On 27 October 2026, Dubai Executive Council approved an infrastructure plan exceeding AED 2 billion to develop six main urban centres and 42 supporting centres by 2040. The government projects this investment will generate an AED 20 billion increase in real estate value across the targeted zones and raise the share of residents living within walking distance of Metro stations from 52 percent to 74 percent. We track these long-term targets against current Dubai Land Department transaction data to show real estate owners how transport infrastructure alters local property values.
How does the AED 2 billion plan affect Dubai property values?
The government projects an AED 20 billion real estate uplift across six main urban centres and 42 supporting centres. These figures represent long-term targets for 2040 rather than immediate market appreciation. DLD transaction data shows how transport connections currently support liquidity. In 2026 year to date across Dubai, buyers completed 132,282 sales at a median price of AED 1.42M and a median rate of AED 1,720 per square foot. We advise clients to monitor infrastructure schedules rather than purchasing based on future appreciation claims. Transport expansion improves tenant demand and keeps gross yields stable, which averaged 7.0 percent across Dubai in 2026.
Why is the Metro proximity target changing from 52 percent to 74 percent?
The urban plan targets bringing 74 percent of Dubai residents near a Metro station, up from 52 percent today. Buildings within walking distance of public transport maintain higher occupancy rates and lower days on market during supply additions. For instance, in Business Bay, where Metro access connects working districts, DLD transaction data shows 5,261 sales in 2026 year to date with a median price of AED 2.25M and a 7.0 percent gross yield. In the last 3 months, buyers completed 922 apartment sales in Business Bay at a median rate of AED 2,140 per square foot. Expanding Metro access across 42 supporting centres spreads this rental demand into emerging residential communities.
Which neighbourhoods benefit from urban centre investments?
Infrastructure capital targets specific transit corridors and established commercial nodes. In Downtown Dubai, connected directly to Metro networks, DLD transaction data records 1,772 sales in 2026 year to date at a median price of AED 3.15M and a median rate of AED 2,830 per square foot. Over the last 3 months, Downtown Dubai recorded 467 apartment sales at a median rate of AED 2,640 per square foot. Central Park at City Walk recorded 139 sales in 2026 year to date with a median price of AED 3.15M and a median rate of AED 2,950 per square foot, yielding 8.0 percent gross. In that community, 1053 to 1649 square foot apartments recorded 57 sales at a median price of AED 3.68M. High-density urban centres with existing footfall capture the initial benefit of public transit upgrades.
Four steps to evaluate an investment near planned urban centres
- Verify the exact distance to existing or approved Metro stations rather than general master plan boundary maps.
- Check recent DLD transaction data for your specific building and unit size on our valuation page before acting on future projections.
- Review gross yield trends in the area, comparing entry prices against actual executed lease contracts in the building.
- Consult our brokers on our buy page to compare completed homes near transport links with off-plan allocations.
What we would do
We recommend pricing your property using real DLD transaction evidence from your exact unit size and building, not from generic future forecasts. If you own or intend to buy an apartment in Dubai, request a free Crown Key DLD Valuation today. We will send a one-page report using verified DLD data to your inbox the same day with no obligation. You can also message our team on WhatsApp through our contact page for a direct recommendation on your unit.
Questions people ask
What is the total budget for the Dubai urban centres plan?
Dubai Executive Council approved a plan exceeding AED 2 billion to develop six main urban centres and 42 supporting centres by 2040.
What is the targeted property value increase under the 2040 plan?
The government projects an AED 20 billion increase in real estate value across the targeted centres as long-term targets.
How many residents will live near Metro stations under the plan?
The plan aims to increase the share of Dubai residents living near Metro stations from 52 percent to 74 percent.
Sources: protocol.dubai.ae · tradearabia.com · fnlondon.com · Reuters
General information from Dubai Land Department data and public reports, not a forecast or advice on a specific transaction.