A.R.M. Holding reveals an ambitious five-square-kilometre masterplan to reimagine the iconic Jebel Ali Racecourse into a people-first, park-led community in partnership with BIG
Written by: Reeba Asghar
One of Dubai’s most transformative urban regeneration projects, A.R.M. Holding has unveiled plans to completely reimagine the historic Jebel Ali Racecourse in partnership with internationally renowned architecture firm BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group.
Spanning an ambitious five square kilometres, the new masterplan marks a bold departure from car-centric development, envisioning a walkable, green, and human-centred district that places people and nature at the forefront. Once home to thoroughbreds and racing fans, the site will soon host eight mixed-use neighbourhoods stitched together with shaded streets, public plazas, and a vast central park, the beating heart of the new community.
“This is more than a new neighbourhood,” said His Excellency Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, CEO of A.R.M. Holding. “It’s a statement about how cities should grow, by putting people and nature at the centre. It reflects our belief in prosperity that’s shared, thoughtful, and lasting.”
The master plan preserves the spatial memory of the original racetrack, integrating equestrian and ecological elements into a future-forward urban fabric. At every stage, the focus is on creating a district where daily life unfolds within a five-minute walk, whether to schools, shops, green spaces, public transport, cultural venues, or healthcare.
Rooted in accessibility, sustainability, and place-based identity, the project is underpinned by 17 key performance indicators (KPIs) spanning sustainability, wellbeing, innovation, and cultural distinctiveness.
The new district aims to become a benchmark for urban design in the region, emphasising climate-sensitive architecture, green mobility, and inclusive community infrastructure.
Construction is set to commence in 2026, with development progressing in phases across residential, civic, and cultural infrastructure.
For a city constantly reimagining its skyline, the transformation of Jebel Ali Racecourse could stand as one of Dubai’s most people-centric and ecologically attuned endeavours yet, a modern vision built on the heritage of a beloved site.
