Emaar is considering plans to build a new version of Downtown Dubai, adjacent to its current Dubai Hills project, sources have told Lana.
The project – which would dwarf the current Downtown Dubai in size and likely be valued over $20bn – would entails offices, residences, hotels and huge retail facilities, with a heavy emphasis on AI.
The current Downtown Dubai includes global landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain. There are over 50 towers and hundreds of buildings, and a 3.5km boulevard with cafes and restaurants.
Emaar is already constructing the Dubai Creek Harbour project, which is three times the size of Downtown Dubai with over 100 towers and villas, and nearly 50,000 residential units.
It includes Dubai Square Mall, set to open in under three years. Designed as a next-generation destination, Dubai Square will also allow electric vehicles to move through its interior, aligning with Dubai’s broader push toward sustainable and smart urban infrastructure.
Any new project is likely to be of at least similar size to Dubai Creek Harbour, according to sources. Dubai Hills Estate, close to where the new project is expected to feature, already covers 11 square kilometres, making it larger is size than Downtown Dubai and Dubai Creek Harbour.
Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar delivered bullish remarks last week in an exclusive interview with Lana, noting that Emaar would not be cutting salaries or reducing headcount across its hospitality division despite the challenges facing the sector.
“Shame on us if we cannot build a resilient organisation that can last almost anything. That is not so easy to do unless you really prepare, prepare for years, and you are serious about it,” he said.
