Bluewaters Residences: Dubai’s AED 893B real estate market in 2024 (22% YoY growth, 226,000 transactions) offers villas (AED 3M–75M) and apartments (AED 585K–10M) with 6–9% ROI and 5–8% appreciation by 2029. Bluewaters Island, a Meraas-developed man-made island off Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), spans 1.7 sq km and features Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel (250m).
Connected by a 265m pedestrian bridge to JBR and Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), it offers accessibility (10 min to Dubai Marina, 30 min to Dubai International Airport). Bluewaters Residences, completed in 2018, includes 10 mid-rise towers (9–15 storeys), 4 penthouses, and 17 townhouses, offering 1–4-bedroom apartments (AED 2.65M–15M, 1,154–3,050 sqft) and penthouses (AED 15M–25M, 9,232–9,254 sqft).
Targeting international buyers, the project blends waterfront luxury with urban amenities, sustainable designs, and 40–60% price premiums for branded residences. This guide analyzes six key towers (Buildings 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 10), detailing freehold benefits, tax incentives, sustainability features, and investment potential, supported by 2024–2025 data.
1. Bluewaters Residence 1
- Project Details: A 9-storey tower with 1–4-bedroom apartments (AED 2.65M–15M, 1,154–3,050 sqft) featuring open-plan layouts, floor-to-ceiling windows, and views of Ain Dubai and the Arabian Gulf. Includes high-end Italian appliances, minimalist Scandinavian finishes, and amenities like a gym, pool, and kids’ play area. Completed 2018. Average price: AED 2,297–4,918 psf.
- Freehold Benefits: 100% freehold ownership for expats, registered via Dubai Land Department (DLD). Enables global resale and inheritance without restrictions.
- Tax Incentives: Zero personal income tax on rentals (AED 250K–450K/year), zero capital gains tax on profits (e.g., AED 132K–1.2M by 2029), and no property tax. 4% DLD fee (AED 106K–600K). Free zone ownership via JAFZA ensures 0% corporate tax.
- Sustainability Features: Energy-efficient systems, low-VOC materials, and landscaped gardens. Aligns with Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and SDG 11.
- Investment Potential: 7.5–9% ROI, with 85% occupancy due to tourism (17M visitors in 2024) and proximity to JBR. AED 1.52B project valuation in 2024. 5–8% appreciation by 2029 (e.g., AED 2.65M apartment to AED 2.78M–2.86M). Golden Visa eligible (AED 2M+).
- Impact: Affordable luxury for young professionals. Tax savings (AED 106K–1.65M) and connectivity (21 min to Dubai Mall) attract European buyers.
2. Bluewaters Residence 2
- Project Details: A mid-rise tower with 1–4-bedroom apartments (AED 3M–15M, 1,154–3,050 sqft) and select townhouses (AED 10M–12M, 3,500 sqft). Features open kitchens, sea views, and access to shared amenities (infinity pool, basketball court, gardens). Completed 2018. Average price: AED 2,600–4,918 psf.
- Freehold Benefits: 100% freehold ownership, registered via DLD. Supports global resale and legacy planning.
- Tax Incentives: Zero personal income tax on rentals (AED 250K–450K/year), zero capital gains tax on profits (e.g., AED 150K–1.2M by 2029), and no property tax. 4% DLD fee (AED 120K–600K). Free zone ownership ensures 0% corporate tax.
- Sustainability Features: Water-saving fixtures, energy-efficient lighting, and eco-friendly materials. Aligns with Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and SDG 11.
- Investment Potential: 7.5–9% ROI, with 85% occupancy driven by short-term rental demand (18% growth in 2025). 5–8% appreciation by 2029 (e.g., AED 3M apartment to AED 3.15M–3.24M). Golden Visa eligible.
- Impact: Family-oriented luxury. Tax savings (AED 120K–1.65M) and pedestrian bridge to JBR (5 min) attract Asian investors.
3. Bluewaters Residence 6
- Project Details: A 13-storey tower with 1–4-bedroom apartments (AED 2.65M–15M, 1,154–3,050 sqft) and penthouses (AED 15M–25M, 9,232–9,254 sqft). Features maid’s rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and views of JBR and Ain Dubai. Amenities include gym, sauna, and kids’ play area. Completed 2018. Average price: AED 2,297–4,918 psf.
