Main thing
On April 5, 2026, Dubai Municipality announced a major project to build 35 new parks in 23 residential areas of the emirate. The total area of green areas will exceed 340,000 sq. m, and investments will amount to 348 million dirhams (~$95 million). The project is being implemented as part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Parks and Greenery Strategy.
Source: Dubai Media Office
Project scope
Each of the 35 parks will be located within 5-minute walking distance of residential areas. This is a fundamental decision: parks are designed not as city attractions, but as part of the daily life of residents.
Infrastructure of new parks:
| Element | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Playgrounds | 70 |
| Football fields | 18 |
| Multifunctional sports grounds | 20 |
| Trees for planting | 3,200 |
| Total area | 340,000+ sq. m |
The parks are designed according to the concept of five integrated zones:
- Early childhood zones – safe areas for children
- Active play areas – for children and teenagers
- Sports areas – for youth and adults
- Social and gastronomic zones – with F&B areas and places to relax
- Flexible spaces – for social events and gatherings
Open floor plan with no fences, running and cycling paths, water features, shaded areas – everything is designed for maximum all-day use.
Technology component
Dubai is betting on smart parks. The project integrates:
- Renewable energy sources for lighting and infrastructure
- Recycled water irrigation systems – an environmentally sustainable approach
- Artificial intelligence and robotics – for environmental monitoring and effective resource management
This is not just landscaping, but an element of the Smart Dubai strategy, increasing the technological attractiveness of the city for international investors and expats.
Impact on the Dubai real estate market
Direct impact: rising costs in 23 areas
Proximity to green areas is one of the key factors in pricing residential real estate. International studies (including data from Knight Frank and CBRE) consistently record a premium of 10-20% for properties within walking distance of parks and recreational areas.
For the 23 areas of Dubai where new parks will appear, this means:
- Increase in prices on the secondary market – especially for apartments and townhouses within a radius of 500 m from parks
- Acceleration of off-plan sales – developers whose projects are located next to new parks will receive an additional marketing argument
- Increase in rental rates – family tenants are willing to pay more for infrastructure “within walking distance”
Strategic Impact: Dubai 2040
35 parks in 2026 are only part of a large-scale plan:
- 310 new parks by 2040
- Modernization of 220 existing parks
- Creation of a connected network of green spaces across the emirate
This means a systematic, long-term increase in the attractiveness of Dubai’s residential areas. For investors with a horizon of 5-15 years, this is a signal that infrastructure support for real estate values will only increase.
Dubai’s competitive advantage
No city in the Middle East invests comparable amounts in green infrastructure in such a systematic manner. This strengthens Dubai’s position as:
- Best city to live with a family in the GCC region
- The most comfortable market for long-term investment in residential real estate
- Sustainability leader – which is increasingly important for institutional investors and ESG funds
Recommendations for investors
- Monitoring of specific locations – as the list of 23 districts is revealed, objects located in the zone of influence of new parks should be assessed
- Off-plan in growing communities – current prices in developing areas do not yet take into account future green infrastructure
- Orientation towards the family segment – 2-3 BR properties near parks will show leading dynamics in both sales and rentals
- Long-term strategy – the 2040 plan with 310 parks creates a predictable trend of value growth, reducing investment risks
FAQ
How many new parks will Dubai open in 2026?
35 new parks with a total area of more than 340,000 sq. m in 23 residential areas. The project budget is 348 million dirhams (~$95 million).
How does proximity to a park affect property values in Dubai?
According to international consulting companies, objects within walking distance from parks (up to 5 minutes on foot) cost 10-20% more than similar objects without green infrastructure nearby.
Which areas of Dubai will receive new parks?
Parks will appear in 23 residential communities. The exact list of areas will be disclosed by the municipality as the project progresses.
What’s included in the new parks?
70 playgrounds, 18 football fields, 20 multi-sports fields, 3,200 trees, running and cycling tracks, water features, F&B areas and flexible event spaces.
How many parks will there be in Dubai by 2040?
According to the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, it is planned to create 310 new parks and upgrade more than 220 existing ones, forming a single connected network of green spaces.
What is the volume of investment in green infrastructure in Dubai?
Only in 2026 – 348 million dirhams for 35 parks. The total program budget until 2040 will significantly exceed this amount, taking into account the 310 planned new facilities.
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