What is Meydan
Meydan is a government-owned freehold district in central Dubai, built around Meydan Racecourse and now part of Dubai Holding.
Dubai Law No. (5) of 2009 established Meydan City and the Meydan City Corporation (MCC). Law No. (7) of 2024 amended that law. The law says the MCC is a public corporation. The Government of Dubai owns all of it. Its head office is in Meydan.
The law creates "Meydan City" with a free zone inside it. Maps attached to the law set the boundaries. The MCC sets land use in Meydan. It can assign land to commercial, residential, educational, health, tourist and sports uses. These uses must follow Dubai's urban master plan.
The law also lets the MCC build and manage race tracks, stables, hotels, marinas, golf courses and homes in the free zone.
Who owns and develops Meydan
Dubai Holding said on 16 March 2024 that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid mandated the incorporation of Nakheel and Meydan into Dubai Holding. Their boards were abolished. Law No. (7) of 2024 refers to Law No. (1) of 2023 on the Dubai Holding Company. It defines "the Company" as Dubai Holding.
Dubai Holding now describes Meydan as "a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate". Meraas is also a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, according to Dubai Media Office. Nakheel describes Meydan as freehold land. Nakheel says the land sits inside the Mohammed Bin Rashid City master plan.
The main parts of Meydan
- Meydan Racecourse and The Meydan Hotel: The racecourse, its grandstand, the hotel and a golf course. This is where the Dubai World Cup is held each March.
- District One: Villas, townhouses and apartments around a Crystal Lagoon, next to the racecourse and alongside Al Khail Road. Nakheel lists it as a Meydan project.
- District 11 and Opal Gardens: Nakheel lists District 11 and District 11 Opal Gardens as Meydan projects. Opal Gardens has 435 villas and semi-detached homes.
- Meydan One: A planned mixed-use district between Meydan and Al Khail Road, launched in 2015. Its mall is not confirmed as open.
How big is it?
Sources disagree on the size. The National reported in January 2010 that the Meydan site covered 18 sq km. Wikipedia gives Meydan City as 1,900 hectares, about 19 sq km. It gives the racecourse district as 620 hectares. We could not confirm the Wikipedia figures with an official source.
Wikipedia says the racecourse district has four parts: Meydan Racecourse, Meydan Metropolis, Meydan Horizons and Meydan Godolphin Parks. We could not confirm this.
Sources: Government of Dubai (Supreme Legislation Committee), Law No. (7) of 2024 Amending Law No. (5) of 2009 Establishing the Meydan City Corporation, 2024; Dubai Holding, Mohammed bin Rashid mandates incorporation of Nakheel and Meydan into Dubai Holding, 16 March 2024; Dubai Holding, Meydan Awards Over AED 1 Billion Contract for District One West Phase Two, 20 January 2025; Nakheel, Freehold Properties In Dubai: Your Guide To Investing In Meydan Communities, 9 January 2026; Khaleej Times, MBR City: Dh21 billion iconic district unveiled, 3 May 2013; The National, Meydan racecourse under starter's orders, 28 January 2010; Gulf News, Meydan reveals details of the official opening ceremony, 25 March 2010; Dubai Media Office, Empower signs an agreement to acquire and supply the Meydan master community with 382,000 RT, 30 August 2021; Wikipedia, Meydan Racecourse, accessed 14 October 2026
Where you can live in Meydan: the residential projects
Homes in Meydan are in 4 residential areas: Meydan One, Meydan Avenue, Meydan Horizon, Meydan Gated Community.
Map of the Meydan projects
Meydan One
49 residential buildings: 49 apartments. 42 completed, 6 off-plan. 980 sales in 12 months. Main developers: Azizi Developments.
| Project or building | Buildings | Status | Homes | Sales, 12 months | Per sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azizi Riviera | 43 | Completed, Not known, Off-plan | apartments | 790 | AED 2,095 |
| Azizi Riviera Beachfront | 3 | Completed | apartments | 115 | AED 2,130 |
| Azizi Riviera Reve | 3 | Completed | apartments | 75 | AED 2,951 |
Meydan Avenue
80 residential buildings: 80 apartments. 70 completed, 5 off-plan. 222 sales in 12 months. Main developers: Igo Property Development - Fz, Azizi Developments, Elton Real Estate Development.
