Facts checked on October 18, 2026
Where Palm Jumeirah is
Palm Jumeirah is a palm-shaped island off the Dubai coast. Nakheel says it stretches about five kilometres into the Arabian Gulf and covers 560 hectares.
Dubai Marina, JBR and Dubai Harbour lie nearby on the coast. The project was launched in 2001.
Who the developer is
Nakheel is the master developer of Palm Jumeirah. Nakheel is now part of Dubai Holding Real Estate.
Other developers also build on the island, such as Beyond with Passo on the Crescent. Check who the developer is for each building separately.
Trunk, Fronds and Crescent: three distinct parts
The island has three zones, each with its own character. An underwater tunnel links the Trunk to the Crescent.
- Trunk: the central spine, with apartments, hotels, marinas, private beaches and malls such as Nakheel Mall
- Fronds: the branches, with gated, low-density villa communities and direct beach access
- Crescent: the outer ring around the island, with beachfront resorts and residences
Freehold status and the Golden Visa
Palm Jumeirah is named in Regulation No. 3 of 2006, which designates the areas open to foreign ownership. Non-UAE nationals can therefore buy there outright.
On transfer you pay a 4% registration fee to the Dubai Land Department. A property worth at least AED 2 million can qualify you for a 10-year Golden Visa, including off-plan from an approved developer.
Getting around: monorail and tram
The Palm Monorail runs along the Trunk, stopping at points including Gateway Towers, Al Ittihad Park, Nakheel Mall and Atlantis Aquaventure. On the mainland it connects to the Dubai Tram at the Palm Jumeirah stop.
From the tram you can change to the Metro Red Line. For villas on the Fronds, a car is the practical way to get around.
What to check before buying on the Palm
Buildings on the Palm vary widely in age and facilities. I always go through the running costs with you before we discuss the home itself.
- Zone: Trunk, Frond or Crescent, and what it means for beach, view and traffic
- Beach access: private, shared or through a hotel
- Service charges: check them in the Dubai Land Department Service Charge Index
- Letting to tourists needs a holiday home permit; check the building allows it
- For a villa: condition, alterations and whether they were approved
- Off-plan: Oqood registration and payment through the escrow account
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy property on Palm Jumeirah?
Yes. Palm Jumeirah is a designated freehold area where non-UAE nationals can own property outright. The sale is registered with the Dubai Land Department.
What is the difference between the Trunk, the Fronds and the Crescent?
The Trunk holds mainly apartments, hotels and malls. The Fronds are gated villa communities on the water, and the Crescent is the outer ring with beachfront resorts and residences.
How do you get to Palm Jumeirah without a car?
The Palm Monorail runs along the Trunk and connects to the Dubai Tram at the Palm Jumeirah stop. From the tram you can change to the metro.
Does an apartment on Palm Jumeirah qualify for a Golden Visa?
A property worth at least AED 2 million can qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa. What counts is the value, not the location on the island.
