Dubai approves Metro link to Al Maktoum International Airport City and a new study on the future of its real estate market

On 10 November 2026 His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, chaired a meeting of the Council held during the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2026. The Council approved strategic projects worth more than AED 11 billion, among them an extension of the Dubai Metro to Al Maktoum International Airport City and the findings of a study on the future of Dubai's real estate market.

The key facts

• Metro extension: a AED 2 billion extension of Route 2020 to Al Maktoum International Airport City, with a 3 km route and two new stations. Services are scheduled to begin in 2031.
• Connections: the extended route will connect to the West Terminal of Al Maktoum International Airport and link with the airport express line and Etihad Rail's high-speed rail network. The Roads and Transport Authority and the Dubai Engineering Projects Establishment are delivering the project.
• Real estate study: prepared by the Dubai Land Department, it reports occupancy of 97% for residential, 98% for retail and 94% for office property.
• Pipeline: the study projects 365,000 new residential units and approximately 1.1 million square metres of office and retail space by 2030.
• Strategy 2033 targets: the study supports the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, which aims to double the sector's contribution to Dubai's GDP to AED 73 billion, increase the volume of real estate transactions by 70%, bring the market's total value to AED 1 trillion and double the value of real estate portfolios to AED 20 billion.
• Community services: the Council also approved a AED 9.59 billion plan for community services and facilities running to 2040.

Sheikh Hamdan said that Dubai's real estate sector "continues to demonstrate strong, resilient performance", bolstered by investor confidence and a diverse range of investment opportunities, and described Al Maktoum International Airport City as "one of our most significant strategic projects".

Why it matters for international clients

For investors from Europe, North America, Australia, Russia and the CIS, the decision adds long-term transport infrastructure to one of Dubai's main growth corridors and sets out clear official targets for the property market to 2033. High occupancy across residential, retail and office property, combined with a defined supply pipeline, gives a clearer basis for planning purchases and rental investments.

For founders, a direct Metro and rail connection to Al Maktoum International Airport City strengthens the case for locating logistics, aviation, trading and service businesses in the surrounding area.

What to do

• Decide how you will hold property before you buy, personally or through a company, and understand the corporate tax position of each option. Our guide to UAE holding companies and our corporate tax service cover the main points.
• Budget for the full cost of acquisition. See our guide to Dubai property purchase costs.
• If you plan to set up a business near the new airport city, compare free zone and mainland options first. Our guide free zone or mainland explains the differences.
• If you are relocating, review your residence options, including the Golden Visa, and your tax position in your current country through our country guides.

Sources

• WAM: Hamdan bin Mohammed chairs The Executive Council meeting (10 November 2026)
• Gulf News: Sheikh Hamdan unveils Dh11 billion plan to shape Dubai's future (10 November 2026)
• The National: Sheikh Hamdan approves Dubai Metro line to Al Maktoum International Airport (10 November 2026)
• Arabian Business: Dubai property market, 365,000 new homes projected by 2030 (10 November 2026)

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