Dubai South

Dubai South is a multi-phase development based on the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This master-planned community was dubbed The Centre of Tomorrow when it launched in 2006. Later on, it was renamed to Dubai South in 2015. Along with residential districts, the community is home to Al Maktoum International Airport and a Business Park.

The eight districts of Dubai South integrate residential, commercial, logistics, aviation, hospitality and leisure zones in one multi-faceted development under the government’s flagship. Dubai South sprawls over 145 sq. km of which 7 sq. km. space is dedicated for aerospace hub and 18 sq. km. for logistics hub_._ With many phases currently under construction and completed over the recent years, Dubai South also offers freehold plots and off-plan investment opportunities with easy payment plans.

• Host events such as the Dubai Airshow
• Home to the Al Maktoum International Airport
• A master-planned community with eight sub-areas
• Freehold residential properties and leasehold commercial properties
• Dubai South area name was formerly known as Dubai World Central (DWC)

Dubai South is envisioned as a city within a city, creating a sustainable community to live, work, and invest. Dubai South is largely a freehold area in Dubai, while commercial properties in this community are leasehold.

The eight different districts of Dubai South, as planned, include the following:

• Golf District
• Residential City
• Logistics District
• Aviation District
• Exhibition District
• Commercial District
• Humanitarian District
• Al Maktoum International Airport

The community has a fully integrated ecosystem to facilitate commercial and residential activities. Moreover, it’s a pet-friendly area. These facilities, combined with the well-planned infrastructure and transport network, make Dubai South one of the biggest metropolitan developments in the UAE.

The sought-after community, Emaar South, is part of the Golf City. As per the details, the project will be home to an 18-hole golf course surrounded by 10 residential complexes offering a mix of apartments, villas and townhouses. Expo Golf Villas, Urbana and Golf Links are a few compounds in the area.

Dubai South Residential District is a mini city featuring mixed-use properties for sale and rent. The Pulse is the flagship development in the district with villas, townhouses and beachfront properties. Moreover, the Residential District will feature affordable accommodation options for blue-collar staff, leisure amenities, medical facilities and a safe environment.

South Bay is another mega residential project featuring around 1000 residential units, including 3 to 5-bedroom semi-detached villas, townhouses and stand-alone waterfront mansions in 5 to 7-bedroom configurations. This residential complex will also have shared communal amenities for residents, such as pools, a water sports club and fitness centre, a pet park, kids’ playgrounds and a mall.

The Logistics District of Dubai South is close to both, Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port Dubai. Therefore, this district is ideal for firms looking to expand or establish business in Dubai under a free zone license. Part of the Logistics District houses a Business Park and a free zone area. It offers flexible office spaces for businesses of any size.

Aviation District in Dubai South is home to Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH), which is spread over 7 sq. km. and has several districts catering to a diverse aerospace ecosystem. Business aviation, education and training, maintenance, repair and overhaul are a few of them. It is claimed to be the region’s first aerotropolis providing airside and landside solutions.

Dubai South also attracts those looking for commercial spaces as many offices and retail spaces featuring malls and other convenience stores are concentrated in the Commercial District. The area welcomes foreign investments and commercial buyers, including entrepreneurs. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and multinational corporations (MNCs) get unparalleled benefits and even an exemption in import and export fees. Upon Dubai South’s completion, the district will be home to multiple industries ranging from aviation to hospitality, food, retail and more.

Al Maktoum International Airport, once fully operational, is expected to be the world’s largest airport. Currently, it can handle 16 million tonnes of cargo and over 200 million passengers. It is expected to be fully operational in 2030.

Dubai South mainly has apartments and villas as residential options, but some projects also have townhouses. The last 12 months have seen a rise in properties rented in Dubai South. In contrast, there has been a considerable decline in sale transactions for properties in Dubai South in the last 12 months.

The residential district, also known as the residential city of Dubai South, is one of the most popular areas for rent in Dubai South. The area is popular for renting apartments. Meanwhile, Emaar South is more popular for renting villas.

