“Dubai South”… “the new heart of Dubai” with 50 projects under development

The Executive Director of “Dubai South”, Nabil Al Kindi, confirmed that the “Dubai South” region is likely to be the “new heart of Dubai”, given its strategic location between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and the major projects associated with it, such as Al Maktoum International Airport – Dubai World Central DWC. He expected, in an interview with “Emirates Today”, an increase in demand and investments in the region during the next five years, stressing that it has become competing with global economic cities, while attracting major companies in logistics and aviation, in addition to development. Real estate.

Al Kindi stated that all projects, which exceed 50 projects under development within the aviation, logistics services and real estate sectors, are continuing without delay or disruption, with a commitment to pay the dues of contractors and consultants on time, revealing that “Dubai South Real Estate Company” aims to deliver more than 1,000 villas and “townhouses”, and between 200 and 250 residential apartments during the current year.

Dubai South real estate

In detail, the Executive Director of Dubai South, Nabil Al Kindi, said that the real estate market in Dubai is considered one of the most organized and highest quality markets, and its performance is among the strongest in the Arab world and the world, as the value of real estate transactions in the emirate exceeded 917 billion dirhams in 2025.

He added that the performance of the first quarter of 2026 indicates continued momentum in the real estate sector, with transactions exceeding 250 billion dirhams recorded, noting that the share of the “Dubai South” region during the same period ranged between 5.2 and 5.3 billion dirhams, which reflects a growth in the market share of the project within the emirate, with between 4 and 5% of the total value of transactions recorded.

He explained that March 2026 was exceptional, due to the conditions that the region witnessed, which had a limited impact that could be overcome, while the overall performance in general was strong.

Al Kindi stressed that construction work on the projects has not stopped despite the challenges, explaining that all projects, which exceed 50 projects under development within the aviation, logistics services and real estate sectors, are continuing without delay or disruption, while ensuring commitment to paying the dues of contractors and consultants on time.

Al-Kindi pointed to the impacts related to supply chains and raw materials, as a result of disruptions in maritime shipping traffic, stressing that these challenges are still within control, although they may lead to increased costs, with greater reliance on the local market when needed.

He said: “All projects are currently under implementation, and are scheduled to be delivered on time,” noting their diversity among projects in the real estate, aviation, logistics and infrastructure sectors.

Residential units

Regarding the residential units delivered by Dubai South Real Estate Company, Al Kindi revealed that about 800 residential units will be delivered during the year 2025, while the company aims to deliver more than 1,000 villas and townhouses, and between 200 and 250 residential apartments during the current year.

He continued: “The number of units currently under development exceeds 2,500 units, including 1,600 (townhouses) and luxury villas, distributed among several major projects, in addition to more than 900 residential apartments under development, targeting a wide segment of investors and end users, within communities with integrated services and infrastructure,” stressing the focus on sustainability in the projects, in addition to following up on the projects of other developers within the scope of “Dubai South.”

In response to a question about the most prominent drivers of demand and what distinguishes “Dubai South” projects, Al Kindi said: “The most prominent drivers of demand for (Dubai South) projects are the large areas of the units at a rate ranging between 20 and 25%, compared to the market, in addition to the quality of implementation and adherence to delivery dates, which has strengthened investors’ confidence, as projects are sold quickly after being launched.”

He added: “The company focuses on the end user, and the prices of (Dubai South) projects are among the most competitive in the market, and even lower than others, while relying on the reputation and quality of the projects, rather than spending heavily on marketing.”

He pointed out that the launch of projects is carried out according to a well-thought-out plan within an integrated master plan (Master Plan), stressing the continuation of launching new projects, with a continuous demand, whether from the local or foreign market, while marketing is carried out internationally through real estate brokers.

Al Kindi pointed out that the “Hayat” project was launched in the fourth quarter of 2025, while during the last six weeks a contracting contract worth two billion dirhams was awarded, stressing that the project is moving forward despite the challenges, with the company’s commitment to delivering its units within three years.

He also pointed out that the “Janoub Bay Mall” project aims to serve the residential area, revealing that the leasing rate in it has reached about 90%, with the announcement of the contractor and the start of implementation imminent.

Al Kindi confirmed that there is a new project package under planning that will be announced soon, pointing out that the past period has provided an opportunity to rearrange priorities, improve designs, and rollout strategies, with a project plan extending into the year 2026 and beyond, in addition to plans extending between the next three and five years.

“The new heart of Dubai”

Al Kindi confirmed that “Dubai South” is likely to be the “new heart of Dubai,” given its strategic location between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and with the major projects associated with it, such as Al Maktoum International Airport – Dubai World Central (DWC), anticipating an increase in demand and investments during the next five years.

He said: “The region has become competitive with global economic cities, attracting major companies in the fields of logistics and aviation, in addition to real estate development within an integrated system.”

Al Kindi pointed out the launch of a package of facilities to support companies, which included postponing installments and granting additional flexibility, benefiting from the lessons learned during the “Covid-19” pandemic, stressing that the success of operating companies is part of the success of “Dubai South.”

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4200 companies

The Executive Director of Dubai South, Nabil Al Kindi, said, “The number of companies registered in the free zone affiliated with (Dubai South) has reached about 4,200 companies, with about 30,000 visas issued,” stressing that attracting companies, especially in the logistics and aviation sectors, represents a fundamental pillar of the business model.

He said, “Most investments in (Dubai South) are long-term, especially in the logistics and aviation sectors, where plans extend to 25 and 50 years.”

. 2,500 luxury apartments, townhouses and villas “under development” targeting a wide segment of investors.

. Real estate transactions in the Dubai South region exceeded 5.2 billion dirhams in the first quarter.