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What Is The Future Of Dubai South?

Dubai is a dynamic city of expansion. While a few areas like Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah have long been stamped on the map and turned into flagship communities.

Other places are starting to make it onto the list as the next frontiers of growth and development across the emirate. Making its mark now is Dubai South , a gigantic master-planned district that is set to change the very fabric of Dubai.

As Dubai South takes shape over the next decade, it is set to have a transformative impact on the area and the entire city and economy.

Let's look at why Dubai South represents the future of Dubai:

Why the South of Dubai is Becoming Dubai's Future

Being a large-scale urban development, the biggest advantage of Dubai South is its location. It is right beside the Expo 2020 site, now repurposed as Expo City Dubai . At the center of commerce and travel and inclined at the junction between Dubai and Abu Dhabi , it puts itself in the heart of business and residences.

Airport Expansion

The expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport is a game-changer for Dubai South. The world's biggest airport, with a projected capacity of 260 million passengers annually, is currently being expanded. But that is not all—this huge infrastructure will also bring many more tourists and traders and create innumerable jobs within both the aviation and hospitality sectors.

Dubai South Free Zone Facility

Another large business attraction is the Dubai South Free Zone. Added to its benefits are 100% foreign ownership and zero corporate and personal income tax, with full repatriation of capital and profits. It is these sorts of incentives that are forecast to capture a large number of international companies and drive more growth into the local economy.

Residential District

Besides the airports, Dubai South features a full Dubai South Residential District that has the future vision of housing 1 million people! As Dubai continues its remarkable population and economic growth, large residential developments like Dubai South will be necessary for providing quality housing.

Looking ahead, Dubai properties are on track to complete and deliver approximately 2,500 units by 2025, with other developers at Dubai South expected to add around 5,500 units to the market. Luxury developers like EMAAR and DAMAC already have several mega projects underway in Dubai South spanning apartments, villas, townhouses and mansions.

Government & FDI Support

Dubai's Executive Council approved a $6.8 billion FDI initiative to attract $176.96 billion by 2033 as the government promotes the city as an investment magnet. This project will place Dubai among the world's top three urban economies by 2033, demonstrating the emirate's continued ambition and economic progress.

New Economic Powerhouse

Between the massive airport expansion, logistics operations and huge residential base, Dubai South is set to become an economic powerhouse contributing exponentially to Dubai’s growth. Currently, it already accounts for 35% of Dubai's GDP.

Dubai South is even establishing special economic districts like a Business Park tailored for technology firms and a dedicated free zone allowing full foreign ownership and zero tax. These zones aim to attract investments and entrepreneurs worldwide, further fueling economic activity.

By the time it's complete, Dubai South expects to contribute over half a trillion dirhams to the economy every year! It will also create about 500,000 jobs to support all these new industries and residents. In fact, leading education provider GEMS recently appointed principals to open schools in Dubai South!

Sustainability

At the core of Dubai South's development master plan lies sustainability. The area is being developed based on smart city technologies that ensure efficient resource management, a green-space-oriented approach, and eco-friendly building practices. Extensive public transport plans will further bring down the carbon footprint, making Dubai South an exemplary case of sustainable living.

In short, combining the airports, economic zones, new housing and jobs is fueling Dubai South's future.

What are the infrastructure development plans for Dubai South?

The Dubai South master plan outlines extensive infrastructure spanning all facets of modern urban living. This includes roads, public transit, utilities, digital connectivity, public spaces and other amenities required to support the daily needs of potentially up to 1 million residents!

Al Maktoum Airport Expansion

The centerpiece of Dubai South is the new Al Maktoum International Airport. Already, the existing Dubai International Airport has reached saturation, currently ranking 2nd busiest in the world. Al Maktoum Airport is going to touch that. It started its cargo flights in 2010, but large-scale expansion of passenger services only started recently.

Recently, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has approved designs for breathtaking new passenger terminals at Al Maktoum Airport. This $35 billion project is going to rank Al Maktoum as the world's largest airport, with an annual capacity of 260 million passengers. That is nearly five times the size of Dubai International Airport as it stands today!

Aerotropolis Integration

Parallel to this, it is also home to the region's first purpose-built aerotropolis, known as Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub. The area within MBRAH measures 7 square km and caters to every other aspect of the aviation industry, from maintenance to education and training.

Within Dubai South, there is an integrated Logistics District with Al Maktoum Airport and Jebel Ali Port. The district aims to make Dubai one of the top global logistics hubs. There are even trials of new autonomous vehicles that can change the game of cargo movement!

Transport and Roads

Developing smooth transport links is a priority to connect Dubai South with the rest of the city. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road already link it to main highways like Sheikh Zayed Road and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Road. RTA buses, including services F55, N55 and 56 connect to the Dubai Metro through the Expo 2020 station.

