The construction sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rebounded considerably since the COVID-19 pandemic. Due in large part to the UAE Vision Programmes, the recovery of oil prices, and the UAE 2022 federal budget, the sector is expected to exceed $133 billion in value by 2027, according to the UAE Construction Market (2022-2027) report.
The residential sector, boosted by the increase in remote working solutions throughout the country because of the pandemic, has been the primary driving force behind the rebound of the UAE’s construction projects’ market. Below is a look at six ongoing residential development projects in the country.
1. Dubai Islands
Formerly known as Deira Islands, the Dubai Islands project is a man-made archipelago that, once complete, will feature more than 80 hotels, family-friendly resorts, and luxury and wellness hubs across five islands. The mixed-use development, overlooking the Arabian Gulf, will also include premium golf courses and three-quarters of a square mile of parks and green space. Combined, these projects will add more than 12 miles of beachfront property to the Dubai coastline. Completed properties on the island include the Hotel RIU Dubai, Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, and a 400-store waterfront souk.
“Dubai Islands are an integral part of the future vision for the emirate, focusing on enhancing the health, happiness and wellbeing of residents and visitors, as well as providing the highest standards and variety of urban infrastructure and facilities,” explained Naaman Atallah, CEO of Nakheel, the project’s master developer.
2. Emaar Development Properties
Emaar Development is another prominent residential developer in the UAE that is building luxury homes at a rapid rate. The developer delivered more than 3,000 residential units during the first half of 2022 and launched more than a dozen other projects, including Park Field in Dubai Hills Estate, Seagate in Rashid Yachts & Marina, and Talia and Orania in The Valley.
Expected to be complete by 2025, the Talia and Orania projects include the construction of more than 630 luxury homes in Dubai. Emaar Development also recently acquired Dubai Creek Harbour for $2.04 million, giving it an additional 3.5 square miles of land for development.
3. Reem Hills
Abu Dhabi is also experiencing an uptick in residential development with the most prominent project being the $2.18 million Reem Hills luxury community. Expected to be complete by 2024, the project scope involves the development of townhouses and twin villas around a man-made hill in the center of Reem Island. Sierra Views, the first phase of the project, is being built by ATGC Transport and General Contracting under the direction of Q Properties.
The second phase will involve the construction of luxury homes in four additional communities: Sunset Valley, Reem Avenue, Canal Promenade, and Canal Side. The homes available in these communities, which ranged in price from $600,000 to $1 million, sold out during a soft launch in September 2022.
4. Saadiyat Grove
Aldar Properties, another major contractor in the UAE, began work on the $2.72-billion Saadiyat Grove in 2022. The mixed-use project on Saadiyat Island will feature almost 3,000 residential units, primarily villas, across 2.4 square miles of land. Expected to be complete in 2023, the inclusive community complex will also include more than 70 fashion and beauty outlets and half a million square feet of food and drink locations.
5. Ain Al Maha Village
The Ain Al Maha village, built alongside an Estuary Park on Jubail Island, is expected to be completed by 2025, at which point the mixed-use development will have 240 villas spanning 370+ acres. The project, which is being carried out by the Jubail Island Investment Company, also includes coastal work and the enhancement of natural water channels to position the village as an island within an island. Roughly half of the 240 villas will face the waterfront.
In addition to the residences, the Ain Al Maha village will feature a pair of landmark community centers, one of which will house a world-class school and a 27,000 square-foot retail complex. The other will feature a mosque and various shopping and dining locations. There will also be 3.5 square miles of parks and play areas for children.
6. Sharjah Sustainable City
A three-phase master plan development, Sharjah Sustainable City will feature 1,250 villas, green spaces, a sustainable school, outdoor gym stations, and a mosque and prayer room spread throughout more than 7.2 million square feet of land. Each villa will be equipped with smart home and eco-friendly features, allowing residents to save up to 50 percent on their electricity and water bills. Environmental sustainability will also be achieved in the community through the creation of five green houses with vertical farming, rooftop solar systems, electric vehicle charging stations, and green spaces.
Modeled after The Sustainable City in Dubai, the Sharjah Sustainable City will be the first net zero energy community in the emirate of Sharjah. Residents have already begun moving into the community during the first phase of construction, which includes the delivery of 280 villas.