Meraas has unveiled a residential masterplan that will evolve d3 into a neighbourhood with canal-front living and walkable green spaces.
If Dubai Design District (d3) already feels like your second home, this update might push it into first place. Meraas has revealed a new residential masterplan for the creative hub, meaning you will soon be able to do more than just pop in for a gallery opening, a design fair, or a coffee between meetings. The plan will transform the area into a “creative-led waterfront neighbourhood” that blends contemporary living with the district’s cultural DNA.
Set between Downtown Dubai and Dubai Creek, the expanded neighbourhood will span 18 million square feet. Meraas says the district will combine “residential living with cultural, retail and hospitality experiences”, while preserving the spirit of d3. Think canal views, curated public spaces, and a lifestyle designed around creativity rather than commuting.
The masterplan is structured across five distinct zones, each with a different pace. Along the canal, expect modern residences paired with boutique hospitality, anchored by a waterfront promenade for morning walks and golden-hour strolls. In the urban zone, homes will sit alongside retail and dining, creating a more city-style rhythm with day-to-night energy. Another area will centre on the d3 Bowl, bringing performance venues into the mix, backed by mid-rise residences with front-row views of the action.
For those who want their downtime built in, a dedicated wellness zone promises a quieter residential feel, framed by parks, sports facilities, and a mangrove-inspired landscape. The final zone leans into what d3 does best: a creative neighbourhood filled with galleries, studios, and loft-style spaces designed to spark collaboration, production, and new ideas.
Tying it all together is the Design Line, a fully shaded, pedestrian-first network that connects the entire district. With public art, creative installations, community nodes, and landscaped green corridors, it is designed to make walkability a defining feature of daily life in d3.
Move-in timelines and residential details are still to be revealed, but if you have been craving a neighbourhood that matches a culture-forward lifestyle, d3’s next chapter is one to watch.
GO: Visit https://dubaidesigndistrict.com for more information.