Meraas was founded in 2007 as a private holding company headquartered in Dubai. As of 2025, it operates under the Dubai Holding Real Estate umbrella alongside Nakheel, Meydan and Dubai Properties. The group chairman is Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who also serves as President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO of The Emirates Group.
Meraas at a glance
The Meraas development approach
Comprehensive territorial development
Meraas specialises in master-developing entire districts. One company designs the streets, retail, parks, residences, hospitality, and entertainment within a single coherent masterplan. City Walk illustrates this clearly: more than 25 residential buildings, 214 retail outlets, 46 cafes and restaurants, seven clinics, and gyms — all conceived and built by Meraas.
Walkability as a design principle
In a city built around cars, Meraas deliberately engineers pedestrian environments. City Walk has wide shaded pavements and connected plazas. The expanded Dubai Design District masterplan is centred on the Design Line — a fully shaded, pedestrian-first spine running the length of the district, activated by public art and green corridors.
Record-breaking landmarks as anchors
Meraas builds world-record attractions to anchor destinations and drive footfall. Ain Dubai on Bluewaters Island is the world's tallest observation wheel at 250 metres — taller than London's Eye (135m) and Las Vegas's High Roller (167m). The island was built on reclaimed land at a cost of AED 6 billion ($1.6 billion), and attracts over 3 million visitors annually.
Branded partnership strategy
Meraas partners with globally recognised luxury brands: Bulgari on Jumeira Bay Island (resort, residences, and Ocean Mansions), Nikki Beach at Pearl Jumeira, Jumeirah Group at Asora Bay, and Caesars Palace at Bluewaters. The Bulgari Resort Dubai opened as the world's first Bulgari Marina and Yacht Club, designed by Italian firm ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel.
Government backing and guaranteed continuity
Because Meraas is a subsidiary of Dubai Holding — ultimately owned by the Dubai ruler — buyers benefit from financial security unavailable from private developers. This became explicit during the pandemic in 2020, when Meraas and Dubai Holding jointly announced AED 1 billion in relief measures for tenants and homeowners across their portfolio.
The destinations
Bluewaters Island
Bluewaters Island sits 400 metres off the JBR coastline, built on reclaimed land. Construction began in May 2013 and the island opened in November 2018. Today it attracts more than 3 million visitors annually, with a waterfront promenade holding over 200 retail and dining outlets.
The island's landmark is Ain Dubai, the world's tallest observation wheel at 250 metres. It has 48 air-conditioned capsules, completes one rotation in about 38 minutes, and can carry around 1,750 passengers per cycle. Building the structure required over 9,000 tonnes of steel, while the hub and spindle together weigh roughly as much as four Airbus A380 aircraft.
City Walk
City Walk opened in 2013 in Dubai's Al Wasl district across roughly 900,000 square metres. It was designed as a pedestrian-focused district and remains one of the few areas in Dubai built around walkable streets. Today it includes more than 200 retail outlets alongside cafes, restaurants, and medical clinics, with over 25 mid-rise apartment buildings integrated into the mixed-use layout.
The district also holds two of Dubai's distinctive attractions: The Green Planet, which recreates a tropical rainforest inside a climate-controlled bio-dome, and Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai's largest indoor entertainment venue. Meraas is currently expanding City Walk through the Crestlane masterplan — 22 buildings across 2,625 units. Crestlane 4 and Crestlane 5 launched in December 2025, adding 360 homes centred around an overwater wellness facility.
Jumeira Bay Island (Bulgari)
Jumeira Bay Island is a seahorse-shaped private island off the Jumeira coastline, connected to the mainland by a single bridge. The development centres around Bulgari Resort Dubai, which opened in 2017 as the world's first Bulgari Marina and Yacht Club. Bulgari Residences include apartments, lofts, and penthouses, alongside 15 private Bulgari Mansions on the waterfront.
The latest addition is Bulgari Ocean Mansions, designed by ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel — the Italian firm responsible for the entire Bulgari masterplan. Jumeira Bay Island has some of the highest villa prices in Dubai, with waterfront mansions selling for well over AED 100 million in recent transactions.
Dubai Design District (d3)
Dubai Design District, known as d3, was developed as a dedicated area for the region's creative industries. The district is walkable and architecturally distinct, with galleries, cafes, and creative offices integrated into the streetscape. It hosts Dubai Design Week, the largest creative festival in the Middle East.
In January 2026, Meraas announced an expanded masterplan that will scale the district significantly. The plan introduces five zones — a canal-front residential strip, cultural quarter with performance venues, wellness district, urban core, and creative studios and galleries — and is designed to achieve LEED Silver community certification.
La Mer & Port de La Mer
La Mer opened in October 2017 as a beachfront destination in Jumeirah 1. Just offshore sits Port de La Mer, one of the few locations in Dubai where residents can walk from their homes to both a private beach and a yacht marina.
In June 2025, Meraas introduced Jumeirah Residences Asora Bay — 25 residences in total, including 4- to 6-bedroom apartments, a single 7-bedroom penthouse, and a limited collection of Ocean Mansions directly on the beachfront. Prices begin at around AED 45 million for a four-bedroom residence, while the penthouse is estimated at approximately AED 500 million. Residents will also have access to services from the adjacent Jumeirah-branded hotel.
