![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IG3X2MO32NE3DAAPZQ2IRO6N74.jpeg?smart=true&auth=558f8fd0c76ee96a6cdb84630d8796425f27d016937095890d36e43b6d8ce5fe&width=400&height=225)
Aljada, a sprawling 2.2-square kilometre site close to Sharjah’s airport, universities and the E311 motorway, is now about 30 per cent complete with major elements such as the mall and business district still to be built.
Ciel Tower in Dubai Marina — set to be the world's tallest stand-alone hotel at 365 metres — is scheduled to be completed this year. Image: The First Group
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LJII7IV4CNBXRLE5I73MHAL35M.jpg?smart=true&auth=fe8bdaee6cb140c2a713aa7df97053907f5da2efcc54786daa4606b18191d627&width=400&height=225)
Marsa Al Arab is a superyacht-inspired beachfront resort in Dubai. Photos: Jumeirah Group
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/H2VARNAFAZGOTOFWCECEBNZFPU.jpg?smart=true&auth=e3f7c89c31f6b5597697da8e71179f3ba91bd68bd88dbcb1ab686420da6a050b&width=400&height=225)
The 64-floor Dubai Wasl Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road is designed to give the impression of “dynamic motion”. Photo: Wasl
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WLTEROKJS5A2LJWQ5UCHC6LJ6I.png?smart=true&auth=23abf029fc06578c77ad362d95062c1b93c24826decb523f5c0be6a52757926b&width=400&height=225)
Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences will be the tallest residential tower in the world when it’s completed in 2026. Photo: Burj Binghatti
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XD7BA3MXYHMB6WCQ4YB7SL7UHI.jpg?smart=true&auth=0a662dc01aa4285e7045ed7f289cc97de1012ae2b513ba357bf2530b2d7e6c71&width=400&height=225)
Dubai Creek Tower, which was due to be 100 metres taller than the Burj Khalifa, is being redesigned. Image: Emaar
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RIBB6FBNLBCUFBYCEPEMGIPRFY.jpg?smart=true&auth=9ca86f32af1f7b102fc1995382a36819da482d98a28c12eba5b8c5a5f935705a&width=400&height=225)
Construction began last summer on Al Habtoor Tower. Photo: Al Habtoor Group
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HBYBXCKPHFGLDCUZYDJVCK3VFI.jpg?smart=true&auth=6932bad7f548ae9f4fbe7bde1424533496591e57a266919e8d6b459e81807d14&width=400&height=225)
Dubai announced plans in 2021 to build a beach, a new lake, a cable railway, several hotels, and 120km of bicycle paths. Dubai Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WBAISMH64ZEXVONFXDYV5DTJKA.jpg?smart=true&auth=7a8b4ebc498e73032f4c61ea0efa0720555684379cb59c03745801fcd161fbca&width=400&height=225)
Palm Jebel Ali will include 80 hotels and resorts, green spaces and other leisure and retail amenities spanning 13.4 square kilometres.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MCC6EISYGVFN7O3OG6OSUAVFXQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=68c2df62ce7855f5ecf862994c811129a576eb8ed5d2ebbe9361207b042b0df5&width=400&height=225)
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority opened the world's largest concentrated solar power project in December, at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TGGBP3LPOJHO7JBHY5ZZTUFD2U.jpg?smart=true&auth=bedd3b09daf50e38b4430a0196f96851309399c92b199e551121e17880f26ddf&width=400&height=225)
Nakheel launched Rixos Dubai Islands, Hotel & Residences on Dubai Islands. Photo: Nakheel
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JH2PBWLFCRAPTIQ2PHA3JNKMUI.jpg?smart=true&auth=189bd49ff4ca7e22c07f5aa50d3eb0dec1c3b89287027a37b4f738595a5bff0c&width=400&height=225)
The World Islands project will be completed by 2026, says the project's developer. Photo: Kleindienst Group
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/S6DEF4NYVFF6PMH73EZWQ36KIA.jpg?smart=true&auth=ef4f7a0bae47e457482c4f62d02e94d547f4b6798f30c5dddf7998bfd9b1f118&width=400&height=225)
The $5 billion Dubai Metro Blue Line project will include 14 new stations and add 30km to the metro network. Image: Dubai Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DFA2HSPK3ZCD5EODVHNDF6ZFMI.jpeg?smart=true&auth=7597cd8ca9ece37e270ac29402f6795e1a0f0f62f74044db688d5bf3da81d40f&width=400&height=225)
Etihad Rail and Adnoc have announced an agreement to start a passenger route between Abu Dhabi and Al Dhannah. Photo: Etihad Rail
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4OUBNZBJM5H5BLOOYSC2I3O6VY.jpg?smart=true&auth=f4034933ae15539000c82cff9dd38edbb5a5c465c2c3b394c954d71a7c6e9729&width=400&height=225)
