Dubai Island construction: what is happening

October 9, 2026
View of Dubai coastline with construction cranes on islands.

The Dubai Island construction project is a large development managed by Nakheel, a property developer in Dubai. Nakheel has hired a company called Mar Marine & Building Contracting to help with the coastal planning and building of this project around Dubai’s waters.

Key facts

  • Nakheel is a property developer from Dubai.
  • Mar Marine & Building Contracting was selected to assist on 24 October 2023.
  • The project involves building around Dubai’s coastline.

How is Mar Marine & Building Contracting involved in Dubai Island construction?

Nakheel, the property developer in Dubai, has engaged Mar Marine & Building Contracting to work on the coastal areas of the Dubai Island construction project. This company will help ensure that the sea areas around the building site are ready and properly constructed for the buildings that will be on the islands.

The work includes both planning and building activities to make sure that the coastal parts of the project are completed safely and effectively. This is a big step as the project aims to expand Dubai’s coastline with new facilities and attractions for residents and tourists.

What this actually means

Construction projects, like the Dubai Island, often require a lot of detailed planning, especially when they involve coastal areas. Coastal construction is different because it not only involves building on land but also managing how structures interact with water.

Companies like Mar Marine & Building Contracting specialize in creating safe and strong constructions that will last a long time by the sea. They focus on factors like water depth, tide levels, and wave impact to make sure that buildings and landscapes will stand the test of time.

Words to know

  • Developer – A person or company that builds new buildings or improves existing ones.
  • Coastal – Related to the area where the land meets the sea.
  • Contracting – Hiring a company to do specific work, often for building projects.

Questions kids ask

Why is coastal construction tricky?

Coastal construction is tricky because it has to deal with both land and water. Builders must consider how water and waves will affect their structures and use special designs and materials to handle these conditions.

What is Nakheel known for?

Nakheel is known for developing property projects in Dubai, like the famous artificial islands called the Palm Islands. They work on creating new living spaces and tourist attractions.

Will the islands be open to the public?

Yes, the islands are designed to have new facilities that can be used by people who live in Dubai and also by visitors. It’s meant to become a place for everyone to enjoy.

You can read the original article here.

Original article by Stacy Pereira, published by Gulf News.