Guide To Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan Unveiled

Dubai is the heart and soul of the United Arab Emirates and has always been synonymous with innovation and luxury. Over the years, this booming city has transformed incredibly from a small fishing village to a global hub for tourism and business. Dubai is known for its rich culture, and now, with the beginning of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the city is all set to take yet another giant leap into the future. The UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, inaugurated the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. This plan aims to make Dubai the best city in the world to work and live in. The Master Plan for Dubai 2040 is looking forward to attracting foreign investment in the new sectors, increasing economic activity and providing residents with jobs and sustainable ways of transportation.

Highlights of the Dubai 2040 Master Plan

The following are some of the key takeaways from the formal inauguration of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan:

• • Five key areas will be the focus of investment and urban development: Two new areas are Expo 2020 Centre and Dubai Silicon Oasis Centre, and the three existing are Deira and Bur Dubai, Downtown and Business Bay, Dubai Marina and JBR. These regions will promote the economy’s expansion and generate employment opportunities for the locals.
    
  • The population of Dubai is anticipated to increase from 3.3 million in 2020 to 5.8 million by 2040, and the government has plans to meet their needs effectively.
    
  • Around 168 square kilometres of land will be used for commercial and industrial purposes. A strategy was recently presented to identify potential sites and construct the necessary infrastructure to support food security.
    
  • By 2040, natural reserves and wildlife sanctuaries will make up over 60% of Dubai.
  • The area allocated for public beaches will be increased by 400%.
    
  • Health and educational infrastructure will be increased by 25%.
    
  • More than half of the population will have access to main public transport stations within 800 meters.
    
  • Creating a ‘20-minute city’ is the aim, allowing locals to access most of their daily requirements and destinations within a 20-minute walk or bike ride.
    
  • Dubai has released legislation on urban planning to promote sustainable growth and progress.

Law of Urban Planning

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum enacted Law Number 16 of 2023 to govern urban planning in Dubai. It strives to create a valuable urban planning system that promotes sustainable growth in Dubai and the community’s security, safety, and investment. It also aims to strengthen the administration of urban development, clarify the tasks assigned to authorities, and increase collaboration.

This law is summarised as follows:

• • A Chief Committee for Urban Development will be constituted, with representatives from Dubai’s key authorities. These delegates will be selected by a resolution issued by Dubai’s Executive Council chairman.
    
  • The Urban Planning legislation sets the Supreme Committee’s duties, which include creating urban development goals within the scope of authorised plans and goals.
    
  • The Municipality of Dubai has been given sole authority over the city’s urban planning sector. It is responsible for communicating with the institutions in charge of the emirate’s free and special development zones.
    
  • It is illegal for anyone to conduct developmental activities in Dubai without permission. 

Areas Included in the Dubai 2040 Plan

The areas included in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan are:

• • Deira
  • Bur Dubai
  • Downtown 
  • Business Bay 
  • Dubai Marina 
  • JBR
  • Expo 2020 Centre 
  • Dubai Silicon Oasis Centre

District Development Plans For Dubai 2040

Let us now talk in detail about the areas that will be transformed under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan:

• Existing Areas Plans

  • Business Bay and Downtown will be renovated further to serve as the city’s autonomous economic and financial hubs.
    
  • Dubai Marina and JBR Dubai will be further developed as worldwide tourism centres, serving guests with top hospitality and leisure facilities.
    
  • Deira and Bur Dubai will be transformed into ‘Dubai historic hubs,’ emphasising the emirate’s history and legacy.
    
  • Palm Jebel Ali’s premium lifestyle project spans over 13.4 kilometres and includes 80 resorts, hotels, parks, and other recreational places.
    
  • Hatta will be developed beside the current dam and lake as an adventurous destination.
    
  • Over 35,000 families will be offered beachside living as a 110 km long coastline will be added to Dubai.

• Plans for New and Developing Areas

  • Planning is underway to transform Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) into Dubai’s Science & Technology Centre. To be a source of innovation, developing talent, and driving digital transformation in the city.
    
  • Events and exhibitions will be held on a grand scale at the Dubai Expo City.

Plans for Sustainable Development

The UAE government will improve sustainable development through several ongoing initiatives, such as the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. The Dubai Master Plan will focus on sustainable development, with several initiatives to achieve this goal. The initiatives are aimed towards:

• • Expanding the rural natural zones and environment reserves to cover 60% of Dubai’s land area.
    
  • Create several green corridors to connect residential areas and workplaces. The plan also aims to make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to move around the city.
    
