Stretching out before us, Mohammed Bin Rashid City is a testament to Dubai’s ambition. It is also known as MBR City. This planned mixed-use development is more than just buildings. It represents a vision of the future.
In November 2012, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, announced his plan. He envisioned a new “city” within Dubai. This complex would have four key components. These are family tourism, retail, arts, and entrepreneurship with innovation.
Imagine a family tourism hub. This includes a park in collaboration with Universal Studios. It would host 35 million visitors annually. Over 100 hotels would accommodate them. This would be the largest family leisure complex in the Middle East, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent.
Envision the retail experience. The Mall of the World would be the largest mall. It would boast 750,000 square meters of air-conditioned space.
Picture the arts district. This would be the largest area for art galleries in the MENA region.
Consider the focus on entrepreneurship. This creates an environment of innovation.
Early plans showed the development bordered by Emirates Road, Al Khail Road, and Sheikh Zayed Road. It would encompass Mohammad bin Rashid Gardens, Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, and Business Bay.
In 2013, Meydan and Sobha began work on District One. This is a low-density luxury residential area within MBR City. It was the first phase. Crystal Lagoons started building a 40-hectare lagoon. It was to be the world’s largest man-made lagoon.
Interestingly, the Mall of the World project was moved in 2016. It relocated to the Al Suhouf district, opposite the Mall of the Emirates.
Did you know that in 2019, a villa in District One sold for AED 90 million? That is about US$24.5 million. This made it Dubai’s most expensive real estate sale that year.
Mohammed Bin Rashid City embodies Dubai’s forward-thinking spirit. It combines leisure, commerce, culture, and innovation into a single, ambitious project. It stands as a symbol of modern Dubai. It is a city constantly reaching for the extraordinary.