In Pictures: The new ‘Deira’ Islands welcome residents

The first visitors to Dubai’s latest offshore attraction – Deira islands – arrived in the wee hours of December 10, as guests at the 800-room RIU resort. Deira Islands, which will be created out of four mini-islands, will eventually represent a 20 square kilomtre “city”. It will also add 40 kilometres to Dubai’s coastline.

Nakheel is the developer of Deira Islands, and the focus for now is creating the infrastructure and the hotels and resorts needed to make this a must visit destination… for tourists and residents alike. Nakheel knows quite a bit about creating island destinations – it’s Palm Jumeirah development represents all that be achieved from mixing vision with planning.

An artist impression of Deira Island project. Deira Islands will be welcoming its first guests, as Dubai adds another mega destination to its already impressive portfolio.

A second hotel will open at Deira Islands in the summer of 2021, adding another 600 rooms to the 800 that RIU has. These two represent joint ventures that Nakheel entered into with leading hotel operators.

Private investors and hotel groups have in recent years picked up prime beachfront spots on Deira Islands. These are at various stages of their own project development. In time, these new hotel rooms will create ample capacity in a part of Dubai where unused plots are at a premium.

Currently, of the four mini islands making up ‘Deira’, the focus is on topping up one of these initially. Once built, there will be a seamless integration across all four. Additional elements will slot into place to make up for the ‘city’ feel.

There will be five bridges connecting Deira Islands to the mainland, and for those wanting to do so by water, there are boats available as well.

Deira Islands will also be hosting the Night Souk, designed as a showcase for Emirati-owned small businesses and their merchandise.

RIU Hotels &. Resorts at Palm Deira in Dubai. An entire stretch of Deira is thus seeing a mix of new and a makeover of the old to make it fit for the times. Apart from Deira Islands, there is the ‘Dubai Enrichment Project’ from Ithra Dubai. Some of the older neighbourhoods of that part of town. Some elements – such as the Gold Souq Extension – are already at an advanced stage.

Deira Islands continues the legacy of Dubai creating a string of offshore mixed-use destinations, such as Bluewaters Island, Jumeira Bay (home to the Bulgari residences and hotel) and, of course, the Palm

In a year where the local economy and real estate sector has been through several distractions, the launch of the first Deira Islands’ resort will be just the tonic Dubai’s hospitality sector needs. Above, Interiors at the RIU Hotels &. Resorts at Palm Deira in Dubai.

The first visitors to the RIU property were from the UK, and the operator expects significant demand from there in the weeks ahead. At 800 rooms, the property sure can fill quite a bit of demand.

Carles Madrenas, Member of the Board of RIU Hotels & Resorts pose for a picture at RIU Hotels & Resorts in Palm Deira in Dubai.

"The opening of Riu Dubai is a key milestone for Nakheel, Deira Islands and Dubai, and underlines our commitment to partnering with reputable, international brands to bring new and unique tourism concepts to the emirate.”