Within Dubai South, the initial phases focus on roads and bridges linking the Logistics District, Aviation District and initial residential developments. Future phases will add metro and light rail lines circling within Dubai South and crossing over to surrounding areas.

Schools and Education

Providing quality education is also critical for any community. GEMS Education recently appointed principals to open schools catering to various curriculums in Dubai South's residential areas as demand takes shape. Gems Founders School - Dubai South will focus on innovation, technology and enterprise skills.

More nurseries, schools, vocational centers and universities will arise over the next few years as the population grows. The Aviation District itself houses an aerospace training academy to develop specialized talent for this key industry. Educational infrastructure planning is hence well aligned to Dubai South's focus sectors.

Hospitals and Healthcare

While Dubai South construction began only 15 years ago, some healthcare infrastructure is already shaping up. An airport clinic provides emergency services to the Logistics District employees. Other medical centres and hospitals will develop moving forward to serve the residential population.

Facilities offering specialized healthcare services tailored to sectors like logistics and aviation may also emerge with time. But access and connectivity to Dubai’s wider world-class healthcare network is a priority being built.

Utilities and Digital Connectivity

Developing utility capacity, including district cooling, electricity, water and waste management systems at scale is fundamental. State entities like DEWA and Dubai Municipality as well as private contractors are collaborating closely on this infrastructure. Not only this, Dubai South has also been enhancing the district with amenities for the comfort and convenience of its residents, such as public parks, sports courts, retail shops, a 50,000-square-foot hypermarket, a mosque, and a petrol station.

Dubai South also aims to be a digital district with cutting-edge 5G and even 6G compatible networks being rolled out. All built-infrastructure uses future-ready designs supporting electric autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence and other smart technologies too.

Sustainable and Resilient Design

Sustainability is an integral principle weaving through all of Dubai South’s development. All new buildings leverage green construction principles and smart home automation. Water recycling, solar energy and EV charging stations are built into community design.

The project plans also implement resilience by incorporating seismic design and flood prevention. Continuity planning for operational recovery from emergencies applies too. Hence, Dubai South exemplifies global best practices in sustainable and resilient urban growth.

Dubai South has detailed plans to build all the roads, schools, hospitals and other civic infrastructure necessary to support vibrant communities over the short and long-term.

Why Invest in Dubai South

From an investment perspective, Dubai South has several compelling advantages making it an attractive option for end-users and investors alike:

Strategic Location

Dubai South's location puts it right in the middle of Dubai's growth corridor. Just a 20-30 minute drive from Downtown Dubai , Dubai Marina or Expo City, it offers easy access to the rest of Dubai.

Yet housing in established central districts has become very costly. Dubai South offers similar quality new housing but at more affordable prices given its early stage value potential. Investors buying off-plan can achieve solid rental yields too.

Infrastructure Led Growth

Dubai South is an infrastructure led development - built around the airport, economic districts and integrated city model. So buyers can be confident that the supporting facilities, amenities and conveniences will arise in parallel. This de-risks investments relative to isolated off-plan projects .

Attractive Payment Plans

Developers are offering easy payment plans for Dubai South real estate such as 25% down and spread over 2-3 years after handover. This enables more buyers to enter the market without large lump-sum requirements. And early movers stand to gain appreciation as the whole district evolves.

High-Income Migration

Dubai South’s logistics and aviation focus will attract many commercial experts, engineers and specialized workers. These high-income residents will require premium housing, translating to strong rental yields for investors. District features like the golf course and waterfront living add further premium appeal.

Lets have a look current ROI of Dubai South properties

ROI IN DUBAI SOUTH

APARTMENT TYPE ROI VILLA TYPE ROI
Studio 8.68 % 2-Bed 6.80 %
1-Bed 7.95 % 3-Bed 6.25 %
2-Bed 7.33 % 4-Bed 5.48 %
3-Bed 6.90 % ------ -----
4-Bed 6.04 % ------ -----

Rapid Value Appreciation

As a new district, Dubai South real estate prices start at a baseline making growth trajectories highly promising. In the last 6 months alone, Dubai South saw a 22.8% surge in rental yields with a valuation of AED211.4 million. Continued demand from businesses and residents should sustain this growth momentum for years ahead.

Overall, the strategic location, infrastructure-led development model, attractive payment plans, premium positioning and value growth potential make Dubai South a compelling real estate investment. Those buying or renting property early can gain significant upside well into the next decade.

Advantages of Investing in Dubai South

Dubai South offers many advantages to investors and end-users, making it an excellent destination for real estate investment.

Connectivity & Accessibility

It is well connected and easily accessed due to the proximity to Sheikh Zayed Road, Emirates Road, and Al Maktoum International Airport. The ongoing road and transit projects further enhance the connectivity.

Strategic Location

The geographic synergies between Dubai and Abu Dhabi are well-positioned in Dubai South. Logistical links with Jebel Ali enable economic activity.

