Free zone and residential district · Dubai
Dubai Design District
A purpose-built creative free zone and waterfront district situated between Downtown Dubai and Ras Al Khor.
- Projects listed
- 5
- From
- AED 1.87M
- Developers
- 2
- Handover
- Jul 2029
Live from the listings on this platform. No yields, returns or forecasts.
Discover Dubai Design District
Dubai Design District (d3) is a purpose-built creative, commercial, and residential district located along the Dubai Water Canal and Dubai Creek. Positioned between Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and Ras Al Khor, the area was launched in 2013 by TECOM Group, which delivered its initial commercial hub between 2015 and 2016.
The district is undergoing residential expansion led by Meraas across an 18 million square foot master plan. Residential offerings consist of mid-rise and high-rise apartments, duplexes, and penthouses, with no stand-alone villas or townhouses planned inside the community boundaries.
Operationally, TECOM Group manages the commercial and free-zone elements, while Meraas develops the residential waterfront master plan. The district incorporates creative facilities, public boardwalks, educational institutions, and pedestrian corridors.
- Established in 2013 by TECOM Group, with Phase 1 commercial delivered in 2015–2016
- Expanded 18 million sq. ft waterfront master plan led by Meraas
- Connected via Financial Centre Road (D71), Ras Al Khor Road (E44), and Al Khail Road (E44)
- Freehold district permitting property ownership for all nationalities
- Residential developments consist of apartments, duplexes, and penthouses
- Home to The Block recreational park and the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation
Why buyers look at Dubai Design District
Central Dubai positioning
The district sits beside Downtown Dubai and Business Bay, with Dubai Mall located approximately 7 minutes away by car.
Dedicated creative ecosystem
Residents live alongside design offices, fashion houses, prototyping facilities at in5 Design, and public art exhibitions.
Waterfront outdoor amenities
The community features the d3 Waterfront Promenade along the canal and The Block sports and recreation park.
Pedestrian-focused master plan
The expanded plan incorporates the Design Line, a shaded spine linking residential buildings with public art and green walkways.
Landmarks and lifestyle
- Waterfront promenade
- Skate park
- Basketball courts
- Outdoor gym
- Higher education institute
- Design studios
- Pedestrian walkways
- Feeder bus service
The Block
Outdoor recreational park featuring skate parks, sports courts, an outdoor gym, and open event spaces.
in5 Design
Innovation centre and prototyping facility providing specialised equipment for fashion and product designers.
Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI)
Higher education institution dedicated to design and innovation, situated within the district.
d3 Waterfront Promenade
Paved public boardwalk running along the Dubai Water Canal and Dubai Creek.
Smart Police Station (SPS)
Unstaffed 24/7 Dubai Police station offering drive-in and walk-in community services.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Protected wetland nature reserve situated directly on the eastern edge of the community.
Downtown Dubai & Dubai Mall
Adjacent retail, entertainment, and commercial core positioned across Financial Centre Road.
Off-plan projects in Dubai Design District
Every published project in the area with its starting price, payment plan and handover.
Homes on file in Dubai Design District
By bedroom count, from the unit types of the published projects.
Where Dubai Design District sits
Questions buyers ask about Dubai Design District
Is Dubai Design District a freehold area?
Yes, residential developments in Dubai Design District are freehold, permitting buyers of all nationalities to purchase property.
Who develops residential property in d3?
While TECOM Group established and operates the commercial district, Meraas develops the residential waterfront master plan and towers.
What property types are available in Dubai Design District?
The area offers high-rise and mid-rise apartments, duplexes, and penthouses. Stand-alone villas and townhouses are not built or planned.
Is there a metro station inside Dubai Design District?
No metro station is located inside d3. Commuters connect to the Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall Metro Station via RTA bus route D03 or taxi.
What major public events take place in d3?
The district hosts regular cultural and trade events, including Dubai Design Week, Dubai Fashion Week, and Sole DXB.
AIArea profile drafted by Emir AI from public sources and checked by our team on 2026-10-08. Information only, not advice.
Sources (23)
- 1. dubaid3.com
- 2. wikipedia.org
- 3. dubaiholding.com
- 4. medium.com
- 5. propertyfinder.ae
- 6. meraas.com
- 7. dubaidesigndistrict.com
- 8. bayut.com
- 9. tohidfetrat.com
- 10. crownkey.ae
- 11. bayut.com
- 12. metropolitan.realestate
- 13. opr.ae
- 14. propsearch.ae
- 15. offplancompare.com
- 16. meraas.com
- 17. dubai-tickets.co
- 18. dubaidesigndistrict.com
- 19. transitapp.com
- 20. propsearch.ae
- 21. tecomgroup.ae
- 22. designquarter-d3.com
- 23. moovitapp.com
Speak to an advisor about Dubai Design District
Tell us what you are looking for. A licensed advisor replies with what is on file, in writing when it matters. No call centre.
Other areas in Dubai
Academic City
Higher education free zone and mixed-use district in eastern Dubai.
1 project · From AED 3.5M
Al Barari
A gated, eco-focused residential community in Dubailand featuring extensive botanic gardens and waterways.
1 project · From AED 40M
Al Barsha
An established mixed-use district in western Dubai, stretching from Sheikh Zayed Road to southern highway corridors.
1 project · From AED 780K
Al Furjan
A 560-hectare master-planned residential district situated in Dubai's Jebel Ali area.
23 projects · From AED 513K
Al Ghadeer
Aldar master-planned community of villas and townhouses on the Abu Dhabi side of the Abu Dhabi–Dubai border, within the Seih Sdeirah land bank.
Projects coming soonAl Habtoor City
Projects coming soon
Al Jadaf
Established Bur Dubai locality on Dubai Creek, being redeveloped with apartments, cultural sites and healthcare facilities.
1 project · From AED 775K
Al Jaddaf
A mixed-use creekside district and historic maritime quarter situated in western Bur Dubai along Dubai Creek.
23 projects · From AED 700K