Another Look at Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan

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Dubai has always been known for its ambitious and futuristic projects, and its vision for Dubai 2040 is no exception. From flying taxis to smart cities, and a focus on happiness and innovation, this guide will take you on a journey through the exciting projects and initiatives that will shape Dubai into the borderline utopian society it is envisioned to become. And yes, Dubai is genuinely aiming to become the best in everything imaginable – and is actually succeeding in doing so. Get ready to explore the future of this dynamic city like never before.

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What will happen to Dubai in 2040?

In 2040, Dubai will be enveloped in greenery and park spaces, transportation will be more effective due to the advent of sky trains and flying vehicles, and the overall quality of life will be better. All of this is thanks to the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan which is already in motion. Read on to find out more about this ambitious plan.

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Dubai 2040

In March of 2021, the Dubai 2040 Urban Masterplan was announced as onlookers gasped in disbelief at the end goal that the project had at its crosshairs. 

Here’s a breakdown of the bold plan which will completely transform everything about Dubai.

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What Is The Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040?

Dubai 2040 is a comprehensive look into what Dubai will look like in the near future, specifically in the year 2040. The plan aims to meet sustainability requirements in urban development all over the emirate and guarantee the best quality of life for citizens, residents, and visitors alike.

Launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the plan aims to transform Dubai into a sustainable and interconnected city that balances community with tourism, heritage, and nature.

The plan focuses on using already existing spaces within city limits and doubles down on developing urban areas. Key highlights of the plan include the development of five main urban areas, expanding educational spaces, health facilities, hotels, and tourism attractions. 

The plan also seeks to increase the prevalence of commercial, industrial, and economic activity areas. Henceforth, the plan will also attract giant sums of foreign investments to new local sectors due to the evermore conducive business environment it will foster.  

Why Dubai 2040?

Dubai’s economy is becoming ever more dependent on tourism, projects like Dubai 2040 will position Dubai as a global leader and exponentially increase its returns from tourism and foreign investment. 

The project’s main goal is to make Dubai the most desired place to live globally. This will be done by improving resource use efficiency, creating a healthy commercial ecosystem, developing inclusive communities, doubling greenery and leisure areas, and pretty much making life an absolute breeze for everyone. 

Dubai 2040 also emphasizes environmental sustainability, preserving cultural and urban heritage. This is another pivot point the emirate is using in promoting itself as a cultural icon in the world of tourism.

A hierarchy of communities based on population will be introduced in 2040. With each area having access to necessary facilities and services, real estate prices are expected to rise, this is stimulating a swarm of increasing real estate investments in the emirate as investors attempt to fill their portfolio with Emirati properties before prices begin to rise also another factor that will contribute to the economy of Dubai. Additionally, the plan aims to enhance interconnectivity by ensuring that most living quarters are within close proximity to public transport stations. The aforementioned sky trains and new transportation networks will be built to aid in this endeavor.

Finally, the plan places a strong emphasis on increasing green areas, with 60% of the emirate designated as nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan also includes initiatives to develop the Hatta region, promote Emirati housing with high standards and diverse solutions, and reserve strategic land banks for future housing needs. The plan envisions a comprehensive approach to sustainable urban development, fostering a high quality of life for residents while accommodating Dubai’s projected population growth over the next two decades.

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Dubai Hatta Development

What will the population of Dubai be in 2040?

After the completion of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the population of Dubai is expected to reach 5.8 million people, which is almost double of the current population of the city in 2023, which is 3.6 million.

What Does The Plan Entail?

The massive plan has a detailed strategy, that seeks to enhance the economy of Dubai and aid in positioning it as the number one global destination. Here are the main takeaways for Dubai 2040 vision:

  • Dubai’s urban districts will see great development with new projects focusing on health, safety, and inclusion.
  • Resources will be utilized in an efficient and non-exessive manner to accomplish a green approach.
  • A total of 60% of the entire area of Dubai will be dedicated to nature reserves and natural spaces. 
  • Public parks will double up in quantity. 
  • Hotels and tourist-dedicated areas will increase by 134% come 2040. 
  • The area for commercial services in Dubai will be extended by an additional 168 sq km of land.
  • Sustainable mobility in Dubai will be developed tremendously by connecting communities to service areas; this will include sky trains as well as bicycle lanes.
  • The land dedicated to education and health services and facilities will increase by 25%. 
  • Public beaches will have a huge upgrade by 2040 with an increase in total length of 400%.
  • A legislation and planning governance model will be developed in order to support sustainable development.
  • The Hatta Development Plan is part of Dubai 2040, which includes promoting tourism to Dubai’s favorite destination for outdoor activities and protecting its natural environment.

Which Areas Will Be Affected by the Dubai 2040 Plan?

The development plan will affect specific areas of the emirate, namely they are:

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Dubai Downtown

What Are the Expected Achievements of the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040?

Here are the expected goals and achievements that will take place once the plan is complete: 

  • It is expected that as a result of the plan, the number of residents in Dubai will reach 5.8 million (increasing from 3.6 million in 2023).
  • Furthermore, the daytime population (or the people currently in an area regardless of whether they are residents or not) will reach 7.8 million in 2040. This is compared to 4.5 million in 2020.
  • An economic boom will be experienced attracting foreign investors to many local industries.
  • The Dubai 2040 sustainability plan encourages much more sustainable housing complexes in future projects which will attract more green-conscious residents to Dubai and enlist the UAE as one of the countries combatting climate change.
  • The famous urban districts of Dubai that have symbolized the emirate’s heritage and culture will be protected and decorated.

What Projects Were Included In Previous Urban Master Plans In Dubai?

Dubai 2040 is the 7th urban master plan in Dubai. Here’s a glimpse at the iconic projects from previous plans:

  • Plan 1 (1960): Al Maktoum Bridge and Dubai International Airport. 
  • Plan 2 (1971): Jebel Ali Port and Dubai World Trade Centre. 
  • Plan 3 (1985): Emirates Airlines and Jebel Ali Free Zone.
  • Plan 4 (1995): DIFC, Palm Jumeirah, and Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre. 
  • Plan 5 (2008): Dubai Metro, Al Maktoum Airport, and Dubai International Airport Terminal 3.
  • Plan 6 (2012): Dubai Water Canal, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, and Museum of the Future launch. 
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The future is looking as bright as ever for Dubai. With a plan of this magnitude, the road is paved for Dubai to cement its place as the best city on the planet.

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Gravity Real Estate is a leading real estate consultancy in Abu Dhabi that has been around for over a decade. With expert agents spread across every corner of Abu Dhabi and tight connections with the leading developers, there isn’t a real estate situation we cannot aid with.

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