The land market in Dubai has grown by 403% in five years thanks to the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan

According to a report by international consulting firm JLL, the total volume of land transactions in Dubai for the period 2019–2024 increased by 403.6%. The average annual market turnover rose from AED 13.7 billion in 2019 to AED 68.8 billion by the end of 2024. The main reason for this rapid growth was the consistent implementation of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

Adopted in 2021, the plan aims to develop the emirate's territory evenly, with a priority on previously undervalued peripheral areas. Key clusters include Dubai South (mentioned twice in the sources), Al Jaddaf, and transport corridors along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Expo Road. Pre-built infrastructure and the expansion of freehold areas for non-residents have made these areas the most attractive for residential, commercial and logistics projects.

The emirate's population has grown from 2.3 million to 4 million since 2014, and an additional influx of 1.8 million residents is forecast by 2040. To prevent congestion in central areas, the authorities are redirecting development to new territories: the plan provides for a 400% increase in public beaches, a 134% increase in green and recreational areas, and an increase in the total area of commercial development to 168 square kilometres.

For 2025, 39 billion dirhams have been allocated for infrastructure projects — almost half of the emirate's entire budget. In addition, updated rules for the distribution of state-owned land have been introduced, which increase transparency and reduce the likelihood of speculative market overheating.

According to JLL, the number of land transactions has increased by 188%, with the average cost per transaction rising significantly. The biggest price jump has been observed in premium locations (Business Bay, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah), but analysts see the greatest investment potential in developing areas, where land remains relatively affordable.

Experts expect sustained growth to continue in 2025–2027, with an annual increase in land value of 20–30% in Dubai 2040 priority areas. Thus, competent long-term planning has not only solved the problem of accommodating a rapidly growing population, but has also turned Dubai's land market into one of the most dynamic in the world.