Emirates Airline has signed an agreement with Dubai Investments Park to develop a new purpose-built Cabin Crew Village, as the airline prepares for long-term growth and its future move to Al Maktoum International Airport.
The project will be built on land at Dubai Investments Park under a long-term lease and is expected to accommodate up to 12,000 cabin crew members.
Land agreement signed
The agreement was signed by Ali Mubarak Al Soori, Emirates’ Chief Procurement & Facilities Officer, and Khalid Bin Kalban, Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Investments, in the presence of senior executives from both organisations.
The development represents a multi-billion-dirham investment by Emirates.
Construction timeline
Groundbreaking is planned for the second quarter of 2026. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2029.
The Cabin Crew Village will include 20 residential buildings, each rising 19 floors, offering one, two and three-bedroom apartments designed to meet the needs of airline crew.
Housing details
According to Emirates, the community will be developed as a mixed-use residential destination, with each building featuring dedicated facilities for residents.
The wider development will include a central hub with retail outlets, restaurants, fitness facilities, clinics, parks and shared public spaces.
Walking trails, landscaped areas, green spaces and resort-style swimming pools will also form part of the master plan.
Emirates statement
Ali Mubarak Al Soori, Emirates’ Chief Procurement & Facilities Officer, said: “Our cabin crew are central to the experience Emirates delivers to customers. This investment is part of our broader commitment to supporting their wellbeing by offering living spaces designed around their needs and lifestyles. The Cabin Crew Village will provide everything our crew need within a single, thoughtfully planned development, with convenient access to everyday essentials, leisure facilities and communal spaces that foster a strong sense of community. The Cabin Crew Village also represents a strategic investment in Emirates’ future, supporting our transition plans to Al Maktoum International and continued growth in the years ahead.”
DIP perspective
Omar Al Mesmar, General Manager of Dubai Investments Park, said the partnership reflects confidence in the area’s infrastructure and long-term vision.
“Dubai Investments Park has evolved into a destination where global enterprises can bring ambitious projects to life within a fully integrated and future-ready environment. DIP’s collaboration with Emirates reflects the confidence that leading organisations place in its infrastructure and regulatory ecosystem and further reinforces its position as a hub for visionary investment. This development will enrich DIP’s dynamic community, supporting Dubai’s continued rise as a global centre for business and opportunity. DIP remains committed to enabling partnerships that create meaningful, long-term value for the emirate.”
Strategic location
The Cabin Crew Village will be located between Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central, supporting Emirates’ current operations and its planned transition to Al Maktoum International Airport. The location is intended to provide convenient access while supporting the airline’s long-term operational strategy.