- Freehold Benefits: 100% freehold ownership, registered via DLD. Enables global resale and inheritance.
- Tax Incentives: Zero personal income tax on rentals (AED 250K–750K/year), zero capital gains tax on profits (e.g., AED 132K–2M by 2029), and no property tax. 4% DLD fee (AED 106K–1M). Free zone ownership ensures 0% corporate tax.
- Sustainability Features: Central air conditioning with eco-modes, low-emission materials, and landscaped podium gardens. Aligns with Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and SDG 11.
- Investment Potential: 7.5–9% ROI, with 85% occupancy due to tourism and prime location. 5–8% appreciation by 2029 (e.g., AED 15M penthouse to AED 15.75M–16.2M). Golden Visa eligible.
- Impact: Upscale living for families. Tax savings (AED 106K–2.75M) and proximity to DMCC Metro (5 min) attract Middle Eastern buyers.
4. Bluewaters Residence 8
- Project Details: A 15-storey tower with 1–4-bedroom apartments (AED 3M–15M, 1,154–3,050 sqft) featuring open-plan layouts, high-end appliances, and sea views. Offers shared amenities like infinity pool, tennis court, and 24-hour concierge. Completed 2018. Average price: AED 2,600–4,918 psf.
- Freehold Benefits: 100% freehold ownership, registered via DLD. Supports global resale and legacy planning.
- Tax Incentives: Zero personal income tax on rentals (AED 250K–450K/year), zero capital gains tax on profits (e.g., AED 150K–1.2M by 2029), and no property tax. 4% DLD fee (AED 120K–600K). Free zone ownership ensures 0% corporate tax.
- Sustainability Features: Energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and elevated gardens. Aligns with Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and SDG 11.
- Investment Potential: 7.5–9% ROI, with 85% occupancy due to Ain Dubai views and retail proximity (164 outlets). 5–8% appreciation by 2029 (e.g., AED 3M apartment to AED 3.15M–3.24M). Golden Visa eligible.
- Impact: Modern luxury for investors. Tax savings (AED 120K–1.65M) and connectivity to Dubai Marina (10 min) attract Indian buyers.
5. Bluewaters Residence 9
- Project Details: A mid-rise tower with 1–3-bedroom apartments (AED 2.65M–10M, 1,154–2,200 sqft) featuring minimalist interiors, en-suite bathrooms, and community views. Includes gym, pool, kids’ play area, and pet-friendly facilities. Completed 2018. Average price: AED 2,297–4,545 psf.
- Freehold Benefits: 100% freehold ownership, registered via DLD. Enables global resale and inheritance.
- Tax Incentives: Zero personal income tax on rentals (AED 250K–350K/year), zero capital gains tax on profits (e.g., AED 132K–800K by 2029), and no property tax. 4% DLD fee (AED 106K–400K). Free zone ownership ensures 0% corporate tax.
- Sustainability Features: Low-VOC finishes, energy-efficient lighting, and landscaped gardens. Aligns with Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and SDG 11.
- Investment Potential: 7–8.5% ROI, with 80% occupancy due to affordability and family-friendly amenities. 5–8% appreciation by 2029 (e.g., AED 2.65M apartment to AED 2.78M–2.86M). Golden Visa eligible.
- Impact: Affordable waterfront living. Tax savings (AED 106K–1.15M) and proximity to JBR (15 min) attract young couples from Europe.
6. Bluewaters Residence 10
- Project Details: A 9-storey tower with 1–4-bedroom apartments (AED 3M–15M, 1,154–3,050 sqft) and townhouses (AED 10M–12M, 3,500 sqft). Features open kitchens, sea views, and access to basketball courts, pools, and gardens. Completed 2018. Average price: AED 2,600–4,918 psf.
- Freehold Benefits: 100% freehold ownership, registered via DLD. Supports global resale and legacy planning.
- Tax Incentives: Zero personal income tax on rentals (AED 250K–450K/year), zero capital gains tax on profits (e.g., AED 150K–1.2M by 2029), and no property tax. 4% DLD fee (AED 120K–600K). Free zone ownership ensures 0% corporate tax.
- Sustainability Features: Eco-friendly materials, water-saving fixtures, and elevated podium gardens. Aligns with Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and SDG 11.
