Palm Jebel Ali infrastructure work set to complete in 2026

Dubai master developer Nakheel expects infrastructure works on Palm Jebel Ali to finish in the fourth quarter of 2026, following the award of three new contracts.

The contracts, collectively valued at more than AED750 million ($204 million), were awarded to Dubai-based DBB Contracting, Dubai Media Office reported, quoting the state-owned developer of the man-made palm-shaped island.

DBB Contracting has previously undertaken other infrastructure projects on the island, including provision for public access and road construction.

It is an uncertain time for the Dubai real estate sector, amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the region as a result of ongoing strikes between Iran and Israel.

Shares in fellow master developer Emaar Development, a subsidiary of Dubai market bellwether Emaar Properties, rose 2 percent on Monday, rebounding from Friday’s 3.9 percent decline when Israel launched its initial attacks on Tehran.

The scope of work in the Palm Jebel Ali contract includes comprehensive infrastructure for fronds A to G, including utility connections, all associated groundworks for excavation and backfilling, as well as road and pavement construction. It also entails all related utility works for 11kV power distribution and telecoms.

The spine district’s infrastructure works include utility mains, connection to all utility links on the fronds and all major and secondary road construction.

In May 2024, Nakheel awarded infrastructure contracts, which included building a 6km public access road from Sheikh Zayed Road to the island.

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The developer awarded three major contracts, valued at more than AED5 billion, in October 2024 to construct ultra-luxury villas on the first six fronds of Palm Jebel Ali.

In March, Nakheel and Meydan merged into Dubai Holding, the investment vehicle of Dubai’s Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to create a new global economic entity.  

Launched in 2002, Palm Jebel Ali stalled during the global financial crisis and development at the site put on hold since around 2009.

Spanning 13.4km, Palm Jebel Ali’s seven islands feature 16 fronds and more than 90km of beachfront.

The island will be home to 35,000 families, contributing to Dubai’s projected net increase in residents, which is set to reach nearly six million people by 2040.