Dutch marine contractor Van Oord has secured a prestigious contract for the development of Naïa Island

Dutch marine contractor Van Oord has secured a prestigious contract for the development of Naïa Island, an exclusive land reclamation project off the coast of Umm Suqeim in Dubai. This marks another milestone in Van Oord’s long-standing presence in the region, following its iconic contributions to Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Harbour and The World Islands.

Naïa Island – A Private Island with 6 km of Beaches

Naïa Island is a project by Shamal Holding, the visionary developer behind some of Dubai’s most exclusive destinations. The island will span approximately 13 hectares and feature an impressive 6 kilometres of pristine beachfront.

Designed to reflect the natural beauty of an untouched island, Naïa Island is focused on sustainability and the preservation of the coastal environment. The project reflects Shamal Holding’s commitment to combining world-class luxury with respect for nature.

“This partnership supports our ambition to promote Dubai as a world-class luxury destination. Collaborating with global partners like Van Oord brings our vision to life with precision and excellence.”
— Abdulla Binhabtoor, CEO of Shamal Holding

High-Tech Land Reclamation and Marine Innovation

To bring Naïa Island to life, Van Oord will reclaim more than 28 million m³ of sand and place around 4.3 million tons of rock. The scope of works includes quay walls, culverts, and coastal protection, with a strong focus on nature-based enhancements.

The shoreline will be strategically reshaped, with repositioning of breakwaters to optimise both coastal protection and the guest experience. Advanced ground improvement techniques will be applied to accelerate soil consolidation and prepare the land efficiently for future construction.

A fleet of state-of-the-art dredging vessels, including trailing suction hopper dredgers and specialised stone installation vessels, will be deployed throughout the project. Completion is scheduled for the first half of 2027.

“We are honoured to contribute to this bold step in Dubai’s development of iconic destinations. Land reclamation is one of our core strengths – a craft we have continuously perfected since the company’s inception.”
— Govert van Oord, CEO of Van Oord

What Does This Mean for Investors?

Naïa Island is set to become one of Dubai’s most exclusive island destinations, combining ultra-luxury villas, world-class resorts, and high-end amenities. For international investors, this project offers:

✅ A rare opportunity to invest in a private island in Dubai
✅ Development by Shamal Holding, renowned for quality and sustainability
✅ Prime location near Umm Suqeim, one of Dubai’s most desirable coastal zones
✅ Execution by Van Oord, a global leader in land reclamation

With completion scheduled for 2027, Naïa Island offers a unique opportunity to enter early into a landmark development that will redefine luxury waterfront living in Dubai.