The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan is a comprehensive future map for the city’s sustainable urban development, which once completed will make it the world’s best city to live in. Aligned with the UAE’s vision for the next 50 years, the new 20-year plan focuses on enhancing people’s happiness and quality of life.

The people-centric plan focuses on reinforcing Dubai’s competitiveness as a global destination by providing a diversity of lifestyle and investment opportunities for citizens, residents and visitors over the next 20 years.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, said the journey of development started by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum in the 1960s continues to guide Dubai’s evolution into a city that promotes the greatest human values and possibilities and an environment where people from around the world can thrive.

“With a clear vision and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in an evolving global environment, we continue to work to shape an even greater future rich with opportunities”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

“By constantly striving to raise benchmarks and implementing diligent strategic planning, we have joined the ranks of the world’s leaders in various spheres and sectors. With a clear vision and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in an evolving global environment, we continue to work to shape an even greater future rich with opportunities,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

What is the plan?

The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan is the seventh plan of its kind to be implemented in the emirate since 1960. From 40,000 in 1960, the population of Dubai has multiplied 80 times to 3.3 million by the end of 2020, with people from more than 200 nationalities now living peacefully and thriving in the city.

The plan focuses on upgrading Dubai’s urban areas and concentrates on development in five urban centres: Deira/Bur Dubai, Downtown/Business Bay, Dubai Marina/JBR, Expo 2020 area, and Dubai Silicon Oasis.

The highlights:

• Five main urban areas will be developed
• 60 per cent of Dubai will comprise nature reserves and natural areas
• 55 per cent of the population will live within 800 metres of a main public transport station
• Length of public beaches will increase by as much as 400 per cent
• Spaces designated for educational and health facilities will increase by 25 per cent
• Areas for hotels and tourism will be expanded by 134 per cent
• Areas used for commercial, industrial and economic activities will increase to 168 sq km

Enhanced quality of life

The plan is aligned with Dubai’s strategic economic priorities and the needs of the future. It seeks to provide sustainable means of intra-city travel, encourage greater economic activity, and attract foreign investments to new sectors. Other objectives include enhancing environmental sustainability, safeguarding the emirate’s cultural and urban heritage and developing comprehensive legislation and planning governance model.

The priorities:

• Improving the efficiency of resource utilisation;
• Developing vibrant, healthy and inclusive communities;
• Doubling green and leisure areas as well as public parks to provide a healthy environment for residents and visitors.

Five urban centres

The Dubai Urban Master Plan is focused on development and investment in five main urban centres (three existing and two new centres) that support the growth of economic sectors and increased job opportunities for its citizens and residents in addition to providing a wide range of lifestyle facilities.

The existing urban centres include:

1. Deira and Bur Dubai, historic areas that highlight the emirate’s tradition and heritage;
2. The business and financial heart of the city encompassing Downtown and Business Bay;
3. The hospitality and leisure centre encompassing the Dubai Marina and JBR that serves as an international tourism and leisure hub.

The two new centres include:

4. Expo 2020 Centre, an economic and growth hotspot featuring affordable housing and a focal point for the exhibitions, tourism and logistics sectors; and
5. Dubai Silicon Oasis Centre, a science and technology and knowledge hub that drives innovation, digital economy development and talent generation.

Access to facilities

The new plan’s approach will give all residents fair access to the city’s facilities, services and opportunities. Depending on the level of urbanisation, the plan defines a hierarchy of communities in the city.

• The emirate is the largest of them and includes five main ‘towns’ built around each of the five main urban centres with a population of 1 to 1.5 million each
• Next is the multi-sector with a population of between 300,000 and 400,000;
• The sector has a population of between 70,000 and 125,000;
• The district has a population of between 20,000 and 30,000;
• The community has a population of between 6,000 and 12,000;
• And finally the neighbourhood, with a population between 2,000 and 4,000.

Based on these levels, infrastructure and transit systems, energy and government services, and facilities such as hospitals, schools, service centres, and leisure centres will be provided across Dubai.

Population

Dubai’s population is expected to increase from 3.3 million in 2020 to 5.8 million by 2040, while the daytime population is set to increase from 4.5 million in 2020 to 7.8 million in 2040.

The master plan focuses on using available spaces within the city’s current limits and concentrating development in existing urban areas. Easily accessible integrated service centres will be set across the city to cater to the needs of all sections of the population. The plan seeks to raise the quality of living while increasing population densities around key mass transit stations.

Growth rooted in sustainability

Under the Plan, green and recreational spaces and areas dedicated to public parks will double in size to serve the growing number of residents and visitors. Nature reserves and rural natural areas will constitute 60 per cent of the emirate’s total area. Several green corridors will be established to link the service areas, residential areas and workplaces, facilitate the movement of pedestrians, bicycles, and sustainable mobility means across the city, in coordination with developers and government departments.

The land area used for hotels and tourist activities will increase by 134 per cent while that used for commercial activities will increase to 168 square kilometres. Dubai will continue to be a global hub for innovative start-ups, international corporations, and strategic investments. The Master Plan will also increase the land area allocated to education and health facilities by 25 per cent while the length of public beaches will increase by as much as 400 per cent in 2040 to increase the quality of life for residents and visitors.

Along with its Urban Master Plan 2040, Dubai will issue an integrated and flexible urban planning law that supports sustainable development and growth, taking into consideration the future aspirations of the emirate’s diverse population. The plan features a model for integrated governance of the urban planning system that streamlines the mutual relationships and responsibilities of all stakeholders.

The new plan will raise the efficiency of development and promote the optimal utilisation of the infrastructure by developing vacant urban spaces. The Master Plan aims to encourage mass transit use, walking, cycling and the use of flexible means of transportation, besides developing a comprehensive planning database to support decision-making and enhance transparency.

The Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040 integrates the Hatta Development Plan, which has created a framework for the comprehensive development of the area. The plan seeks to both develop and raise the profile of Hatta’s natural and tourism attractions, as well as protect its environment in partnership with the private sector. The Hatta Development Plan will offer people in the locality the opportunity to participate in efforts to promote tourism and preserve the natural beauty and identity of the area.

The plan also seeks to develop integrated sustainable housing complexes to meet the needs of citizens. The 2040 Urban Master Plan will develop integrated communities according to the highest planning standards, with green spaces, commercial centres and recreational facilities aimed at enhancing human well-being.