The UAE has long been celebrated for its iconic waterfront living—from the man-made marvel of Palm Jumeirah to the stunning Corniche in Abu Dhabi. In 2025 and beyond, this legacy is set to grow with a wave of upcoming projects in UAE centered around waterfront development. From luxury residences and lifestyle hubs to mixed-use communities with beach access, these new projects are redefining the way people live, work, and invest in the Emirates.
Whether you’re an end-user looking for the ultimate coastal lifestyle or an investor aiming for strong capital appreciation and rental yield, identifying the right waterfront developments early is the key to unlocking long-term value. Here’s a deep dive into the top waterfront projects launching soon—and why they deserve your attention now.
Why Waterfront Projects Are in High Demand
Waterfront real estate has always carried a premium, thanks to its blend of natural beauty, exclusivity, and lifestyle appeal. In the UAE, this demand is amplified by:
- A growing population of high-net-worth individuals
- Tourism-driven infrastructure growth
- Investor interest in vacation rentals and branded residences
- Government initiatives encouraging sustainable coastal development
As such, many upcoming projects in UAE are strategically leveraging waterfront locations to meet the lifestyle and investment needs of both locals and foreigners.
Dubai: Leading the Waterfront Wave
1. Dubai Islands (formerly Deira Islands)
Nakheel’s reimagined Dubai Islands project will transform 17 km of coastline into five interconnected islands. The mega-development promises:
- 80+ resorts and hotels
- Marina and yacht clubs
- Luxury waterfront apartments
- Public beaches and leisure zones
Dubai Islands is positioned to become a new coastal destination for tourism, retail, and residential living—making it one of the most exciting upcoming projects in UAE for early investors.
2. Emaar Beachfront
Already underway but with new phases launching, Emaar Beachfront continues to draw massive interest with its private beach access, world-class retail, and Dubai Marina connectivity. Investors who enter early in new sub-projects like Bayview or Beachgate will benefit from:
- Flexible payment plans
- High resale demand
- Waterfront lifestyle appeal
Abu Dhabi: A New Era of Coastal Living
3. Raha Island and Yas Bay Expansion
Abu Dhabi is raising the bar for luxury waterfront developments. The expansion of Yas Bay includes new residential towers, hotels, and entertainment venues. Nearby, Raha Island is emerging as a private island destination with villas and high-end apartments.
These projects align with Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes mixed-use, sustainable coastal growth.
Why invest early?
- Proximity to Yas Island attractions (F1 circuit, SeaWorld, Warner Bros.)
- High tourist footfall = strong short-term rental income
- Government-backed infrastructure and road upgrades
4. Al Jubail Island
Located between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, Al Jubail is gaining traction as a serene, eco-luxury residential haven. The master plan includes:
- Private beaches and mangrove boardwalks
- Boutique residential clusters
- Eco-resorts and marine parks
Al Jubail offers a unique blend of privacy and prestige, ideal for high-end end-users and investors seeking exclusivity.
Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah: The Underrated Waterfront Gems
5. Sharjah Waterfront City
This $6 billion project features a mix of luxury villas, commercial towers, hotels, and a central marina. What sets it apart is:
- Affordability compared to Dubai or Abu Dhabi
- Investment-friendly freehold status for expats
- 36 km of coastline with man-made islands
As Sharjah modernizes its real estate laws, upcoming projects in UAE like Sharjah Waterfront City are becoming increasingly attractive for first-time investors.
6. Wynn Resort, Al Marjan Island – Ras Al Khaimah
Wynn’s integrated resort with a beachfront casino on Al Marjan Island is putting Ras Al Khaimah on the global real estate map. Surrounding residential developments are already in high demand, with more off-plan launches expected in 2025.
Investing early in nearby communities offers exposure to:
- Rising tourism due to Wynn and RAK’s international marketing push
- Luxury beachfront apartments and branded residences
- Competitive prices compared to Dubai’s waterfronts
What to Look for Before Investing in Waterfront Projects
If you’re considering investing in these upcoming projects in UAE, particularly along the waterfront, keep the following in mind:
Location Accessibility
Projects connected to key highways, airports, or metro lines will appreciate faster and attract more tenants.
Developer Reputation
Waterfront projects are complex. Choose developers with a track record in delivering high-quality coastal or island communities.
Payment Plans
Favorable off-plan payment structures (e.g., 1% monthly or post-handover plans) make your investment easier to manage.
Community Amenities
Look for projects that offer retail, schools, healthcare, and leisure options within walking distance.
Long-Term Vision
Consider whether the area has long-term tourism, infrastructure, or urban development backing from local authorities.
Final Thoughts
Waterfront living is entering a new chapter in the UAE—expanding beyond the usual hotspots into emerging destinations like Dubai Islands, Al Marjan, and Al Jubail. For those keeping a close eye on upcoming projects in UAE, the opportunity lies not just in the beauty of the water views, but in the early investment potential they represent.
Whether your goal is a luxury lifestyle, a profitable rental, or capital appreciation, choosing the right waterfront project in 2025 could be one of the smartest real estate decisions you make.