The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan

The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan represents a bold and forward-thinking blueprint for the future. As Dubai targets a population of 7.8 million residents by 2040, up from approximately 4 million in August 2025, the plan seeks to position the city as the most liveable and resident-centric metropolis in the world. 

The Areas 

At its core, the plan envisions a comprehensive transformation across five key urban areas: 

- Deira and Bur Dubai 

- Downtown Dubai and Business Bay 

- Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) 

- Expo 2020 

- Dubai Silicon Oasis 

Hatta, an increasingly popular vacation destination for the city’s residents, will also be revamped. 

These developments aim to enhance connectivity, community wellbeing and accessibility while safeguarding Dubai’s cultural and urban heritage. 

Sustainability and Nature 

Central to the Master Plan is a strong environmental vision. Dubai will increase its green and recreational spaces by 105%, ensuring that 60% of its total area will consist of nature reserves and rural natural zones. This ambitious goal will be supported by a strong governance framework and sustainability-focused legislation. 

Additionally, the emirate plans a 400% increase in the length of its public beaches, grandly augmenting the beachfront lifestyle that defines Dubai. 

Economic Powerhouse 

1.7 billion sq. ft. of land will be allocated to industrial and economic activities. Simultaneously, there will be a 134% expansion in space for hospitality and tourism activities. This approach will not only strengthen Dubai’s investment landscape but also greatly diversify its economy away into a range of sustainable, high-value sectors. 

In a bid to ensure this economic growth is backed by a robust, diverse and future-ready population, spaces designated for health and education will also increase by 25%. 

The Loop 

Proposed projects such as The Loop — a 93km climate-controlled cycling and walking highway — embody the spirit of the Master Plan. Designed to serve over 3 million residents, it will feature kinetic flooring, vertical farms and lush pocket parks should it come to fruition. 

This will encourage a shift toward a low-emission lifestyle — an objective that has already been given a fillip by the Master Plan’s target of having 55% of Dubai’s population living within 800m of a public transport station, which is vital to the city boasting a 20-minute urban network by 2040. 

Real Estate 

Dubai’s rapidly growing real estate sector is also expected to be realigned to match the objectives and strategies of the plan. Importantly, the plan hopes to achieve a happy balance between supply and demand, a long-term affliction of many a major real estate market worldwide. 

Further Master Plan-oriented initiatives for the property sector are predicted to be outlined at a later date, with a particular emphasis on sustainable urban development and a consistent increase in investor confidence.