Meraas has announced an expanded residential masterplan for Dubai Design District (d3), marking a major shift toward canal-front living and mixed-use urban development in one of the city’s key creative hubs.
The update aims to turn d3 into a fully integrated waterfront neighbourhood combining homes, workspaces, cultural venues and public areas.
Masterplan expansion
Meraas, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said the enhanced masterplan will cover 18 million sqft of land between Downtown Dubai and Dubai Creek. The district is planned to include residential buildings, retail outlets, hospitality projects and cultural spaces, with an emphasis on walkability and public green areas.
The expansion comes amid rising demand for design-led residential communities, particularly in well-connected waterfront locations, according to the developer.
Design-focused layout
A central feature of the plan is the Design Line, a shaded pedestrian corridor linking different parts of the district. The route will include public art, landscaped areas and community spaces, aimed at supporting car-free movement across d3.
The masterplan is targeting LEED Silver community certification and includes plans for sustainable mobility, energy-efficient design and visual connections to Dubai Creek and the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
Five district zones
The neighbourhood will be divided into five areas. The canal-front zone will feature residential buildings and boutique hospitality alongside a waterfront promenade. The urban core will combine homes with retail and dining options linked to d3’s existing creative businesses.
Another area will focus on cultural activity, with performance venues and mid-rise residences overlooking the d3 Bowl. A separate zone will be centred on wellness, offering parks, sports facilities and landscaped surroundings. The final area will include galleries, studios and loft-style spaces intended for creative work and collaboration.
Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said: “Expanding the Dubai Design District masterplan into a fully integrated creative neighbourhood is a significant step in advancing the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This development strengthens Dubai Design District’s position as a global benchmark for design-focused urban living and reaffirms Dubai’s status as a destination of choice for long-term investment, talent and innovation.”
Meraas said interest in residential projects at d3 has remained strong. Recent launches include Atelis, a 280-unit waterfront tower that sold out quickly, and The Edit, a three-tower project comprising 557 residential units.
The expanded masterplan is expected to further position Dubai Design District as a key location for residential living within the city’s creative economy.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
