Pearl Jumeirah is one of the most popular waterfront communities in Dubai, developed by Meraas, who is known for its luxury projects all over Dubai, such as Bluewaters Island and City Walk. Pearl Jumeirah is a man-made island which consists of seven residential communities. The construction of the project started in 2009 and was completed in 2011, and is a perfect choice for those who prefer a waterfront lifestyle away from the buzz of the city.
Originally, this project was a part of a USD 95-billion-project of Jumeirah Gardens City, a mixed-use residential development situated between Diyafa Street and Al Safa Park in Al Satwa. The construction was launched in 2008, however due to the global financial crisis it was put on hold. Later, the masterplan was modified by Dubai Municipality, and the Pearl Jumeirah project was announced. At that time it was called East Bay and was supposed to consist of high-rise buildings, but this plan had also changed. Currently, Pearl Jumeirah is a home to residential villas, a 5-star hotel and a retail area. As a matter of fact, villas comprise a major part of development on the island.
The total area of the island is approximately 8.3M sq. ft, of which 90,000 sq. ft is occupied by a shopping mall. The company COWI was appointed as the main reclamation contractor of Pearl Jumeirah and works included the hydraulic and marine design, geotechnical services, as well as the overall site supervision. The infrastructure works were completed in 2012, and in 2013, the construction of the mosque and the community center was launched. In 2016, the luxurious 5-star Nikki Beach Resort & SPA opened on the north beach of Pearl Jumeirah.
This is the first island that showcases the eastern part of Dubai Creek. The project has a hydrological function in order to provide a breakwater for the extension. About 35% of the area was to be sold as residential plots, and the rest of the island was to be used for public amenities, infrastructure and landscaping. By 2010, nearly half of the saleable land had been sold and handed over to investors.
Pearl Jumeirah is one of a very few developments in Dubai which offers freehold residential plots for sale to foreign homeowners and investors. The average area of a residential plot here is about 10,000 sq. ft and there are also approximately 315 smaller townhouse plots for sale. Today, the development is still being populated with villas, townhouses and beachfront apartments of various sizes and layouts.
