On 13 October 2026, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum unveiled AED 2.1 trillion of projects under way in Dubai. The total includes AED 1.1 trillion of real estate investment and around 350,000 homes by 2030, plus more than AED 100 billion for DIFC Phase 2.
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Dubai plans around 350,000 new homes by 2030: on 13 October 2026, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced a portfolio of AED 2.1 trillion of projects under way in the emirate. He was speaking at the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre before around a thousand leaders from the public and private sectors.
According to figures published by the Dubai Media Office, real estate accounts for AED 1.1 trillion by 2030, with around 350,000 homes planned. The programme also covers transport, aviation and infrastructure, as well as more than AED 100 billion for Phase 2 of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The Ruler summed up the ambition in a single line: Dubai is building "a city within a city". He also said further projects would be announced.
Key takeaways
- On 13 October 2026, the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, announced AED 2.1 trillion of projects under way in the emirate at the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum.
- According to the Dubai Media Office, real estate projects represent AED 1.1 trillion of investment by 2030, with around 350,000 homes planned.
- More than AED 100 billion is earmarked for Phase 2 of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
- AED 100 billion will fund upgrades to the road network and construction of the Dubai Metro Blue and Gold lines.
- AED 328 billion is allocated to expanding the Emirates and flydubai fleets, and AED 18.7 billion to the future Emirates Engineering and Maintenance Complex.
350,000 new homes in Dubai by 2030: supply to match projected growth
Dubai plans around 350,000 homes by 2030, backed by AED 1.1 trillion of real estate investment. It is the largest item in the programme announced on 13 October 2026. And it does not stand alone: it comes with spending on transport and aviation designed to attract residents, businesses and visitors.
For an investor, this volume makes selection matter more. With a large number of new homes coming to market, neighbourhoods will stand apart more sharply on transport links, amenities and developer reputation. Demand gravitates towards places where people genuinely enjoy living, and these are the criteria we use to assess every project. Established communities such as Dubai Hills Estate, or areas with strong rental demand such as Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), enter this cycle with different strengths. In these areas, the choice of building and developer matters as much as the choice of neighbourhood.
Metro Blue and Gold lines: connectivity as a key driver of value
The programme sets aside AED 100 billion to upgrade roads and build the Dubai Metro Blue and Gold lines. This is the item with the most direct impact on property values. A metro station within walking distance shortens commutes, widens the pool of potential tenants and makes resale easier.
We are following the progress of these lines closely. Their routes will define which neighbourhoods gain accessibility by the end of the decade. Buying near a future station, at the right stage of construction, is one of the most effective off-plan strategies in Dubai.
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DIFC Phase 2: a driver for the premium rental market
More than AED 100 billion will be invested in Phase 2 of DIFC, Dubai's international financial centre. The expansion will increase office space for banks, asset managers and advisory firms. It will also bring in executives with high rental budgets.
These arrivals support premium rental demand in DIFC and neighbouring districts, notably Business Bay. These professionals want apartments a few minutes from the office, with high-end finishes and corporate leases. Landlords prize this tenant profile.
What it means for investors
In our view, this announcement confirms Dubai's long-term commitment. The figures are public, dated and allocated across housing, transport, aviation and finance. The programme adds to the market's well-known strengths: in Dubai, individuals pay no tax on rental income or property capital gains, freehold ownership is open to foreigners in designated areas, and a property investment can open the door to the Golden Visa.
With around 350,000 homes planned by 2030, choosing the right property becomes decisive. An apartment close to a future metro station, an employment hub such as DIFC or an established community will hold its own better against new-build competition, both for letting and for resale. Yields and future capital gains are never guaranteed. They depend on location, purchase price and the quality of the project.
Lucretia helps you select the best-located projects, check developer reliability and build a strategy suited to your situation. For a full overview of the market, see our guide Investing in Dubai.
Source: thenationalnews.com — 2026-10-13
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About the author
Jean-Pierre MARTINI
Director of Technology & Innovation
With over 15 years of experience in corporate strategy, marketing and project management, Jean-Pierre has helped dozens of companies with their business development across several industries. An entrepreneur by training, he founded and led several companies, ranging from specialized retail to innovative digital solutions. Since 2021, he has turned his focus to real estate and the Dubai market, advising investors on their wealth strategies. Currently at Lucretia, his role includes managing technological innovation, optimizing business processes, and developing team skills. He also ensures client follow-up and provides personalized strategic advice to investors.