| Project or building | Buildings | Status | Homes | Sales, 12 months | Per sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Polo Residence | 30 | Completed | apartments | 109 | AED 1,545 |
| Vedaire Residences | 1 | Off-plan | apartments | 17 | AED 2,025 |
| Saddlewood Park | 1 | Off-plan | apartments | 17 | AED 2,187 |
| Flamingo Lux Residence | 1 | Completed | apartments | 16 | AED 2,086 |
| Woodland Crest By AMIS | 1 | Off-plan | apartments | 13 | AED 2,236 |
| Prime Views by Prescott | 1 | Completed | apartments | 9 | AED 1,540 |
| Azizi Gardens | 1 | Completed | apartments | 8 | AED 1,624 |
| The 100 | 1 | Completed | apartments | 7 | AED 1,897 |
| Injazzat Residence | 1 | Completed | apartments | 4 | – |
| Centurion Onyx | 1 | Completed | apartments | 4 | – |
| Rabdan Square | 1 | Off-plan | apartments | 4 | – |
| Azizi Park Avenue | 1 | Completed | apartments | 3 | – |
| Azizi Greenfield | 1 | Completed | apartments | 3 | – |
| Rosebay Living | 1 | Completed | apartments | 3 | – |
And 30 more projects or buildings: see the map.
Meydan Horizon
5 residential buildings: 5 apartments. 0 completed, 4 off-plan. 179 sales in 12 months. Main developers: Prescott Real Estate Development, True Future Real Estate Development, D H G Property Development.
| Project or building | Buildings | Status | Homes | Sales, 12 months | Per sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Caden By Prescott | 1 | Off-plan | apartments | 99 | AED 2,289 |
| Future Residence | 1 | Off-plan | apartments | 71 | AED 1,986 |
| Helvetia Verde | 1 | Off-plan | apartments | 9 | AED 1,850 |
| Eiwan Heights | 1 | Not known | apartments | 0 | – |
| The Winslow | 1 | Off-plan | apartments | 0 | – |
Meydan Gated Community
3 residential buildings: 3 villas and townhouses. 3 completed, 0 off-plan. 42 sales in 12 months.
| Project or building | Buildings | Status | Homes | Sales, 12 months | Per sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Views | 1 | Completed | villas, townhouses | 32 | – |
| The Polo Townhouses | 1 | Completed | villas, townhouses | 6 | – |
| Millennium Estates | 1 | Completed | villas, townhouses | 4 | – |
Source: Dubai Land Department sale records and our building list, 15 October 2026. A project is a group of buildings with one name; a building with no group is listed on its own. Per sq ft is the median of apartment sales in 12 months.
Meydan property prices and sales
Apartments in Meydan sold for a median of AED 2,053 per sq ft in the 12 months to 10 October 2026, across 1,661 apartment sales.
Where Meydan ranks in Dubai
Rank among 66 Dubai communities with 300 or more sales in 12 months. See what the sales records say.
Meydan apartment price per sq ft, by quarter
The median price of an apartment sold in Meydan was AED 2,079 per sq ft in 2026 Q3. The highest quarter in the last three years was 2026 Q3, at AED 2,079. A median moves when the mix of homes sold changes.
What the sale records show now
- Sales fell. Meydan had 817 sales in the last 6 months, against 957 in the same months a year before (-15%).
- New buildings keep launching. 9 buildings had their first sale in the last 12 months, with 369 sales between them.
- Most sales are of finished homes. 64% of sales in 12 months were of completed homes.
- Rental yield. Asking rents against sold prices give a gross yield of 6.6%.
- One developer leads the sales. 74% of sales in 12 months were in buildings with the Azizi name.
Meydan price per sq ft by district
| District | Per sq ft, 12 months | Change on the year | Sales, 12 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meydan One | AED 2,072 | +2.1% | 1,259 |
| Meydan Avenue | AED 1,646 | +9.8% | 223 |
| Meydan Horizon | AED 2,143 | – | 179 |
| Meydan Gated Community | – | – | 42 |
The 10 Meydan buildings with the most sales in 12 months
| Building | Status | District | Developer | Per sq ft | Sales, 12 months |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Caden By Prescott | Off-plan | Meydan Horizon | PRESCOTT REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT L.L.C | AED 2,289 | 99 |
| Azizi Riviera 50 | Off-plan | Meydan One | AZIZI DEVELOPMENTS L.L.C | AED 2,297 | 77 |
| Azizi Riviera 49 | Off-plan | Meydan One | AZIZI DEVELOPMENTS L.L.C | AED 2,314 | 73 |
| Azizi Riviera 68 | Off-plan | Meydan One | AZIZI DEVELOPMENTS L.L.C | AED 1,982 | 71 |
| Future Residence | Off-plan | Meydan Horizon | TRUE FUTURE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT L.L.C | AED 1,986 | 71 |
| The Polo Residence A3 | Completed | Meydan Avenue | IGO PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT L.L.C - FZ | AED 1,460 | 60 |
| Azizi Riviera Beachfront Tower C | Completed | Meydan One | AZIZI DEVELOPMENTS L.L.C | AED 2,130 | 47 |
| Azizi Riviera 69 | Completed | Meydan One | AZIZI DEVELOPMENTS L.L.C | AED 2,109 | 41 |
| Azizi Riviera 61 | Completed | Meydan One | AZIZI DEVELOPMENTS L.L.C | AED 2,215 | 35 |
| Azizi Riviera Beachfront Tower B | Completed | Meydan One | AZIZI DEVELOPMENTS L.L.C | AED 2,099 | 35 |
Source: Dubai Land Department sale records and project register, as built into BUY DUBAI on 15 October 2026. Price per sq ft is a median of apartment sales. Yield is asking rent against sold price. Dates are registration dates.
