Dubai South has awarded contracts worth AED 1 billion for a number of project developments, most notably in the city’s Residential District, adjoining the Expo 2020 Dubai site. The infrastructure and design contracts have been awarded to noted industry leaders, including Parsons Corporation, Atkins Global, Studio International Architects, Al Nasr, Tristar Engineering & Construction and the US-based RNL Design.

Dubai South is confident that these partners will ensure that the latest developments in smart city technology and sustainability are seamlessly integrated into all aspects of Dubai South Residential District, which is specifically designed to deliver life solutions and happiness as key outcomes. The emirate’s flagship urban project, Dubai South is conceptualised to manifest the themes of happiness as set out in the Dubai Plan 2021.

Commenting on the investments in the Residential District, Ahmed Al Ansari, acting Chief Executive Officer, Dubai South, said: “We, at Dubai South, are excited to be working with the leading companies in the construction industry to help create a solid foundation for the future homes of Dubai South residents. Our investments will take us closer to realizing Dubai’s vision of becoming a city of happy, creative, and empowered people.”

He added: “The concept behind the Residential District is rooted in the overarching societal themes of Dubai Plan 2021. Dubai South is reinventing the urban ecosystem by creating a city that is based primarily on the happiness and wellbeing of people. This entirely new and incomparable model of urban living puts people first, while celebrating nature and diverse populations, which come together to form a thriving and healthy community.”

An attractive, affordable community catering to families and young professionals, Dubai South’s Residential District includes schools, nurseries, hospitals, retail outlets, F&B options, a post office, swimming academy and a sports centre. The pedestrian-friendly, aesthetically designed, sustainable city is designed to ensure all amenities and necessities are well within walking distance. Dubai South Residential District will have around 10,000 residential units between villas, townhouses and apartments by 2020, housing an estimated 35,000 residents.

The overall infrastructure development of the Residential District will be completed in phases. Work is already well underway by Al Nasr, one of the UAE’s leading diversified contracting companies, on the first section of the Residential District’s infrastructure, which will be completed by the fourth quarter of 2016. Tristar Engineering & Construction has been awarded the infrastructure construction for the remaining areas of phase one, with this phase scheduled to be completed by Q4, 2017. This will pave the way for over 40 developers to expedite their developments in Dubai South’s Residential District.

Atkins Global, Studio International Architects and RNL Design are contracted to oversee the masterplan and product design for the mixed-use development within the Residential District, which includes apartments, townhouses, schools, community facilities, entertainment, retail and hospitality.

In addition to awarding contracts for The Residential District, Dubai South further awarded Al Nasr with the constructing of infrastructure in Dubai South’s Logistics District as well. Further contracts were awarded to Parsons and Kele Constructions for building the first phase of Sakany Staff Village, accommodating 20,000 residents by 2020. UAE-based City Diamond Contracting was also awarded a contract to build a multipurpose aerospace supply chain facility in Dubai South’s Aviation District.

Details of the project and other developments will be unveiled at Cityscape Global 2016, to be held in Dubai in September. Property sales are expected to begin in October 2016.