Dubai’s coast from the International Space Station, with The World Islands, Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali (right). Palm Springs will sit on the mainland beside Palm Jebel Ali. Photo: NASA, Wikimedia Commons, public domain (resized).
Southern Dubai has a new name to learn. On Tuesday 10 November 2026, Nakheel unveiled Palm Springs, a 3.8 million square metre masterplan beside Palm Jebel Ali. It is designed for about 50,000 residents. So, if you are weighing up a move or an investment, this guide to Palm Springs in Dubai sets out what has been confirmed and what has not. It also explains how the launch fits into a busy day for the city’s property market.
The announcement came only hours before Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, revealed more than Dh11 billion in newly approved projects. Because that package included a study on the future of the property market, the timing gives the launch extra weight.
What Nakheel Announced for Palm Springs Dubai
According to Khaleej Times, which reported the launch at 12:47pm Dubai time, Palm Springs will be spread across 15 neighbourhoods. The National added that the masterplan will mix villas, townhouses and apartments. Nakheel, which is part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has listed the headline features below.
- Size: about 3.8 million square metres, planned for roughly 50,000 residents.
- Community facilities: two schools, a hospital and six mosques.
- Open space: around 593,000 square metres, including a central park and landscaped areas.
- Active travel: more than 35km of cycling, jogging and walking routes linking homes with parks, shops and leisure spots.
- Leisure: a dedicated Country Club and Sports Club, plus fitness and play facilities.
- Sustainability: LEED for Communities Platinum precertification, with water, energy and waste systems designed to lower carbon emissions.
Khalid Al Malik, chief executive of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said the focus is on “creating a community that brings homes and supporting infrastructure together from the outset.” In other words, schools, healthcare and parks are part of the plan from day one.
Where Is Palm Springs?
Palm Springs sits on the mainland in Jebel Ali, next to Palm Jebel Ali. In fact, it lies within what Nakheel calls Dubai’s southern growth corridor. The developer also says the community will connect to Sheikh Zayed Road and to Al Maktoum International Airport.
The developer’s own project page gives these approximate drive times:
- 14 minutes to Palm Jebel Ali
- 20 minutes to Bluewaters Island
- 23 minutes to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
- 25 minutes to Palm Jumeirah
- 30 minutes to Burj Al Arab
As a result, that places Palm Springs closer to Dubai Marina, Jebel Ali and Expo City Dubai than to Downtown. If you work in Business Bay or DIFC, test the commute at rush hour before you commit. Drive times on a brochure rarely match Sheikh Zayed Road at 8am.
What Kind of Homes Will There Be?
Nakheel’s project page describes contemporary four- and five-bedroom villas and three- and four-bedroom townhouses. They are linked by Canyon Park, a continuous green landscape running through the heart of the community. The National reports that apartments will also form part of the wider masterplan.
Moreover, the amenities listed by Nakheel lean firmly towards family life:
- cycling and jogging tracks
- a school within the community
- beach-style and lap pools
- gyms and wellness centres
- children’s play areas
- racquet and sports courts
- gardens and open event lawns
Prices, Payment Plans and What Is Still Unconfirmed
This is where some caution helps. The National noted that Nakheel did not reveal the total value of the development or its timeline. However, several brokers marketing the project are already quoting a factsheet. For instance, they cite three-bedroom townhouses from about AED 3.8 million, a 60/40 payment plan and an estimated handover in October 2030.
Treat those figures as broker claims until you see them in writing from Nakheel. Before you pay any expression-of-interest deposit, it is worth following a few simple steps:
- Ask for the official price list and payment plan on Nakheel letterhead or through its sales channels.
- Check that your broker is registered with the Dubai Land Department and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).
- Confirm whether the deposit is refundable if you are not allocated a unit.
- Read the handover clause carefully, because off-plan dates in Dubai often slip by months.
- Budget for the Dubai Land Department’s 4 per cent transfer fee and registration costs on top of the purchase price.
