Dubai is poised to enter a new era of urban development with the groundbreaking announcement of ‘The Park Dubai,’ an ambitious five-square-kilometer masterplan set to transform the historic Jebel Ali Racecourse into a model of sustainable urban living. Developed by A.R.M. Holding in collaboration with renowned architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), this revolutionary project represents a paradigm shift in urban design for the Gulf region.
The development, scheduled to break ground in 2026, reimagines urban spaces as interconnected, walkable communities rather than traditional gated compounds. The design philosophy centers on creating a ‘five-to-ten-minute city’ where residents can access green spaces within five minutes and essential services within ten minutes on foot or bicycle. This human-centric approach aligns perfectly with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan, emphasizing greener, more inclusive urban environments.
A.R.M. Holding has established fifteen measurable Key Performance Indicators across four core pillars: Sustainability, Vibrancy, Community, and Wellbeing. These ambitious targets include achieving 100% accessibility for people of determination, reducing temperatures in walkable areas by 5°C through innovative microclimates, and creating environments that support the highest life expectancy in the GCC through a ‘city-as-gym’ philosophy.
The architectural vision, described by Bjarke Ingels as ‘an archipelago of urban islands in a sea of green,’ thoughtfully integrates Emirati heritage with contemporary design. The original racetrack will be preserved as both cultural spine and symbolic centerpiece, surrounded by a 1.5-square-kilometer park comparable in scale to London’s Hyde Park. Traditional architectural elements—courtyards, shaded colonnades, and mashrabiyya screens—will be reinterpreted through modern design principles.
Environmental sustainability forms the project’s foundation, with passive cooling systems, native landscaping, and local materials reducing both emissions and water consumption. The development prioritizes biodiversity, energy efficiency, and air quality as fundamental design drivers rather than secondary considerations.
Beyond its architectural and environmental innovations, The Park Dubai serves as an economic catalyst designed to foster SME growth and attract global talent. Commercial areas, co-working hubs, and hospitality offerings will be seamlessly integrated within walkable districts, supporting a diversified local economy aligned with the UAE’s long-term development agenda.
Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, CEO of A.R.M. Holding, emphasizes that the project represents more than real estate development: ‘We’re building not only a destination but a legacy that embodies connection, vitality, and belonging. Our goal isn’t only sustainability in structure—it’s vitality in spirit.’
The project exemplifies A.R.M. Holding’s broader commitment to strategic investments across multiple sectors, including banking, telecommunications, FMCG, real estate, and sustainability innovation. This development marks a significant milestone in redefining urban prosperity for future generations, transforming expansion into enrichment and growth into grace.