Construction begins on Bay Villas residential community at Dubai Islands

Dubai, August 18, 2025 – Developers will build a new waterfront neighbourhood, Bay Villas, at Dubai Islands after securing a construction contract valued at $708 million (AED 2.6 billion)The development will add 636 residential units to the growing island district. This reinforces Dubai’s long-term vision for coastal urban communities.

Waterfront neighbourhood with diverse housing typologies

Developers designed Bay Villas as a low-rise residential district that offers five distinct housing types: Townhouses, Semi-detached Villas, Garden Villas, Waterfront Villas, and Beachfront Villas. Each housing type responds to its immediate context. Residents either enjoy views of the Arabian Gulf, face landscaped courtyards, or live within shared community clusters.

The Beachfront Villas will extend across three levels and include expansive terraces and rooftop lounges designed for outdoor living. In contrast, the Waterfront Villas prioritise panoramic sea views. Garden Villas are arranged around green plots offering shaded retreats. Meanwhile, Townhouses are grouped in clusters with private gardens. This setup encourages a neighbourhood scale of interaction.

Integration of architecture and landscape

The architectural language of Bay Villas incorporates traditional wooden elements and arabesque-inspired detailing, echoing Dubai’s vernacular heritage. It maintains open interiors with abundant natural light. The plan emphasises a balance between built form and landscape. Green corridors link directly to the coastline.

Part of Dubai’s urban master plan

The project forms a component of the wider Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which outlines the city’s growth through multi-island developments, extensive waterfront access, and mixed-use open spaces. Dubai Islands itself spans 18.6 square kilometres, offering 59 kilometres of waterfront and 20 kilometres of beaches. It includes programmed spaces for recreation, tourism, and community living.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The Bay Villas project in Dubai Islands is introduced as a waterfront residential district. It emphasizes diverse housing types, from townhouses to beachfront villas. Visual descriptions highlight the use of wooden finishes, arabesque detailing, and generous terraces that open to sea views. These aim to merge cultural identity with contemporary comfort. Yet, while the material expression reflects heritage, the masterplan seems to prioritise visual impact. There is less focus on deeper contextual integration with the wider urban fabric. Questions arise about sustainability strategies and long-term adaptability within Dubai’s evolving landscape. Still, the integration of green corridors and open public spaces suggests a promising framework for community well-being.

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