Dubai Design District has a new residential waterfront neighbourhood

Dubai Design District (d3), the city’s cultural and creative hub, is set to become one of the most sought-after places to live. Spanning 18 million sqft, the district’s new residential masterplan by Meraas blends design, culture, and waterfront living into a fully integrated neighbourhood where creatives can live, work, and innovate.

Located between Downtown Dubai and Dubai Creek, the development brings together residential, retail, hospitality, and cultural experiences in one cohesive community. At the heart of the project is the Design Line, a fully shaded, pedestrian-first spine lined with public art, creative installations, landscaped green corridors, and community spaces, designed to make every stroll an experience.

Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, described the masterplan as “a significant step in advancing the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This development strengthens d3’s position as a global benchmark for design-focused urban living while reaffirms Dubai’s status as a destination of choice for long-term investment, talent and innovation.”

The masterplan brings to life five distinct areas that define the neighbourhood’s unique character. A vibrant waterfront promenade will feature contemporary residences and boutique hospitality along a lively canal-side walkway, offering residents a seamless connection to the water. At the heart of the community, the urban core will integrate residential offerings with curated retail and dining, creating a dynamic space that ties into d3’s established creative ecosystem.

The cultural heart of the district will host performance venues and mid-rise residences overlooking the iconic d3 Bowl, while a wellness-focused zone will provide parks, sports facilities, and mangrove-inspired landscapes for residents seeking nature and active living.

Finally, a dedicated creative hub will house galleries, studios, and loft-style spaces designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and artistic production, ensuring that creativity remains at the core of the neighbourhood.

Sustainability is a central focus, with the neighbourhood targeting LEED Silver community certification. Energy-efficient design, sustainable mobility solutions, and integration with natural landscapes, including visual connections to Dubai Creek and the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary ensuring that this is a waterfront community built for the future.

Momentum around d3 is already building. Recent residential releases have seen remarkable demand, including the rapid sell-out of Atelis, a 280-unit waterfront tower, and The Edit, a three-tower collection offering 557 design-led homes.

With its expanded vision, integrated living, and distinctive creative identity, the enhanced d3 masterplan is poised to establish the district as one of Dubai’s most inspiring and globally relevant neighbourhoods; a place where creativity shapes everyday life and the world’s creative community can truly belong. 

Source: Ahlan Dubai