Where is Meydan in Dubai
Meydan is in central Dubai, south-east of Business Bay, between Al Khail Road and Dubai-Al Ain Road.
Nakheel says Meydan sits at the geographic heart of Dubai. It says Meydan adjoins Nad Al Sheba and neighbours Downtown Dubai and Business Bay. Nakheel says Meydan has direct access to Al Khail Road and Dubai-Al Ain Road.
Neighbours
- North and north-west: Business Bay and Downtown Dubai, across Al Khail Road. Dubai Holding says District One West is 4 km from Downtown Dubai.
- North-east: Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Dubai Holding says District One West is minutes from the sanctuary.
- South and east: Nad Al Sheba, including the Meraas community Nad Al Sheba Gardens.
- Around and inside: Mohammed Bin Rashid City (MBR City). Nakheel says Meydan land sits inside the MBR City master plan. Khaleej Times placed District One, the first MBR City district, next to Meydan Racecourse.
Where District One sits
Gulf News reported on 18 December 2018 that District One is bordered by Al Khail Road to the west. It is bordered by Al Meydan Road to the south. GDN Online says District One West has direct access to Al Khail Road, Meydan Road and Latifa Bint Hamdan Road.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Wikipedia says Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary covers 10.13 sq km. It says the sanctuary has been protected since 1998. It says the sanctuary lies next to Meydan's northern districts. We could not confirm these figures with an official source.
Distances that sources give
- Downtown Dubai: About 15 minutes from Meydan, according to Nakheel. Dubai Holding gives 4 km from District One West.
- Dubai International Airport: About 20 minutes, according to Nakheel and Dubai Holding.
- Sheikh Zayed Road: About a five-minute drive from District One, Gulf News reported in December 2018.
Sources: Nakheel, Freehold Properties In Dubai: Your Guide To Investing In Meydan Communities, 9 January 2026; Dubai Holding, Meydan Awards Over AED 1 Billion Contract for District One West Phase Two, 20 January 2025; GDN Online, Nakheel awards District One West residences contracts, undated; Gulf News, Dubai's upscale District One community to offer 'affordable' housing, 18 December 2018; Khaleej Times, MBR City: Dh21 billion iconic district unveiled, 3 May 2013; Wikipedia, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, accessed 14 October 2026
Meydan roads, traffic, parking and transport
Meydan is a car-based district with no metro station today, and the Metro Gold Line is due to reach it in 2032.
Main roads
- Al Khail Road: Runs along the west side of District One. Khaleej Times reported that RTA says Al Khail Road serves more than 1.5 million of Dubai's population.
- Dubai-Al Ain Road: Runs along the east and south. Nakheel says Meydan has direct access to it.
- Al Meydan Street (Meydan Road): Runs through the district. Gulf News reported in 2010 that it was formerly called Muscat Road.
The 2010 Meydan road network
Gulf News reported on 21 March 2010 that RTA opened the Meydan Roads Network. The network cost Dh1 billion. It opened before the first Dubai World Cup at Meydan. Sheikh Mohammed approved the project in September 2008.
The network includes two 710 m bridges into and out of Meydan. Each bridge has two lanes in each direction. A private VIP bridge leads to the Grandstand.
RTA said in 2010 that Meydan had parking for 10,000 vehicles.
The Al Khail Road bridges (2024)
Khaleej Times reported that a 610 m bridge from Al Meydan Street onto Al Khail Road opened on 13 October 2024. The bridge carries traffic towards Deira. It was the fourth bridge of the Al Khail Road project to open.
The Al Meydan Street Development Project (2026 to 2028)
Dubai Media Office said on 30 August 2026 that RTA awarded two contracts for the Al Meydan Street Development Project. The contracts are worth AED 1.161 billion. RTA plans to finish the work by the end of 2028.
- The project includes 3,700 m of bridges, 17 km of roads and cycling tracks.
