Ellington Sands vs The Meriva Collection
Side by side on price, unit sizes, payment plan and handover.
Where each one wins
Drawn from the two developments' published prices, plans and handover targets.
Lower entry price
Ellington Sands starts 37% lower, at AED 1,700,000 against AED 2,700,000. Check that you are comparing like with like: the entry unit may be a different size or type.
More space for the money
On average The Meriva Collection works out at about AED 2,771 per sq ft against AED 3,386 at Ellington Sands.
Sooner to complete
Ellington Sands is targeted for Q4 2028, ahead of The Meriva Collection in Q2 2030. Earlier handover means earlier rent, and less time for the market to move against you.
Side by side
| Attribute | Ellington Sands | The Meriva Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Ellington Properties | Ellington Properties |
| Location | Dubai Islands, Dubai | Dubai Islands, Dubai |
| Status | Under construction | Off-plan |
| Handover | Q4 2028 | Q2 2030 |
| Price from | AED 1,700,000 | AED 2,700,000 |
| Average AED / sq ft | 3,386 | 2,771 |
| Home types | Apartments, duplexes, penthouses | Apartments, penthouses |
| Bedrooms | 1 to 4 bed | 1 to 4 bed |
| Sizes | 489 to 5,886 sq ft | 800 to 5,600 sq ft |
| Payment plan | 20/50/30 | 70/30 |
| Due before handover | 70% | 70% |
| Post-handover payments | No | No |
| Fees on entry price (est.) | AED 69,020 | AED 109,020 |
| Tenure | Freehold | Freehold |
| Golden Visa range (AED 2m+) | Yes | Yes |
| Total homes | n/a | n/a |
Developer list prices and stated targets; each development page shows when its figures were last checked.
Starting prices for the same home type
| Home type | Ellington Sands | The Meriva Collection | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartments | AED 1,700,000489 to 816 sq ft | AED 2,700,000800 to 835 sq ft | AED 1,000,000 more at The Meriva Collection |
| 2-bedroom apartments | AED 3,900,0001,172 to 1,399 sq ft | AED 3,800,0001,200 to 1,280 sq ft | AED 100,000 more at Ellington Sands |
| 3-bedroom apartments | AED 5,800,0001,730 sq ft | AED 5,900,0001,700 to 1,750 sq ft | AED 100,000 more at The Meriva Collection |
Ellington Sands
Two beachfront apartment buildings by Ellington on the outer edge of Dubai Islands, with a private beach and clubhouse, one-bedroom homes listed from AED 1.7 million and completion due in late 2028.
What works
- Private beach and beach clubhouse on the outer shore of Dubai Islands
- Completion listed for December 2028, earlier than several newer island launches
- Range from compact one-bedroom homes to duplexes and a penthouse
What to weigh
- Property Finder shows different starting prices for the two phases; confirm which applies
- Dubai Islands has a large pipeline of beachfront apartments due over the same years
- Dubai Islands is some distance from Downtown Dubai and the main business districts
The Meriva Collection
Ellington's first hospitality-led scheme: five beachfront residential buildings, signature residences and a hotel on Dubai Islands, with apartments from AED 2.7 million and completion listed for mid-2030.
What works
- Direct beach access on Dubai Islands, with an on-site hotel planned at the centre of the scheme
- Wide mix, from one-bedroom apartments to penthouses and signature residences with private pools
- Large shared amenities, including a 2 km jogging track and indoor and outdoor pools
What to weigh
- Completion is listed for June 2030, a long wait for an off-plan buyer
- Dubai Islands has a heavy pipeline of beachfront launches due around the same time
- The hotel operator had not been named in Ellington's announcement
Ellington Sands or The Meriva Collection?
Which is cheaper, Ellington Sands or The Meriva Collection?
Ellington Sands has the lower starting price at AED 1,700,000, compared with AED 2,700,000 at The Meriva Collection. These are developer list prices for the smallest available unit type in each.
Which will be finished first?
Ellington Sands has the earlier target (Q4 2028). Off-plan handover dates are developer estimates and can slip.
How do the payment plans differ?
Ellington Sands is sold on a 20/50/30 plan with 70% due before handover. The Meriva Collection is sold on a 70/30 plan with 70% due before handover.
Are Ellington Sands and The Meriva Collection by the same developer?
Yes, both are by Ellington Properties.
Want a straight answer on which to buy?
The right choice depends on your budget, timing and what the property is for. Tell us and we'll give you a recommendation, with the reasons.
- Current price list and availability, direct from the developer
- No fee to you on off-plan purchases: the developer pays us
- One salaried adviser, not on commission, from first call to handover