Some off-plan projects in Dubai South are:

As the area is divided into diverse districts, the properties are built by many leading developers in the city.

Azizi Venice spread across 336 acres, is an upcoming waterfront community in Dubai South. The project is set to feature studios and 1 to 3-bedroom apartments along with a range of world-class facilities, including floating opera houses, an infinity pool, a crystal lagoon and a waterpark. The expected handover of Azizi Venice apartments is in 2026.

The Pulse Beachfront, by Dubai South Properties, is a gated sub-community of The Pulse project. It is located in the residential city of Dubai South and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

South Bay is also located in the residential district and offers off-plan villas, townhouses and mansions for sale. And, Expo Golf Villas 6 is a sub-district of Emaar South, announced to handover in Q4, 2025.

Those looking for Dubai South floor plans can browse through the floor plans available for popular communities/buildings in Dubai South.

There are a few hotels in Dubai South to add to the accommodation options in the suburb. Some notable ones include:

• Staybridge Suites Dubai Al-Maktoum Airport
• Holiday Inn Dubai Al-Maktoum Airport
• Aloft Dubai South

Staybridge Suites Dubai Al-Maktoum Airport is a 4-star hotel in Dubai South. Facilities include room service, a business centre, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a restaurant, a buffet breakfast and a 24-hour front desk.

Holiday Inn Dubai Al-Maktoum Airport provides accommodation featuring a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests. Facilities include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and free private parking.

Aloft Dubai South offers 139 guest rooms with a signature platform bed, a 49-inch LED TV with Chromecast, a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower and other amenities. Other amenities include a 24-hour front desk, a restaurant, a bar, a fitness centre and a business centre. All of these hotels are located in Aviation City.

There are plenty of parking spaces in the community. Villas and townhouses have covered car parking spaces for two vehicles. There is a reserved space for a single car for those living in apartments. Street parking options are also available for guests and visitors.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and Emirates Road (E44) make it easier for the rest of Dubai to reach Dubai South. Bus stops in Dubai South are serviced by Buses F55, N55 and 56.

The Expo 2020 Metro Station on the Red Line is the nearest option for those traveling through the Dubai Metro.

While some projects are still under construction, there are plenty of supermarkets in Dubai South. Zoom Supermarket, Geant Express, Grand Hyper and 24 Seven Supermarket are some currently operating in the area.

There are a few mosques in the area, including Al Maktoum Airport Mosque. The number is expected to rise after the completion of residential projects in Dubai South.

There are no churches or temples in Dubai South. Those practising Christianity can find St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Christ Church and others. All these churches are in Jebel Ali Village, approximately a 25-minute drive away.

At the same driving distance, the Sikh community can visit Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Gurudwara.

Parents of preschoolers can send their children to Tappy Toes Nursery in Dubai South. It follows the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and enrols kids aged 45 days to 4 years. 

GEMS Founders School offers British education for students from the Foundation Stage to Year 8. The school started operations in August 2024 and is known for its state-of-the-art classrooms and extensive extracurricular activities. It is located close to Majestique Residence 1 in Dubai South.

For more options, there is British Oak Montessori Nursery in the neighbouring community of Alghadeer.

There are a few schools near Dubai South in Dubai Investments Park. Dove Green Private School follows the British curriculum, Greenfield International School offers the American curriculum, Bright Riders School features the Indian curriculum, and British Columbia Canadian School offers the Canadian curriculum. The number of schools and other educational centres will increase when the residential project is fully developed.

As the area is a proud core land for Al Maktoum International Airport, Emirates Aviation Services LLC is close to the airport site. It serves as a civil aviation training and learning centre.

Al Maktoum Airport Clinic and Saudi German Clinic in Dubai can be reached within minutes. Access Clinic Jafza is hardly 15 minutes away. NMC Royal Hospital is one of the top hospitals in Dubai located at a distance of 20 minutes in Dubai Investment Park.

Dubai South is a self-sufficient district which neighbours many famous areas of Dubai. Dubai Investment Park is next to it, and the Jebel Ali community is also a neighbour, making Dubai South’s Logistics District easily connected with the port. Similarly, commuting for import and export purposes is made even more accessible.

