The Downtown skyline and Burj Khalifa at sunset, seen across the water from Dubai Creek Harbour

7 of the best · Dubai, United Arab Emirates

New Developments and Landmark Projects in Dubai

A national railway, a new Metro line, a second palm and a new airport terminal: what’s open and what’s coming. We give status, not prices.

Our 7 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026

Insiders' picks

Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love Dubai.

  1. Dubai–Abu Dhabi in about 64 minutes

    Etihad Rail passenger trains (open)

    Jumeirah Golf Estates·Railway

    The UAE’s national passenger trains, now running from Dubai Station at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

    Explore View on map

  2. Opening 9 September 2029

    Dubai Metro Blue Line (under construction)

    Dubai·Metro line

    A 30 km, 14-station Metro line, including a bridge over the Creek.

    Explore View on map

  3. First homes from late 2026

    Palm Jebel Ali (under construction)

    Jebel Ali·New island

    Nakheel’s second palm-shaped island, south-west of the city.

    Explore View on map

The full list: Developments, A–Z

Show 6 of 7 places on a map
Neighbourhood

Transport 3

Rail, Metro and airports.

  1. DXB stays the main hub for now

    Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) terminal (under construction)

    Dubai South·Airport

    A new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International, south of the city.

    Explore View on map

  2. Opening 9 September 2029

    Dubai Metro Blue Line (under construction)

    Dubai·Metro line

    A 30 km, 14-station Metro line, including a bridge over the Creek.

    Explore View on map

  3. Dubai–Abu Dhabi in about 64 minutes

    Etihad Rail passenger trains (open)

    Jumeirah Golf Estates·Railway

    The UAE’s national passenger trains, now running from Dubai Station at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

    Explore View on map

Places 4

New districts.

  1. Homes, promenade, Dubai Square planned

    Dubai Creek Harbour (partly open)

    Dubai Creek Harbour·Waterfront district

    A waterfront district by Ras Al Khor; Dubai Square is planned at its centre.

    Explore View on map

  2. Mall, hospital and business park

    Dubai Hills Estate (open)

    Dubai Hills·Community

    An established community with Dubai Hills Mall, King’s College Hospital and a business park.

    Explore View on map

  3. The Expo 2020 site, reborn

    Expo City Dubai (open)

    Expo City·District

    The former Expo 2020 site, now a district on the Metro’s Route 2020.

    Explore View on map

  4. First homes from late 2026

    Palm Jebel Ali (under construction)

    Jebel Ali·New island

    Nakheel’s second palm-shaped island, south-west of the city.

    Explore View on map

Explore more of Dubai

The ULTIMATE letter

Dubai in your inbox

An occasional email with new places, events, neighbourhood guides and our latest in-depth articles. No spam, ever.