A true resort-style development, Palm Jumeirah can be described as not just a place to be, but rather an experience. Developed out of reclaimed land, it is located just off Dubai's mainland, close to Dubai Marina, and offers an attractive combination of accessibility, privacy and tranquillity.

Read the updated Palm Jumeirah Area Guide on getthat.com.

A palm-shaped island, it comprises the Trunk, Crescent and the Fronds — with residential, retail and leisure amenities. The island also features a wide selection of restaurants and leisure facilities, from fine dining at Nobu at The Atlantis The Palm to relaxed café culture. The choice is global.

A perfect escape is the 11-km Crescent that surrounds the island and is home to world-class hotels with several others at various stages of construction. At the heart of the Crescent is Aquaventure, a 42-acre water park and a thrill-seekers' paradise. The Crescent is connected to the Trunk by a 1.4km Sub-Sea six-lane tunnel. The Palm Jumeirah also has its own Monorail that serves as a major tourist attraction. With so much going for it, Palm Jumeirah, the self-proclaimed eighth wonder of the world, is an ideal place to live, invest or enjoy the perfect holiday of a lifetime.

Positives

  • Resort-like amenities and atmosphere
  • Island living along with an exclusive address
  • Private beach access for residents
  • Most homes are designed to offer you the best sea views
  • Close to Dubai Marina, JBR and major shopping malls

Negatives

  • Lacks schools, hospitals and medical clinics
  • Currently, there are no large supermarkets
  • Retail, dining and Palm District Cooling bills could be high
  • Abundance of marine life in the waters, beware of jellyfish stings
  • Both buying and renting are expensive

Sale Prices

  • One-bedroom apartment Dh980,000 - Dh2.4 million
  • Two-bedroom apartment Dh1.35 million - Dh3.1 million
  • Three-bedroom apartment Dh1.7 million - Dh6 million
  • Four-bedroom apartment Dh4.9 million onwards
  • Villas Dh4.5 million - Dh30 million
  • Average sales decrease for homes from Q1 - Q2 2011:  3%

Rental Prices (per annum)

  • One-bedroom apartment Dh80,000 - Dh140,000
  • Two-bedroom apartment Dh95,000 - Dh200,000
  • Three-bedroom apartment Dh135,000 - Dh300,000
  • Four-bedroom apartment Dh320,000 onwards
  • Villas Dh300,000 - Dh650,000
  • Average rental increase for a two-bed unit (Q1 - Q2, 2011):  2%

How to get there

From Dubai, drive on Shaikh Zayed Road, turn right at Interchange 4 (Exit 39). At the Souk Madinat junction, turn left at Al Sufouh Road, take the Palm Jumeirah exit. From Abu Dhabi: At Interchange 5, take Exit 36. Follow the Palm signage. Take the tunnel to the Palm.

Property recommends

Bidi Bondi, the popular Australian-themed sports bar, is a perfect place to spend fun weekends and has quiz nights every

Monday at 8pm, while Beach House Cabana is great for casual dining and is child-friendly. Both are located in the Shoreline Apartments.

Your say...

Sales and leasing Expert

The prices declined by 2-3 per cent from Q1 to Q2 (of 2011). It is still peak time for property sales. End-users and holiday home seekers are forming a major chunk of buyers on the Palm Jumeirah. The demand for cheaper units and more expensive (homes) is even. Palm properties are appealing to investors as well. They benefit from a growing rental demand and can enjoy a net return of up to 6 per cent.
Fania Telyaeva, property consultant, Asteco Property Management

Residents

The location certainly gets people excited and everyone is eager to know more about what it is like living here. Commuting is fairly easy, but much time is taken to get off the Palm to major roads such as Shaikh Zayed Road and Jumeriah Beach Road. We love the One&Only The Palm or spend our leisure time at our boat in the marina. A problem, however, is the empty houses with dead landscaping which are an eyesore and could affect property values. The beaches need to be better looked after and WaveRunners should be not be allowed.
Joanne Stoneman-Hunt, American, tenant

I love the peace and quiet associated with living in a villa. The wide sea view provides a feeling of infinity and openness, and the atmosphere is perfect for yoga and meditation, which I am very fond of. The walkways outside The Atlantis are a nice place to spend time. However, people wanting to move to the Palm should note that the gas and utility bills are quite high and should build [that cost] into their budget. One place I would recommend here is Milk & Honey, an exclusive gourmet store known for its organic products — it is a little expensive though.
Sangeeta Kapoor, Indian, owner

Living on Palm Jumeirah

Your quick guide to residential options in this neighbourhood

1. Golden Mile

What An elegant mix of ten buildings located on the western side of the Trunk, offering one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments as well as three- and five-bedroom penthouses

Amenities and facilities Spacious interiors feature high-end fittings, walk-in closets and modern kitchens equipped with an integrated oven, hob and extractor hood. Ample parking and 24-hour security and maintenance services are available.

