Five upcoming residential projects reshaping Dubai

Dubai's residential pipeline is entering one of its most considered phases in years.

Moving away from a focus solely on scale, the city is witnessing new launches and masterplans defined primarily by the exceptional calibre of the architects shaping them. From super-prime towers situated on the waterfront to expansive masterplans connected by public transit, the forthcoming years will introduce some of the most highly anticipated residential projects the emirate has seen. Together, these five distinct developments mark a significant shift, shaping exactly where and how Dubai will live next.

Wedyan, Dubai Canal

Positioned along the Dubai Canal in one of the city's most established waterfront locations, Wedyan stands as the debut residence of the Al Ghurair Collection. Soaring forty-six storeys, the tower will comprise one hundred and forty-nine residences. Buyers will find a mixture of three, four, and five-bedroom layouts, alongside two full-floor penthouses and a three-storey sky villa. The building's façade is defined by a layered, textured profile inspired by the movement of water and sand, representing the first UAE project by celebrated architect Kengo Kuma.

Furthermore, the building will provide more than sixty-five thousand square feet of amenity space distributed across distinct levels. These feature Japanese teahouse-inspired pavilions and deep-planted terraces realised in collaboration with Gustafson Porter + Bowman. Specialised glazing is incorporated to protect residents' artworks from UV rays. Situated minutes from Downtown Dubai and the international airport, Wedyan is expected to reach completion by 2030.

The Weave, Jumeirah Village Circle

Located within Jumeirah Village Circle, The Weave serves as the inaugural development under Al Ghurair Development's premium freehold portfolio. Demonstrating immense demand, its first phase has already sold out. The building is the creation of Australian architect Joe Adsett, marking his first Middle East project. Its façade draws inspiration from safafa, the traditional weaving of palm fronds, reinterpreted through sculptural balconies and angled lines.

Inside, residences range from approximately seven hundred to one thousand eight hundred square feet, with layouts designed to maximise space, light, and circulation. A rooftop club brings together a pool, jacuzzis, an ice bath, fitness studios, a private cinema, barbeque areas, and a social lounge. The Weave sits within reach of Circle Mall, Dubai Hills Mall, and Dubai Autodrome, centrally situated between the city's airports, with completion expected in 2028.

Upcoming Tower, Wadi Al Safa 3

Set near Al Barari and The Wilds, the upcoming residence in Wadi Al Safa 3 marks the first UAE residential project by Neri&Hu Design and Research Office. Founded in Shanghai, the acclaimed practice has been recognised with the Frame Lifetime Achievement Award. This residential tower will be complemented by dedicated amenity spaces, parking, and ground-level retail, with residences conceived to foster a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. True to their design ethos, the architecture will explore the interplay of contrasting materials and textured surfaces, shaping how residents gather.

Upcoming Residence, Dubai South

In Dubai South, Al Ghurair Development has appointed Lisbon-based practice Aires Mateus for an upcoming premium residential development. Founded by brothers Manuel and Francisco Aires Mateus, this marks their first project in the UAE. The building offers one, two, and three-bedroom homes, including duplex residences. These are designed around the Aires Mateus philosophy that a home's quality is determined by spatial proportion, light, and the relationship between interior and exterior rather than decorative complexity. The development sits within a strategically positioned growth corridor near Al Maktoum International Airport.

A One-Million-Square-Foot Community in Al Jaddaf

Al Ghurair Development's most ambitious project to date is a one-million-square-foot transit-connected masterplan community in Al Jaddaf. It neighbours the planned HSR Etihad Station and the Creek Metro. The masterplan brings together residential, commercial, cultural, and hospitality spaces within a walkable, mixed-use district designed to support a five-minute-city lifestyle, where daily needs are accessible on foot. Designed by Pelli Clarke & Partners, the creators of the Petronas Towers and Salesforce Tower, this commission serves as the practice's first masterplan in Dubai.