Dubai Design District unveils waterfront homes and mixed-use expansion

The expansion aims to integrate living, working and leisure within a single destination, reinforcing d3’s role as a centre for design, art and innovation. Khalid Al Malik, chief executive of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said the masterplan focuses on creating a fully connected environment where residents can access daily needs without leaving the district.

The development will be anchored by The Edit, a new residential project comprising three towers overlooking Dubai Creek and the nearby Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. The project will offer one- to five-bedroom apartments and suites, with views across the creek, traditional dhow traffic and surrounding wetlands.

Al Malik said the residential mix is designed to meet market demand for premium living, while noting that affordability initiatives are being addressed elsewhere in the city where land and infrastructure costs are lower.

Dubai Holding has not set a fixed completion date for the full masterplan, emphasising phased delivery over rigid timelines. The focus, Al Malik said, is on quality execution and infrastructure readiness rather than speed.

Demand for recent d3 launches has remained strong, supported by the district’s central location near Business Bay and Dubai Festival City, as well as its positioning along the historic creek. The wider masterplan divides d3 into five zones, Creekside, Soho District, Mind Space, Sanctuary and Design HQ, blending residential, cultural, wellness and commercial uses.

The development also places emphasis on walkability and sustainability, with shaded pedestrian routes, cycling access and energy-efficient buildings. Dubai Holding said the project is targeting LEED certification as part of broader efforts to reduce car dependency and enhance liveability.