Launched on March 13 2021 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the ‘Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan’, is a comprehensive plan featuring the future of Dubai’s sustainable urban development.

The plan is in alignment with the country’s vision for the next 50 years by focusing on the enhancement of people’s happiness and quality of life. His Highness said, “Our strategic development plans are focused on creating the best possible environment and infrastructure to enhance the community’s happiness and well-being and support the fulfillment of the greatest human aspirations for both our citizens and people from around the world.

Drawing inspiration from global best practices and adapting them to local needs and requirements, we have created a development model that offers the best possible quality of life and creates the conditions for sustainable prosperity. Our goal is to create a truly inclusive environment that not only meets the needs of Dubai’s diverse population but also inspires them to tap into their creative and innovative capacities and realize their true potential.”

Over the coming 20 years, Dubai’s population is expected to increase to 5.8 million, from the current 3.3 million. The plan aims at reinforcing Dubai’s competitiveness as a global destination by offering a wide range of lifestyle and investment opportunities for citizens, residents, and visitors over the next 20 years. The Dubai 2040 Master Plan is designed in accordance with His Highness’ vision and aims to provide the highest standards of urban infrastructure and facilities.

The Dubai 2040 Master Plan

The plan is the seventh of its kind to be implemented in Dubai since 1960. The main highlights include:

• Development of five main urban areas
• Increase in spaces designated for educational and health facilities by 25%
• Expansion of areas for hotels and tourism by 134%
• Increase in areas used for commercial, industrial and economic activities to 168 Square Kilometres
• Increase the length of public beaches by 400%
• Natural reserves and natural areas will cover 68% of Dubai
• 55% of the emirate’s population will live within 800 meters of a main public transport station

The plan aims to improve Dubai’s quality of life and increase population densities around mass transit stations. Besides the physical plan, an urban planning law was also issued in order to support sustainable development and improvement in Dubai.

Five Major Zones

The Master Plan features five main urban areas with their own distinctive theme that supports economic growth, increased job opportunities, and lifestyle facilities that cater to the needs of different sections of the population. There will be two new zones and three existing and revitalized zones.

Existing Zones

• Deira & Bur Dubai: Historic areas that will throw light on Dubai’s tradition and heritage
• Downtown Dubai & Business Bay: The business and financial heart of Dubai
• Dubai Marina & JBR: The hospitality and leisure center of Dubai as well as an international and leisure hub

New Zones

• Expo 2021 Centre: Featuring affordable housing and a focal point for exhibitions, tourism, and logistic sectors.
• Dubai Silicon Oasis Centre: Science, technology, and knowledge hub to drive innovation and digital economy development and generate talent.

Hierarchy of Communities for the Dubai 2040 Master Plan

The Master Plan will construct areas that will enable all residents to enjoy access to facilities, services, and opportunities:

• Towns: They are the largest areas with populations of 1 million to 1.5 million. Five towns will be developed around each of the five urban areas.
• Multi-Sector: It is the second largest with a population of somewhere between 300,000 and 400,000.
• Sector:  The plan is to host populations between 70,000 and 125,000
• District: This will host populations between 20,000 and 30,000
• Community: Will host populations of 6,000 to 12,000
• Neighborhood: Will host populations from 2,000 to 4,000

Based on these levels, infrastructure and transit systems, energy and government services, and facilities such as hospitals, schools, service centers, and leisure centers will be provided across Dubai.

Transportation

The plan will also improve interconnectivity by ensuring that 55% of Dubai’s population will live within 800 meters of a main public transport station. There will also be a third airport that will be located near Dubai Silicon Oasis. Also, there will be more cycle lanes in Dubai in order to reduce traffic and also encourage a healthier lifestyle.

A number of green corridors will link the service areas, residential areas, and workplaces, helping in the movement of pedestrians, bicycles, and sustainable mobility across Dubai.

Beaches & Parks

The Urban Plans also focus on increasing the green areas across the emirate, with 60% of the emirate making up for wildlife sanctuaries and natural rural areas. Dubai will also welcome a dozen of new beaches and 8 million square meters of green spaces, which will cost more than AED 2.5 Billion (USD 680 Million).

Hatta Development

Developing Hatta is a part of Dubai’s wider plan. It aims to enhance the area’s natural and tourist attractions and protect its environment.

Hatta will feature a sustainable hydroelectric power plant, offer the people of the area the opportunity to help promote tourism, and preserve its natural beauty. All of this is to increase tourism and agricultural contribution to the region’s GDP by 32%. The plan is also to design 78% of Hatta in a way to conserve reserves.

Emirati Housing

The plan will host Homes for Emiratis, in communities featuring green spaces, commercial centers, and recreational facilities. The plan will also revitalize the old Emirati Housing Districts. It will also offer integrated townhouse-style complexes as well as multi-storeyed units.

The Dubai 2040 Master Plan to Benefit Residents

Dubai is providing its residents and citizens with every possible solution that makes their living in the city hassle-free, entertaining, and comfortable. As one of the strongest-performing cities globally, Dubai is gaining massive interest from investors and end-users across the globe.

Hamptons International is an award-winning firm functioning in all major freehold communities in Dubai, offering a wide property portfolio to choose your dream home. From the best vicinity for your children to a corporate office that’s strategically located to offer the utmost convenience, we boast a huge selection.

To know more, dial 800 HAMPTONS (42678667).

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