Dubai’s real estate market has some amazing options for luxury living. Two particularly exciting developments: DAMAC Islands Phase 2 & Emaar Grand Polo Club and Resort. Both are premium investments but offer different lifestyles. So compare them to see which one fits you best.
The Projects at a Glance
Emaar’s flagship equestrian community is the Grand Polo Club and Resort. The masterplan covers 5.54 million SqM with 22 residential clusters. It is about horse sports, polo and an active lifestyle in green areas. This development has 5,599 residences with an estimated 24,524 residents.
Key facts:
- Open Space: 1.59 million SqM
- 1 Polo Field and 1 Stable: 340,000 SqM
- Clubhouse: 5,600 SqM
- Mix-Use Area: 1.56 million SqM
Emaar Grand Polo Club & Resort residential projects are Selvara 4, Equestra, Emaar Equiterra, Chevalia Estate 2, Chevalia Field and Montura 2.
On the other hand, DAMAC Islands Phase 2 is a 30-million square-foot waterfront development with tropical island vibes. It features beachfront living with lagoons, private beaches, and resort-style amenities. The master plan will include eight additional destinations: Bahamas, Bermuda, Tahiti, Barbados, Maui, Antigua, Cuba and Mauritius.
Both are off-plan projects delivering in late 2029. Both offer freehold properties. Both target luxury buyers seeking something different from typical Dubai living.
Location and Connectivity
Grand Polo Club and Resort Location
Grand Polo Club sits near Expo Road and Emirates Road in Dubai Investment Park. It’s close to The Oasis and The Heights communities.
Distance to Key Places:
- 5 minutes to Al Maktoum International Airport
- 10 minutes to Dubai Expo City
- 20 minutes to Dubai Hills Estate
- 25 minutes to Marina Beach
- 35 minutes to Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai
The location offers easy highway access. It’s perfect if you want a peaceful retreat with quick city access.
DAMAC Islands Phase 2 Location
DAMAC Islands is in Dubailand, near Exit 36 on Emirates Road. It’s next to the original DAMAC Islands development.
Distance to Key Places:
- 20 minutes to Al Maktoum International Airport
- 15 minutes to Expo City
- 15 minutes to Dubai Sports City
- 20 minutes to Dubai Marina
- 25 minutes to Downtown Dubai
- 30 minutes to Dubai International Airport
The location is central to Dubailand’s growing communities. It connects well to major attractions. The waterfront position adds a unique advantage.
Winner: Both offer great connectivity. Choose Grand Polo if you prefer airport proximity. Choose DAMAC Islands if you want a more central Dubailand location near sports and entertainment.
Lifestyle and Concept
Grand Polo Club and Resort
This is an equestrian community. It celebrates polo, horse riding, and country living. The concept blends luxury with active sports. With 22 residential clusters across a massive 5.54 million sqM area, residents get true space and privacy.
What Makes It Special:
- World-class polo fields (340,000 sqM dedicated space)
- Equestrian training facilities
- Exclusive clubhouse with fine dining (5,600 sqM)
- Massive green spaces (1.59 million sqM open space)
- Professional sports courts
- Serene landscaped gardens
- 22 distinct residential clusters for variety
It’s ideal for families who love horses, sports, and outdoor activities. The scale of the project ensures a complete lifestyle ecosystem. Residents enjoy a club-focused lifestyle similar to private resorts.
DAMAC Islands Phase 2
This is a tropical island escape within the city. Think beaches, lagoons, and waterfront luxury. The concept brings paradise to Dubai.
What Makes It Special:
- Private beaches and lagoons
- Island-themed clusters (Seychelles and Hawaii)
- Waterfront living with sea views
- Resort-style amenities
- Aqua parks and water features
- Private marina
- Wellness and spa facilities
It’s perfect for families seeking beach vibes and water activities. The island atmosphere creates a vacation feel every day. Perfect for those who love water and relaxation.
Winner: Grand Polo suits active, sports-loving families in a vast green community. DAMAC Islands suit those who want a beach and water lifestyle. Pick based on what excites you more: horses and polo in expansive grounds or beaches and water activities.