Infrastructural Growth

Development of high-quality infrastructure and amenities turns around the process of sustainable community development, enhancing livability.

Airport-Centric Growth

In a short period of time, boom in aviation, logistics, trade, and commerce will form the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport. Early movers realize benefits.

Special Economic Zones

Incentives include 100% foreign ownership, zero income tax, and import duty exemptions—providing a business-friendly ecosystem in economic zones.

Price Appreciation Potential

Attractive entry price points today, coupled with projected capital appreciation as the area develops, make it an attractive proposition for investors looking for returns.

Lifestyle Diversity

The range of amenities, education, recreation, retail, and healthcare options allows holistic living within a self-contained district.

Developer Interest

The Top Dubai developers launching projects in the area bring expertise and premium options to investors and residents.

In other words, overall connectivity, strategic relevance, quality of infrastructure, airport-led growth, economic zone incentives, capital growth potential, and lifestyle diversity gave an edge to Dubai South over all other areas.

Pros and Cons of Living in Dubai South

What’s it actually like to live in Dubai South? Well it’s still early days with much of the development underway. But early residents share useful perspectives on the current pros and cons:

Pros:

Peaceful Community

As a newly developing district, Dubai South offers quiet and calm far from the bustle of more central areas. This allows more peaceful family living amidst landscaped parks and green spaces

No Traffic Jams

With wide multi-lane roads and no traffic jams yet, motoring in Dubai South is smooth and quick. Getting to most parts of Dubai by car takes about 20-40 minutes depending on traffic.

Family Friendly

The emphasis on amenities like cycling tracks, playgrounds and suburban community living makes Dubai South family friendly. Lots of similar residents with kids and pets make for great community relationships.

Premium New Homes

As all Dubai South housing is new, residents enjoy premium build quality and features. Many homes overlook scenic golf course and canal views too. For home buyers, everything feels fresh and modern.

Cons:

Limited Retail Options

As a new development, retail and entertainment infrastructure is still emerging. Residents currently need to drive to nearby districts for hypermarkets, malls and other shopping.

Public Transport Limited

Despite good road access, trains and buses remain limited. Residents rely predominantly on cars with some using cab services to commute or access the Dubai Metro.

Not Walkable Yet

Regarding retail and transport, Dubai South doesn’t have very walkable neighborhoods yet. Most errands require some driving, though cycling lanes do help with community mobility.

Ongoing Construction Noise

While annoying, ongoing construction works across various sites is simply the cost of being an early resident in a new development. This should fade in coming years as projects complete.

In Short, residents enjoy Dubai South’s community feel but face challenges around retail, public transit and construction noise. However over the next decade, all of these cons should convert into pros as the district builds out!

Properties Available in Dubai South

Despite massive plans, Dubai South is still in early development phase. But some launches pave the way for what’s to come:

  • Azizi Venice
  • Lincoln Star Residence
  • Waterfront Mansions
  • Cresswell Residences
  • South Living By Dubai South
  • Dubai South Properties South Bay 5

Conclusion

In the years ahead, Dubai South is future-proofing itself to become a benchmark for sustainable, smart city development globally. Catalyzed by the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, it is cementing Dubai's status as the aviation, logistics and business hub of the world. For investors and residents, it offers huge advantages - affordable property, tax-free living, world-class infrastructure, and ultimately - the most exceptional quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dubai South offers a family-friendly suburban community to its residents. Spacious and modern houses are nestled between green spaces and water features. There are schools available, and the work commute is 15-40 minutes by car to surrounding business parks. Some of the retail and entertainment options are limited in general and require drives to surrounding suburbs. Public transport needs improvement since most use cars, but this does get helped by the availability of ride-hailing. The more leisure, retail, and transit development takes place, the less car-dependent it will become. There is some construction pollution now, but the pros outweigh the cons in this promising new suburban district of Dubai.

Dubai South refers to the overall master-planned district spanning 145 sq km. Emaar South is a sub-community within the Golf District section being developed by Emaar Properties. So Emaar South features premium golf course-facing villas and townhouses across multiple sub-projects, such as Expo Golf Villas, Golf Links, and Fairway Villas. Other developers like Damac and Dubai South Properties also build projects in adjacent districts.

No - Emaar South is not the same as Dubai South. Emaar South is an exclusive premium golf district that is part of Dubai South. Dubai South is the whole new 145 sq km city district made of business parks, airports, ports, residences, retail zones etc. Emaar Properties have a small section in this whole region where they are building premium golf course-facing villas and townhouses branded as Emaar South.

Dubai South is a promising investment location due to its strategic position near the airport/port and infrastructure development. As a new area, prices are lower with potential for capital gains. Growing business activity should drive rental demand from professionals. However, there are execution risks as the large scale development depends on steady company/job growth absorbing supply. A long-term hold strategy may be better than short-term speculation given the project stage.

Further Reads

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