Rentals

  • 1-bed unit: Dh80,000
  • 2-bed unit: Dh95,000 – Dh105,000
  • 3-bed unit: Dh135,000 – Dh165,000
  • Penthouses: Dh220,000 – Dh350,000

Sales 

  • 1-bed unit: Dh980,000
  • 2-bed unit: Dh1.35m – Dh1.4m
  • 3-bed unit: Dh1.75m – Dh2.3m
  • Penthouses: Dh3.5m – Dh6m
  • Service fee
  • Dh14-16 per square foot  

Source: IFA Properties

Property’s verdict Ideal for singles and couples, the homes are spacious and offer great views. Residents enjoy membership access to the neighbouring Al Shalal Beach Club. Small pets are allowed in the buildings, subject to approval. Living here will enliven your shopping experience once the outlets at the Golden Mile Retail start operations. They include Waitrose, a Boots pharmacy, a medical clinic, restaurants and dry cleaners.

2. Marina Residences

What Located at the tip of the Palm Jumeirah, Marina Residences is a six-tower complex offering a mix of two-and three-bedroom apartments with balconies overlooking the sea or the pool.

Amenities and facilities The towers feature gardens, outdoor pool, an infinity pool, gym and children’s play area. Parking is restricted through card access. There is also 24-hour security and maintenance services for the towers.

Rentals

  • 2-bed unit: Dh125,000- Dh130,000
  • 3-bed unit: Dh175,000- Dh280,000

Sales

  • 2-bed unit: Dh1.6m — Dh1.9m
  • 3-bed unit: Dh2.4m — Dh4m
  • Service fee
  • Dh20 per square foot

Source: Asteco

Property’s verdict True to their name, the homes are ideal for those who love a waterfront lifestyle. The units showcase traditional elegance combined with modern interiors. However, pool access could be a little difficult — if you have a child in a pram, there is a set of stairs to encounter. It is advisable to check the floor levels of the bathroom and the shower as there have been reports about water collecting on the threshold. Pets are not allowed.

3.Oceana

What A seven-building beachfront resort community, Oceana is located on the southern side of the Trunk, offering a choice of one-, two- and three-bedroom units with beautiful balcony views.

Amenities and facilities The homes incorporate Opus home entertainment connections. The complex features card access, 24-hour security, landscaped areas, waterside running track and promenade, gym, sauna, steam rooms, infinity pool and children’s pool.

Rentals

  • 1-bed unit: Dh130,000-Dh140,000
  • 2-bed unit: Dh160,000-Dh200,000
  • 3-bed unit: Dh220,000-Dh300,000

Sales

  • 1-bed unit: Dh1.7m- Dh2.4m
  • 2-bed unit: Dh2.4m- Dh3.1m
  • 3-bed unit: Dh2.9m - Dh6m
  • Service fee
  • Dh24.5 per square foot

Source: Asteco

Property’s verdict The homes will appeal to families and couples looking for urban luxury. Each unit features a stylish space, no matter what atmosphere you choose to create. Four buildings: Atlantic, Adriatic, Caribbean and Pacific offer the best sunset views as they are located on Sunset Strip. You also have access to a private beach and an array of facilities, including West 14th, a New York steakhouse. Pets are not allowed.

4.Shoreline apartments

What Located on the east side of the Trunk, Shoreline Apartments is a 20-building complex featuring a mix of 558 apartments in one-, two-and three-bedroom formats.

Amenities and facilities Five exclusive beachfront clubhouses provide fitness centres, retail outlets, restaurants and cafés, swimming pools and direct access to beaches. The complex also offers card access to the parking areas and 24-hour security.

