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Dubai allocates Dh2bn to 48 urban centres, targets Dh20bn property value gain by 2040
Plan covers six main centres and 42 sub-centres across 12 percent of Dubai's urban area, approved by Executive Council.
Dubai Executive Council approved the Urban Centres Development Plan on 27 October 2026, allocating a budget exceeding Dh2 billion ($544.6 million) to develop 48 urban centres across the emirate. The plan targets a Dh20 billion increase in real estate value in the designated centres by 2040, according to statements published by Economy Middle East and Khaleej Times.
48 centres across 12 percent of urban area#
The plan covers six main urban centres and 42 supporting sub-centres, representing 12 percent of Dubai's urban area. The Supreme Committee for Urban Planning and Dubai Municipality are overseeing implementation in collaboration with relevant entities, Economy Middle East reported. The plan addresses three areas: quality of life, economic returns, and infrastructure efficiency and cost. It does this by grouping population and employment near mass transit stations, mixing land use types, and reducing the distance between residential and employment locations.
Metro station proximity target raised to 74 percent#
The plan aims to increase the proportion of residents living around metro stations from 52 percent to 74 percent, and raise public services coverage from 74 percent to 85 percent by 2040, according to The National. The initiative seeks to improve access to services and public transport and strengthen integration between urban centres. The plan also supports maximising the use of existing infrastructure and services, enhancing their efficiency and ensuring their sustainability.
Sustainable Population Planning Policy approved#
The Executive Council also approved the Sustainable Population Planning Policy, a framework that connects demographic projections to economic and urban development planning. The policy uses data and population growth forecasts to determine future needs for services and facilities, and to guide infrastructure development plans across Dubai, Economy Middle East reported. It supports job growth in high-productivity sectors, aligned with the targets of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
Digital Authorisation System adopted#
The council adopted a Digital Authorisation System for government transactions involving individuals and companies. Digital Dubai developed and operates the platform, which enables customers to grant authorisation for others to handle low-risk transactions digitally, removing the need for notarial or legal attestation, The National reported. The system relies on UAE PASS digital identity for user verification and connects with digital applications and services to deliver a consistent experience across government service channels.
Sources3 sources across 3 domains
- economymiddleeast.comEconomy Middle EastExecutive Council approval date, budget figure of Dh2 billion, Dh20 billion real estate value target, 48 centres comprising six main and 42 sub-centres, 12 percent of urban area, three pillars, metro station proximity target from 52 to 74 percent, public services coverage target from 74 to 85 percen
- khaleejtimes.comKhaleej TimesExecutive Council approval, Dh2 billion investment figure, Dh20 billion real estate value target, metro station proximity and public services coverage targets, Sustainable Population Planning Policy approval
- thenationalnews.comThe National48 urban centres total, Dh20 billion property value increase by 2040, Dh2 billion budget, six main centres and 42 sub-centres, 12 percent of urban area, metro station proximity baseline of 52 percent and target of 74 percent, public services coverage baseline of 74 percent and target of 85 percent
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