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
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
World's best hotel revealed with swim-up bars and private plunge pools – and it can be booked with TUI
Plus, the best time to visit Mexico BEACH PLEASE World's best hotel revealed with swim-up bars and private plunge pools – and it can be booked with TUI SURROUNDED by a jungle and sat right on the beach, a stunning hotel has been named the best in the world by Tripadvisor. Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya can be found in Akumal, Mexico, and is home to 434 rooms and suites. Advertisement 6 Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya in Akuma, Mexico, ahs been named the best hotel in the world Credit: Supplied 6 At the resort, there are three expansive pools, nine restaurants and seven bars Credit: Hyatt 6 Plus, it is all inclusive so guests can enjoy everything at the resort included in the price Credit: Hyatt Just 150 metres offshore from the adults-only resort is the second largest barrier reef in the world, while the historical Mayan sites of Tulum are nearby. Inside the all-inclusive hotel are natural interiors inspired by the surrounding jungle. Some of the suites even come with a private plunge pool. Depending on the room or suite you choose, there are also hot tubs, rainfall showers, private balconies and even swim-out access from the terrace. Advertisement Other amenities include bath robes, Nespresso coffee machines and air conditioning. Heading outside, guests can enjoy three pools, including an infinity pool with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and a swim up bar called Manatees. Alternatively, head to the spa for a bit of self-indulgence, including a hydrotherapy circuit with a sauna and steam room, a reflexology pool, and different treatments. The fitness suite also offers guests the opportunity to get their workout in, with cardio and strength training equipment as well as group classes. Advertisement For those who love an adventure, there are many activities to embark on such as kayaking, snorkelling with turtles, paddle-boarding and beach volleyball. For those who don't like sporty activities, the resort also offers culinary classes, such as wine and tequila tastings and dance classes as well. The beautiful lake an hour from London with overwater bungalows like the Maldives In total, the resort has nine restaurants (none of which you have to reserve ahead of time) and seven bars. And each offers something different, so everyone will have something they like. Advertisement There is traditional Mexican cuisine at El Patio, French dishes at Bordeaux, authentic Italian staples at Portofino and Pan-Asian specialties at Himitsu, for example. Or you could head to Coco Cafe, which offers snacks and late-night bites. And if you don't fancy these options, the 'Sip, Savor, and See' programme allows guests to dine and enjoy entertainment at nearby sister resorts. At night, head to one of the bars as the resort comes alive with live music, themed nights and beach parties. Advertisement Even skilled performers demonstrate their skills there. 6 Some rooms even have swim-out access and plunge pools Credit: Hyatt 6 And there are a number of activities to do at the resort including snorkelling Credit: Hyatt Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya is just an hour's drive from Cancun Airport making it easy to get to. Advertisement The Travellers' Choice Awards Best of the Best title awards the destination with the highest level of excellence in travel, which means it goes above and beyond for its guests. Out of eight million listings on Tripadvisor, less than one per cent of hotels achieve the award. For Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya in the number one spot, it has over 14,000 reviews on Tripadvisor, averaging an impressive 4.8 out of five. One visitor said: "This resort exceeded all expectations — beautiful beach, crystal-clear water, and top-notch service." Advertisement Another added: "The walking paths are surrounded by lush trees, flowers and plants that provide shade while walking around and gives it a cozy, romantic feel." A third stated: "This place is immaculate, pristine, gorgeous. Like pinch me, is this place paradise? Heaven on earth?" Prices vary depending on the season but a holiday package can be booked with TUI. For example, through TUI, you could head there in November for £1,997 per person for the week. Advertisement When is the best time to visit Mexico? MEXICO is a fantastic year-round destination, but it truly shines as a winter escape. With its magnificent sandy beaches, delicious cuisine, and rich historical sites, this tropical treasure offers an incredible getaway. The best time to travel to Mexico is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. This period offers high temperatures of up to 32C with almost no chance of rain, guaranteeing sunny days for your holiday. While the dry season is generally warm, it's worth noting that the coldest months are from late December to early February. However, temperatures still comfortably fluctuate between 24C and 28C, so you'll still enjoy plenty of warmth. Conversely, the wet season lasts from the end of May until October. If you prefer to avoid rain and enjoy continuous sunshine, this is the time to steer clear of. For those wanting a cultural experience, consider planning your trip around one of Mexico's vibrant events. Cinco De Mayo on May 5 celebrates a key Mexican victory and features lively street food, parties, and parades. Meanwhile, surfers should take note of the regional seasons. The busiest surfing season in Los Cabos is from November to April, while Cancun's surf season runs from June to November. A popular resort has also been named among UK's best seaside towns with stunning castle and Tudor streets. Plus, the little-known seaside resort town with one of the cleanest beaches in the world.
