A glimpse of what Dubai is going to look like in the next 10 years…
Though Dubai (and the UAE) is just 54 years old, it has come a long way, transforming from a desert to the glittering city it is today. And it is showing no signs of stopping, constantly announcing new megaprojects that will only further solidify its position in the world.
There’s the much-awaited Etihad Rail, the Dubai Metro expansion, plenty of upcoming skyscrapers and much more; however…
Umm Suqeim Beach
The Umm Suqeim Beach megaproject will focus on a 3.1 kilometre swathe of glimmering beach real estate from the Burj Al Arab to Kite Beach.
Dubai Mangroves
Dubai Mangroves, if approved, will be the worldâs largest coastal regeneration spanning 72km.
New footage shows beach villas on Dubai’s Palm Jebel Ali island taking shape
New footage shows beach villas on Dubai’s Palm Jebel Ali island taking shape
The Island by Wasl
Orignal plans for this island included a casino, but it will now include 1,400 hotel rooms from the MGM Grand, Bellagio and Aria brands.
Hatta Beach
This megaproject will stretch across a 10,000 square metre expanse, bordered by a rich melange of leisure facilities.
Jebel Ali Beach
This new beach project will be the longest public open beach in Dubai measuring 6.6km
Dubai Islands
This five-island development will redefine the concept of waterfront living with each island offering up something unique. It will be home to over 80 resorts and hotels.
The World Islands
After more than a decade of being dormant, thereâs now lots of movement at this offshore archipelago, with megaprojects popping up across the islands.
These 8 megaprojects will truly change the face of Dubai
Umm Suqeim Beach
The Umm Suqeim Beach Master Plan is the city’s latest megaproject approved by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE.
The project will focus on a 3.1 kilometre swathe of glimmering beach real estate from the Burj Al Arab to Kite Beach. The project will add an additional 30 per cent in total beach area and developable spaces and will include a 38-metre-tall observation tower, a nod to the emirate’s proud seafaring heritage. Additionally, there will be new kids’ playgrounds, a whale sculpture and other artful attractions. Read more here.
Palm Jebel Ali
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, unveiled the master plan of Palm Jebel Ali in 2023. The new mega project will be twice the size of Palm Jumeirah, spread over some 13.4 square kilometres. With seven connected islands, Palm Jebel Ali will be home to no less than 80 new hotels and resorts. The latest official update was a video taken from the skies of the Palm Jebel Ali taking shape with multiple fronds, villa shells, new roads and… of course, cranes. You can view the video below:
A completion date for Palm Jebel Ali has yet to be revealed, but we are keeping our eyes on it.
Dubai Mangroves
Spearheaded by URB, the same team behind The Loop, the Dubai Mangroves (if officially approved) will be a groundbreaking initiative striving to plant over 100 million mangrove trees spanning 72 kilometres of coastline. The project will include various edutainment assets such as the Mangrove Visitor Hub, a botanical museum, and a Nature Reserve Conservation Center. The activities will include guided nature walks, educational programmes, and conservation activities.
The Island by Wasl
First announced back in 2017, not much has been said about the development of The Island, located close to the Burj Al Arab, in recent years. However, according to Meed, developer Wasl awarded a contract for the construction of the island in November 2023, reconfirming that the project is still in the pipeline. As per Meed, Wasl has appointed China State Construction Engineering Corporation to build The Island in an estimated USD1.2 billion (Dhs4.4 billion) deal.
Hatta Beach
Hatta, the popular exclave in Dubai, has several megaprojects coming up, the latest of which was approved in January 2024 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. The ‘Hatta Beach’ development will include a human-engineered Hatta Beach ‘Crystal Lagoon’ system that will stretch across a 10,000 square meter expanse, bordered by a rich mélange of leisure facilities.
Other developments on the Hatta Master Development Plan include the development of eco-friendly hotels and luxury resorts; cable cars (which will take a scenic route over Hatta Dam); hiking trails; biking trails; enhancing UNESCO World Heritage; Hatta Souq – which will be home to 70 commercial units; the residential and commercial development of Hatta downtown; new attractions at Hatta Heritage Village; and more.
Oh, and if you didn’t know, the sustainable waterfall opened in December 2024.
Jebel Ali Beach
The Jebel Ali Beach megaproject was signed off by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, which will make a sandy stretch in the south of the emirate the longest public open beach in Dubai at 6.6km. The new redeveloped space will include viewing platforms, recreational and service areas for beachgoers of all ages, including sports and marine activity areas, and more.
Read more about the project here.
Dubai Islands
Remember Deira Islands? In August 2022 master developer Nakheel revealed that this megaproject off the coast of Deira will be renamed Dubai Islands, with 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.
There’s already a Riu, Centara, and Sea Point hotel on the island, with plans in place to also add a Rixos hotel and residences. It also features 20 kilometres of beaches, including a Blue Flag-certified beach – a recognised award given to beaches for following a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria.
The World Islands
The World Islands was another ultra-ambitious island project launched back in 2008. After a decade of being dormant, there’s now lots of movement at this offshore archipelago, with megaprojects popping up across the islands.
You can already check in to Thai-born luxury hotel brand Anantara’s dreamy resort and voco Monaco Dubai (previously Cote D’Azur Monaco). And recently, voco Dubai Nice opened its doors – the first adults-only hotel styled around the French Riviera theme. On this same island, you’ll also find ‘the raining street’, the biggest swimming pool in the Middle East, and an additional selection of soon-to-open hotels, all designed to bring European charm to Dubai.
There’s also Sweden Beach Palace – an exclusive private island for exclusive events, from weddings to corporate retreats, brand launches and milestone events.
Dubai-based Amali Properties also unveiled plans for Amali Island – a dreamy private island nestled within the prestigious World Islands archipelago megaproject. The iconic new residential address is set to be a millionaire’s playground and promises to be “Dubai’s first true residential sail-in sail-out experience”. Read more about this property here.
Also opening its doors very soon will be Zuha Island, from the creators of Abu Dhabi’s amazing Zaya resort. The private island will be home to a collection of just 30 six-bedroom residential villas, plus a boutique retreat complete with 70 villas with private pools, a beach club and a serene spa and healing centre. A resort will also open in 2026, so you can still enjoy an island getaway.
Images: Dubai Media Office and WAM