The Hudayriyat Island masterplan is a bike-friendly development featuring premium mixed-use residential properties and more than 220km of cycle track. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MHTN56DRYZD5XOIRAOMXBCXMO4.jpg?smart=true&auth=73bce5b86d71838c7d5e1b0a8a7fbff762b907af5bbd469b92e6631cc565324d&width=400&height=225)
Jubail Island, situated between Saadiyat Island and Yas Island, will have six residential village estates covering more than 400 hectares and is expected to be home to 10,000 residents within four years. Image: Jubail Island Investment Company
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SN3GXYRSDJHLNNBHH6WHTXOOEA.jpeg?smart=true&auth=ea393aafe3dd7063223bc97993fa3c0e28db0f1cde27a79e0317ebb957d4b755&width=400&height=225)
Progress continues with the Natural History Museum in the Cultural District on Saadiyat Island. Image: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/T2FUOU6OU5BBHHWDPITFD3FSVM.jpg?smart=true&auth=0932c8cae2c4a4494226c0302c0155905fc544d8adfd1ab3ec22c67d44a4039f&width=400&height=225)
Saadiyat Grove is a $2.72 billion destination that spans an area of 242,000 square metres. Image: Saadiyat Grove
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/U7ARQERIUEJM7BMWZ6X2IFWZVM.jpg?smart=true&auth=a1b3f789eb5dc673bc083c1b2a7c812c4c8aa3c3632eea783cf7a9b630469ab8&width=400&height=225)
The Zayed National Museum's design is inspired by a falcon's wing. Abu Dhabi Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7B2JDHRASZFAXMGAA6CDHCN7SM.jpg?smart=true&auth=22eb29ddb29bae36ea8827caed59915ca20485a584b6a42253fba71aaec57eee&width=400&height=225)
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is scheduled for completion in 2025. Photo: Gehry Partners, LLP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IG3X2MO32NE3DAAPZQ2IRO6N74.jpeg?smart=true&auth=558f8fd0c76ee96a6cdb84630d8796425f27d016937095890d36e43b6d8ce5fe&width=400&height=225)
Aljada, a sprawling 2.2-square kilometre site close to Sharjah’s airport, universities and the E311 motorway, is now about 30 per cent complete with major elements such as the mall and business district still to be built.
Ciel Tower in Dubai Marina — set to be the world's tallest stand-alone hotel at 365 metres — is scheduled to be completed this year. Image: The First Group
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LJII7IV4CNBXRLE5I73MHAL35M.jpg?smart=true&auth=fe8bdaee6cb140c2a713aa7df97053907f5da2efcc54786daa4606b18191d627&width=400&height=225)
Marsa Al Arab is a superyacht-inspired beachfront resort in Dubai. Photos: Jumeirah Group
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/H2VARNAFAZGOTOFWCECEBNZFPU.jpg?smart=true&auth=e3f7c89c31f6b5597697da8e71179f3ba91bd68bd88dbcb1ab686420da6a050b&width=400&height=225)
The 64-floor Dubai Wasl Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road is designed to give the impression of “dynamic motion”. Photo: Wasl
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WLTEROKJS5A2LJWQ5UCHC6LJ6I.png?smart=true&auth=23abf029fc06578c77ad362d95062c1b93c24826decb523f5c0be6a52757926b&width=400&height=225)
Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences will be the tallest residential tower in the world when it’s completed in 2026. Photo: Burj Binghatti
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XD7BA3MXYHMB6WCQ4YB7SL7UHI.jpg?smart=true&auth=0a662dc01aa4285e7045ed7f289cc97de1012ae2b513ba357bf2530b2d7e6c71&width=400&height=225)
Dubai Creek Tower, which was due to be 100 metres taller than the Burj Khalifa, is being redesigned. Image: Emaar
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RIBB6FBNLBCUFBYCEPEMGIPRFY.jpg?smart=true&auth=9ca86f32af1f7b102fc1995382a36819da482d98a28c12eba5b8c5a5f935705a&width=400&height=225)
Construction began last summer on Al Habtoor Tower. Photo: Al Habtoor Group
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HBYBXCKPHFGLDCUZYDJVCK3VFI.jpg?smart=true&auth=6932bad7f548ae9f4fbe7bde1424533496591e57a266919e8d6b459e81807d14&width=400&height=225)
Dubai announced plans in 2021 to build a beach, a new lake, a cable railway, several hotels, and 120km of bicycle paths. Dubai Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WBAISMH64ZEXVONFXDYV5DTJKA.jpg?smart=true&auth=7a8b4ebc498e73032f4c61ea0efa0720555684379cb59c03745801fcd161fbca&width=400&height=225)
