Meraas unveils major Dubai Design District masterplan with new waterfront homes
Five distinct zones to blend homes, culture, wellness and creativity
DUBAI – Meraas, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has unveiled an expanded residential masterplan for Dubai Design District (d3), setting out plans to transform the area into a globally competitive, creative-led waterfront neighbourhood.
The vision introduces canal-front living, cultural destinations, landscaped public spaces and walkable streets within a fully integrated urban environment. The development aims to support a live-work-create lifestyle while strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for design, culture and innovation.
Strategically located between Downtown Dubai and Dubai Creek, the enhanced masterplan covers 18 million sqft of land. Designed and delivered by Meraas, the neighbourhood brings together residential, cultural, retail and hospitality elements, aligned with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
The residential expansion reflects growing market demand, following strong take-up at recent launches and rising interest from local and international buyers seeking design-led waterfront communities with strong connectivity.
Urban vision
A central feature of the masterplan is the Design Line, a fully shaded, pedestrian-first spine that will link the entire district. Envisioned as a vibrant public realm, it will be animated by public art, creative installations, landscaped corridors and community spaces.
The Design Line is intended to promote walkability and human-centric living while reinforcing d3’s identity as one of Dubai’s most design-forward neighbourhoods.
Sustainability goals
The development is targeting LEED Silver community certification, with a focus on sustainable mobility, enhanced connectivity and energy-efficient design.
The plan also integrates natural landscapes, offering visual connections to Dubai Creek and the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, strengthening the relationship between the built environment and its surroundings.
Five districts
The new neighbourhood will be defined by five distinct areas. Along the canal, contemporary residences and boutique hospitality will be set around an active waterfront promenade.
The urban core will combine residential living with curated retail and dining, closely linked to d3’s established creative ecosystem. Another zone will form the cultural heart of the community, featuring performance venues and mid-rise homes overlooking the d3 Bowl.
Creative ecosystem
Additional areas will focus on wellness-oriented living, shaped by parks, sports facilities and a mangrove-inspired landscape, while a dedicated creative quarter will host galleries, studios and loft-style spaces designed for collaboration and artistic production. Together, these zones are intended to create a diverse yet cohesive neighbourhood rooted in creativity and innovation.
Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said the expansion marks a significant step in advancing the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reinforcing Dubai Design District’s role as a global benchmark for design-focused urban living and long-term investment.
Momentum at d3 continues to build. Recent residential launches have seen strong demand, including the rapid sell-out of Atelis, a 280-unit waterfront tower, and the successful introduction of The Edit, a three-tower development comprising 557 design-led homes.