Dubai South Launches Innovative Concept that Embodies Happy Urban Living

Dubai South has unveiled an innovative concept in urban living which will be manifested in its upcoming project ‘The Villages’. Development of the first village will begin in early 2016 and is scheduled for completion in 2019. 

Rooted in the progressive societal themes of Dubai Plan 2021, the concept behind ‘The Villages’ aims to reinvent the urban ecosystem by creating a city that is based on the happiness and wellbeing of people – an overarching theme of the Dubai Plan 2021. 

Describing the concept on the opening day of Cityscape, Rashed Bu Qara’a, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said: “The concept itself is path-breaking and draws inspiration from the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai, who calls on Dubai to become a city of happy, creative and empowered people. In line with this directive, the mission of The Villages is to deliver life solutions in three key areas that influence human happiness: education, wellness and time.”

Elaborating on how these life solutions will manifest themselves on the ground, Mohammed Al Awadhi, Vice President, Real Estate, Dubai South, explained: “Usually, the expansive layout of a city compels many of us to spend hours every day, commuting to schools, workplaces, retail and wellness centers. Not only does this increase stress, but the time could have been used in a more gainful way, elsewhere. 

“The compact, people-friendly layout of The Villages reverses the urban sprawl by bringing life’s key necessities within an attractive, walkable radius. Each Village at Dubai South will have an inspiring community environment, featuring smartly designed residences, including buildings of up to G+8 containing bedroom apartments, studios, lofts, as well as villas and townhouses. The residential component of each village will be wrapped around a ‘community core’, which will comprise exclusive assets such as a well-reputed and recognized K-12 school, a civic center, a health and wellness complex, high street and retail outlets.

“Bringing these essential features within convenient proximity will not only enable residents to save time, but also make them more inclined to walk and bicycle on dedicated pathways. This will reduce their reliance on cars, reduce pollution and noise, and enhance tranquility in the neighborhood,” he said.

Commenting on the sustainability dimension of The Villages, Al Awadhi continued: “Another essential component of Village life will be the greenhouse, which will include a botanical garden and farms that will allow residents to grow or buy locally grown produce. The greenhouse will also have indoor walking trails, enabling people of all age groups to pursue outdoor activities in a climate-controlled environment.”

Property sales are expected to commence towards the beginning of 2016. 

The unveiling of ‘The Villages’ follows the recent announcement by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, which identified Dubai South as “the emirate’s flagship urban project that will set benchmarks for the rest of the emirate in terms of manifesting the themes of happiness as set out in Dubai Plan 2021.”

Adding to the city’s prestige are the several key events that it hosts, such as the World Expo 2020 and the Dubai Airshow. The 145 square kilometer city is also home to Al Maktoum International Airport, which will become the world’s largest airport upon completion.