Top 10 Upcoming Mega Projects in Dubai [2026 and beyond]

Upcoming mega projects in Dubai continue to reflect how the city plans, builds, and scales for the future. Aligned with Dubai Vision 2030 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, these developments focus on sustainability, advanced infrastructure, tourism growth, and economic diversification beyond oil. From record-breaking towers to renewable energy and marine conservation, projects scheduled from 2026 onward are set to reshape Dubai’s skyline and everyday urban experience.

In this guide, learn about:

• Burj Binghatti
• Al Maktoum International Airport expansion
• Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park
• Ghaf Woods
• Therme Dubai – Islands in the Sky
• Dubai Reef
• Dubai Harbour expansion
• Flying taxis and vertiports
• Dubai Loop
• Dubai Museum of Art
• Key features and impacts of the upcoming mega projects in Dubai
• Key takeaways
• FAQs

1. Burj Binghatti

Burj Binghatti is set to become the world’s tallest residential tower, rising over 550 metres in Business Bay. Developed by Binghatti in collaboration with Jacob and Co., the tower will house luxury apartments and ultra-premium penthouses. Sustainability features include energy-efficient systems and smart building technologies. Construction began in 2021, with completion targeted around 2026, reinforcing Business Bay’s role as a high-density luxury hub.

• Developer: Binghatti Developers
• Delivery Date: Q4-2026
• Starting Price: AED 9,200,000
• Unit types: Villas, apartments, and penthouses 
• Ownership type: Freehold

Location

It’s located in Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

2. Al Maktoum International Airport expansion

The expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai South is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the region. Valued at approximately USD 36 billion, the development aims to cover 56 square kilometres and eventually handle more than 200 million passengers annually by 2030. Post-2026 construction phases will play a key role in shifting Dubai’s aviation centre southward, supporting logistics, tourism, and commercial growth.

Location

It’s located on Emirates Rd, Madinat Al Mataar, Dubai South, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

3. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park continues to expand in phases, with major capacity additions planned beyond 2026. Targeting 5,000 megawatts by 2030, it is the world’s largest single-site solar park. The project underpins the UAE Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and supplies renewable power to hundreds of thousands of homes, reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in clean energy.

Location

It’s located in Saih Al Dahal, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

4. Ghaf Woods

Ghaf Woods introduces a new residential concept to Dubai: forest living. Spanning about 738,000 square metres near Global Village, the community will feature over 7,000 homes integrated into a woodland ecosystem. Native ghaf trees, shaded walkways, and reduced car dependency define the project, which supports healthier lifestyles and biodiversity-focused urban planning. 

• Developer: Majid Al Futtaim
• Delivery Date: Q4-2027
• Starting Price: AED 1,400,000
• Unit types: Apartments and duplexes
• Ownership type: Freehold

Location

It’s located in the back of IMG World, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd, Wadi Al Safa 4, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Contact Information

Phone: +9718004423

5. Therme Dubai – Islands in the Sky

Islands in the Sky is set to be the largest urban wellness destination in the Middle East, covering nearly one million square metres. It will offer a wide range of facilities and services, including but not limited to:

• 10+ bio-enhanced mineral pools
• Saunas
• Preventative health service
• Lush botanical gardens
• Wave pool
• Red light therapy lounges 
• Water slides and activities 

Construction is expected to begin around 2026, with phased completion targeted for 2028. The project aims to blend residential, commercial, and leisure spaces into a self-contained urban ecosystem.

Location

It’s located in Zabeel Park, near the Royal Palace, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

6. Dubai Reef

Dubai Reef is positioned as the world’s largest marine reef development, spanning approximately 600 square kilometres. The project involves deploying artificial coral structures to support marine biodiversity while enhancing coastal resilience. 

Rollout phases extend into the 2030s, aligning conservation with sustainable tourism and waterfront development goals. The project is already underway and is expected to be completed by 2027. 

7. Dubai Harbour expansion

Dubai Harbour continues to evolve as a luxury waterfront destination. Future phases beyond 2026 include marina capacity for over 1,000 yachts, expanded cruise terminal facilities, retail, and hospitality offerings. Located between Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters Island, the project strengthens Dubai’s position as a global maritime and tourism hub.

Location

It’s located in Marsa Dubai, Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

8. Flying taxis and vertiports

Dubai’s urban air mobility programme includes electric flying taxis and a network of vertiports located near Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, and key business districts. Initial operations are expected to begin from 2025, with expanded routes and capacity post-2026. These systems aim to reduce travel times to 10-30 minutes across major city corridors.

9. Dubai Loop

In 2025, during the World Government Summit in Dubai, Elon Musk’s company announced a new project, Dubai Loop, aiming to reshape underground transportation. Dubai Loop will cover 17 kilometres in its initial phase and include 11 underground stations. The project is expected to start operating by mid-2026. Once fully operational, it is expected to carry 20,000 passengers an hour across some of the city’s busiest zones.

Dubai Loop Project is being developed by the Boring Company in partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

10. Dubai Museum of Art

The Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architect, Tadao Ando, is designing an innovative floating art museum in Dubai. The project was announced in October 2025, but a clear timeline has yet to be set. Al Futtaim Group is the mastermind behind the Dubai Museum of Art, and with a strong track record of successful projects, everyone is on the edge of their seat awaiting the museum. 

Explore the Off-Plan Projects for Sale in Dubai

Key features and impacts of the upcoming mega projects in Dubai

All the upcoming mega projects in Dubai share several defining characteristics that shape their long-term influence on the city.

Sustainability focus

Developments such as the Solar Park, Wasl Tower, and Ghaf Woods support national targets to reach 75 per cent clean energy by 2050. Green building systems, renewable energy, and biodiversity-led planning are becoming the norm rather than the exception.

Economic boost

Under the D33 agenda, Dubai aims to double its economy to AED 32 trillion by 2033. Aviation, tourism, technology, and renewable energy projects are key drivers behind this growth trajectory.

Large-scale infrastructure projects often drive early buyer interest, particularly in investment-led launches across Dubai, where future connectivity and amenities are already priced into long-term planning.

Innovation hubs

Smart infrastructure, autonomous transport, and data-driven city management are integral to these projects. Dubai targets 25 per cent autonomous mobility by 2030, supported by IoT systems and digital planning tools.

Key takeaways

Upcoming mega projects in Dubai focus on sustainability, scale, and technology-led living, backed by more than USD 100 billion in combined public and private investment. Green energy, aviation, and marine initiatives support long-term economic diversification, while phased timelines reflect the complexity of delivering liveable cities at this scale. Looking at how today’s plans compare with recent large-scale developments from the previous growth cycle helps place these projects within Dubai’s broader urban and market evolution.

FAQs

Share