Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan: What will the city look like in 16 years?

Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan: What will the city look like in 16 years?

Dubai’s real estate market and construction sector are full of sharp contrasts. Having emerged not so long ago, they have huge potential and bright prospects. At the same time, Dubai is a major, well-endowed competitor with a high standing in the international arena, having large production volumes, costs, and profits.

One goal of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan is to reshape Dubai’s real estate market, setting out a predictable development direction in contrast to its current chaotic growth, with joint efforts of public and private sector companies.

Pursuing crucial objectives and significant benefits, the Plan is aimed at radically overhauling the city’s urban landscape and fostering greater economic activity.

We’re going to look into the Plan in more detail below.

Content:

What is the Dubai 2040 urban master plan?

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the ambitious 20-year Dubai Urban Master Plan in March 2021. Further, a new Supreme Committee was formed to regulate and implement the Plan’s deliverables.

In fact, such strategic development plans are not new in Dubai. This is the seventh one developed for the emirate since 1960.

The Plan seeks to rebuild old parts of the city such as Deira, expand green spaces and public transport network.

It is focused on development of five main urban centres:

Each of these centres has different aspects to be developed under the 2040 Plan.

Some areas are of historical and cultural value, others are major financial and business hubs. Meanwhile, some are tourism and resort destinations.

Below are the Plan’s highlights.

Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan: What will the city look like in 16 years?

Key objectives and expected deliverables

The ultimate goals of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan are to:

  • Develop and upgrade five major areas of Dubai: Deira and Bur Dubai, Downtown and Business Bay, Dubai Marina and JBR, Expo City, and Dubai Silicon Oasis.
  • Increase resource efficiency in construction.
  • Create vibrant, healthy, and inclusive neighbourhoods with an increased number of green spaces and recreation zones.
  • Develop a sustainable and flexible transportation system.
  • Stimulate economic activity and attract foreign investment in new sectors.
  • Develop eco-friendly and ergonomic urban spaces.
  • Protect the emirate’s cultural heritage and restore old neighbourhoods.
  • Streamline legal and regulatory framework and support for the real estate sector.

All this is expected to produce the following outcomes by 2040:

  • The number of green and recreational areas will double.
  • Urban and rural natural areas will make up 60% of Dubai’s total area.
  • Several green corridors will be created between the commercial, business, and residential areas with the complexes of apartments and villas in Dubai.
  • A wide network of roads and areas for walking, cycling and other personal non-motor transport will be created throughout the city.
  • The number of hotels and places to attract tourists will increase by 134%, while the area of commercial zones will expand by 168 square kilometres.
  • The area for education and health facilities will increase by 25%.
  • The length of public beaches will increase by 400%.

Under the Plan, the mass use of public transport, walking areas, and bicycle roads will be promoted.

The strategic development plan maps out the city’s future development by combined efforts of major private companies and government authorities, and aims to make the process transparent and efficient.

Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan: What will the city look like in 16 years?

Details of the plan

Let’s look at the major goals’ details.

Development of Deira and Bur Dubai

Earlier, Deira and Bur Dubai were the central areas in Dubai; however, with brand-new residential, commercial and tourist areas emerging in the property market, the old ones gradually lost their popularity. As part of the Plan, there are intentions to transform the communities into historical centres of Dubai, preserving the emirate’s cultural heritage and authenticity.

Economic development and population growth

Under the 2040 Plan, the permanent population is projected to grow to 5.8 million.

In 2022, Dubai ranked second in the top 10 best cities in the world for expatriates. The population of the emirate reached 3.55 million people and continues to grow. The UAE government is actively working to attract investors, easing conditions, for example, for obtaining golden residence visas. Permanent relocation to Dubai consistently interests potential expatriates who wish to live in a safe and highly developed metropolis.

The economy of the United Arab Emirates is steadily growing. The pandemic year of 2020 was an exception, after which the country quickly recovered. In 2021, the GDP growth of the UAE was 4.4%, and in 2022, it was 7.9%.

Transport network and urban infrastructure development

As part of this goal, the Plan envisions creating such a transportation infrastructure that will allow 55% of the population to live no further than 800 metres away from the city’s public transport stations.

The emirate’s government strives to create the most extensive and convenient public transportation system. The Plan is focused on improving the quality of life in the city and creating an environment that is pedestrian and passenger-friendly for those who do not use personal cars.

Focus on environment sustainability and healthcare

The Plan’s deliverables include increasing the number of green zones and recreational spaces by 105%.

A special focus is placed on the creation of green areas near all residential projects, accessible by every Dubai resident.

The Plan also outlines accessibility of medical centres, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and facilities for maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also crucial.

As part of the greening initiative, an additional goal is the development of new waste collection and disposal methods. The Plan includes the implementation of innovative construction materials to reduce emissions of harmful substances.

It is particularly noted that expatriates are conscientious in choosing real estate—villas, townhouses, apartments in Dubai—and are interested in eco-friendly communities. Therefore, the Plan places significant emphasis on greening areas designed to attract foreigners.

Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan: What will the city look like in 16 years?

Conclusion

This is what Dubai is seen to become in 16 years.

A place that revitalises its old neighbourhoods while preserving its cultural significance.

A metropolis that develops urban ergonomics and promotes its environmental sustainability.

A city that puts individual well-being, health, and convenience first, while developing large-scale development projects.

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