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ArchitectureReal Estate

by Sophie She

This Is What Ecstasy Looks Like For Architecture Nerds In Dubai

16 May 2025

Once home to galloping hooves, the historic Jebel Ali Racecourse is poised to gallop into the future — not with horses, but with a city of the future designed by none other than legendary BIG — Bjarke Ingels Group, one of the most revolutionary names in architecture today. They are superstars, they are the Kiss, Bob Dylans and Bee Gees of the architectural world.
In a bold move that merges tradition with trailblazing urbanism, A.R.M. Holding, a leading UAE investment powerhouse, has partnered with BIG to reimagine 5 square kilometres of prime Dubai territory. The development — set to break ground in early 2026 — promises not just a new neighborhood, but a transformative urban movement aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
Literally, after seeing this project, this author is nearly packing her bags to move there as soon as she will be able!
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A site steeped in legacy

Situated in the heart of western Dubai, Jebel Ali Racecourse has long held a special place in the cultural and recreational life of the emirate. From equestrian competitions to family gatherings, it has offered a unique blend of tradition and leisure.
Now, this storied landscape is set to become the foundation for a new kind of community — one that bridges heritage with innovation, driven by a masterplan that aligns with the goals of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. This national initiative aims to elevate quality of life, enhance sustainability, and promote people-centric development.
“This masterplan will serve as a bridge fostering communication, understanding, and principles of empathy that are central to our vision of enabling prosperity,” said H.E. Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, CEO of A.R.M. Holding.
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Signing Ceremony Images of H.E. Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi and Bjarke Ingels

A.R.M. Holding: Building for generations

Known for its investments across real estate, banking, technology, and hospitality, A.R.M. Holding has increasingly positioned itself as a developer of enduring, community-oriented spaces. With this project, the firm deepens its commitment to crafting environments that reflect Emirati values while meeting the highest global standards in architecture, sustainability, and public realm design.
At the heart of the project is a desire to harmonise cultural identity with forward-thinking infrastructure. The development will incorporate equestrian facilities and “Emirati-first” housing to preserve the spirit of the racecourse while introducing new modes of urban life that embrace flexibility, health, and inclusivity.
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BIG’s vision: Urban islands in a sea of green

The masterplan has been designed by BIG — Bjarke Ingels Group, an architectural firm known for creating some of the most iconic and imaginative structures around the world. Led by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, BIG has been responsible for projects such as the Google Headquarters in Silicon Valley, the LEGO House in Denmark, Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées in Paris, the Spiral in New York, and Toyota’s prototype Woven City in Japan. Look at all of them here! The Hungarian Natural History museum is just midblowing.
In Dubai, BIG envisions the new Jebel Ali community as “an archipelago of urban islands in a sea of green,” with each neighborhood linked by green corridors and designed to foster organic connection. The layout increases in density around a lush central park, allowing nature to become a unifying element across the site.
“This is not just a new neighborhood, it’s a new chapter for Dubai — where environmental responsibility and social sustainability become the foundation, not the footnote, of urban development,” said Bjarke Ingels.
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Design highlights and impact

This new lush development in Jebel Ali will be structured around four foundational pillars:
Modern living
Residential zones will offer flexible layouts supporting remote work, integrated technology, and smart infrastructure. The public realm will prioritize walkability, access to local services, and architectural excellence.
Community and culture
Arts, lifelong learning centers, and culturally significant programming — including equestrian heritage zones — will be central to daily life, celebrating the area’s history while creating new cultural touchpoints.
Wellness and lifestyle
The "city-as-gym" approach will embed health into the urban design through next-generation wellness centers, active transportation networks, and easy access to amenities, all within a 5-minute walking radius.
Sustainability and environment
Green infrastructure will include passive cooling systems, communal farms, and high-biodiversity landscapes. All homes and facilities will be designed to reduce environmental impact while enhancing quality of life.
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The project is guided by 17 measurable key performance indicators, with goals such as achieving the highest life expectancy in the GCC, minimizing obesity and diabetes rates in the UAE, and ensuring that every resident lives within immediate reach of green spaces and community services.
“This land, rooted deeply in heritage, will evolve into thriving communities and inspire future generations,” said Al Shehhi.