Meraas Unveils Expanded Residential Masterplan for Dubai Design District

Dubai, UAE: Meraas, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has unveiled an expanded residential masterplan for Dubai Design District (d3), repositioning the area as a creative-led waterfront neighbourhood that integrates living, culture, and innovation within a single urban ecosystem.

The enhanced vision introduces contemporary canal-front residences, cultural quarters, public green spaces, and pedestrian-focused streets, creating a fully integrated community designed to attract global talent seeking a place to live, work, and collaborate.

A creative-led waterfront neighbourhood

Strategically located between Downtown Dubai and Dubai Creek, the expanded masterplan spans approximately 18 million square feet. Designed and delivered by Meraas, the district blends residential, cultural, retail, and hospitality uses, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to strengthen its position as a global hub for design, innovation, and culture in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

The residential expansion responds to increasing market demand, following strong performance from recent launches and rising interest from both local and international buyers seeking design-led, well-connected waterfront communities.

Read more: Meraas Launches Crestlane Waterside Phase in City Walk

Pedestrian-first design and sustainability focus

A defining element of the new masterplan is the Design Line, a fully shaded, pedestrian-first spine connecting the entire district. Activated through public art, creative installations, community spaces, and landscaped green corridors, the Design Line is intended to support walkable, human-centric living while reinforcing d3’s identity as one of Dubai’s most design-forward urban neighbourhoods.

The masterplan is targeting LEED Silver community certification, with a strong emphasis on sustainable mobility, enhanced connectivity, energy-efficient design, and integration with natural surroundings. Visual and spatial links to Dubai Creek and the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary form part of the broader environmental strategy.

Five districts shaping a diverse urban fabric

The expanded neighbourhood will be structured around five distinct character areas. Along the canal, contemporary residences and boutique hospitality offerings will be set against an activated waterfront promenade. The urban core will combine residential living with curated retail and dining, closely integrated with d3’s established global creative ecosystem.

A third area will form the cultural heart of the community, featuring performance venues and mid-rise residences overlooking the d3 Bowl. Another district will focus on wellness-oriented living, defined by parks, sports facilities, and a mangrove-inspired landscape. The final area will serve as a centre for creativity, offering galleries, studios, and loft-style spaces designed to foster collaboration and artistic production.

Supporting Dubai’s long-term economic vision

Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said: “Expanding the Dubai Design District masterplan into a fully integrated creative neighbourhood is a significant step in advancing the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This development strengthens Dubai Design District’s position as a global benchmark for design-focused urban living and reaffirms Dubai’s status as a destination of choice for long-term investment, talent and innovation.”

Strong demand underpins expansion

Momentum across the district continues to build. Recent residential releases by Meraas at d3 have recorded strong demand, including the rapid sell-out of Atelis, a 280-unit waterfront tower, and the successful launch of The Edit, a three-tower development comprising 557 design-led homes.

With its expanded residential vision, emphasis on creativity, and integrated waterfront lifestyle, the enhanced d3 masterplan is set to establish Dubai Design District as one of the city’s most distinctive and globally relevant neighbourhoods, where design and culture shape everyday urban life.