Property Types and Pricing
Grand Polo Club and Resort Options
The project offers three villa categories spread across 22 residential clusters:
| Property Type | Bedrooms | Built-up Area | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Detached Luxury | 3 | 2,650 sq.ft. | AED 4.7 Million |
| Semi-Detached Luxury | 4 | 4,951 sq.ft. | AED 6 Million |
| Standalone Ultra Luxury | 5 | 4,763-4,811 sq.ft. | AED 15 Million |
| Standalone Equestrian | 5 | 4,951 sq.ft. | AED 12 Million |
All units are villas. No apartments. This means more space and privacy. Plot sizes range from 3,180 to 9,072 square feet. With 5,599 residences across the community, you get both diversity and a thriving residential ecosystem.
DAMAC Islands Phase 2 Options
The project offers townhouses and villas:
| Property Type | Bedrooms | Built-up Area | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Townhouse | 4 | 2,208 sq.ft. | AED 2.25 Million |
| Townhouse | 5 | 3,178 sq.ft. | AED 3.1 Million |
| Villa | 6 | 10,671 sq.ft. | AED 13.55 Million |
| Villa | 7 | 17,079 sq.ft. | AED 18.5 Million |
Some villas include maid’s rooms and private gyms. Townhouses offer beachfront access at lower prices. Villas come with more space and premium features.
Winner: DAMAC Islands offers more affordable entry points (townhouses from AED 2.25M). Grand Polo focuses on premium villas starting at AED 4.7M across a vast 5,599-unit community. Choose DAMAC for budget-friendly luxury. Choose Grand Polo for an exclusive villa living in a world-class equestrian destination.
Amenities and Facilities
Grand Polo Club and Resort
| Amenity | Details |
|---|---|
| Polo Fields | 340,000 sqM dedicated polo field and stables expanse |
| Clubhouse | 5,600 sqM exclusive clubhouse with fine dining |
| Open Spaces | 1.59 million sqM of landscaped gardens and green areas |
| Sports Courts | 12 professional sports courts |
| Swimming Pools | Multiple pools with white sandy beach areas |
| Tracks and Trails | Cycling and jogging paths throughout the community |
| Wellness | Yoga pavilion, spa, and sauna |
| Fitness | State-of-the-art gymnasium and wellness pavilions |
| Dining | Fine dining restaurants and cafes |
| Schools | Community schools and nurseries |
| Retail | Shopping area with supermarket and outlets |
| Mix-Use Areas | 1.56 million sqM for retail and entertainment |
| Clusters | 22 distinct clusters offering luxury and ultra-luxury villas |
| Equestrian Facilities | 10km of tracks, trails, and loops for equestrain enthusiasts |
| Polo Fields | 3 world-class polo fields form a vibrant green heart |
The focus is on sports and wellness across an unprecedented scale. It’s a clubby, active community with room to breathe.
DAMAC Islands Phase 2
| Amenity | Details |
|---|---|
| Private Beaches | Direct beach access for all residents |
| Lagoons | Crystal-clear lagoons for swimming and water sports |
| Marina | Private marina for boat owners |
| Water Parks | Aqua parks, waterfall lagoons, and water features |
| Wellness | Spas, yoga lawns, and meditation zones |
| Fitness | Gyms and fitness centers |
| Dining | Waterfront restaurants and cafes |
| Recreation | Beach clubs and floating decks |
| Kids Areas | Dedicated play areas and jungle river ride |
| Gardens | Lush landscaped gardens and green spaces |
The focus is on water and relaxation. It’s a beach resort atmosphere.
Winner: Grand Polo wins for sports, polo, and vast green spaces across 1.59 million sqM. DAMAC Islands wins for beach and water enthusiasts. Pick the one matching your lifestyle.
Payment Plans
Grand Polo Club and Resort
The developer typically offers flexible payment plans. Standard schemes range from 10% down payment at booking with the balance due in installments. Exact terms depend on your chosen unit and timing.
DAMAC Islands Phase 2
The payment plan is 75% during construction and 25% upon handover. This is favorable for investors as you pay as the building progresses. Some properties also offer 1% monthly payment options for early birds.
