What Is the Future of Dubai South?

Other locations are beginning to be added to the list of the next frontiers for development across the entire emirate. One of the most prominent is Dubai South, an enormous master-planned district that's set to alter the entire structure of Dubai.

As Dubai South takes shape over the next ten years, it is likely to have a major impact on the region and the city's overall economy.

Let's take a look at the reasons Dubai South represents the future of Dubai:

Why the South of Dubai is Becoming Dubai's Future

As a massive urban development, Dubai South's most significant benefit is its location. It is situated right alongside the Expo 2020 site, now being repurposed to become Expo City Dubai. It is in the middle of business and travel, and it is situated at the intersection between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

1. Airport Expansion

This expansion at Al Maktoum International Airport is a game changer in Dubai South. The largest airport in the world, with a projected annual capacity of around 260 million passengers, is currently being upgraded. 

However, this enormous infrastructure will also draw thousands more travelers and traders and create a multitude of jobs in both the hospitality and aviation sectors.

2. Dubai South Free Zone Facility

Another significant business attraction, possibly one of the biggest, is the Dubai South Free Zone. 

The benefits of the Free Zone include 100% foreign ownership, zero personal and corporate income tax, and full repatriation of capital and profits. These incentives are expected to attract a significant number of multinational companies and raise the local economy.

3. Residential District

Apart from these airports, Dubai South features a complete Dubai South Residential District that will have 1 million residents! 

As Dubai continues to grow in both population and economy, the development of large residential areas like Dubai South is essential to adding quality housing.

In the future, Dubai properties are on course to deliver around 2500 units by 2025, along with other developers at Dubai South expected to add about five hundred units in the coming years. 

Luxury developers such as EMAAR and DAMAC already have several major projects in the works of Dubai South, spanning apartments, townhouses, villas, and mansions.

4. Government & FDI Support

The Dubai Executive Council approved a $6.8 billion FDI project to bring in $176.96 billion in 2033, as the government makes Dubai an investment destination. This plan will place Dubai in the top three cities in 2033, which is a sign of the continued determination of the Emirate and progress in economic development.

5. New Economic Powerhouse

Between the vast airport expansion logistics and residential population, Dubai South is set to become a significant economic force that will accelerate Dubai's growth. 

At present, it accounts for 35 percent of Dubai's total GDP.

Dubai South is even establishing special economic zones, such as the Business Park, tailored for technology companies and a specialized free zone that allows total foreign ownership with no tax. These zones seek to attract investors and entrepreneurs from all over the world, which will further boost economic growth.

Once it's finished, Dubai South expects to generate more than half a trillion dollars into the economy each year! 

The project will also create around 500k jobs for these new industries and people. Indeed, the world's leading education company, GEMS, recently appointed its first principles to establish new schools within Dubai South!

6. Sustainability

At the heart of Dubai South's development master plan is sustainability. Innovative city technologies make this possible, ensuring efficient, sustainable resource management, a green space-focused strategy, and sustainable construction methods.

The extensive public transport plan will further reduce the carbon footprint and make Dubai South an exemplary case of living sustainably.

In the end, the combination of economic zones, airports, new housing, and job opportunities will fuel Dubai South's growth.

What Are Dubai South's Plans For Infrastructure?

The Dubai South master plan outlines an extensive infrastructure that covers all aspects of urban living in the modern age. This includes roads, public transport and services, digital connections, parks and public areas, and other amenities needed to meet the demands of the daily life of as many as 1 million people!

• Transport and Roads

The development of smooth transportation links is essential to connecting Dubai South with the rest of the city. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road are already connected to major highways, including Sheikh Zayed Road and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Road. 

RTA buses, which include services, connect to the Dubai Metro through the Expo 2020 station.

Inside Dubai South, the initial phases are focused on bridges and roads connecting the Logistics District, Aviation District, and the first residential development. In the future, light rail and metro lines will circle Dubai South and cross over into the surrounding areas.

• Schools and Education

A quality education is vital for any community. 

GEMS Education recently appointed principals to start schools that will cater to different educational programs in Dubai South's residential areas as the demand for education takes form. Gems Founders School - Dubai South will focus on technology, innovation, and business talent.

Many nurseries, schools, vocational centers, and universities will be created over the coming years to accommodate the growing population. 

The Aviation District itself houses an aerospace training academy, which helps to create specialists for this crucial sector. The planning of educational infrastructure is closely aligned with the focus areas of Dubai South.

• Hospitals and Healthcare

Although Dubai South construction began only 15 years ago, some healthcare infrastructure is already forming. 

A clinic at the airport provides emergency medical services to Logistics District employees. Additional hospitals and medical centers are expected to be built in the near future to serve residents.

Facilities that grant specialized healthcare specifically tailored to industries like logistics and aviation might also emerge in the near future. 

However, access and connectivity to Dubai's world-class healthcare system are important parts of the infrastructure to be built.

• Utilities and Digital Connectivity

The development of utility capacity, which includes district electricity, cooling, wastewater, and water management systems on a mass scale required, is essential. 

State agencies like DEWA, Dubai Municipality, and private contractors are working together in this area. Not just that, Dubai South has also added to the district with facilities for the convenience and comfort of residents, including public parks, tennis courts, retail stores, a hypermarket with 50,000 square feet of space, a mosque, and an oil station.

Dubai South also aims to become a digital district featuring the latest 5G and 6G-compatible networks being rolled out. 

Every built infrastructure has been designed to be future-proof and support electric autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, and other intelligent technologies.

• Sustainable and Resilient Design

Sustainability is a fundamental principle woven into every aspect of Dubai South's development. Every new building is built with green construction practices and home automation. 

Solar energy, water recycling, and electric vehicle charging stations are built into the design of communities.

The project plans also include resilience through the integration of seismic design and flood prevention. The concept of continuity planning to ensure that operations recover from disasters is also a must. Thus, Dubai South exemplifies accurate global practices for sustainable and resilient urban development.

Dubai South has detailed plans to build roads, schools, hospitals, and other civic infrastructure to ensure vibrant communities in the medium and long term.