- The project covers Al Meydan Street from First Al Khail Street to Umm Suqeim Street. It passes Al Khail Road, Latifa bint Hamdan Street and Al Marabea' Street.
- A 700 m elevated link on Dubai-Al Ain Road towards Nad Al Hamar Street will serve Nad Al Sheba.
- RTA says the project will cut the trip from Dubai-Al Ain Road to Umm Suqeim Street from 30 minutes to 10 minutes.
- RTA says the areas served have a combined population of more than 500,000.
Metro and rail
There is no metro station in Meydan today. The Blue Line, due in 2029, passes Ras Al Khor, not Meydan, Gulf News reported.
The Metro Gold Line will pass through Meydan. The Week reported on 23 April 2026 that the line is 42 km long with 18 stations. It said the route passes Business Bay, MBR City, Nad Al Sheba and Meydan. The potential stations include two District 1 stations, Nad Al Sheba and a "Future Meydan Etihad Rail Interchange".
The National reported on 14 September 2026 that the Gold Line will open on 9 September 2032. It said the tender will be released before the end of 2026. It said RTA expects to award a contractor by the end of 2027.
The same report said Dubai will get a second Etihad Rail passenger station, in Meydan. Abdul Muhsen Kalbat, chief executive of the RTA Rail Agency, said: "One of the future stations is in Meydan." He said it will connect to the Gold Line station. The timeline and exact location are not known.
Buses and taxis
We could not confirm which RTA bus routes serve Meydan. Residents mostly drive or use taxis today.
Sources: Gulf News, Major roads, bridges in Meydan Racecourse area open, 21 March 2010; Khaleej Times, Dubai: Fourth new bridge along Al Khail Road to open on October 13, ease traffic to Deira, 12 October 2024; Dubai Media Office, RTA Awards Two Contracts for Al Meydan Street Development Project Worth AED 1.1 Billion, 30 August 2026; Nakheel, Freehold Properties In Dubai: Your Guide To Investing In Meydan Communities, 9 January 2026; Gulf News, Dubai Metro Blue Line guide: Routes, stations, key features and opening date, 10 June 2025; The Week, 42 km, 18 stations: Check map of Dubai Metro Gold Line to know locations, 23 April 2026; The National, Dubai to get second Etihad Rail station as RTA puts public transport centre stage, 14 September 2026
Living in Meydan
Life in Meydan centres on the racecourse, the District One Crystal Lagoon and the parks of nearby Nad Al Sheba.
The racecourse and the racing season
Dubai Racing Club says the Dubai Racing Carnival runs for five months, from November to March. Carnival opening night in 2025 was on 7 November. The Dubai World Cup is held on the last Saturday of March. The 30th running was on 28 March 2026.
Dubai Racing Club says the Dubai World Cup meeting carries US$30.5 million in prize money. The meeting has six Group 1 races and three Group 2 races.
Wikipedia says Meydan has a 2,400 m turf track, a 1,750 m dirt course and a nine-hole golf course. It says The Meydan Hotel has 285 rooms. We could not confirm these figures with an official source.
The Crystal Lagoon
Nakheel says District One spans more than 45 million sq ft around a Crystal Lagoon. It says the lagoon has 7 km of swimmable water and 14 km of shoreline.
Parks and open spaces
- Hewi Nad Al Sheba: Gulf News reported that this community space opened in January 2026. It was the first space under the Hewi Dubai initiative. Dubai Municipality, the Dubai Future Foundation and Ferjan Dubai developed it.
- Hewi Nad Al Sheba has zones for children, adults and senior citizens. It uses native sidr and tamarisk trees.
- Nad Al Sheba Gardens: Dubai Media Office says the community has a Central Park, a Spine Park, lagoons, a wave pool and cycling tracks. It also has a multi-sports court and a neighbourhood farm.
Shops and daily needs
Dubai Media Office says Nad Al Sheba Gardens Mall includes a Waitrose supermarket, food outlets, a nursery and fitness services. Zawya reported that Azizi Riviera has a retail boulevard and a lagoon promenade.
Sheikh Mohammed broke ground on Meydan One Mall in March 2017. Dubai Media Office said it would have 620 shops, two department stores and a 131,150 sq ft hypermarket. It was due by 2020. Gulf News reported in 2019 that the target had moved to end-2021. We could not confirm that the mall has opened.
Mosques, clinics and community services
Nakheel lists mosques, community centres, cycling networks and parks among Meydan amenities. We could not confirm the names of individual mosques or clinics from an official source.
Business
Meydan Free Zone says it allows 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor. It says it offers more than 2,500 business activities.
