Dubai’s urban masterplan: How will Dubai look in 2040?

It's not uncommon that Dubai, the dazzling metropolis, has become synonymous with innovation, ambition, and architectural marvels.

From the iconic Burj Khalifa to the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai has continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible. As we look ahead to the city’s urban masterplan set for 2040, it's intriguing to ponder how this city of dreams will continue to evolve.

And we’ve got just the scoop on all the great projects and interesting records Dubai is set to break by 2040, so let’s get right into it…

Population growth wave:

This comes as no surprise, one of the city’s famous goals for their urban master plan was to achieve a population goal of 5.8 million residents. And as per the first half of 2023, we are on track to hit that mark as residents in Dubai grew by 50,000 in the first six months of 2023.

Back when the city was first discovered in the 1960s, the population was a mere 40,000 residents, flash forward to 2023, we have 3.6 million residents which is 90 times what it was in 1960.

Dubai’s off-plan market has skyrocketed since the population increase and is set to bring in more developments.

New nature reserves:

Dubai’s urban master plan aims to have 60% of the city covered in nature reserves. As the population increases, so would the wave of properties and developments - but Dubai is far from turning into a concrete jungle.

The city’s aim to build nature reserves is in full swing with sustainable developments, green corridors, nature reserves and rural natural areas. Its green areas will increase by 105%, while public beaches will be extended by 400%.

Air taxis:

Travelling in style couldn’t get any cooler than this.

Dubai aims to implement four vertiports for residents to fly around in the air taxis by 2026. The project aims to roll out a new mobility service driven by pioneering technology to ease the mobility of individuals across urban areas in a safe, smooth and sustainable manner integrated with the public transport network in Dubai.

Imagine flying to work, or to brunch - how exciting!

Hatta’s redevelopment plan:

Hatta, which is on the outskirts of Dubai is set to go into a major redevelopment as the mountain enclave is being developed into a year-round tourist destination. Among the key projects is the Hatta Waterfalls, a green haven of four oases linked with bridges crossing the water canal.

What’s more - residents can expect cable cars to soar over the beautiful mountain enclave. It's a 5.4km stretch that transports visitors to the highest natural summit in Dubai: Umm Al Nesoor. The cable car route also passes over the Hatta Dam and the upper dam lakes!

Countryside redevelopment:

The vast areas of Dubai that still remain untouched in the countryside are set to go into major redevelopment.

Areas such as Lehbab, Margham, Al Marmoom, Al Lisaili, Al Faqaa and Al Aweer will all go into redevelopment as part of Dubai’s Countryside and Rural Areas Development Master Plan.

The plan is to turn these locations into key tourist destinations, with their natural reserves and archaeological sites protected.

Dubai’s beach development plan:

How does 105 km of sea, sun and fun sound?

Dubai’s newest plan includes developing 105 km of beaches around the city; this news came after the development of Palm Jebel Ali was announced.

Dubai currently has 21 km of beaches, and are expecting to increase it by five times. Residents can expect walkways, mangroves, water sports, walking and cycling tracks, and rest areas.

This is great news as more beaches come in, the property market will see a boost too!

Sounds great, doesn’t it?

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