In an exciting development for Dubai, A.R.M. Holding and the renowned BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group have announced an ambitious 5 sq km master plan around the historic Jebel Ali Racecourse. This innovative project aims to create an integrated community that aligns with the city’s broader urban objectives, paving the way for a transformative experience in one of Dubai’s key areas. As the project unfolds, it promises to reshape not only the local landscape but also the way communities interact and thrive together.
Collaboration to Transform Jebel Ali
A.R.M. Holding, a prominent investment firm based in the UAE, has teamed up with BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group to embark on this remarkable project. The official announcement was made during a signing ceremony that featured notable figures such as Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, CEO of A.R.M. Holding, and Bjarke Ingels, the Founder and Creative Director of BIG.
Set to commence in early 2026, this grand initiative is designed to align with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Aiming to evolve the historic racecourse into a vibrant community space, the project underscores the importance of connectivity and accessibility within urban environments, as reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
A Vision for Community and Culture
Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi expressed enthusiasm about the new collaboration, stating, “This partnership with BIG embodies our core values of creativity, integrity, and agility. In a diverse community of over 200 nationalities, we believe in creating spaces that connect people on a deeper level. This master plan will serve as a bridge fostering communication, understanding, and principles of empathy that are central to our vision of enabling prosperity.”
He further elaborated, “Through this transformative development, we are redefining Dubai’s landscape by going back to our legacy and culture. By harmonizing Emirati identity with global design standards, we aim to create spaces that are both culturally significant and future-focused. This land, rooted deeply in heritage, will evolve into thriving communities and inspire future generations.”
Innovative Urban Design Concepts
The master plan features a concept described as an “archipelago of urban islands in a sea of green” and employs 17 measurable performance indicators to assess its impact, according to Bjarke Ingels. He remarked, “Each island connects to its surrounding neighborhood, increasing in density as it converges around a lush central park – a social oasis at the heart of the city. But the park doesn’t stop at the center – it bleeds between the islands, weaving nature through the urban fabric and extending its reach to the wider community.”
Ingels emphasized that “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.” This forward-thinking approach demonstrates a commitment to not only creating aesthetically pleasing spaces but also fostering environmental stewardship and community well-being.
With a distinct focus on residential innovation and community design, the collaboration between A.R.M. Holding and BIG promises to set a new standard for urban living in Dubai, marking the beginning of an era characterized by sustainable development and strong community ties as construction ramps up in early 2026.