Dubai Ruler Reveals Dh2.1 Trillion in Active Projects as City Plans Major Expansion

Dubai is preparing for another major phase of development, with nearly Dh2.1 trillion worth of projects currently underway across the emirate.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the investment figure during the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum at Dubai World Trade Centre on October 13, 2026.

The projects cover housing, real estate, aviation, transportation, infrastructure and economic development, with additional initiatives expected to be announced in the coming period.

Dubai Builds a ‘City Within a City’

Sheikh Mohammed described Dubai as a city building a “city within a city”, highlighting the emirate’s commitment to preparing for future population growth and expanding business opportunities.

The ongoing projects aim to strengthen essential services, improve connectivity and maintain Dubai’s appeal as a destination for living, working and investing.

The leadership forum brought together around 1,000 government and private-sector leaders, alongside experts, academics and decision-makers, to discuss future development and effective leadership.

Major Investments in Real Estate and Aviation

Real estate represents one of the largest parts of the development programme, with Dh1.1 trillion allocated to property projects through 2030.

Plans include approximately 350,000 residential units to support the emirate’s expanding population.

Aviation is another key priority, with Dh128 billion allocated to Al Maktoum International Airport, which is designed to accommodate up to 260 million passengers annually over the next decade.

A further Dh328 billion is earmarked for expanding the Emirates and flydubai fleets, while Dh18.7 billion has been allocated to an Emirates engineering and maintenance complex.

Transport and Infrastructure Projects Support Future Growth

Dubai’s wider development plans include Dh100 billion for road and transport projects, including the Dubai Metro Blue and Gold lines, and more than Dh100 billion for the expansion of the Dubai International Financial Centre.

Other major allocations include Dh151 billion for electricity and water networks, Dh80 billion for the Dubai Strategic Sewerage Tunnels system and Dh30 billion for the Tasreef rainwater drainage project.

An additional Dh10 billion is planned for expanding the Dubai Exhibition Centre, while Dh4 billion is allocated to the Dubai Blue and Green Spaces Roadmap.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that investing in infrastructure today will help Dubai accommodate future growth and maintain high standards of living and economic opportunity.