The World’s Largest Shopping Center is Coming to Dubai
In December 2025, Emaar Properties unveiled a project that redefines global retail and entertainment standards: Dubai Square. With an impressive total area of 2.6 million square meters dedicated to retail, hospitality, and commercial spaces, this mega-project promises to be a revolution in the shopping experience.
What makes Dubai Square truly unique is its innovative concept as the world’s first “drive-through” shopping center, where visitors can drive through the retail spaces. The project will also integrate facilities dedicated to electric vehicles and a fully integrated transport network with pedestrian streets, marking Dubai’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Construction, currently underway, is expected to be completed within three years, positioning Dubai Square at the heart of the Dubai Creek Harbour mega-development.
Dubai Creek Harbour: The New Downtown Dubai
Dubai Creek Harbour is not simply a new neighborhood; it’s an ambitious vision that redesigns Dubai’s urban future. Developed jointly by Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding, this colossal project spans over 6 square kilometers along the shores of Dubai’s historic Creek.
A Project of Historic Scale
The project represents a total investment of 180 billion dirhams (49 billion dollars), three times the size of current Downtown Dubai. This “city within a city” comprises nine distinct districts, each with its own purpose:
- The Island District (Creek Island): The beating heart of the development, currently the most developed area
- The Canal District: Waterfront residences with direct canal access
- The Business District: Modern business center
- Central Park: Vast green space at the project’s heart
- The Retail District: Shopping area with Dubai Square
- The Sanctuary District: Adjacent to Ras Al Khor nature reserve
- The Urban Core: Dense and connected urban nucleus
Exceptional Infrastructure
Dubai Creek Harbour doesn’t just aim to be big; it pursues excellence in infrastructure and quality of life:
Connectivity: A new metro line, the Blue Line, with a station in DCH is planned for 2029. The Emaar Properties station, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, will be the world’s tallest metro station at 74 meters high with a capacity of 160,000 passengers per day.
Waterfront Living: A world-class marina, yacht club, several-kilometer family promenade, and Creek Beach, a 900-meter artificial beach, offer a unique seaside lifestyle in the heart of the city.
Sustainability: Bordering the protected Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, home to over 450 animal species including iconic flamingos, the project integrates eco-responsible design elements, energy-efficient infrastructure, and low-impact public spaces.
Dubai Creek Tower: The development’s centerpiece, this future tower will be taller than Burj Khalifa, becoming the world’s tallest structure. It will visually anchor the district and strengthen its international prestige.
Investment Opportunities at Dubai Creek Harbour
A Rapidly Expanding Market
The numbers speak for themselves: real estate prices at Dubai Creek Harbour experienced 23.3% growth in the first half of 2024, demonstrating the project’s tangible impact on Dubai’s real estate landscape. In 2022, Emaar recorded sales of 4.2 billion dirhams in this area alone, followed by 3.6 billion in the first half of the same year.
Attractive Rental Yields
Investors can expect competitive gross rental yields:
- Studios and small apartments: 6.5% to 7.5%
- 2-3 bedroom apartments: 6% to 7%
- Overall annual ROI: Between 8% and 11%, combining rental income and capital appreciation
These figures position Dubai Creek Harbour among Dubai’s highest-potential neighborhoods in 2025, alongside JVC and Dubailand.
Accessible Entry Prices
Contrary to what one might expect for a project of this scale, prices remain relatively accessible, particularly for European investors:
- Studios: From €275,000
- 1-bedroom apartments: From €300,000
- 2-bedroom apartments: From €390,000
- 3-bedroom apartments: From €680,000
- Average price per m²: Between €3,500 and €5,000
These rates offer an attractive entry point into a premium neighborhood, with staggered payments (30/70 or 40/60 plans) making investment accessible.
Advantages for Investors
Freehold Ownership: Foreigners can hold 100% of their property without restriction, with full title deeds.
Advantageous Off-Plan Purchases: Early buyers benefit from lower base prices, staggered payments, and capital appreciation as infrastructure and amenities materialize.
Favorable Taxation: Like everywhere in Dubai, no tax on rental income for most non-residents, no annual property tax, and no tax on real estate capital gains.
Strong Rental Demand: Proximity to Downtown Dubai (15 minutes), the international airport (12 minutes), and major business centers guarantees constant demand from expats and professionals.
Daily Life and Amenities
Education: Nearby international schools, including reputable establishments like GEMS Wellington Primary School and Dubai Creek Primary School.
Healthcare: Access to Dubai’s best hospitals, including Rashid Hospital, Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, and various specialized clinics.
Shopping and Leisure: Festival City 5 minutes away, with Dubai Square under development that will completely transform the local retail offering.
Nature: Direct access to Ras Al Khor nature reserve, green parks, waterfront promenades, and private beach.
Conclusion
Dubai Square and Dubai Creek Harbour represent much more than a simple real estate project; they embody Dubai’s futuristic vision and its ambition to constantly redefine global standards. For investors, it’s a rare opportunity to participate in creating a new Downtown before prices reach their full potential.