Sources: Dubai Racing Club, About Meydan, accessed 14 October 2026; Wikipedia, Meydan Racecourse, accessed 14 October 2026; Nakheel, Freehold Properties In Dubai: Your Guide To Investing In Meydan Communities, 9 January 2026; Gulf News, Sheikh Hamdan attends opening of first community space under 'Hewi Dubai' initiative, 21 January 2026; Dubai Media Office, Meraas launches new phase of Nad Al Sheba Gardens, 24 July 2025; Zawya, Azizi hands over 667 residences at flagship Dubai waterfront community, 1 April 2026; Dubai Media Office, Mohammed bin Rashid lays foundation stone of Meydan One Mall, 15 March 2017; Gulf News, District One developer stays 'cautious with our planning', 1 October 2019; Meydan Free Zone, Business Setup in Dubai, accessed 14 October 2026
Schools in and near Meydan
KHDA lists five schools at Meydan City, and three of them were rated Very Good in 2023-24.
Schools in Meydan City
The KHDA school directory lists five schools with the location "Meydan City". The ratings below are KHDA ratings for 2023-24, as collected by WhichSchoolAdvisor.
- Hartland International School: Rated Very Good in 2023-24.
- North London Collegiate School: Rated Very Good in 2023-24.
- Lycee Libanais Francophone Prive Meydan: Rated Very Good in 2023-24. This was its first inspection at the new Meydan school.
- Bilingual French International School: Listed by KHDA at Meydan City. We could not confirm its rating.
- Rugby School Dubai: A UK-curriculum school listed by KHDA at Meydan City. We could not confirm a KHDA rating for it.
Schools in Nad Al Sheba
- Kings School Nad Al Sheba: A UK-curriculum school from early childhood to Year 13. KHDA lists it at Nadd Al Shiba First. It was rated Very Good in 2023-24.
- Dubai Schools - Nad Al Sheba: A Dubai Schools campus. Dubai Media Office said on 3 September 2025 that phase one of its expansion was complete. Phase one added 31 classrooms for 777 students.
Phase two of the Dubai Schools - Nad Al Sheba expansion was due by July 2026. It raises capacity to 2,664 places, with 114 classrooms and 31 labs. The campus will add a semi-Olympic indoor pool, a football pitch, a sports hall and a gym. The Dubai Schools capacity plan was approved in January 2024. It costs AED 530 million.
Dubai Media Office says Meraas places a school within walking distance of Nad Al Sheba Gardens.
Nurseries
- Meydan City: KHDA lists Smart Generation Station Nursery.
- Nadd Al Shiba First: KHDA lists Kinder Castle Meydan Nursery.
- Nadd Al Shiba Third and Fourth: KHDA lists Dovecote Nursery, My Circle ECC and Alif Ya ECC.
Sources: KHDA, Find Schools education directory, accessed 14 October 2026; KHDA, Early Childhood Centres directory, accessed 14 October 2026; WhichSchoolAdvisor, KHDA 2024 School Ratings: The Complete List, 27 April 2024; Dubai Media Office, Dubai Schools – Nad Al Sheba announces completion of 1st phase of expansion, 3 September 2025; Dubai Media Office, Meraas launches new phase of Nad Al Sheba Gardens, 24 July 2025
Who lives in Meydan
We could not confirm a population figure for Meydan, but the district mixes villa families with apartment residents.
Population
Digital Dubai said on 30 July 2026 that Dubai's population reached 4.580 million at the end of 2025. The release gives no figure for Meydan. The Dubai Statistics Centre publishes population by community on Dubai Pulse. We could not find a Meydan figure in that dataset. We could not confirm the number of Meydan residents.
RTA says the areas served by the Al Meydan Street project have a combined population of more than 500,000. That area is much wider than Meydan.
Types of homes
- District One: Dubai Holding Community Management lists 627 villas, 38 townhouses and 1,750 apartments on 445 hectares.
- District One West: GDN Online reports 467 villas and mansions. Phase Two adds 229 villas, according to Dubai Holding.
- District 11 Opal Gardens: Nakheel lists 435 four- to six-bedroom villas and semi-detached homes.
Who the district suits
The villa districts suit families near several Very Good schools. The apartment towers suit couples and single professionals.
Sources: Digital Dubai, Dubai's Population Tops 4.580 Million by the End of 2025, 30 July 2026; Dubai Pulse (Dubai Statistics Center), Population by community, last updated 15 September 2022; Dubai Media Office, RTA Awards Two Contracts for Al Meydan Street Development Project Worth AED 1.1 Billion, 30 August 2026; Dubai Holding Community Management, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City District One, accessed 14 October 2026; GDN Online, Nakheel awards District One West residences contracts, undated; Dubai Holding, Meydan Awards Over AED 1 Billion Contract for District One West Phase Two, 20 January 2025; Nakheel, Freehold Properties In Dubai: Your Guide To Investing In Meydan Communities, 9 January 2026
Meydan service charges and running costs
We could not confirm Meydan service charge rates, but Empower supplies district cooling to the Meydan master community.
