Dubai South Properties announced the signing of a AED 2 billion ($545 million) contract with Mohammed Abdulmohsin Al Kharafi & Sons LLC for the construction of multiple phases of the Hayat project, a 10 million square foot luxury residential community. Construction will begin in the second quarter of 2026, with the first phases to be completed by 2028. In this material we analyze in detail the project, its investment potential and significance for the Dubai real estate market.
About the project Hayat by Dubai South
Hayat (meaning “life” in Arabic) is a next-generation masterplan from Dubai South Properties, one of the largest developers in the southern part of Dubai. The project is positioned as an integrated wellness community, where architecture, nature and infrastructure are combined into a single concept of a healthy lifestyle.
Key project parameters:
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Total area | 10,000,000 sq. ft (~929,000 m²) |
| Number of residential units | ~2 500 |
| Types of housing | Apartments, hotel apartments, townhouses, semi-detached villas, detached villas, detached houses |
| Layouts | From 1 to 5 bedrooms |
| Contract value | 2,000,000,000 AED (~$545 million) |
| General contractor | Mohammed Abdulmohsin Al Kharafi & Sons LLC |
| Start of construction | Q2 2026 |
| First submissions | 2028 |
Infrastructure and amenities
Hayat is designed as a completely self-sufficient area with extensive wellness infrastructure:
- Parks and green areas with landscape design and recreation areas
- Shaded walking trails for walking and jogging in comfortable conditions
- Family play areas and playgrounds
- Outdoor sports grounds and active recreation areas
- Fitness and wellness centers
- Public swimming pools
- Landscaped gardens with meditation and relaxation areas
- Public spaces for events and social interaction
Strategic location
One of the main competitive advantages of the Hayat project is its location in the Dubai South area, close to key Dubai infrastructure.
Proximity to Al Maktoum Airport
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is the UAE’s strategic project to create the largest air hub in the world. The planned capacity after completion of the expansion is up to 260 million passengers per year. By comparison, the current DXB serves about 90 million passengers.
The location of a residential complex near an airport of this scale means:
- Increasing rental demand from airport employees, airlines, logistics companies
- Convenience for expat investors who value proximity to the airport
- Long-term potential for price growth as new terminals and routes are introduced
Neighborhood to Expo City Dubai
Expo City Dubai is the legacy of Expo 2020, transformed into a permanent urban district with exhibition spaces, offices, innovation and education facilities. This is an additional generator of housing demand in District South.
Contractor: reliability and scale
Mohammed Abdulmohsin Al Kharafi & Sons LLC is a Kuwaiti construction conglomerate with many years of experience in implementing large projects in the Gulf countries. The choice of a contractor of this caliber is a signal of the seriousness of the developer’s intentions and minimizing the risks of construction delays.
The AED2 billion contract is one of the largest construction contracts in Dubai South’s residential property sector, highlighting the scale and ambition of the project.
Investment potential
Why Hayat is attractive to investors
1. Entry stage. The project is at a very early stage – construction has not yet begun. Historically, it is entry at the off-plan stage that ensures maximum capital growth by the time of delivery.
2. Affordability of Dubai South. The average cost per square foot in Dubai South remains significantly lower than in the central areas of Dubai (Downtown, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah). This creates a lower entry barrier with high growth potential.
3. Infrastructure development. Al Maktoum Airport, new metro lines, expansion of the road network – all these are systemic factors that support organic price growth.
4. Wellness trend. Global demand for housing with wellness infrastructure is growing steadily. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness real estate market is valued at more than $400 billion. Hayat falls squarely into this segment.
5. Diversity of product line. The availability of apartments, villas and hotel apartments allows the investor to choose the format that suits his strategy – from short-term rentals to long-term retention.
UAE market: system advantages
The Hayat project is further proof of why the UAE real estate market continues to attract international capital:
- Zero tax on rental income and capital gains – a unique advantage at the global level
- Transparent regulation through RERA and DLD with escrow accounts for off-plan projects
- Stable population growth – D33 strategy envisions Dubai’s population growing to 5.8 million by 2033
- Public investment in infrastructure, which creates the foundation for organic price growth
- Peg the dirham to the dollar (1 USD = 3.6725 AED), which eliminates currency risk for dollar investors
Market context: Dubai South as a cluster area
Dubai South is not just a residential area. This is an integrated urban cluster that unites:
- Aviation – Al Maktoum Airport
- Logistics – Dubai Logistics Corridor
- Exhibition infrastructure – Expo City Dubai
- Commercial real estate – Business Park
- Residential properties – The Residential District, including Hayat
This synergy creates a closed ecosystem where jobs, infrastructure and housing are located in the same area. This generates stable demand for housing and supports the growth of rental rates.
Time frames and stages
- Q2 2026 – start of construction of the first phases
- 2028 — planned delivery of the first phases
- Subsequent phases will be announced as construction progresses
Conclusions
The Dh2 billion contract for Hayat is a significant development for the Dubai South property market. The project combines a strategic location at the largest future airport in the world, a wellness concept that meets global trends, and a reliable international contractor.
For investors seeking a balance between an affordable entry point and high growth potential, Dubai South and the Hayat project deserve close attention.
We continue to monitor the development of the project and will publish updates as information on prices and terms of purchase becomes available. Contact us for investment advice in Dubai South.
FAQ
What is the Hayat Project in Dubai South?
Hayat is a 10 million square foot luxury residential masterplan from Dubai South Properties. The project includes about 2,500 residential units of various types – from apartments and hotel apartments to villas and mansions – with wellness-oriented infrastructure.
Where is the Hayat Project located?
The project is located in Dubai South, strategically close to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) and Expo City Dubai – in the southern part of Dubai.
When will Hayat be completed?
Construction will start in the second quarter of 2026. The first phases of the project are scheduled to be completed by 2028. The cost of the construction contract is AED 2 billion ($545 million).
What types of accommodation are available at Hayat?
The project includes apartments, hotel apartments, townhouses, semi-detached and detached villas, as well as mansions. Layouts range from 1 to 5 bedrooms, covering the needs of both single investors and families.
Why is Dubai South considered a promising area for investment?
Dubai South is an integrated urban cluster combining aviation, logistics, exhibition and residential infrastructure. Prices are lower than the central areas of Dubai with high growth potential due to the development of Al Maktoum Airport and the influx of population.
