What's next for Dubai? These 5 mega-projects are raising the bar
Over the last few decades, Dubai has created some world-famous masterpieces, from the Burj Khalifa to Palm Jumeirah.
But the best is yet to come – there are some mega projects in the pipeline that you definitely need to know about.
Some are still in the planning stages, with others taking a little longer than expected, or changing into something even better.
So without further ado, here are Dubai's uncompleted projects that we're seriously excited to see completed.
Al Maktoum International Airport
Plans for Al Maktoum International Airport (Credit: Dubai Media Office)
First opening in 2010, there are plans to make Al Maktoum International Airport the busiest in the world.
Beginning with cargo flights only, the first phase of the airport started humbly, but recently, the government has confirmed the long-term goals on this major project.
In addition to expanding the airport, an entire new city will be constructed around the site in Dubai South, and the building itself will have a capacity of 260 million passengers.
The interior of the planned new look for Al Maktoum International Airport (Credit: Dubai Media Office)
Five times the size of DXB, the Government of Dubai have stated that within 10 years, all Dubai International Airport operations will have moved to Al Maktoum, so it's not too far away.
Although, that 2030's deadline will not be the completion of the entire project, as the surrounding areas and other features could take until 2050 to finish.
You can find everything you need to know in our guide to Al Maktoum International Airport here.
Dubai World Islands
Dubai World Islands
The Dubai World Islands is a pretty cool design. Who wouldn't want to take a trip to Europe that only takes 20 minutes from Dubai?
Designed to look like a map of the world, the project first began in 2003, but work paused around 2008.
Dormant for some time, the islands saw a surge of life in 2014 when the Kleindienst Group launched the Heart of Europe development. The Anantara World Islands resort then opened in December 2021, making it the first resort to do so on the project.
The Raining Street can be found in the Heart of Europe (Credit: Supplied)
Although not all the islands have been built on, you can already visit the Raining Street in the voco Monaco Dubai Hotel, and more projects are popping up fast, from the Maldives-inspired Honeymoon Island and the Marbella Resort Hotel.
All oozing in luxury, the destination is set to make for a fabulous stay-cay over the coming years.
Jebel Ali Palm
How Palm Jebel Ali should look once completed (Credit: Dubai Media Office)
For 15 years work had been left uncompleted on the Jebel Ali Palm, with the foundations laid but no construction occurring after a pause in 2008.
However, in 2023 it was announced that the palm project was back with a bang, and work has now resumed on making it twice as big as Palm Jumeirah.
Backed by developer Nakheel, the island will span over 13.4km of land, with over 80 hotels and resorts, beach clubs and even a 'celebration village'.
Futuristic buildings of the Gateway Bridge on Palm Jebel Ali plans
If you're looking to make home on the new island, you'll be pleased to know there will be plenty of residential buildings and properties too, where you can stroll out and over to the lifestyle mall or yacht club.
At present there is no final completion date, however, the first visit to Palm Jebel Ali is now closer than ever before, so let's be patient.
The Island
The Island (Credit: Mirageglobal.com)
The Island was first announced in 2017, and is still yet to be completed, after originally being rumoured as a home for the first UAE casino.
In 2023 it was confirmed that Ras Al Khaimah would instead be home to the UAE's first casino, but the Dubai Vegas-style island will still go ahead without the gaming.
Now under construction, the island is being built out into the sea next to Jumeirah, and will boast three iconic hotels, the MGM, Bellagio and Aria.
As well as views of the Burj Al Arab and an extended beachfront, guests and visitors will be able to enjoy cafes, restaurants, lagoons and even a huge in-house entertainment venue.
A final completion date is still to be announced, but we'll be the first to let you know when it is.
Six Senses Dubai Marina
Credit: Select Group
Announced in 2024 as the latest addition to Dubai Marina, the tower will be the world's tallest residential building upon completion.
The first part of the skeleton structure has already been constructed, and design images of the project have shown the new building standing well above the likes of Marina 101 (425m) and Princess Tower (414m).
Expected to have 122 floors and a series of 251 luxury apartments, the building will have a wellness theme, with a crystal sound healing room and a huge 25m lap pool.
Credit: Select Group
If you're lucky enough to call this place home, residents will benefit from amenities such as its Sleep With Six Senses bedrooms filled with everything wellness, including bespoke features like a wellness wardrobe (yes please) stocked with home fitness equipment and mood-enhancing sensory art.
If you like reading this: Why you need to know about these skyscrapers coming soon to Dubai
It will be a few years until the tower opens, with construction expected to finish in 2028.
In other Dubai news
10 major road and RTA projects that will slash Dubai traffic
There might one day be a reason to stop beeping your horn
Drive in Dubai? What you need to know about Salik (and how it could cost you)
The toll gate rules have just been updated
All the music festivals coming up in the UAE
The big parties to keep your eye on
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