World Islands Market Overview January – May 2026

World Islands — Dubai's collection of 300 private islands accessible exclusively by sea or air — recorded 76 transactions with a combined sales value of approximately AED 937.8 million during January–May 2026. Average sales values reached AED 4,415 per square foot, reflecting approximately 42% capital appreciation since 2021. The market remains one of Dubai's most exclusive and thinly traded submarkets, where scarcity, island exclusivity, and premium hospitality branding are the primary value drivers.

This comprehensive World Islands Market Overview from Driven Properties covers transaction volumes by developer and project, pricing history across off-plan and ready segments, property type and bedroom configuration analysis, and average sales values by project. DAMAC Properties led developer pricing at AED 4,874/sqft, while Marbella Resort Hotel — A Vignette Collection topped project-level values at AED 4,944/sqft. Six-bedroom-plus homes accounted for the largest share of transactions (23.7%), underscoring continued demand for ultra-luxury family residences.