Service charges
The Dubai Land Department publishes a Service Charge Index for each building and community. Our fetch of the index returned no figures. We could not confirm a Meydan service charge rate. Check the DLD index for the exact building before you buy.
Dubai Holding Community Management runs a community page for District One. Buyers in managed communities often pay a master community charge as well as a building charge. We could not confirm the District One rate.
District cooling
Dubai Media Office said on 30 August 2021 that Empower signed an agreement with the Meydan City Corporation. Empower will supply district cooling to the Meydan master community. The total capacity is 382,000 refrigeration tons (RT).
- The capacity will serve 750 existing and upcoming buildings.
- Named projects include Meydan One, Meydan Avenue, Royal Pearl, District 1, Meydan Horizon and Meydan Business Park.
- Empower plans to invest more than AED 1.6 billion in four new plants and the pipe network.
- The existing plant has 45,000 RT capacity. Of this, 25,000 RT serves Meydan Racecourse projects, including The Meydan Hotel.
District cooling usually means two charges: a capacity charge and a consumption charge. Ask the seller or landlord for recent Empower bills. Villas that use their own air conditioning units pay for cooling through DEWA instead. We could not confirm which villa phases use each system.
Sources: Dubai Land Department, Service Charge Index, accessed 14 October 2026; Dubai Holding Community Management, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City District One, accessed 14 October 2026; Dubai Media Office, Empower signs an agreement to acquire and supply the Meydan master community with 382,000 RT, 30 August 2021
New projects and what is coming to Meydan
The main new work in Meydan is District One West, Azizi Riviera, the Al Meydan Street upgrade and a planned rail interchange.
Homes under construction
- District One West Phase Two: Dubai Holding said on 20 January 2025 that Meydan awarded a contract worth more than AED 1 billion to Ginco. The phase has 229 villas. It is due in Q1 2028.
- Azizi Riviera: Zawya reported on 1 April 2026 that Azizi handed over Riviera 69 and Beachfront I. Riviera 69 was the eighth completed building in Phase 4. Phase 4 was then 74% complete.
- Riviera Beachfront: Three 20-storey towers along a 2.7 km swimmable crystal lagoon, according to Zawya.
- District 11 Opal Gardens: 435 villas and semi-detached homes, according to Nakheel.
- Canal Front Residences: Nakheel lists them as a Meydan project on the Dubai Water Canal.
Meydan One
Meydan launched Meydan One in August 2015. The National reported plans for a 711 m tower, a mall, a 1.2 km indoor ski slope and a 100-berth marina. It said the plan had 5 million sq m of built-up area and 78,300 residents.
Sources disagree on the size. Gulf News gave Meydan One's area as 3.67 million sq m on the same day. The two figures may measure different things.
Gulf News reported on 1 October 2019 that Meydan One was about 3 million sq ft and 75% structurally complete. It targeted end-2021. We could not confirm an opening date for Meydan One.
Meydan One Mall
Sources disagree on the mall's retractable roof. The National gave 150 m by 80 m in 2015. Dubai Media Office gave 160 m by 100 m in 2017. The mall missed its 2020 and end-2021 targets. We could not confirm that it has opened.
Roads and rail
The Al Meydan Street upgrade is due by the end of 2028. The Gold Line and a Meydan Etihad Rail station are covered in the transport section above.
Sources: Dubai Holding, Meydan Awards Over AED 1 Billion Contract for District One West Phase Two, 20 January 2025; Zawya, Azizi hands over 667 residences at flagship Dubai waterfront community, 1 April 2026; Nakheel, Freehold Properties In Dubai: Your Guide To Investing In Meydan Communities, 9 January 2026; The National, Meydan launches huge Dubai project with world's tallest residential tower, 3 August 2015; Gulf News, Record smashers of Meydan One project, 3 August 2015; Gulf News, District One developer stays 'cautious with our planning', 1 October 2019; Dubai Media Office, Mohammed bin Rashid lays foundation stone of Meydan One Mall, 15 March 2017
Meydan history
Meydan replaced Nad Al Sheba racecourse in 2010 and later grew into a residential district inside Dubai Holding.
Nad Al Sheba racecourse
The National reported that Meydan was built on the site of Nad Al Sheba racecourse. Nad Al Sheba had hosted the Dubai World Cup for the previous 14 seasons. The Guardian reported that Nad Al Sheba was levelled after the 2009 World Cup.
