Dubai Design District to Get a Pedestrian Friendly Neighborhood

Dubai Design District (d3) is set to undergo a major transformation that will reshape it into a vibrant, pedestrian-first waterfront neighbourhood, with developers unveiling an ambitious masterplan aimed at redefining urban living in the emirate.

Meraas, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has launched an expanded residential master plan covering approximately 18 million square feet of land between Downtown Dubai and Dubai Creek. The project’s vision is to evolve d3 from a creative hub into one of Dubai’s most desirable walkable, integrated urban communities, blending living, working, culture and leisure spaces.

A Walkable, Human-Centric Design

At the heart of the new masterplan is the Design Line, a fully shaded, pedestrian-first spine that will weave through the entire district. This central route is designed to encourage walking year-round, linking residential zones with cultural quarters, public spaces, art installations, and community hubs, all set within landscaped green corridors.

The move supports Dubai’s broader strategy to foster walking and human-scale urban experiences, reinforcing the emirate’s mission to become more sustainable and people-focused in its urban development.

Five Distinct Neighborhood Zones

The redesigned district will be organised into five unique areas, each contributing a different lifestyle dimension:

• Waterfront Living: Canal-front residential buildings and boutique hotels opening onto an animated promenade.
• Urban Core: A mix of homes, curated retail and dining, and seamless integration with d3’s established creative ecosystem.
• Cultural Heart: Performance venues and mid-rise residences overlooking the iconic d3 Bowl.
• Wellness District: Parks, sports facilities and nature-inspired landscapes for health-focused living.
• Creative Zone: Galleries, studios and lofts aimed at fostering collaboration within the artistic community.

Sustainability and Connectivity

The masterplan is targeting LEED Silver community certification, reflecting its emphasis on sustainable mobility, energy-efficient building design and connectivity with surrounding natural landscapes, including visual links to Dubai Creek and the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.

Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, which aims to drive long-term economic growth, underscores the strategic importance of this development, positioning d3 as a global benchmark for design-led urban living and a magnet for international talent and investment.

While official timelines and investment figures for the project have not yet been released, the expanded masterplan marks a significant step toward a more walkable and interconnected future for one of Dubai’s most creative districts.

The transformation of d3 is expected to set a new standard for urban design in the region, highlighting Dubai’s continued commitment to innovation, sustainability and quality of life in its cityscape.