The upcoming Expo City Mall in Dubai South’s Emaar South project will fulfil all the shopping needs of people living in this area. The mall is expected to be open in 2024 with over 190 shops and F&B outlets.

As for now, Ibn Battuta Mall can be reached within 24 minutes, and The Outlet Village by Meraas is 20 minutes away.

Other nearby malls include Dubai Marina Mall, Mall of the Emirates and the world-renowned Dubai Mall. These shopping destinations can be reached within a 40-minute drive.

A wide range of international food chains and restaurants in Dubai South are already operational and serving delicious food. Olives Restaurant, which has many branches in Dubai, is already serving on the premises of Dubai South. At the same time, McDonald’s is the number one choice for fast-food lovers. Skini Panini, Coffee Pushin and Golos Italia Restaurant are located in the Logistics District of Dubai South. The nearest Asian restaurant is Sarhad Darbar in the neighbouring Dubai Investment Park.

Riverland Dubai, part of Dubai Parks and Resorts, has a wide range of restaurants approximately 20 minutes away. Popular casual dining restaurants in Riverland Dubai include Super Chix, Olive Garden, TGI Fridays and The Coffee Club.

Jebel Ali Beach is one of the best public beaches in Dubai, accessible at a drive of 22 minutes. Those looking for a peaceful walk on the beach can visit Al Sufouh Beach, which is within half an hour’s drive from Dubai South. JBR Beach is another option for Dubai South residents, within a 30-minute drive.

Among different projects of Dubai South, an 18-hole golf course is also on the list of highly anticipated developments in the area. It will be part of the Golf District, and the Emaar South villas will have peaceful views of the green landscape.

Dubai South is also close to Dubai Parks and Resorts, a collection of theme parks. These include Motiongate Dubai, Legoland, and Riverland.

Motiongate Dubai is the region’s largest Hollywood-inspired theme park off the Sheikh Zayed Road highway. Legoland Dubai is a LEGO-themed park that offers interactive rides, water slides and driving experiences. Riverland is a recreational location with over 50 restaurants, cafes and shops. It has four zones: The Peninsula, India Gate, Boardwalk and The French Village.

There are spaces dedicated to green areas in every district. Many of the residential communities have planned large communal parks for their residents.

Once fully developed, there will be many gyms in Dubai South. Residents must look in the neighbouring communities to pursue their fitness goals. Western Gym in Sapphire Mall has high-end fitness equipment and trainers. It is 20 minutes away by car. Evolve HQ Fitness, in The Town Mall, is approximately 21 minutes away.

For some much-needed ‘me-time’, there is South Beauty Centre and Portofino Gentlemen Lounge in Dubai South to cater to both female and male clients.

The Dubai Airshow, a biennial aerospace event held at a purpose-built venue in Dubai South, is a major industry gathering. The last event occurred in November 2023, while the next one was scheduled for 2025.

Dubai South is a city within a city. Eventually, it will house all kinds of basic and luxurious facilities. It sits on a vast landmass with different districts for residential and commercial purposes. However, many projects in their development phase might cause distress for those living in Dubai South. But as the projects are underway, the prices for properties are on the lower end of the spectrum, making it a popular spot for investors.

Dubai South’s location is along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), near Dubai Investment Park.

Upon its completion, the area will be a self-sufficient district, allowing residents to access education, health and retail facilities quickly.

The mixed-use development is close to the Expo 2020 Metro Station, an extension of the Dubai Metro. For bus service, F55 can be used to reach the central city.

Dubai South is a free-zone area where Emirati locals and GCC investors can purchase the property.

There are plenty of off-plan projects in Dubai South offering well-designed residences. These include The Pulse Beachfront, Azizi Venice and Expo Golf Villas 6.

The Dubai South area name was formerly called Dubai World Central (DWC).

• Al Maktoum International Airport is 5 minutes away from the residential district of Dubai South
• Sheikh Zayed Road is a 20-minute drive
• Downtown Dubai is 40 minutes away