Rentals

  • 1-bed unit: Dh90,000-Dh130,000
  • 2-bed unit: Dh100,000-Dh175,000
  • 3-bed unit: Dh140,000-Dh180,000

Sales

  • 1-bed unit: Dh1m-Dh1.8m
  • 2-bed unit: Dh1.4m-Dh3m
  • 3-bed unit: Dh1.7m-Dh3.3m
  • Service fee
  • Dh15 per square foot

Property’s verdict Great for families and pets, Shoreline features a host of amenities and facilities. The beach clubs could be the ideal venue during the holidays. However, the pools get really busy on weekends. The central buildings are ideal for better access to the beachfront restaurants and pools. On the negative side, you could face noise issues if your unit is located in the buildings where homeowners offer their properties as holiday apartments.

5.Tiara residence

What Located off the top right-hand side of the Trunk, Tiara Residence comprises seven luxury towers featuring one-, two-and three-bedroom units. All homes come with balconies.

Amenities and facilities The units come with smart home technology, parquet flooring, an Opus home entertainment system and white goods. Access is restricted via security cards. Facilities include a health club, a children’s club and concierge desk.

Rentals

  • 1-bed unit: Dh130,000-Dh140,000
  • 2-bed unit: Dh170,000-Dh200,000
  • 3-bed unit: Dh220,000-Dh300,000

Sales

  • 1-bed unit: Dh1.7m-Dh2.3m
  • 2-bed unit: Dh2.4m-Dh3m
  • 3-bed unit: Dh4m - Dh6m
  • Service fee
  • Dh25.5 per square foot

Property’s verdict Promising a resort-style lifestyle, these homes don’t come cheap. Tiara provides variety and visual interest with its own private beach, tropical gardens and five-star facilities. The kitchens feature appliances that could be big money savers. Head for the Solis Beach Club bistro when you’re famished. On the downside, animal lovers will be disappointed as this beautiful complex is not pet-friendly.

6.The Residences, Palm Jumeirah

What These residences offer a variety of upscale homes with sea views, ranging from one-, two-, three-and four-bedroomunits to penthouses in three-to five-bedroom formats.

Amenities and facilities The homes feature high-end fittings and fixtures and well-equipped kitchens. Facilities include a gym, restaurants, pool and a children’s club. Residents can also access the Al Shalal Beach Club. The tower offers 24-hour security.

Rentals

  • 1-bed unit: Dh85,000
  • 2-bed unit: Dh140,000
  • 3-bed unit: Dh140,000 – Dh280,000
  • 4-bed unit: Dh320,000
  • Penthouses: Dh180,000 - Dh350,000

Sales

  • 1-bed unit: Dh1.3m
  • 2-bed unit: Dh2.8m
  • 3-bed unit: Dh2.9m – Dh5.2m
  • 4-bed unit: Dh4.9m
  • Penthouses: Dh3.3m – Dh14.5m
  • Service fee
  • Dh24 per square foot

Source: IFA Properties

Property’s verdict Offering luxury living, these homes are ideal for both families and singles. The pool and direct beach access provide unlimited fun during weekends. The Residences are adjacent to the five-star Fairmont Palm Jumeirah hotel expected to open next year and will make living more convenient, with several restaurants and a host of à la carte services on your doorstep. However, the club facilities can be accessed only on a membership basis.

7. Palm Jumeirah villas

What A range of villas on the fronds. These include Signature Villas (five- to sevenbedrooms), Garden Homes (three- to five-bedrooms) and Canal Cove town homes (three- and four-bedrooms).

Amenities and facilities The homes come with a private garden and dual car ports, a visitor parking facility and a private pool. There is direct beach access. Canal homes have a shared pool. Entry to the fronds is restricted through card access.

Rentals

  • Canal Cove: Dh300,000 – Dh350,000
  • Garden Villas: Dh370,000 – Dh450,000
  • Signature Villas: Dh450,000 – Dh650,000

Sales

  • Canal Cove homes: Dh4.5m – Dh5.5m
  • Garden Villas: Dh7.5 – Dh10m
  • Signature Villas: Dh13m – Dh30m
  • Service fee (approx)
  • Canal Cove: Dh6,000 per annum
  • Garden Villas: Dh8,000 per annum
  • Signature villas: Dh15,000 per annum

Source: Choueri Real Estate

Property’s verdict A perfect family abode, the homes offer a unique address. With your own private beach, life will never get dull here, especially for those who love water activities. However, beware of jellyfish stings. Residents are allowed to keep pets. On the downside, the villas are located very close to each other, and the beaches do not have lifeguards. Also, there are no shops on the fronds, so you need to plan your weekly supplies.