  • Providing viable and economical modes of transport.
    
  • Another initiative is encouraging people to walk, cycle, and use public transportation to commute from one place to another.
    
  • Work towards an eco-friendly environment.
    
  • Increase the number of green areas, leisure places, and public parks.

• Plans for Population Growth

Specific goals under Dubai’s 2040 Urban Plan include the growth of the residential population from 3.3 million to 5.8 million in 2040 and multiplying the daytime population from 4.5 million to 7.8 million by 2040. Let us talk about this plan in detail:

• • The plan is to divide Dubai’s population into five main centres, each accommodating around 1 to 1.5 million people. Within these centres, there will be ‘multi-sectors’ consisting of 300,000 to 400,000 residents. Furthermore, each multi-sector will be divided into smaller sectors, each comprising 70,000 to 1,250,000 individuals.
    
  • To provide equal access to facilities, services, and opportunities across Dubai.
    
  • The sectors will be divided into smaller areas called districts, home to 20,000 or 30,000 people. These districts will then be subdivided into communities, each with a population of 6,000 to 12,000. Finally, these communities will be broken down into neighbourhoods with 2,000 to 4,000 people.
    
  • Based on the population distribution stated above, infrastructure, public transportation systems, energy and government services, schools, hospitals, and other service centres will be developed across the city.

Projects Under Previous Dubai Urban Master Plans 

Dubai 2040 is the seventh Urban Master Plan. Let us take a look at the notable projects from previous plans:

• • Plan 1 took place in 1960, and under this plan, Al Maktoum Bridge and Dubai International Airport were established.
    
  • Plan 2 was initiated in 1971, and under this plan, Jebel Ali Port and Dubai World Trade Centre were made.
    
  • Plan 3 occurred in 1985, and Dubai created Emirates Airlines and Jebel Ali Free Zone within the year.
    
  • Notable projects under Plan 4 in 1995 are DIFC, Palm Jumeirah, and Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre.
    
  • The 2008 plan aimed to develop the Dubai Metro, construct the Al Maktoum Airport, and build Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport.
    
  • In 2012, Dubai introduced Plan 6, including the launch of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the Museum of the Future, and the Dubai Water Canal.

Challenges in Implementing Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan

Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan has certain challenges that must be addressed. Let us talk about some of these challenges –

• • The population of Dubai is expected to grow rapidly under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The challenge will be to accommodate several people without compromising on the quality of life and, at the same time, meeting the sustainability goals.
    
  • To ensure the master plan is successfully implemented, changes to existing laws and regulations can be required. It will be a challenge to ensure a smooth transition.
    
  • Since most of the UAE is dry land, the country faces several environmental challenges. The biggest challenge is not having enough water resources. Dubai will need smart solutions to achieve sustainable development goals.
    
  • Land zoning encompasses regulations that hinge on specific land attributes. These include its dimensions, the quantity of constructed buildings, their elevation, and the floor area ratio. It creates a legal foundation for real-estate developers.
    
  • Financial investment at a large scale will be required for infrastructure development, increased transport facilities, the creation of green areas, etc. The challenge will be to ensure that the funding is steady and the expenses are managed effectively.

The Solution

Dubai can overcome these issues with the help of government officials, private-sector players, and, most importantly, the collaboration of the people. To make the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan successful, encouraging innovations and updating the legal reforms as required will be needed.

Expected Achievements of the Dubai Master Plan 2040

Here is a list of some achievements and goals that are expected from the Dubai Master Plan 2040:

• • The Dubai Master Plan is anticipated to increase the number of residents in Dubai to 5.8 million by 2040 from 3.3 million in 2020.
    
  • Furthermore, the emirate’s daytime population is expected to reach 7.8 million in 2040, up from 4.5 million in 2020.
    
  • There will be an economic boom, and investors will be attracted towards these newly developed areas.
    
  • Dubai’s 2040 plan for sustainability aims to create housing complexes that are more environmentally friendly to attract more people to the city.
    
  • The urban neighbourhoods of Dubai will highlight the emirate’s traditions and culture.

The Dubai 2040 Plan will be a framework to improve people’s quality of life and happiness index. The main focus will be on the economic and urban development. This plan will create a benchmark for a sustainable future. The plan will improve Dubai’s global image and make it the best tourist spot.

Conclusion

Dubai is introducing the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan to improve the living standards of its citizens and visitors. The plan focuses on developing the city and strengthening its economy for a sustainable future. With this plan, Dubai aims to enhance its global image and attract more tourists.

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