Building the racecourse (2006 to 2010)
Meydan chairman Saeed Al Tayer told Khaleej Times in 2013 that Meydan was created in 2007. The National said construction began four years before the first race. Sheikh Mohammed approved the Meydan roads project in September 2008. Dubai Law No. (5) of 2009 then established the Meydan City Corporation.
Wikipedia says TAK (Teo A. Khing Design Consultants) master planned Meydan Racecourse and Meydan City. We could not confirm this.
Sources disagree on the cost. The National estimated the racecourse cost Dh10 billion (US$2.7 billion). The Guardian said the track took 34 months and at least $1.25 billion to build.
Opening (2010)
Meydan held its first race on 28 January 2010, The National reported. The Guardian said the first races ran on an all-weather Tapeta surface. Turf racing was to follow.
The National said the grandstand was 1.6 km long and held 60,000 racegoers. A Sky Bubble lounge for 5,000 people sits on top.
RTA opened the Dh1 billion Meydan Roads Network in March 2010. Gulf News said more than 70,000 spectators were expected at the first Meydan Dubai World Cup. The official opening was on 27 March 2010, with the first Dubai World Cup at Meydan. Gulf News called Meydan "the world's largest integrated racing facility".
Racing since 2010
Wikipedia says the Dubai World Cup moved from Tapeta back to dirt in 2015. It says the race has had a $12 million purse since 2019. It says the 2020 race was cancelled because of COVID-19. We could not confirm these points with an official source.
From racecourse to residential district (2013 to today)
Khaleej Times reported on 3 May 2013 that Meydan and Sobha launched District One as a joint venture. District One was the first district of MBR City, next to the racecourse and alongside Al Khail Road.
Meydan launched Meydan One in August 2015.
Gulf News reported in December 2018 that about 85% of District One's villas and mansions had been delivered. The third phase, D1 Residences, had about 1,500 apartments.
In March 2024 Meydan and Nakheel were folded into Dubai Holding. Law No. (7) of 2024 updated the 2009 Meydan law.
Sources: The National, Meydan racecourse under starter's orders, 28 January 2010; The Guardian, The $1.25bn racecourse at Meydan in Dubai opens for business, 28 January 2010; Khaleej Times, MBR City: Dh21 billion iconic district unveiled, 3 May 2013; Gulf News, Meydan reveals details of the official opening ceremony, 25 March 2010; Gulf News, Major roads, bridges in Meydan Racecourse area open, 21 March 2010; Wikipedia, Meydan Racecourse, accessed 14 October 2026; Wikipedia, Dubai World Cup, accessed 14 October 2026; The National, Meydan launches huge Dubai project with world's tallest residential tower, 3 August 2015; Gulf News, Dubai's upscale District One community to offer 'affordable' housing, 18 December 2018; Dubai Holding, Mohammed bin Rashid mandates incorporation of Nakheel and Meydan into Dubai Holding, 16 March 2024; Government of Dubai (Supreme Legislation Committee), Law No. (7) of 2024 Amending Law No. (5) of 2009 Establishing the Meydan City Corporation, 2024
Meydan vs MBR City, Nad Al Sheba, Business Bay, Al Khail
Meydan overlaps with MBR City, borders Nad Al Sheba, and is lower-rise than Business Bay across Al Khail Road.
Meydan vs MBR City
The two names overlap. Nakheel says Meydan land sits inside the Mohammed Bin Rashid City master plan. Khaleej Times reported that District One was the first MBR City district. Meydan developed it next to the racecourse. Zawya describes Azizi Riviera as located in "Meydan, MBR City".
MBR City also includes districts by other developers. Meydan, in the narrow sense, means the land the Meydan City Corporation controls.
Meydan vs Nad Al Sheba
Nakheel says Meydan adjoins Nad Al Sheba. The racecourse itself stands on the old Nad Al Sheba racecourse site. Nad Al Sheba today is mostly villas. It includes the Meraas community Nad Al Sheba Gardens, Kings School Nad Al Sheba and the Dubai Schools - Nad Al Sheba campus.
Nad Al Sheba has the Hewi Nad Al Sheba community space, opened in January 2026. It also has Nad Al Sheba Gardens Mall with a Waitrose. Meydan has the racecourse, the Crystal Lagoon and the free zone. The Gold Line plan includes a station at Nad Al Sheba and stations in District 1.
Meydan vs Business Bay
Nakheel says Meydan neighbours Business Bay. Business Bay lies north-west of Meydan, across Al Khail Road, next to Downtown Dubai. Business Bay is a high-rise district of offices, hotels and apartments. Meydan has more villas, more open land and lower buildings.