The National
9 hours ago
- The National
Force the 1% to cough up for their climate damage
Land ownership in Scotland is incredibly concentrated in a small number of hands. Fewer than 500 people own more than half of our private land. This motley group includes our own aristocrats, whose families have owned huge estates for centuries and whose wealth is often a result of their forebears' brutal actions during the Highland Clearances. But in recent decades they've been joined by a new group, the elite of global capitalism. The biggest landowner in Scotland used to be the Duke of Buccleuch, but now it's Danish billionaire Anders Povlsen. And the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum isn't far behind. READ MORE: More Scots need to benefit from Scotland's screen industry, John Swinney says And he might not be in the same league as Povlsen or the Sheikh in terms of hectares, but Scotland's most infamous landowner is undoubtedly Donald Trump. Thankfully, the US president has now returned home after a brief stint of shaking hands, being drowned out by bagpipes and teeing off at his Scottish golf courses. Last year, I proposed a private jet tax which would see Trump and his cronies charged a 'super rate' of up to £250,000 every time they fly here for non-government business. This is something which should be within the powers of the Scottish Government, but is now a decade overdue. In the aftermath of the independence referendum, all parties agreed to devolve air passenger duty to the Scottish Parliament. An Act was passed by MSPs to replace it with a new Scottish air departure tax. But it can't start until the UK Government resolves an issue with the exemption for lifeline island flights – and neither they nor the [[Scottish Government]] seem to be in any rush to do that. If this was resolved, the Scottish Government could immediately bring in a super-tax on private jets, reflecting the fact that they are about twenty times more polluting than regular flights. Personally, I'd rather ban most private air travel. It is the perfect example of how the world's richest 1% are disproportionately responsible for the climate crisis. Unfortunately, full powers over air travel are still reserved to Westminster for now. Trump doesn't care about the climate, but he would care about the £250,000 tax bill every time his huge private plane arrives here. Some super-rich elites would undoubtedly take the financial hit and still fly here anyway, but the money raised could at least then be used to fund climate-friendly policies like cheaper buses and trains. And private air travel is just one example of how the super-rich play by different rules to the rest of us, all whilst avoiding paying their fair share. For too long, they have been allowed to avoid not just paying their fair share in tax, but also having their often deeply damaging activities scrutinised. All while ordinary people suffer the consequences of budgets for schools, hospitals and social care being squeezed. Tax is the price we pay for living in a civilised society, one with public services capable of meeting all of our needs throughout our lives. But the richest among us do not pay nearly enough towards maintaining the services needed for that kind of society. The Scottish Greens have long called for a wealth tax, one which would see the richest 10% of people who hold almost half the total wealth of the country taxed fairly. Introducing just a 1% annual tax on all wealth and assets above £1 million would massively boost the efforts to create a fairer, better Scotland for everyone. For context, the other 90% of Scots households hold nowhere near enough wealth to be considered for such a tax, with the average having about £214,000 in assets. This would be an extremely well-targeted tax, raising billions from those who can more than afford to pay. We are not the only people calling for a wealth tax. Just this week, leading economists from across the world have called on Labour to introduce a UK-wide wealth tax to tackle extreme levels of inequality and poverty. They have warned the Government what the Greens have argued for years: that far too much wealth is concentrated in the hands of far too few people in the UK, and it is damaging society at large. Sadly, Labour seem determined to rule this out. It is time for Keir Starmer to seriously rethink his approach and what he wants his legacy to be: a society where everyone has what they need to get by, or one where far too many children are left in desperate poverty whilst a tiny number of people hoard more wealth than they could spend in a thousand lifetimes. The Scottish Greens are clear on what we need to do: tax the super-rich now, for the good of people and planet.
Time Out
13 hours ago
- Time Out
Inside look: The most luxurious holiday homes where Australia's wealthiest stay
Think a waterfront penthouse suite in a five-star hotel is the peak of holiday luxury? Cute. Australia's wealthiest are checking into spots that make your fanciest staycation look like a roadside pit stop. We're talking secluded countryside estates, magical treetop hideaways, breathtaking beachfront mansions and even private island resorts. If you're keen for a behind-the-scenes look at how our nation's top one per cent really holiday, we've got the inside look. With nightly rates reaching up to $30,000, Australia's leading luxury villa rental platform Luxico has lifted the curtain on five of its most-in-demand properties booked by Australia's high rollers, including CEOs, professional athletes, world-renowned surgeons, entrepreneurs and global media moguls. The holiday homes alone are jaw-dropping, but what you won't see are the VIP perks, like private butlers, in-villa massages, bespoke events and daily cold-pressed juice deliveries. Here are five of the best... Damia, Byron Bay, NSW Hidden amongst 125 private acres and 4,500 farmed macadamia trees, this Mediterranean-inspired retreat sleeps up to 14 guests across six beautiful bedrooms. The open-living plan features multiple dining areas, a games room, a sunken lounge with an open fireplace, a stylish barn studio, a rustic two-bedroom cabin and a private chef on call. Oh, it's pet-friendly too! Price: From $12,500 per night Sweven Estate, Sydney, NSW Spread across 141 acres of spectacular scenery on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, this stunning treehouse-style retreat was featured on episode three of Binge's Billion Dollar Playground. It features two winged pavilions with five bedrooms, plus expansive gardens, an infinity pool, a lotus-filled lake and plenty of relaxing nooks – all just an hour's drive from Sydney. Price: From $5,500 per night Caba Beach House, Cabarita Beach, NSW Sitting pretty on Cabarita Beach Hill, this striking three-storey property offers direct access to pristine beaches and 360-degree views of the Tweed Coast and Hinterland. It also boasts a dreamy ocean-facing swimming pool, expansive balconies, a fire pit and four spacious bedrooms. Price: From $4,000 per night Beaches at Sunrise, Sunshine Coast, QLD Tucked inside the prestigious 'Beaches' gated estate just minutes from Noosa's Hastings Street, this resort-style escape gives you direct access to one of the most sought-after stretches of sand on the Sunshine Coast. The award-winning property also boasts a rooftop terrace with ocean views, a heated swimming pool and spa, expansive outdoor living spaces and four very bougie bedrooms. Price: From $1,900 per night Domic Noosa, Sunshine Coast, QLD Adjoining Noosa National Park, this six-bedroom, ten-bathroom masterpiece is one of Australia's most coveted beachfront residences. The quirky oceanfront stay features a 25-metre infinity pool, day spa, private cinema, outdoor fire pit and large entertaining areas. You won't have to lift a finger with a concierge on hand to organise everything from a private driver and personal chef to a nanny or personal trainer. Price: From $13,500 per night ⭐️ The best luxury hotels in Australia right now
