Dubailand: emerging real estate area between city and new airport

Dubai is constantly in motion. The city is growing not only upwards, but also towards the south. One of the biggest drivers is the new Al Maktoum International airport, which is expected to become operational in 2032. While the current center around Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa is still the hotspot, prices there are high. Smart investors therefore look at regions in development that move with the shift of the city. One of those areas is Dubailand, an extensive district between the existing center and the future airport.

Dubailand is not a new concept, but it is receiving a new impulse. It is centrally located relative to both Downtown and the airport in the south. Moreover, a lot of employment is being created from the technology and AI sector, among others through the expansion of Dubai Silicon Oasis. This creates demand for homes in the area. At the same time, prices per square meter there are considerably lower than in the center. Projects such as The Archive by Imtiaz Developments respond to this. In this article, we explain why Dubailand can be interesting and what you should pay attention to.

The city is shifting to the south

The center of gravity of Dubai is gradually shifting. Currently, the center is around Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa, but in the coming years a second pole will be added. The new Al Maktoum International airport is expected to become operational in 2032 and is located far to the south of the current airport. That pulls business activity, logistics and housing construction to the south. Dubailand is located exactly between both centers. If you buy there now, you position yourself in a location that in a number of years will probably be much more central than is currently the case.

The price differences are large. In Downtown you pay considerably more per square meter for an apartment than in Dubailand Residence Complex, where prices are more than half lower. That price difference is a reason for many investors to look at emerging areas. But a lower price alone is not enough. The underlying development of employment and infrastructure determines whether a district becomes truly interesting in the coming years. Dubailand scores well on both points, as we will see below.

Technology and AI jobs as a driver

Besides the airport, the technology sector also plays a major role. Dubai Silicon Oasis, the tech zone that borders Dubailand, is receiving an expansion worth 12.8 billion dirham. There will be space for 6,500 companies, among others in the field of artificial intelligence, robotics and quantum computing. The number of AI companies in these zones has almost doubled in the past year. That translates into tens of thousands of new jobs, a large part of which are in the immediate vicinity of Dubailand.

Those jobs create structural demand for homes. People who work in Silicon Oasis often want to live nearby. Dubailand offers that possibility, both for tenants and for buyers. In addition, the area will get its own metro station in 2029, which further improves accessibility. For those who enter now, that combination of employment and infrastructure can add value over time. Of course without guarantees, but the signals point to sustainable development.

The Archive by Imtiaz Developments

A concrete example of new construction in Dubailand is The Archive, developed by Imtiaz Developments. Sales started in August. The project includes furnished studios up to two-bedroom apartments, with an expected completion in 2028. The location is in Dubailand Residence Complex, one of the most active construction areas at the moment. Due to the focus on smaller units, the project targets starters, expats and investors who want to rent out a home to the growing group of tech workers.

Note: The Archive is not the only project in the area. Dubailand Residence Complex is among the five districts in Dubai where the most is currently being built. That means a large supply, which can affect the rental market. That is why it is important not to simply choose the first best unit. Look at the location within the project, the finish and the amenities. On beleggenindubai.com you can compare different projects and get in contact with Dutch-speaking real estate agents who can help you further.

Scarcity is more important than a low price

About two thirds of all new supply in Dubai consists of studios or one-bedroom apartments. That is also visible in Dubailand. Although these units are popular with investors because of the lower entry point, supply is increasing rapidly. In five years a surplus may arise, which could put pressure on rents and resale values. If you buy now, it is wise to look at property types that are already scarcer, such as more spacious two-bedroom apartments or units with a separate extra room.

Scarcity works in your favor. If many investors buy the same studio, it becomes harder to rent out or sell your property. Therefore, do not choose the cheapest option, but a home that is still distinctive in five years. Think of a larger balcony, a separate laundry area or a location in a quiet part of the complex. So compare not only on price per square meter, but on the overall picture. That way you avoid entering early but later running into a saturated market.

For whom is Dubailand interesting?

Dubailand is especially suitable for buyers with a longer horizon. The full development of the area, including the airport and the metro line, will take several more years. If you expect to achieve quick returns in the short term, you may be better off looking at other districts. But if you take a position now, you may benefit from the growth that is coming. Think of expats who work in the technology sector themselves, or investors who consciously choose an emerging district and are prepared to wait.

Also, if you are considering living and working in Dubai yourself, Dubailand can be an option. The distance to the beach is about twenty minutes by car, and the center is easily accessible. Prices are lower than in Downtown, so you get more living space for the same budget. On beleggenindubai.com you compare projects, read background information and can get in contact with a Dutch-speaking real estate agent who knows the local market. That way you make a well-considered choice.