After years of dormancy, Palm Jebel Ali is officially back in the spotlight. Originally launched in 2002 and paused during the 2008 global financial crisis, this man-made island is now regaining momentum, with major construction contracts awarded and plans for luxury living, leisure, and tourism firmly in motion.
Set to be twice the size of Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali spans 13.4 kilometres of land with 10.5 million square metres of development potential. Once complete, it will offer 110 kilometres of coastline and 91 kilometres of beachfront, eventually housing 35,000 families.
Highlights of what’s planned include:
- 80 hotels and resorts with wellness and sports clubs
- A signature yacht club
- Eco-resorts, family resorts, and beach clubs
- Gateway Towers
The villa offerings will showcase 10 architectural styles, focused on panoramic views, private beach access, and a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
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Project Timeline: Key Dates and Milestones
2002 – Project first announced and initial works begin
2008 – Construction pauses due to the global financial crisis
2022 – Formal cancellation nearly considered
2023 – Nakheel revives the project and reinvestment begins
May 2024 – Infrastructure contracts awarded and construction resumes (with regular video updates on Nakheel social media)
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January 2025 – Six international and local architects appointed for villa design
February 2025 – First drone video demonstrating the progress on the island’s construction was posted
June 16, 2025 – Additional infrastructure contracts worth over AED 750 million announced
While there’s no official completion date yet, the project is a priority under Dubai’s long-term vision. With properties already being sold and handovers expected by 2027, the Palm Jebel Ali revival is well underway — promising a bold new chapter in the city’s coastline expansion.