The Gold Line plan includes a Business Bay Interchange, according to The Week. When the line opens in 2032, it will link Business Bay to Meydan and Nad Al Sheba.
Meydan vs the Al Khail Road corridor
Al Khail Road forms the western edge of District One, Gulf News reported. A new bridge from Al Meydan Street onto Al Khail Road opened in October 2024.
We could not confirm details of named Al Khail communities from our sources. Meydan homes sit back from the highway, around lagoons and the golf course.
Sources: Nakheel, Freehold Properties In Dubai: Your Guide To Investing In Meydan Communities, 9 January 2026; Khaleej Times, MBR City: Dh21 billion iconic district unveiled, 3 May 2013; Zawya, Azizi hands over 667 residences at flagship Dubai waterfront community, 1 April 2026; The National, Meydan racecourse under starter's orders, 28 January 2010; Dubai Media Office, Meraas launches new phase of Nad Al Sheba Gardens, 24 July 2025; Gulf News, Sheikh Hamdan attends opening of first community space under 'Hewi Dubai' initiative, 21 January 2026; The Week, 42 km, 18 stations: Check map of Dubai Metro Gold Line to know locations, 23 April 2026; Gulf News, Dubai's upscale District One community to offer 'affordable' housing, 18 December 2018; Khaleej Times, Dubai: Fourth new bridge along Al Khail Road to open on October 13, ease traffic to Deira, 12 October 2024
Common questions about Meydan
These are short answers to the questions buyers and tenants ask most about Meydan.
Is Meydan freehold?
Yes. Nakheel describes Meydan as freehold land inside the Mohammed Bin Rashid City master plan. Foreign buyers can own property there.
Who is the developer of Meydan?
The Meydan City Corporation, a public corporation owned by the Government of Dubai. Since March 2024 Meydan has been part of Dubai Holding. Dubai Holding calls Meydan a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate.
Is Meydan the same as MBR City?
Not exactly. Nakheel says Meydan land sits inside the MBR City master plan. District One, built by Meydan, was the first MBR City district. MBR City also has districts by other developers.
Is there a metro station in Meydan?
No, not today. The Week reported that the Metro Gold Line will pass through Meydan, Nad Al Sheba and District 1. The National reported that the Gold Line will open on 9 September 2032.
Will Etihad Rail stop in Meydan?
An RTA official told The National in September 2026 that a future Etihad Rail station will be in Meydan. It will connect to the Gold Line. No date or exact location has been given.
When is the Dubai World Cup?
Dubai Racing Club says it is held on the last Saturday of March. The 30th running was on 28 March 2026. The racing carnival runs from November to March.
Which schools are in Meydan?
KHDA lists Hartland International School, North London Collegiate School, Lycee Libanais Francophone Prive Meydan, Bilingual French International School and Rugby School at Meydan City. The first three were rated Very Good in 2023-24.
Has Meydan One Mall opened?
We could not confirm this. Sheikh Mohammed laid its foundation stone in March 2017. It missed its 2020 and end-2021 targets. No source we read confirms an opening.
Who provides cooling in Meydan?
Empower. Dubai Media Office said in August 2021 that Empower will supply 382,000 RT of district cooling to 750 buildings in the Meydan master community.
What are the service charges in Meydan?
We could not confirm this. The DLD Service Charge Index gave no Meydan figures to our check. Look up the exact building in the DLD index before you buy.
Sources: Nakheel, Freehold Properties In Dubai: Your Guide To Investing In Meydan Communities, 9 January 2026; Government of Dubai (Supreme Legislation Committee), Law No. (7) of 2024 Amending Law No. (5) of 2009 Establishing the Meydan City Corporation, 2024; Dubai Holding, Mohammed bin Rashid mandates incorporation of Nakheel and Meydan into Dubai Holding, 16 March 2024; The Week, 42 km, 18 stations: Check map of Dubai Metro Gold Line to know locations, 23 April 2026; The National, Dubai to get second Etihad Rail station as RTA puts public transport centre stage, 14 September 2026; Dubai Racing Club, About Meydan, accessed 14 October 2026; KHDA, Find Schools education directory, accessed 14 October 2026; WhichSchoolAdvisor, KHDA 2024 School Ratings: The Complete List, 27 April 2024; Dubai Media Office, Mohammed bin Rashid lays foundation stone of Meydan One Mall, 15 March 2017; Dubai Media Office, Empower signs an agreement to acquire and supply the Meydan master community with 382,000 RT, 30 August 2021; Dubai Land Department, Service Charge Index, accessed 14 October 2026