Dubai South and Expo City Dubai Property Guide

Dubai South is a 145-square-kilometre master-planned city in southern Dubai, built around Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City Dubai, the legacy site of Expo 2020. Planned as an aviation, logistics, business and residential hub, it combines apartments, townhouses and villas with free zones, schools, parks and golf.

At a Glance

• Master developer: Dubai South Properties

• Size: around 145 square kilometres (1.56 billion sq ft)

• Vision: up to one million residents and more than 500,000 jobs

• Property types: studios (350–500 sq ft), one- to three-bedroom apartments (650–1,900 sq ft), townhouses (1,800–2,800 sq ft) and villas (2,800–5,000 sq ft)

• Ownership: freehold, open to buyers of all nationalities

Location and Connectivity

Dubai South lies between Jebel Ali, Emirates Road and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. The Expo 2020 station on the Dubai Metro Red Line serves Expo City Dubai, and Etihad Rail serves the wider area. Approximate drive times:

• Jebel Ali and Dubai Investments Park: 10–15 minutes

• Dubai Marina: 25–30 minutes

• Abu Dhabi: 60–75 minutes

Districts

• Residential District: apartments, townhouses and villas, including The Pulse and South Bay

• Expo City Dubai: a mixed-use district on the former Expo 2020 site, with Al Wasl Plaza, the Terra and Alif pavilions and an exhibition centre

• Golf District: Emaar South and its championship golf course

• Aviation and Logistics Districts: airport-related business and logistics zones

• Business Park: offices and free zone facilities

Developers and Projects

Dubai South Properties is the master developer, alongside Emaar (Emaar South), DAMAC, Expo City Dubai (Expo Valley) and Majid Al Futtaim, which announced a 22 million sq ft mixed-use community in 2026. Buyers should confirm each project’s details with the developer and the Dubai Land Department.

Properties for Sale in Dubai South

Growth Drivers

• Al Maktoum International Airport: a US$35 billion expansion to around 260 million passengers a year, set to become Dubai’s main airport

• Expo City Dubai: continued transformation into a sustainable mixed-use city

• New communities: major launches by Emaar, DAMAC, Majid Al Futtaim and others

• Jobs and population: growth across aviation, logistics and the free zones

Lifestyle and Amenities

• Outdoors: community parks, cycling and jogging tracks, Expo City Dubai’s gardens and plazas, and golf at Emaar South

• Shopping and dining: neighbourhood retail, events at Expo City Dubai, and Ibn Battuta Mall a short drive away

• Education: international schools in the Residential District, Emaar South and Jebel Ali

• Healthcare: community clinics, with hospitals in Jebel Ali and Dubai Investments Park

Buying in Dubai South

Dubai South attracts investors, families, aviation and logistics professionals and residency seekers.

Dubai South’s residential districts are is freehold, so UAE nationals and international buyers can own property outright. Ownership is registered with the Dubai Land Department on a title deed, or on an Oqood certificate for off-plan purchases. Off-plan projects are registered with RERA, with buyer payments held in a dedicated escrow account.

Golden Visa

Property ownership can qualify buyers for a UAE residence visa, including the 10-year Golden Visa when the property meets the government threshold. Check the latest criteria with the Dubai Land Department or GDRFA.

Important Notice

This page is for general information only and is not financial, legal or investment advice. Project details and completion dates may change. Please verify all information independently and consult licensed professionals before making any decision.