Emaar’s AED 200bn masterplan for 150,000 residents: what buyers know so far

On 11 June 2026 Emaar announced the most ambitious masterplan in its history: an AED 200bn (about $54bn) development with more than 4.5 million square metres of floor area and room for roughly 150,000 residents. Founder Mohamed Alabbar called it the company’s “most extraordinary dream yet”. As of September 2026 neither the name nor the exact boundaries have been officially released; Emaar says the full unveiling is imminent.

What has been disclosed

Emaar describes a self-contained “city within a city” built on the 20-minute-city principle, with schools, clinics, mosques, shops and parks a short walk or cycle from home. The plan has five character zones:

• a business hub with Grade-A offices;
• an urban district of high-rise towers;
• a cluster for young families;
• a family living zone;
• a gated enclave of five- and six-bedroom villas and mansions.

The developer promises towers with views of Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah, a central park with lagoons and beach areas, metro connectivity, cycling routes and EV infrastructure. There are no handover dates or prices yet.

Where it might be

The site has not been named. In July 2026 the business press reported that the project is likely a reworked scheme Emaar has been preparing in south-east Dubai with Dubai Holding, which appeared in company materials as Emaar Hills, then Emaar Estate and then Dubai Estate. That is reporting, not a developer statement, and should be read that way.

A separate deal is often bundled with the megaproject on social media. In May 2025 Emaar Development bought a large plot in Ras Al Khor from Amlak for AED 2.9bn (about $790m), with completion expected by the end of July 2025. Emaar framed it as land-bank growth next to its Dubai Creek Harbour community. No public link between that land and the 150,000-resident plan has been confirmed.

What it changes for an investor

Supply. A city for 150,000 people means tens of thousands of apartments and villas released in phases over many years. For owners reselling in neighbouring districts, that is a steady stream of new stock from the same brand, sold on payment plans.

Early phases. Emaar’s pattern in Dubai Hills Estate and Creek Harbour has been to price the first phases below later ones, because buyers are paying for uncertainty before the amenities exist. The discount is real, but so is the risk: delivery takes longer and the surroundings stay a building site for years.

Transport. A promised metro connection in a masterplan is an intention, not a line on the RTA’s map. Until a route is approved, do not pay for a station.

What to do now

Until the official launch there is nothing to buy. Any “booking” or expression of interest for an unnamed project is a reason for caution, not urgency. The better use of the time is to study how earlier Emaar phases performed and settle your budget and format in advance. Our Emaar developer profile explains how the company sells and what to check in its contracts.

While the new city is still an announcement, look at the Emaar masterplan already taking shape by the water: our Dubai Creek Harbour guide covers prices, handover dates and how the district grew from its first phases.