A.R.M. Holding and BIG to Redefine Urban Living Around Dubai’s Jebel Ali Racecourse

A.R.M. Holding and BIG to Redefine Urban Living Around Dubai’s Jebel Ali Racecourse

Dubai is entering a new era of urban innovation with the launch of a groundbreaking 5-square-kilometre masterplan surrounding the iconic Jebel Ali Racecourse. A.R.M. Holding has teamed up with globally renowned architecture firm BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group – to bring this ambitious vision to life, with construction set to begin in early 2026.

The announcement was made at a special signing ceremony attended by H.E. Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, CEO of A.R.M. Holding, and Bjarke Ingels, Founder and Creative Director of BIG. More than just a development project, this initiative is designed to align with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and reshape the way communities live, connect, and thrive.

Reimagining Urban Life

This transformative masterplan aims to create a vibrant, human-centric city district that blends modern living with Emirati cultural heritage. At its heart is the historic Jebel Ali Racecourse, a site deeply rooted in Dubai’s identity. Surrounding it will rise a dynamic, walkable community designed to promote sustainability, wellbeing, and social connection.

“This project represents a new chapter for Dubai,” said H.E. Al Shehhi. “We’re creating more than buildings—we’re building places where people feel connected, inspired, and at home.”

A City Designed for People and Planet

Bjarke Ingels describes the project as a “living landscape”—a city where nature and urban life intertwine seamlessly. Instead of isolated buildings, the plan focuses on an “archipelago of urban islands”: clusters of homes, parks, and shared spaces woven together to form a cohesive, sustainable community.

Key highlights include:

• 100% Green Access: Every resident will live within a five-minute walk of parks, health services, and community amenities.
• City-as-Gym Concept: A wellness-first design that encourages active living, supported by state-of-the-art healthcare and fitness facilities.
• Climate-Sensitive Architecture: Buildings will use passive cooling and eco-friendly materials to reduce environmental impact.
• Cultural Integration: Local markets, equestrian facilities, Emirati-first housing, and creative hubs celebrate heritage and encourage local entrepreneurship.

Built Around What Matters Most

This masterplan is designed to deliver high impact across key areas like health, social connectivity, and economic empowerment. The vision includes bold goals such as the highest life expectancy in the GCC and the lowest rates of obesity and diabetes in the UAE.

Built on four guiding pillars, the development focuses on:

1. Modern Living – Flexible housing and vibrant public spaces designed for today’s lifestyles, including remote work.
2. Community & Culture – Educational, cultural, and artistic spaces that foster a strong sense of place and belonging.
3. Wellness & Lifestyle – Holistic wellbeing supported by easy access to nature, healthcare, and recreation.
4. Sustainability & Environment – Urban farms, green corridors, and community gardens promote eco-friendly, future-focused living.

Looking Ahead

“This is more than a development—it’s a commitment to shaping a better future for Dubai,” said Al Shehhi. “Together with BIG, we’re pushing boundaries to create a place where innovation, identity, and community come together.”

As we approach 2026, the Jebel Ali Racecourse masterplan promises to be a model for the next generation of urban living—not just in Dubai, but around the world.

Stay tuned for more updates as this visionary project comes to life.