Industry News & Insights

Dubai’s skyline is in a constant state of evolution, and watching the city reinvent itself never gets old. From global icons like the Burj Khalifa to Palm Jumeirah, Dubai has a long history of delivering headline-making developments.

Yet the most exciting chapter is still unfolding. A new wave of ambitious mega projects is on the horizon—some already under construction, others still evolving in design, scope, or timeline. Together, they promise to reshape the city’s future in remarkable ways.

Here are 14 major projects in Dubai that are still underway—and why they’re worth getting excited about.

First opened in 2010, Al Maktoum International Airport is set to become the largest airport in the world by passenger capacity. In 2024, Dubai confirmed its long-term expansion plans, which will ultimately allow the airport to handle up to 260 million passengers annually.

The development will transform Dubai South into a fully integrated aerotropolis, complete with new residential neighbourhoods and commercial districts. Once complete, the airport will be five times larger than DXB, featuring more than 400 aircraft gates, five parallel runways, five passenger terminals, and an underground rail system. Full completion is expected around 2050.

Initially envisioned to surpass the Burj Khalifa in height, Dubai Creek Tower has since undergone a redesign. Approved in 2024, the revised plans scale the project down, although final details remain under wraps.

Developed by Emaar Properties, the tower is intended to serve as the centrepiece of the upcoming Dubai Square development. While updates have been limited since 2024, the project remains a key element of Dubai Creek’s future skyline.

Dubai is set to welcome a floating cultural landmark on Dubai Creek. Unveiled in October, the Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA) will sit directly on the water and serve as both an exhibition space and an architectural statement.

Designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the museum will rise above the creek, blending contemporary art with minimalist design and innovative engineering.

Dubai Square is a vast mixed-use destination spanning 7.4 million square metres in Dubai Creek. Developed by Emaar, the project will include 10,000 homes, over 1,500 hotel rooms, a wildlife sanctuary, and a major retail district.

The development will also feature a next-generation mall designed for electric vehicles, AI-powered shopping experiences, and even drive-through retail. Completion is expected within three years.

Shaped like a world map, the World Islands project began in 2003 before construction slowed in 2008. Interest was reignited in 2014 with the launch of the Heart of Europe development.

Since then, the Anantara World Islands Resort opened in 2021, and additional attractions—including a rain-controlled street, luxury hotels, and themed island resorts—are planned. More developments are expected to follow, positioning the islands as a unique luxury destination.

Twice the size of Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali has remained largely undeveloped since construction paused in 2008. In 2023, plans were revived to transform the island into a major lifestyle destination.

Future plans include resorts, beach clubs, residential communities, and a dedicated celebration village. Spanning 13.4 kilometres with 110 kilometres of coastline, the island is expected to eventually house 35,000 families, with some properties scheduled for handover in 2027.

First announced in 2017, The Island is a luxury resort destination currently under construction off the coast of Jumeirah. While early rumours suggested it would host the UAE’s first casino, the project will proceed without gaming.

The development will feature iconic hotels including MGM, Bellagio, and Aria, alongside beachfront attractions, lagoons, dining venues, and a large entertainment complex. The project is expected to open in the second half of 2028.

The Future Loop is a climate-controlled walking route designed to connect 10 major locations in Dubai. Stretching 2 kilometres, it will link landmarks such as the Museum of the Future, DIFC, Emirates Towers, and Dubai World Trade Centre.

An architecturally striking bridge will form the centrepiece of the project, offering year-round, air-conditioned pedestrian access in the heart of the city.

Announced in 2024, Six Senses Dubai Marina is set to become the world’s tallest residential building once completed. The 122-storey tower will house 251 luxury residences with a strong focus on wellness.

Amenities include a crystal sound healing room, a 25-metre lap pool, and specially designed “Sleep With Six Senses” bedrooms featuring wellness wardrobes and sensory art. Completion is expected in 2028.

Therme Dubai will bring a large-scale wellness and leisure attraction to Zabeel Park. The Dhs2 billion development will include the world’s largest indoor botanical garden, an interactive park, and three dramatic 18-metre waterfalls.

Designed to welcome up to 1.7 million visitors annually, the 100-metre-tall structure will span 500,000 square feet and is scheduled to open in 2028.