Why Southern Dubai Is Drawing Attention
Palm Springs is not an isolated bet. For example, Nakheel awarded contracts worth more than Dh3.5 billion in April for 544 villas on Palm Jebel Ali, as The National reported. Likewise, Khaleej Times linked the launch to investment in Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City Dubai.
Meanwhile, Gulf News and Khaleej Times reported that the Executive Council had approved an extension of Metro Route 2020 to Al Maktoum International Airport City. Services are due to begin in 2031. At the same time, the council approved a plan to improve community services and facilities by 2040, with priority for Emirati residential areas.
Sheikh Hamdan added that the council’s real estate study highlighted the sector’s “strength and resilience”. It also supports continued development in partnership with the private sector. As a result, anyone watching the south of the city has a clear signal.
Other Dubai Property News Today
Still, Palm Springs was not the only launch making headlines. Arabian Business reported that Dubai Islands has passed AED 18.8 billion in sales. In addition, BEYOND Developments revealed SHIONE there, an AED 3 billion twin-tower project due for completion in late 2030.
Arabian Business also covered a PRYPCO and Ipsos survey of UAE residents. It found that 84 per cent named Dubai as their preferred long-term investment destination, ahead of London, New York and Singapore. Notably, safety ranked above tax advantages.
Is Palm Springs Right for You?
For families who want space, schools nearby and a greener setting, the masterplan ticks many boxes on paper. Similarly, buyers who already know Jebel Ali, Dubai Marina or Discovery Gardens may find the location familiar. On the other hand, anyone who needs to reach Deira or Downtown every day should think hard about the commute.
Investors, meanwhile, should also remember that a 2030 handover is a long horizon. Besides, supply across Dubai is rising, and a masterplan of 50,000 residents will be built in phases. For that reason, compare Palm Springs with established communities and their current rents before you decide.
Conclusion
Palm Springs is a sizeable new chapter for southern Dubai. Above all, its emphasis on parks, schools and cycling routes speaks directly to family life. Even so, many details are still to come. For now, the sensible move is to gather official documents, test the location and compare it with the rest of a crowded market. Southern Dubai is clearly where much of the city’s next chapter will be written.
FAQ
What is Palm Springs in Dubai?
Palm Springs is a new Nakheel masterplan of about 3.8 million square metres beside Palm Jebel Ali. It is planned for roughly 50,000 residents across 15 neighbourhoods.
Is Palm Springs on Palm Jebel Ali?
No. It is a separate mainland community next to Palm Jebel Ali. According to Nakheel, the island is about 14 minutes’ drive away.
What facilities will Palm Springs have?
Nakheel plans two schools, a hospital and six mosques. In addition, there will be around 593,000 square metres of open space, 35km of active travel routes, a Country Club and a Sports Club.
How much do homes at Palm Springs cost?
Nakheel did not publish a total value or timeline with its announcement. Brokers quote prices from about AED 3.8 million for a three-bedroom townhouse. However, you should confirm all figures with the developer.
When will the Dubai Metro reach Al Maktoum International Airport City?
Dubai’s Executive Council approved the Route 2020 extension on 10 November 2026, and services are scheduled to begin in 2031.
Key Takeaways
- Nakheel unveiled Palm Springs beside Palm Jebel Ali on 10 November 2026.
- The masterplan covers about 3.8 million square metres for roughly 50,000 residents in 15 neighbourhoods.
- Two schools, a hospital, six mosques and 35km of active travel routes are planned.
- Prices and timelines quoted by brokers are not yet confirmed in Nakheel’s announcement.
- The same day, Dubai approved a Metro Route 2020 extension to Al Maktoum International Airport City, due in 2031.
Useful Links
- Khaleej Times: Nakheel announces 3.8 million sqm Palm Springs to house 50,000 residents
- Nakheel: Palm Springs project page
- The National: Nakheel unveils mega development for 50,000 residents
- Gulf News: Dubai Metro to extend to Al Maktoum International Airport City by 2031
- Arabian Business: Dubai Islands hits AED 18.8bn in sales
- Investing in Dubai in 2026
- Eight transformative developments shaping Dubai
- Expo City Dubai by Metro