- Investment Potential: 7.5–9% ROI, with 85% occupancy due to tourism and retail (164 outlets). 5–8% appreciation by 2029 (e.g., AED 3M apartment to AED 3.15M–3.24M). Golden Visa eligible.
- Impact: Vibrant community living. Tax savings (AED 120K–1.65M) and connectivity to Burj Al Arab (17 min) attract Russian buyers.
Market Trends and Outlook for 2025
- Yields and Appreciation: Bluewaters Residences offer 7–9% ROI and 5–8% appreciation, driven by AED 893B in 2024 transactions (63% off-plan). Prices rose 15–20% in 2024 (AED 2,297–4,918 psf). Short-term rentals grew 18%, with 85% occupancy due to tourism (17M visitors in 2024, targeting 25M by 2030).
- Freehold and Tax Environment: Freehold laws since 2002 allow 100% expat ownership, boosting demand (20% foreign ownership growth in 2024). Zero personal income, capital gains, and property taxes, with a 4% DLD fee, ensure tax efficiency. Free zone entities (e.g., JAFZA) offer 0% corporate tax. No fee changes confirmed for 2025.
- Infrastructure Impact: The 265m pedestrian bridge and Sheikh Zayed Road access enhance values by 20–30%. Proximity to DMCC Metro (5–7 min) and retail (164 outlets, including Caesars Palace) drives rentals (AED 1,000–3,000/night). Planned ferry services and Bluewaters Bay (handover 2027) boost appeal.
- Investor Drivers: Freehold status, flexible payment plans (post-handover), and Golden Visa eligibility (AED 2M+) fuel 60% of demand, particularly from Europe (25%), India (20%), and Russia (15%). Waterfront views, Ain Dubai proximity, and affordability (30% cheaper than Palm Jumeirah at AED 6,000 psf) attract investors. Sustainability (energy-efficient systems, eco-materials) draws ESG investors.
- Risks: Oversupply (6,346 units under construction in Dubai), AML compliance costs (AED 5K–20K), and rising interest rates pose a 5–10% correction risk in H2 2025. Mitigated by 80–90% absorption, escrow accounts, and DLD regulations.
- Regulatory Framework: DLD ensures transparency via digital title deeds. Escrow laws protect investments. Freehold zones allow inheritance with no estate tax; DIFC Wills Service Centre recommended for non-Muslims.
Investment Strategy
- Diversification: Invest in Residence 1 or 9 (AED 2.65M–10M, 7–8.5% ROI) for affordability, Residence 2 or 10 (AED 3M–15M, 7.5–9% ROI) for townhouse options, or Residence 6 or 8 (AED 2.65M–25M, 7.5–9% ROI) for penthouse exclusivity.
- Entry Points: Completed units suit immediate rentals (AED 250K–750K/year). Bluewaters Bay (AED 2.56M–15M, handover 2027) offers off-plan opportunities with 60/40 payment plans.
- Tax Optimization: Hold properties personally to avoid 9% corporate tax or use JAFZA entities for 0% corporate tax. Pay 4% DLD fee and recover input VAT (AED 5K–50K/year) via UAE FTA registration. Consult advisors like Acasa for compliance.
- Process: Verify freehold status via DLD portals. Pay 4% DLD fee and secure NOC. Use platforms like Property Finder, Emirates.Estate, or bluewatersdubai.ae. Required documents: passport copy, proof of funds, no UAE visa needed. Documents must be translated into Arabic and legalized.
Conclusion
In 2025, Bluewaters Residences’ six towers (Buildings 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 10) offer 7–9% ROI and 5–8% appreciation, backed by AED 893B in 2024 transactions. Freehold laws enable global ownership, while tax advantages zero personal income, capital gains, and property taxes, and a 4% DLD fee (saving AED 106K–2.75M) maximize returns.
Sustainability features (energy-efficient systems, eco-materials) align with Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and SDG 11. Despite a 5–10% correction risk from oversupply, 80–90% absorption, escrow protections, and infrastructure (pedestrian bridge, ferry plans) ensure stability.
With competitive pricing (AED 2,297–4,918 psf), premium amenities (infinity pools, gyms), and connectivity (5–10 min to JBR/Dubai Marina), these towers attract international buyers from Europe, India, and Russia. Bluewaters
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