Dubai’s Jumeirah Islands to Get First Residential Tower by Ellington
Ellington Properties has announced plans for its first residential tower in Dubai’s Jumeirah Islands, introducing a new housing option in a community long dominated by villas. The development, called Eltiera Heights, will add 355 apartments and penthouses to one of the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods.
The launch comes as Dubai’s property market continues to show resilience, with international buyers drawn to waterfront communities and established residential zones. Jumeirah Islands, developed nearly two decades ago, has largely been associated with high-end villas set around man-made lakes and landscaped gardens. Ellington’s entry into the area marks a shift in strategy, introducing high-rise living to a district designed around low-density housing.
Eltiera Heights will feature apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms, alongside larger four-bedroom penthouses. Unit sizes start from 820 square feet for a one-bedroom and extend to more than 5,800 square feet for the top-tier penthouses. Prices begin at AED 1.9 million for smaller units, while penthouses are expected to sell from around AED 12 million.
Construction is scheduled for completion in December 2028. Buyers are being offered a 20/50/30 payment plan, with 20 percent at booking, 50 percent during construction, and 30 percent on handover. A 4 percent Dubai Land Department fee applies to all purchases, in line with other freehold developments across the city.
Ellington said the tower’s design emphasizes natural light, modern layouts, and finishes that reflect its reputation as a boutique luxury developer. Amenities will include an infinity pool, landscaped gardens, a gym, children’s play areas, and resident lounges. Select apartments will be fitted with smart home technology, and the development is being marketed as pet-friendly.
The location provides proximity to Dubai Marina, which is less than 10 minutes away by car, while Downtown Dubai and DIFC can be reached within 20 minutes. Dubai International Airport is about a 25-minute drive, with the nearest metro stations located at DMCC and Sobha Realty. Analysts note that the combination of access and relative seclusion has helped Jumeirah Islands retain its appeal among affluent families and investors.
Market reports suggest that Dubai’s prime residential segment remains buoyant. Knight Frank data shows the city led global luxury real estate price growth in both 2023 and 2024, recording annual increases above 15 percent. Waterfront and established communities have been among the strongest performers, driven by limited supply and demand from international buyers seeking long-term investments.
Analysts say Eltiera Heights could appeal to a demographic that values the prestige of Jumeirah Islands but prefers apartment living over villas. The lack of existing apartment stock in the area may also support rental yields once the project is delivered. “It’s a diversification of product in a neighborhood that has, until now, only catered to villa buyers,” said one Dubai-based broker. “That makes it an interesting proposition for both investors and end-users.”
Ellington has built a reputation with projects such as DT1 in Downtown Dubai and Belgravia in Jumeirah Village Circle. The company’s focus on design-led developments has helped it secure a niche among buyers looking for higher-end finishes in off-plan projects. With Eltiera Heights, it is extending that approach into one of Dubai’s most established master-planned communities.
The project is registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), offering added security for buyers. Construction updates will be monitored by Dubai’s regulatory framework, which requires developers to link project financing with escrow accounts.
Dubai’s broader property market has seen sustained activity since 2021, fueled by government reforms, long-term visa options for property owners, and continued foreign investment. Sales volumes reached record highs in 2023 and carried into 2024, with luxury properties driving much of the momentum. Industry observers expect 2025 to remain active, particularly in the premium bracket, though global economic headwinds could temper growth in the mid-market segment.
Eltiera Heights, set against this backdrop, illustrates the continuing push by developers to expand options in prime communities. While delivery is several years away, the project underscores confidence in Dubai’s long-term real estate fundamentals and in the appeal of Jumeirah Islands as a luxury destination.
