Updated 3 October 2026 · Source: Dubai Land Department records · All Dubai area guides
Dubai Islands or Dubai Maritime City?
Dubai Islands paid the higher gross yield in September 2026: 5.7% against 3.6% in Dubai Maritime City. Dubai Islands is the cheaper of the two at AED 2,609 per sq ft, compared with AED 3,200 in Dubai Maritime City. If income matters most, lean toward the higher yield. If you plan to live in the home or hold it for growth, price and the specific building matter more.
DLD records Dubai Islands under the official district name Palm Deira. Figures on this page cover that whole district.
DLD records Dubai Maritime City under the official district name Madinat Dubai Almelaheyah. Figures on this page cover that whole district.
Dubai Islands vs Dubai Maritime City: the numbers side by side
| Dubai Islands | Dubai Maritime City | |
|---|---|---|
| Median sale price, September 2026 | AED 2,725,914 | AED 2,487,032 |
| Price per sq ft, September 2026 | AED 2,609 | AED 3,200 |
| Change in price per sq ft, year on year | up 11.4% | up 4.8% |
| Gross rental yield | 5.7% | 3.6% |
| Off-plan share of sales | 96.7% | 97.3% |
| Studio median price | AED 1,171,000 | AED 1,376,770 |
| 1-Bedroom median price | AED 2,333,000 | AED 2,408,250 |
| 1-Bedroom median annual rent | n/a | AED 65,100 |
| 2-Bedroom median price | AED 3,527,359 | AED 3,929,520 |
| 2-Bedroom median annual rent | n/a | AED 82,686 |
| 3-Bedroom median price | AED 5,467,889 | AED 6,148,000 |
| 3-Bedroom median annual rent | n/a | AED 113,000 |
Source: DLD-recorded sales and Ejari contracts. Monthly figures from the September 2026 report; bedroom figures cover 12 months of sales and 24 months of rents to 3 October 2026.
Market reports
For the wider picture, read our monthly reports built from the same DLD records.
- Dubai market report, August 2026: Prices firm as volume slips in August. A pause, or a turn?
Before you buy in Dubai Islands or Dubai Maritime City
- Ask for the service charge per sq ft and the last two years of statements.
- Check whether the unit is ready or off-plan. For off-plan, get the handover date and payment plan in writing.
- Compare the asking price with recorded sales in the same building, not just the area median.
- Get mortgage pre-approval before you make an offer, so you know your real budget.
Questions buyers and owners ask
Which is cheaper, Dubai Islands or Dubai Maritime City?
Dubai Islands, at a median of AED 2,609 per sq ft in September 2026, against AED 3,200 in Dubai Maritime City.
Which has the higher rental yield, Dubai Islands or Dubai Maritime City?
Dubai Islands, with a gross yield of 5.7% against 3.6% in Dubai Maritime City, based on the September 2026 DLD data.
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