All the cool things to expect when Palm Jebel Ali finally opens

The Palm Jebel Ali project is one of the longest-running in Dubai, with work on it first carried out in 2002.

Off the coast of the city, the man-made island is twice the size of Palm Jumeirah.

Construction paused on the project for more than 15 years following a break in 2008, which has left the island lying dormant for the better part of two decades.

But last year, it was announced that property developer Nakheel was coming back to the table to breathe new life into the white elephant.

Retail and lifestyle destination The Yard to open next year

Spanning 70,000 square feet, The Yard will be Palm Jebel Ali’s first retail and lifestyle destination.

Designed to support the upcoming community’s everyday needs by bringing essential services, dining, wellness and social experiences together in one convenient location.

Based on the waterfront, the mall is confirmed to include Waitrose, American Hospital, Piccoli, Jumeirah International Nursery, Bateel Café and Friends Avenue.

The mall is scheduled to open in 2027, ahead of the first residents moving in. According to the render released by Dubai Retail, the mall will located as motorists enter the island.

Latest Palm Jebel Ali announcements

In May 2024, the developer revealed that contracts for the commencement of infrastructure works have now been awarded. Or, to put it more plainly, it’s time to build again.

Since then, plans have gathered pace with several important announcements. Nakheel, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has revealed that Dhs750 million of major infrastructure works are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026.

Spanning seven islands and 16 fronds, with 120 kilometres of coastline and more than 90 kilometres of beachfront, it is designed to establish a new global benchmark for island living.

The mega-project aligns with the city’s overarching Urban Master Plan for 2040, which aims to increase the population in the city to 5.8 million and increase the length of public beaches by, well, 2040.

So, why is construction back underway at Palm Jebel Ali? What can we expect when the project is finally finished? And when might the project finally be complete?

Why construction resumed on Palm Jebel Ali

Construction had stalled for more than a decade on Palm Jebel Ali as a result of the global financial crisis of 2008.

Fast forward 15 years and it seemed that hopes of continuing the project were lost and were even close to formal cancellation in 2022.

But in 2023, Nakheel revived the plans and sought reinvestment and new partners to make the project a reality.

And the latest update issued on Thursday August 20 2026 by Nakheel, states that 44 beachfront villas with 10 distinctive architectural designs will be built on Frond F.

On Monday April 27 2026, it was revealed that a Dhs3.5 billion deal had been signed to build 544 villas on the waterfront of multiple fronds on the man-made island. These villas are planned for completion by the end of 2028.

So, we’re gradually making progress.

What can we expect on Palm Jebel Ali?

At twice the size of Palm Jumeirah, and with a promise of 80 hotels and resorts on the man-made island, it’s fair to say that we can expect a lot on Palm Jebel Ali.

With so many hotels and resorts, a whole new batch of restaurants, bars and beach clubs will also be in the offing.

The first properties are expected to be handed over in 2027.

Homes on the island are being sold on beach connectivity, enhanced privacy, abundant greenery, panoramic views and its blended indoor-outdoor living.

Several projects have been announced for the island and have been assigned names such as ‘celebration village’ and ‘family resort’, but details beyond that are quite scarce.

At the centre will be a big tower with 360-degree panoramic views.

To date, here’s what’s been promised on Palm Jebel Ali:

• Beach clubs
• Celebration village
• Eco-resort
• Family resort
• Family club and beach
• Friday Mosque
• Gateway Towers
• Town centres on either crescent
• Signature yacht club
• Signature wellness resort
• Sports and wellness club
• Sunrise waterfront promenade
• Sunset waterfront promenade
• The Yard

When will Palm Jebel Ali be completed?

No specific date has been given as to when we can finally expect work to be completed on Palm Jebel Ali.

However, with real estate agents saying handover could come in 2027, then that could be when we first see people move onto the island.

And with Dubai Holding highlighting the project as a key part of the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040, we should expect the project to be finished before then.