Flamingos, creek views and designer living: Dubai Design District enters its next phase
Five-zone masterplan blends culture, wellness, and walkable waterfront living
DUBAI – The Dubai Holding Real Estate has unveiled the next phase of development at Dubai Design District (d3), setting out an ambitious expansion that will reshape the creative hub into a fully integrated, mixed-use waterfront neighbourhood.
The plan introduces new luxury residences, creative workspaces, wellness-focused zones and cultural destinations, reinforcing d3’s role as one of Dubai’s most strategically located urban districts. Anchored along Dubai Creek, the expansion builds on strong residential demand and the district’s growing global profile.
Positioned between Downtown Dubai, Business Bay and Dubai Festival City, the enhanced masterplan spans 18 million sqft and aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. Designed and delivered by Meraas, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, the neighbourhood blends residential, cultural, retail and hospitality offerings into a walkable, design-led environment. The vision is to create a destination where residents and professionals can live, work, innovate and unwind within the same district.
Integrated living
Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate and Managing Director of Dubai Holding, said the focus is on building an integrated urban experience rather than a standalone residential project. The masterplan prioritises proximity, allowing residents to access workplaces, cultural venues and leisure spaces without relying on long commutes. Walkability, cycling routes and shaded pedestrian corridors form a central part of the design, supporting a human-centric lifestyle.
A defining feature of the development is the Design Line, a fully shaded pedestrian spine that connects the district end to end. Activated through public art, creative installations and landscaped green corridors, it is intended to strengthen d3’s identity as a design-forward neighbourhood while encouraging movement on foot and by bicycle.
Creekside homes
The next phase is anchored by The Edit, a new residential development comprising three towers overlooking Dubai Creek and the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. The project offers one- to five-bedroom apartments and suites, catering to demand for larger, luxury living spaces in central Dubai. The setting provides uninterrupted views of dhow traffic on the Creek, expansive greenery and the wildlife sanctuary, where flamingos and other birdlife are visible from the waterfront.
The Edit follows the success of earlier residential launches at d3, including Atelis, a 280-unit waterfront tower that sold out rapidly. Dubai Holding Real Estate said interest from both local and international buyers continues to grow, driven by the district’s location, design-led positioning and limited supply of waterfront homes in the city’s urban core.
Five zones
The expanded masterplan is structured around five distinct zones, each shaping a different aspect of the neighbourhood. Creekside will feature contemporary residences and boutique hospitality along an activated waterfront promenade. The Soho District will combine residential living with curated retail and dining, closely linked to d3’s established creative ecosystem of designers, artists and entrepreneurs.
Mind Space will serve as the cultural heart of the community, incorporating performance venues and mid-rise residences overlooking the d3 Bowl. Sanctuary will focus on wellness-led living, defined by parks, sports facilities and a mangrove-inspired landscape. Design HQ will provide galleries, studios and loft-style workspaces aimed at fostering collaboration, innovation and artistic production.
Sustainable design
Sustainability is a core element of the plan, with the development targeting LEED Silver community certification. The design emphasises energy-efficient buildings, shaded walkways and enhanced connectivity, alongside visual and physical links to natural surroundings such as Dubai Creek and the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. The aim is to integrate urban living with nature while reducing reliance on vehicles within the district.
While positioned as a premium destination, Dubai Holding Real Estate said a range of unit sizes will be available across the neighbourhood. No pricing details have been disclosed, though the developer noted that affordability-focused housing is being addressed in other areas of the city where land and infrastructure costs are lower. The wider masterplan will be delivered in phases, with an emphasis on quality, infrastructure and milestone-based progress rather than fixed completion deadlines.