Dubai South

Dubai South, initially known as Dubai World Central, is the largest single planned urban development project in Dubai¹. The project focuses on creating an aviation and logistics ecosystem around the new Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA)², as “a vibrant and working community”³. The vision of the project is “to be a prime catalyst contributing to the economy through excellence in aviation, logistics and real-estate products and services” ⁴. The project is part of the Dubai Plan 2021, reflecting the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Ruler of Dubai⁵.

To implement the project’s vision, a master covering an area of 145 square kilometers was proposed. The design of the masterplan revolves around the new AMIA airport, which is poised to be the world’s largest airport upon completion⁶. The master plan features several integrated districts connected with a network of smart infrastructure, including:

• Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA)⁷;
• The Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub, the region’s first dedicated free zone for aviation and aerospace⁸;
• Dubai South Logistic District, an 18 square kilometer area which aims to “provide leading solutions to the global supply chain system” ⁹;
• The Business Park, comprising 11 modern buildings offering a versatile range of office spaces¹⁰;
• The Residential District, feature a broad range of freehold properties including South Bay ⁱ, with 1000 luxurious villas and residences¹¹; The Pulse, an urban mixed-use development that comprises 1,400 apartments and townhouses; Sakany, Dubai South’s first leasehold staff accommodation; and JV Developments, a joint venture between Dubai South and Emaar that will be home to 4,500 residents¹²;
• The Exhibition District, a 4.38 square kilometer district area home to the Expo City (previously Dubai Expo 2020)¹³;
• The Golf District ⁱⁱ, comprising high-end residential development built around a world-class golf course¹⁴;
• The Humanitarian District for emergency response and relief operations¹⁵.

Here, the economic activities strive to generate 750,000 jobs (including those at the airport) ¹⁶ and boost Dubai’s global economic status, which in turn seeks to directly impact the city’s aviation, hospitality, and recreation industries and indirectly influence commerce and construction sectors¹⁷. The mixed use planning with public spaces and facilities aspire to attract an expected resident population of 950,000¹⁸, making Dubai South a lifestyle destination for businesses, tourists, visitors and residents alike¹⁹.

The project was initiated by the Government of Dubai in 2006²⁰. The Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC), under the Government of Dubai, is the project’s regulatory body and responsible for its implementation^{21 iii}. Dar al Hadassah was reportedly awarded the design of the masterplan and the design and supervision of the passenger terminal building and other landside areas²². Several leading international contractors and developers are involved in various aspects of the project^iv.

The project has been under implementation over several phases. The first phase involves the development of infrastructure and initial establishments, including the $33 billion airport project²³. Following phases: Expansion of residential and commercial facilities, to reach its full operational capacity in all sectors, with a design population of up to one million people²⁴. The Al Maktoum International Airport began operating cargo flights in 2010 and passenger flights in 2013. When complete, the airport will be capable of transporting 220 million passengers and 16 million tons of cargo annually²⁵. It is worth noting that RTA buses operate daily to Dubai South, and the district will be served by Dubai Metro and Etihad Rail in the future ²⁶.