Dubai 2040 Master Plan

Vision The Future of One of the World's Most Ambitious Cities

Dubaihas not long been profiled only as a city of luxury and high-rise buildings. In 2021, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented a strategic plan that will change not only the appearance of the city, but also the way of life of its inhabitants.

What is it Dubai 2040 Master Plan?

In short, it is a long-term strategy that grants the direction in which the city will develop over the next two decades. It is the seventh plan of its kind since the 1960s and follows the rapid growth of the city, which is currently inhabited by approximately 3.3 million people. The objective is to increase this number up to 7.8 million by 2040 and, of course, with great emphasis on quality of life, accessibility of services, sustainability and the development of cultural, health and educational centers.

Main objectives project

The Dubai 2040 Master Plan has a number of specific and ambitious goals:

• Increase the share of greenery and recreation areas - green spaces are to be more than doubled, with up to 60% of the territory dedicated to nature and recreation.
• Increase the accessibility of public transport - the goal is for the majority of the population to live within walking distance of public transport stops.
• Promote an active and healthy lifestyle through parks, bike paths and wellness centers.
• Ensure affordable housing and amenities for all population groups — including students, seniors and young families.
• Protect cultural and historical heritage - especially by revitalizing historic neighborhoods like Deira and Al Fahidi.
• Promote innovative economic zones and business environments.

Migration of talent

One of the main intentions of the plan is to attract highly qualified professionals and digital nomads. Dubai already offers the so-called. Golden Visa- long-term visas for investors, entrepreneurs, researchers and creatives. The new plan directly calculates this benefit and extends it to new areas such as creative neighborhoods, technology incubators and modern coworking spaces.

What is the expected impact on the real estate market and investment?

For investors, this plan is extremely attractive. This is because it represents long-term stability and predictable development, which are factors that reduce the risk of investment.

• The city plans to build thousands of new housing units to cover expected population growth.
• Thanks to the new zoning, new real estate opportunities will arise in areas such as Expo City or Dubai South.
• More transparent rules and infrastructure development increase the confidence of foreign investors.

In addition, the demand for rental in locations close to transport hubs, work zones and educational centers is increasing. For the real estate market, this is a clear signal of growth.

How does the plan affect the daily life and well-being of residents?

Increasing the proportion of greenery and creating “pedestrian zones” has a direct impact on the psychological well-being of residents. Many studies show that living in a green environment reduces stress, increases satisfaction and even productivity. In this way, Dubai does not just want to “grow”, but especially to soften its pace and make the city more human.

The effect of the “15-minute city”

The concept of a 15-minute city means that everything a person needs, such as work, school, shop, park, health services, should be available within 15 minutes on foot or by bike. Dubai implements this concept with the help of so-called superblocks - urban areas that combine housing, services and recreation in a single whole.

This not only reduces traffic loads and emissions, but also promotes a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Dubai as a model for the future of the world's metropolises

Dubai 2040 Master Plan makes of the city Laboratory of the Urban Future. Thanks to technology, sustainability, quality planning and the courage to change things from the ground up, Dubai is becoming a role model for cities like Singapore, Riyadh and various parts of China.

It is a plan that looks not only at concrete, but especially at human. This is its strength and the reason why the world looks at Dubai with respect.