Dubai’s ambitious Palm Jebel Ali revival is the latest of many significant projects contributing to the city’s rapid development. Experts suggest that this project can learn from the experiences of Palm Jumeirah and other island developments.

Set to be twice the size of Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali will expand Dubai’s coastline by approximately 110km, providing homes for around 35,000 families and featuring 80 hotels, green spaces, and a variety of other amenities.

With much of the land reclamation completed over 15 years ago, developer Nakheel is already ahead of schedule and engineers began ground investigations and surveys to restart the project in 2023. According to Khaleej times, the first 8 fronds of Jebel Ali will be completed till 2025, and Nakheel is so eager to complete it on due date that it as hired the services of Jan De Nul Dredging, Belgium based company for marine works to reclaim the land from sea, throw sand in sea to level and for beach profiling. 

According to Noor Hajir, Middle East head of transport planning and mobility at WSP, the project offers a “blank canvas” for Nakheel to revisit the overall planning, including land-use density and road hierarchy. Following an initial review, groundwork for the infrastructure can begin, with key elements expected to be in place within the next two to three years.

Addressing Transport Challenges in Palm Jebel Ali

As Dubai’s road network faces increasing congestion, transportation planning for Palm Jebel Ali will be crucial. Ms. Hajir emphasizes the importance of pushing public transit and creating holistic communities to mitigate traffic issues, aligning with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan. This plan includes the “20-minute city” concept, aiming for most services to be accessible within a 20-minute walk or bike ride.

Although Dubai’s spread-out layout isn’t ideal for mass transit, Palm Jebel Ali could develop its own transit system, with multiple entry points to reduce traffic bottlenecks. The project also presents an opportunity to develop a comprehensive active mobility network, including bike paths and pedestrian walkways.

Drawing Inspiration from Other Cities 

Dubai could benefit from examples like Paris’s RER network, which efficiently connects outlying areas with the city center, and Singapore’s Sentosa Island, which limits vehicle access but provides various transit options such as monorails, cable cars, and cycle paths.

Incorporating these lessons could create a peaceful and attractive environment on Palm Jebel Ali, encouraging further investment and development.

UAE Population Growth: A Key Driver

Dubai’s population is projected to grow from 4.5 million in 2024 to 5.8 million by 2040, according to the city’s master plan. Similarly, the UAE’s population is expected to rise from 11 million in 2024 to 15 million by the end of the decade, with much of this growth driven by migration.

As real estate prices in Dubai continue to climb, projects like Palm Jebel Ali may help ease pressure on the market by expanding housing supply and keeping prices more affordable.

Future Growth and Sustainability 

While rising property prices could slow migration, expanding the real estate market through projects like Palm Jebel Ali can help moderate price increases.

However, in the long term, factors such as climate change may impact the Gulf region’s habitability, adding another layer of complexity to the UAE’s future growth prospects.

Growth Beyond Dubai

The UAE’s population growth isn’t limited to Dubai. Sharjah has seen a 22% increase in population since 2015, and Abu Dhabi continues to develop major residential and cultural projects. Rising prices in Dubai are driving some residents to seek more affordable homes in neighboring emirates like Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.

To sustain this growth, the UAE will need to attract highly skilled workers and entrepreneurs. Beyond real estate, continued investment in sectors such as health care, education, and research will be critical. Initiatives like the golden visa program, which targets scientists, entrepreneurs, and other talent, are part of the UAE’s strategy to diversify and sustain long-term growth.