Palm Jebel Ali will include 80 hotels and resorts, green spaces and other leisure and retail amenities spanning 13.4 square kilometres.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MCC6EISYGVFN7O3OG6OSUAVFXQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=68c2df62ce7855f5ecf862994c811129a576eb8ed5d2ebbe9361207b042b0df5&width=400&height=225)
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority opened the world's largest concentrated solar power project in December, at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TGGBP3LPOJHO7JBHY5ZZTUFD2U.jpg?smart=true&auth=bedd3b09daf50e38b4430a0196f96851309399c92b199e551121e17880f26ddf&width=400&height=225)
Nakheel launched Rixos Dubai Islands, Hotel & Residences on Dubai Islands. Photo: Nakheel
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JH2PBWLFCRAPTIQ2PHA3JNKMUI.jpg?smart=true&auth=189bd49ff4ca7e22c07f5aa50d3eb0dec1c3b89287027a37b4f738595a5bff0c&width=400&height=225)
The World Islands project will be completed by 2026, says the project's developer. Photo: Kleindienst Group
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/S6DEF4NYVFF6PMH73EZWQ36KIA.jpg?smart=true&auth=ef4f7a0bae47e457482c4f62d02e94d547f4b6798f30c5dddf7998bfd9b1f118&width=400&height=225)
The $5 billion Dubai Metro Blue Line project will include 14 new stations and add 30km to the metro network. Image: Dubai Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DFA2HSPK3ZCD5EODVHNDF6ZFMI.jpeg?smart=true&auth=7597cd8ca9ece37e270ac29402f6795e1a0f0f62f74044db688d5bf3da81d40f&width=400&height=225)
Etihad Rail and Adnoc have announced an agreement to start a passenger route between Abu Dhabi and Al Dhannah. Photo: Etihad Rail
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4OUBNZBJM5H5BLOOYSC2I3O6VY.jpg?smart=true&auth=f4034933ae15539000c82cff9dd38edbb5a5c465c2c3b394c954d71a7c6e9729&width=400&height=225)
The Hudayriyat Island masterplan is a bike-friendly development featuring premium mixed-use residential properties and more than 220km of cycle track. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MHTN56DRYZD5XOIRAOMXBCXMO4.jpg?smart=true&auth=73bce5b86d71838c7d5e1b0a8a7fbff762b907af5bbd469b92e6631cc565324d&width=400&height=225)
Jubail Island, situated between Saadiyat Island and Yas Island, will have six residential village estates covering more than 400 hectares and is expected to be home to 10,000 residents within four years. Image: Jubail Island Investment Company
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SN3GXYRSDJHLNNBHH6WHTXOOEA.jpeg?smart=true&auth=ea393aafe3dd7063223bc97993fa3c0e28db0f1cde27a79e0317ebb957d4b755&width=400&height=225)
Progress continues with the Natural History Museum in the Cultural District on Saadiyat Island. Image: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/T2FUOU6OU5BBHHWDPITFD3FSVM.jpg?smart=true&auth=0932c8cae2c4a4494226c0302c0155905fc544d8adfd1ab3ec22c67d44a4039f&width=400&height=225)
Saadiyat Grove is a $2.72 billion destination that spans an area of 242,000 square metres. Image: Saadiyat Grove
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/U7ARQERIUEJM7BMWZ6X2IFWZVM.jpg?smart=true&auth=a1b3f789eb5dc673bc083c1b2a7c812c4c8aa3c3632eea783cf7a9b630469ab8&width=400&height=225)
The Zayed National Museum's design is inspired by a falcon's wing. Abu Dhabi Media Office
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7B2JDHRASZFAXMGAA6CDHCN7SM.jpg?smart=true&auth=22eb29ddb29bae36ea8827caed59915ca20485a584b6a42253fba71aaec57eee&width=400&height=225)
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is scheduled for completion in 2025. Photo: Gehry Partners, LLP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IG3X2MO32NE3DAAPZQ2IRO6N74.jpeg?smart=true&auth=558f8fd0c76ee96a6cdb84630d8796425f27d016937095890d36e43b6d8ce5fe&width=400&height=225)
Aljada, a sprawling 2.2-square kilometre site close to Sharjah’s airport, universities and the E311 motorway, is now about 30 per cent complete with major elements such as the mall and business district still to be built.
UAE megaprojects: From world's tallest towers to manmade islands, 20 projects on the way
Large-scale projects continue apace in the Emirates for 2024
![Neil Halligan](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2F9788586c-d714-4739-883a-faccdf34de85.png?smart=true&auth=e888c745be1f4f071de8aa9cbc90c5e4930b057736f65ee79da808bac1341543&width=70&height=70)
Neil Halligan
04 January, 2024
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