Winner: DAMAC Islands offers better payment flexibility with its 75:25 plan. Fewer upfront costs make it easier for investors.
Handover Timeline
Grand Polo Club and Resort: Q4 2029 (Late 2029)
DAMAC Islands Phase 2: Q4 2029 (Late 2029), with some units possibly earlier
Both projects will be ready around the same time. Don’t expect to move in before late 2029.
Investment Potential
Grand Polo Club and Resort
Emaar Properties is a trusted, established developer with decades of success. The project is the flagship equestrian community in the Middle East. This huge scale (5.54 million sqM / 22 clusters / 5,599 homes) drives strong demand and value retention. Positioned close to expanding areas like The Oasis supports long-term appreciation.
Why It’s Strong: Emaar has a proven track record, unique polo positioning, massive scale, and a proven demand for luxury villa communities.
DAMAC Islands Phase 2
DAMAC Island’s Phase 1 took 10 hours to sell out. That’s a massive demand. It is a prime waterfront location. Islands-inspired living is universally appealing. The tropical concept stands out.
Why It’s Strong: A proven Phase 1 sellout, premium waterfront position, and multiple types of properties draw multiple buyer segments.
Winner for Investment: Both are solid. Phase 2 of DAMAC Islands has proved popular – Phase 1 sold out in 10 hours. Emaar has created Grand Polo on an unprecedented scale. For quick appreciation, DAMAC edges ahead. For stable long-term value retention, Grand Polo edges ahead.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Grand Polo Club and Resort If:
- Love for horses, polo, and associated facilities.
- Preference for exclusive, villa-only living in 22 clusters.
- Desire for a large-scale, club-based social community.
- Value in Emaar’s strong developer reputation.
- Want 1.59 million sqM of extensive green parkland.
- Willingness to pay premium prices (starting AED 4.7M).
Choose DAMAC Islands Phase 2 If:
- Desire for beach/waterfront living.
- Interested in diverse property types (townhouses/villas).
- Prefers tropical, island aesthetic.
- Wants better payment flexibility (75:25 plan).
- Seeking proven demand (Phase 1 sold out quickly).
- Looking for lower entry prices (starting AED 2.25M).
- Desires a resort-style beach club atmosphere.
Quick Comparison Table
| Factor | Grand Polo Club | DAMAC Islands Phase 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Area | 5.54 million sqM | 30 million sq.ft. (approx 2.8 million sqM) |
| Residences | 5,599 residences across 22 clusters | Mixed townhouses & villas |
| Lifestyle | Equestrian, Sports-Focused, Green Spaces | Beach, Waterfront, Tropical |
| Property Types | Apartments, Villas & Townhouses | Townhouses + Villas |
| Starting Price | AED 3.6M | AED 2.75M |
| Location Focus | Polo, Sports, Clubs, 1.59M sqM Parks | Water, Beach, Lagoons |
| Payment Plan | Flexible (varies) | 75% Construction / 25% Handover |
| Developer | Emaar (Legacy & Proven) | DAMAC (Phase 1 Sold in 10 Hours) |
| Handover | Q4 2029 | Q4 2029 |
| Freehold Status | Yes | Yes |
| Unique Features | 340,000 sqM Polo Field & Stables, 5,600 sqM Clubhouse | Private Beaches & Lagoons |
| Scale | Massive community ecosystem | Island resort vibe |
Final Thoughts
Both Grand Polo Club and Resort and DAMAC Islands Phase 2 are exceptional Dubai developments. Grand Polo is Emaar’s flagship equestrian masterpiece with an unprecedented scale across 5.54 million sqM. DAMAC Islands Phase 2 delivers affordable luxury beach living with proven demand from Phase 1’s 10-hour sellout.
Your choice depends on your lifestyle preferences and budget. Want active polo, horses, and vast green spaces? Choose Grand Polo. Want beach relaxation and water activities? Choose DAMAC Islands Phase 2.
Either way, you’re investing in a 2029 luxury home in Dubai. Both will likely appreciate over time. Both offer world-class amenities and freehold ownership. The question is simple: do you want to live like a polo player in an expansive equestrian community or a beach resort guest on your own tropical island?
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