Other destinations
Pearl Jumeirah
Nad Al Sheba Gardens
The Acres
Madinat Jumeirah Living (MJL)
Key developer milestones
-
2007
Meraas founded
Established in Dubai as a development company focused on creating large urban districts and lifestyle destinations across the city. -
2013
City Walk opens
Introduced a pedestrian-focused district in Al Wasl — one of Dubai's earliest modern street-based neighbourhoods. -
2016
The Outlet Village opens
An indoor retail destination inspired by the architecture of Italian hill towns, specifically San Gimignano in Tuscany. -
2017
La Mer, Al Seef, and Bulgari Resort open
La Mer introduced a beachfront lifestyle destination in Jumeirah. Al Seef revitalised part of Dubai Creek with heritage-inspired architecture. The Bulgari Resort opened on Jumeira Bay Island as the brand's first resort and marina concept in the world. -
2018
Bluewaters Island opens
A mixed residential and leisure district built around Ain Dubai, the world's tallest observation wheel, opens off the JBR coastline. -
2019
Cherrywoods and Brookfield JV
Meraas expanded into suburban residential development with Cherrywoods in Dubailand, and formed a AED 5 billion joint venture with Brookfield Asset Management to manage a portfolio of retail destinations. -
2020
Integration into Dubai Holding
Meraas became part of Dubai Holding, bringing its portfolio under one of the emirate's main government-backed investment groups. -
2025
Jumeirah Residences Asora Bay unveiled
25 ultra-luxury residences at La Mer, including beachfront mansions and a penthouse estimated at approximately AED 500 million. -
2026
Dubai Design District expansion announced
A new masterplan expands d3 to approximately 18 million square feet, introducing five new zones and targeting LEED Silver community certification.
Interesting and distinctive facts
- Ain Dubai used more than 9,000 tonnes of steel and took roughly six years to complete. At peak construction, over 2,000 workers were on site. The observation wheel alone cost around $270 million to build.
- Bluewaters Island required more than 5 million cubic metres of sand to be reclaimed from the seabed during construction.
- Jumeira Bay Island is shaped like a seahorse — visible on any satellite map.
- Jumeirah Residences Asora Bay was launched at the Museum of the Future, highlighting the project's cultural positioning.
- Atelis at Dubai Design District sold out shortly after launch in June 2025. The project includes 280 waterfront apartments.
- The Green Planet at City Walk maintains a climate-controlled rainforest environment with over 3,000 animals and plants.
- Coca-Cola Arena has a maximum capacity of about 17,000 people, making it Dubai's largest indoor entertainment venue.
- The Outlet Village was designed to resemble San Gimignano in Tuscany, a medieval Italian hill town known for its towers.
- Dubai Design District (d3) hosts Dubai Design Week, the largest creative festival in the Middle East, attracting thousands of designers and visitors every year.
- Jumeira Bay Island has some of the highest villa prices in Dubai, with waterfront mansions selling for well over AED 100 million in recent transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Developer basics
Who is Meraas?
Meraas is a Dubai-based master developer founded in 2007 and now part of Dubai Holding. The developer became widely recognised after launching large urban districts such as City Walk and La Mer.
What types of projects does Meraas develop?
Meraas develops residential communities, waterfront districts, retail destinations, hospitality projects, and entertainment venues across Dubai.
Where is Meraas headquartered?
Meraas operates from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, within the Dubai Holding group structure.
How large is Meraas's development portfolio?
Meraas has delivered more than 80 million square feet across Dubai, including over 3,500 residential units, around 2,000 retail outlets, and about 15 major destinations.
Projects and communities
What are the most famous Meraas developments in Dubai?
City Walk (walkable urban district in Al Wasl), Bluewaters Island (home to Ain Dubai), Jumeira Bay Island (private island with Bulgari Resort), Port de La Mer (marina community), Madinat Jumeirah Living (low-rise district near Burj Al Arab), Dubai Design District (d3), The Acres, and Nad Al Sheba Gardens.
Why is City Walk popular with residents?
City Walk offers a walkable neighbourhood in a central part of Dubai, with restaurants, cafes, retail, and everyday services at street level. It also has close proximity to Downtown Dubai and attractions including Coca-Cola Arena and The Green Planet.
What makes Bluewaters Island unique in Dubai?
Bluewaters was planned around Ain Dubai, the world's tallest observation wheel. It is one of the few places in the city where a global landmark and a residential district were developed as part of the same project.
What is Dubai Design District (d3)?
d3 is an area built for the design industry. It serves as a workspace for creative companies and organises major events like Dubai Design Week. Recent masterplans have introduced residential buildings alongside the commercial district.
What makes Jumeira Bay Island one of Dubai's most exclusive addresses?
Jumeira Bay Island has very limited residential supply and direct beachfront plots. The presence of Bulgari Resort Dubai and the small number of villas and mansions on the island have pushed prices into the highest tier of the Dubai market.
Property investment
Are Meraas properties freehold for foreign buyers?
Yes, many Meraas residential projects are freehold and available to international buyers. The developer introduced freehold ownership in several areas that previously had little or no foreign ownership, particularly along the Jumeirah coastline — including Port de La Mer, Madinat Jumeirah Living, Bluewaters Residences, and Jumeira Bay Island.
What are typical rental yields in Meraas communities?
Rental yields in many Meraas developments typically range from about 6% to 8% annually, depending on location and property type. City Walk and Bluewaters Island often record yields in this range, broadly in line with Dubai's overall average of roughly 6–7%.
What is the price range for Meraas properties?
Prices vary widely by location. Apartments at City Walk or d3 start from around AED 1.5–2 million. Waterfront apartments at Bluewaters or Port de La Mer typically begin from about AED 2–3 million. Villas at The Acres start from around AED 5–6 million, while Jumeira Bay Island mansions can exceed AED 100 million.
What makes Meraas developments different from other Dubai developers?
Meraas develops entire districts with a focus on public space and street-level activity. Most of its projects are built as walkable neighbourhoods with waterfront promenades, retail streets, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The developer follows a district-first approach — establishing the overall masterplan and lifestyle environment before launching the residential components.