6 of Dubai's mega-projects that we can't wait for
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.
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 largest capacity in the world.
Beginning with cargo flights only, the first phase of the airport started humbly, but in 2024, the Dubai government confirmed the long-term goals of this major project.
As part of the plans for the airport's expansion, Dubai South will become something of an aerotropolis with new neighbourhoods and residential developments in the pipeline.
As for the airport itself, eventually it will have capacity for a whopping 260 million passengers annually.
The interior of the planned new look for Al Maktoum International Airport (Credit: Dubai Media Office)
Plans released in 2025 outline that there will be three key phases in developing the project, which is set to be five times the size of DXB.
Eventually, the airport will be home to more than 400 aircraft gates, have five parallel runways, five passenger terminal buildings and an underground train system.
Current indications suggest that we'll have to wait until 2050 for this project to be completed.
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 World Islands.
The Raining Street can be found in the Heart of Europe (Credit: Supplied)
Although not all the islands have been built on, you can visit the Raining Street in the voco Monaco Dubai Hotel.
More projects are planned for World Islands, including a Danish-style hygge hotel, a 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. There looks set to be more developments at World Islands in the years to come.
Palm Jebel Ali
How Palm Jebel Ali should look once completed (Credit: Dubai Media Office)
Construction paused on the project for more than 15 years following a break in 2008, which has left the island lying dormant for the better part of two decades.
But, last year, it was announced that property developer Nakheel was coming back to the table to breathe new life into the white elephant.
While the foundations have been laid, several practical infrastructure developments still need to be completed.
The man-made island is twice the size of Palm Jumeirah, but there are no completed projects on it.
However, in 2023, plans were revitalised by Nakheel to bring hotels and resorts, beach clubs and even a 'celebration village' to the islands.
Futuristic buildings of the Gateway Bridge on Palm Jebel Ali plans
The island spans 13.4 kilometres of land with 10.5 million square metres of development and 16 distinctive fronds offering a total of 110 kilometres of coastline and 91 kilometres of beachfront, which will eventually be home to 35,000 families.
No specific date has been provided for when work can be expected to be completed, but some real estate developers have provided a handover date of 2027 for property on the island.
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.
An earnings call in April 2025 revealed that the MGM Island project should be completed by 2027.
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
Construction for this one is expected to be completed by 2028.
Therme Dubai
Therme Dubai is set to be located near One Za'abeel (Credit: Diller Scofido + Renfro)
Therme Dubai will feature a massive interactive park, the world's largest indoor botanical garden and three 18-metre waterfalls.
The Dhs2 billion project will be built in Zabeel Park, one of the largest parks in Dubai, and is slated to open in 2028.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed described the Therme Dubai as 'an iconic addition to Dubai's skyline.'
The project, designed to host 1.7 million visitors every year, will be set over a 500,000 square feet area and have a building height of 100 metres.
In other Dubai news
Al Karama to become car-free zone: Dubai's Super Block initiative explained
And three other neighbourhoods will also get the same transformation
Drive in Dubai? What you need to know about Salik (and how it could cost you)
The toll gate rules have just been updated
Here's what the colour of your Dubai taxi roof actually means
There are seven colours and they all have different meanings
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