From the development of entire islands to the complete overhaul of the city’s coastline, Dubai’s project pipeline is booked and busy.

Dubai is widely recognized as one of the most innovative and rapidly developing cities in the world. Its impressive skyline, modern infrastructure, and luxurious amenities are a testament to the city’s commitment to progress and growth.

From the development of entire islands to the complete overhaul of the city’s coastline, Dubai is at the forefront of pioneering and ambitious megaprojects. Here are eight upcoming Dubai megaprojects that are poised to transform the city’s landscape.

Top projects you need to look out for in Dubai

1. Dubai Islands

Formerly known as Deira Islands, in August 2022 master developer Nakheel revealed that this project off the coast of Deira will now be known as Dubai Islands. There are huge plans to transform the five-island development into a space that will redefine the concept of waterfront living.

Each island will offer up something unique from innovative living experiences to cultural hubs, recreational sports beaches and beach clubs. The islands will be home to over 80 resorts and hotels.

According to Nakheel, this includes ‘luxury and wellness resorts, boutique, family and eco-conscious hotels’ – all of which will help support Dubai’s tourism and hospitality drive. It will also include 20 kilometers of beaches including a Blue Flag-certified beach – a recognized award given to beaches for following a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria.

2. Urban Tech District

Another futuristic development by URB, Dubai Urban Tech District will be developed on the banks of the creek in Al Jaddaf. Described by URB as a ‘living laboratory,’ this mini-city-within-a-city will be at the forefront of green urban tech and innovation.

Spread over a 140,000 square meter space, it will create 4,000 jobs in its field, and come complete with facilities for conferences, training, research, seminars, and business incubation. Additional facilities will include shared offices and restaurants.

As part of the commitment to a greener future, the building will offset all its embodied carbon emissions from construction & operation.

3. Palm Jebel Ali

Although there has been no confirmation from Nakheel, the company responsible for the famous Palm Jumeirah development, there are reports indicating that the Palm Jebel Ali, which was suspended in 2009, may be revisited.

This comes after Dubai’s real estate market experienced a significant rebound in recent years, indicating that there may be significant news regarding this large island in the near future.

The second palm-shaped island in the city is approximately 50% larger than the first, and its initial plans included six marinas, a water theme park, and a “Sea Village,” which would feature homes built over the water.

4. The Loop

Dubai is set to introduce an innovative 93km climate-controlled urban highway called The Loop by 2040, which will serve as a sustainable and zero-emissions transport system, featuring eco-friendly technologies, urban agriculture, parks, and other amenities for the community.

This project aims to create a walkable and cyclable city, providing residents with a year-round comfortable experience while reducing carbon emissions. The Loop is expected to be the primary mode of transportation for over 80% of Dubai’s inhabitants, promoting wellness and leisure activities while also bringing communities together.

Additionally, the project will contribute to food security by incorporating vertical farming and lush parks. Sustainability is the core concept of the Loop, which employs state-of-the-art environmentally friendly technology, including renewable kinetic energy flooring and recycled water for irrigation purposes.

5. The World Islands

The World Islands is an ambitious offshore archipelago project that was launched in 2008. After over a decade of being dormant, the islands are now witnessing significant development, with several megaprojects emerging across them.

Located a short 15-minute boat ride from Dubai, visitors can now access the Thai-based Anantara hotel resort, which opened in December 2021 on the southernmost island of the World Islands.

Elsewhere, the Heart of Europe archipelago consisting of six islands is progressing well, with the Cote D’Azur Monaco, the first of fifteen hotels, now welcoming guests. The island also boasts the largest swimming pool in the Middle East and an array of upcoming European-inspired hotels.

In 2025, Zuha Island, a private island with 30 six-bedroom residential villas, a boutique retreat with 70 private pool villas, a beach club, and a serene spa and healing center, will be added to the list of World Islands attractions, created by the masterminds behind Abu Dhabi’s Zaya resort

6. Expo City Mall

Set to open in 2024, the Expo City Mall will feature a large-scale offering of over 190 shops and F&B outlets. It will have a gross leasable area (GLA) of 385,000 square feet, making it one of Emaar’s smaller malls in the country. Nonetheless, it still stands as a reminder of the Expo 2020 legacy, making it a project work looking out for.

7. Port de La Mer

Inspired by popular Mediterranean architectural styles of Italy and Spain, Meraas Estates’ newest development, Port de La Mer will be a the newest seafront destination in Dubai.

Designed to be reached by both road and sea transportation, the master community comprises six plots which are segregated in terms of design and constructed in six different phases. The phases will have French names, such as La Cote, La Rive, Le Pont, La Voile, La Sirene, and Le Ciel, with all six being inspired by elements present within seaside living.

Considering the community is set to cover both land and water, Port de La Mer will be accessible by both road and sea transportation. The project is set to be completed in 2024.

8. Al-Maktoum Airport expansion

Reports have said that Dubai is contemplating the revival of its most extensive construction venture, the Al-Maktoum International airport expansion, also known as Dubai World Central (DWC).

The project, which initially began in June 2010 for cargo operations and expanded to include passengers in October 2013, cost $33 billion. The ultimate goal of the airport is to become the world’s largest airport by 2050 and have the capacity to accommodate up to 255 million passengers each year.

According to sources, the first stage of the project will enhance the airport’s capacity to accommodate 130 million passengers annually, and the entire development will cover an area of 56 km2.

9. Burj Binghatti