to visitors seeking a private island stay close to Dubai.

Market Outlook

Several developments are expected to shape The World Islands market in the coming years:

•       Opening of The Artist Hotel and further hotels at The Heart of Europe

•       Continued delivery of Floating Seahorse villas and island residences

•       New projects by private island owners and developers

•       Growth in Dubai's tourism and international buyer demand for distinctive waterfront homes

Payment Plans and Buying Costs

•       Off-plan payment plans: staged payments during construction, set by the developer for each project.

•       Dubai Land Department registration fee: 4% of the purchase price.

•       Administrative and registration charges: set by the DLD and the developer.

•       Service and hotel charges: payable according to each project's management structure.

Upcoming Infrastructure in The World Islands

The World Islands continue to develop through new hotels, residences and island projects, supported by marine access infrastructure and the wider growth of Dubai's coastline.

Island infrastructure

•       Floating piers: walkways connecting the six islands of The Heart of Europe.

•       Jetties and marinas: docking facilities for boat transfers and private yachts on developed islands.

•       Artificial coral reefs: marine environments created around the Floating Seahorse villas.

•       Car-free island streets: promenades and walkways designed for pedestrians.

Upcoming deliveries at The Heart of Europe

•       The Artist Hotel: a new hotel on Main Europe Island scheduled to open in 2026.

•       Floating Seahorse villas: continuing phased handover of the 131 villas.

•       Island residences and hotels: further hospitality and residential components across the six islands.

Wider archipelago

•       Private island projects: new villas and resorts planned by island owners and developers.

•       Combined island resorts: adjacent islands can be combined to create larger resort destinations within Nakheel's guidelines.

Mainland connections

•       Jumeirah coastline: departure points for boat transfers to the islands.

•       Dubai Harbour, Port Rashid and Dubai Islands: growing marina and waterfront districts along the coast.

•       Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan: continued investment in Dubai's coastline, beaches and tourism.

Long-term vision

The World Islands are set to grow as a collection of private island destinations offshore from Dubai, with The Heart of Europe at the centre of residential and hospitality activity. As more hotels, villas and island projects are delivered, the archipelago continues to develop as a distinctive island address.

Living in The World Islands: Lifestyle and Amenities

Life on The World Islands combines private island living with beaches, resort hospitality and views of the Dubai skyline, a short boat ride from the mainland.

Island living

•       Homes surrounded by the sea, with private beaches and pools

•       Floating villas with underwater bedrooms and views of coral reefs

•       Beach palaces and lagoon villas with large outdoor spaces

•       Panoramic views of Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa and the Dubai coastline

Hotels and hospitality at The Heart of Europe

•       voco Monaco Dubai: an adults-only hotel by IHG inspired by the French Riviera.

•       Côte d'Azur hotels: Riviera-inspired hotels with restaurants, pools and beaches.

•       Portofino Hotel: a family resort inspired by the Italian coast.

•       Marbella Resort: a Spanish-inspired resort.

•       The Artist Hotel: a new hotel on Main Europe Island scheduled for 2026.

Dining, leisure and beaches

•       European-themed restaurants, cafés and beach clubs

•       Beaches, pools and water sports around the islands

•       Seasonal events and entertainment

•       Boating, sailing and snorkelling in the surrounding waters

Mainland amenities

The Jumeirah coast, Dubai Harbour, Downtown Dubai and the city's malls, schools and hospitals are reached by boat and a short drive from the mainland departure points.

Community

The World Islands offer an exclusive, resort-style way of life for homeowners and visitors who value privacy, the sea and distinctive architecture. The Heart of Europe's hotels and island facilities create a lively hospitality setting, while private islands offer complete seclusion within sight of the city.

How to Buy Property in The World Islands

Homes at The Heart of Europe are sold by the developer to buyers of all nationalities, with ownership registered through the Dubai Land Department. Ownership structures for entire islands depend on the original terms agreed with Nakheel.

Who Buys in The World Islands

•       International investors: buyers of hotel residences and serviced apartments within hotel programmes.

•       High-net-worth individuals: buyers of Floating Seahorse villas, beach palaces and lagoon villas.

•       Holiday-home owners: buyers seeking a private island retreat close to Dubai.

•       Island owners and developers: buyers acquiring or developing entire islands.

Ownership

Ownership of residences is 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. Buyers should confirm the ownership terms for their specific unit or island with the developer and the Dubai Land Department before purchase.

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.

Letting Your Property

Hotel residences are typically operated within the hotel's management programme. Villas can be let as holiday homes with a permit from Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, usually arranged through a licensed holiday-home operator.

The World Islands FAQs

Where are The World Islands located?

The World Islands are located in the Arabian Gulf around four kilometres off Dubai's Jumeirah coastline.

How many islands are there?

The archipelago has around 300 islands arranged in the shape of a world map, with individual islands from around 250,000 to 900,000 square feet.

What is The Heart of Europe?

The Heart of Europe is a six-island destination by the Kleindienst Group on The World Islands, spanning around six million square feet, with European-themed hotels, hotel residences, villas, beach palaces and the Floating Seahorse villas.

Who developed The World Islands?

The World Islands were created by Nakheel. The Heart of Europe is developed by the Kleindienst Group, and other islands are developed by their private owners.

How do I get to The World Islands?

By boat from the mainland, including water taxis and dedicated transfers, or by private yacht.

What is the Floating Seahorse?

The Floating Seahorse is a collection of 131 floating villas at The Heart of Europe, each with an underwater level offering views of artificial coral reefs.

What is the average price per square foot at The Heart of Europe?

Properties averaged AED 4,814 per square foot in 2026, up from AED 3,297 in 2017, based on DLD sales data. Full details are in The World Islands Property Prices and Market Trends section.

Can foreigners buy property in The World Islands?

Homes at The Heart of Europe are sold by the developer to buyers of all nationalities. Buyers should confirm the ownership terms for their unit with the developer and the Dubai Land Department.

Does buying in The World Islands 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 and developer information 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, ownership terms, payment plans and opening dates are subject to change by the developer and the relevant authorities. Readers should verify all information independently and consult licensed professionals before making any investment decision.