New business districts, better transport connections and fresh lifestyle destinations are shaping Dubai’s next chapter.
On 13 October 2026, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, highlighted approximately AED 2.1 trillion worth of projects underway across the emirate. The announcement reflects the scale of development across housing, transport, aviation, utilities and other key sectors. Read the announcement coverage.
For residents, these projects bring the prospect of more places to work, easier journeys and new ways to enjoy the city. Here are seven developments worth following.
DIFC Zabeel District: an expansion valued at over AED 100 billion
Dubai International Financial Centre is expanding through DIFC Zabeel District, a major development with an estimated gross development value exceeding AED 100 billion.
The plans combine offices, residences, hotels, retail, cultural venues and a purpose-built AI Campus. The expansion is intended to help DIFC accommodate more than 42,000 companies and 125,000 professionals.
Delivery is planned in six phases, with the first phase expected to open in 2030 and the masterplan scheduled for completion in 2040. For people looking to live close to Dubai’s financial centre, this is a significant long-term development to watch. Explore DIFC’s announcement.
Emaar South Golf Club: a new destination in Dubai South
Emaar South Golf Club opened on 5 October 2026, adding an 18-hole championship course to the Emaar South community.
Designed by European Golf Design, the course measures 7,278 yards from the black tees. Practice facilities include a driving range, chipping greens and putting greens.
Emaar’s opening announcement also lists a clubhouse with locker rooms, an E-Golf shop and a restaurant managed by Maison Mathis. Membership offerings and golf academy programmes are planned for future phases. The opening gives residents and visitors another place to play, meet and spend time outdoors in Dubai South. Read Emaar’s opening announcement.
BAY360: a new waterfront destination for JLT
Jumeirah Lakes Towers is set to welcome BAY360, a waterfront community destination by Sweid & Sweid, developed on part of Lake D while retaining most of the lake.
The announced plans include a 22,000 sq ft Spinneys supermarket, 13 dining outlets, 17 retail destinations, five rooftop padel courts and a 700-metre promenade. The development also includes wellness and medical facilities, landscaped public spaces and more than 300 underground parking spaces.
Improved pedestrian routes will strengthen connections between the waterfront, nearby clusters, the Metro and JLT Park. Following the appointment of McLaren Construction, the developer’s October update places scheduled completion in Q1 2028. Read the latest construction announcement.
Etihad Rail: Dubai joins the passenger network
Etihad Rail passenger services from Dubai began on 30 September 2026, creating new connections with Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
The launch timetable put journeys from Dubai at approximately 64 minutes to Abu Dhabi and 70 minutes to Fujairah. These are station-to-station times; passengers should check the current timetable when booking. See the launch service details.
Dubai’s Al Yalayis Station at Jumeirah Golf Estates is linked to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station by a 375-metre pedestrian bridge, opened on 16 October 2026. The connection makes it easier to combine intercity rail with journeys on Dubai’s Red Line. Read Etihad Rail’s bridge announcement.
Dubai Metro Gold Line: AED 34 billion for better connectivity
Dubai has approved approximately AED 34 billion for the Gold Line, its first fully underground Metro line. The planned route spans 42 kilometres and 18 stations, with opening scheduled for 9 September 2032.
Running from Al Ghubaiba to Jumeirah Golf Estates, the route will serve areas including Mina Rashid, City Walk, Business Bay, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Meydan and Jumeirah Village Circle.
Connections with the Red and Green lines, alongside planned links to Etihad Rail at Meydan and Jumeirah Golf Estates, will extend the range of journeys possible by public transport. View the RTA announcement.
AED 16 billion programme for roads and transport
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has a 2024–2027 programme covering 22 projects at a cost of AED 16 billion.
The programme includes improvements to major roads and junctions, new bridges and tunnels, and other transport initiatives. Named corridors include Latifa bint Hamdan Street, Al Mustaqbal Street, Umm Suqeim and Al Qudra streets, and Al Fay Street.
The work is designed to increase capacity and improve connections across the city as its communities grow. Explore the RTA programme.
Dubai Exhibition Centre: an AED 10 billion expansion
Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City is being expanded under an AED 10 billion masterplan.
The venue lists Phase 1 as completed, bringing event capacity to approximately 140,000 square metres, including permanent and adaptable temporary venues, with capacity for 50,000 visitors daily.
Further phases are planned to increase exhibition space to 180,000 square metres by 2031, alongside a hotel, retail, dining and commercial offices. The expansion is intended to create the region’s largest indoor, purpose-built events venue and strengthen Expo City’s role as a destination for international business. See the venue’s expansion plans.
What this means for life in Dubai
These developments show how Dubai is planning for growth across work, travel and leisure. Some amenities are already welcoming visitors, while larger transport and business projects will take shape over the coming years.
At Move In Dubai, we follow these changes to help clients understand the communities they are considering. Whether you are looking for a home near established amenities or exploring an emerging neighbourhood, local knowledge helps put the announcements into context.
Planning your next move? Speak to the Move In Dubai team about buying, renting or exploring Dubai’s communities.