Developed in 2013 by TECOM Group, d3 started its operations under Dubai’s creativity economy strategy. More specifically, it is a space where artistry and enterprise shake hands. The development of this mixed-use freezone business park was part of a broader UAE strategy to nurture high-value creative industries, art, and innovation. From sleek architecture, galleries, & public art to distinctive studios, designer boutiques & event venues, the district gathers global brands and emerging talents.
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About Dubai Design District (D3)
Explore Dubai Design District where creativity pulses at the heart of Dubai. Fashionably known as d3, the district opened its arms in 2013 with an aim to surface as a purpose-driven free zone and cultural hub where innovation, art, and fashion reside and flourish together. D3 envisions bringing together culture, art, fashion, and design, with values centered on collaboration, curiosity, and entrepreneurship.
Since its launch, the district has supported 120 start-ups and currently houses over 1,100 businesses and 20,000 professionals. Its location close to MBR City and Business Bay elevates its appeal among professionals and freelancers in nearby communities.
The district’s offerings expand diversely, from staggering office units and captivating studios to homegrown lifestyle boutiques and alluring dining spaces that cater to a range of tastes. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid released the primary blueprint of Dubai Design District and split its construction into three phases.
The district’s first phase achieved a completion milestone in 2016, when 11 buildings containing one thousand office spaces and 100 retail spaces were developed. Phase 2 completed in 2019 and Phase 3 is planned along 2km of Creek side promenade. Public spaces blend meticulous attention and creative elements, featuring outdoor gathering spaces, landscaped zones, and walkable boulevards.
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Dubai Design District (D3) Real Estate Market Report
Dubai Design District Service Charges
Dubai Design District (D3) Properties
Dubai Design District Sales Trends
Investment Opportunities in Dubai Design District (D3)
Nearby Communities
Popular Buildings in Dubai Design District
Things to Do in D3
Schools In Dubai Design District
Hospitals In Dubai Design District
Dubai Design District Restaurants
Hotels In Dubai Design District
Gyms In Dubai Design District
Malls In Dubai Design District
Beaches Near Dubai Design District
Transportation & Highway Connectivity
FAQs About D3 Dubai
A Complete Guide to D3 Community
As an evolving tapestry of fresh local designers, established global brands, and curious visitors, d3 unfolds ways to mingle. Dubai Design District is backed by the broader goals of Dubai, with future expansion aligned with Economic Agenda D33, Sector Strategy 2033, and Creative Economic Plan.
Also, the community hosts fashion-led higher education centers like Dubai Institute of Design & Innovation (DIDI) as well as in5 Design, a business incubator for fashion and design startups. A dynamic lineup of events also make up the event calendar of Dubai Design District, including Sole DXB, Dubai Design Week, and Downtown Design. Its creative ecosystem interweaves lifestyle and community, allowing people to work, eat, socialize, view art, and be inspired.
1. Dubai Design District (D3) Real Estate Market Report
D3 released its future development plans at its 1-decade milestone event in April 2025 and announced the inclusion of 500,000 square feet of gross leasable space. According to its owner, TECOM Group, the investments will engulf approximately AED 825 million. Also, demand for commercial as well as residential units is consistently thriving in the area.
The soaring demand and limited supply result in price markups, with average prices per/sq. ft surging by 3.4% between March 2025 and September 2025. According to Bayut, Dubai Design District features current prices per square foot around AED 2,703.
Furthermore, there has been an exceptional increase in sales volume and value ratio from March-September, 2025. The district recorded 217 sales volume, with values standing at AED 867 million, marking a 1743.1% increase.
2. Dubai Design District Service Charges
Service charges of buildings across Dubai Design District vary according to the property type and the community standards. As an upscale mixed-use business park and residential hub, the district exhibits high service charges. However, typical service charges in Dubai fall between AED 3 and AED 30 per square foot, depending on type of property (villa, townhouse, apartment, retail space) and amenities included.
3. Dubai Design District (D3) Properties
Residential Apartments
A growing number of apartments for sale can be discovered across newer developments in Dubai Design District. These residential offerings primarily feature 1 to 3-bedroom configurations, with a selected range of penthouse and duplex units available.
Commercial Properties
Known largely for its commercial ecosystem that invites creative, art, fashion, and design industries, Dubai Design District is home to some of the city’s most upscale business towers. The retail and office spaces are typically generous in sizes to cater to global brands, local galleries, boutiques, and concept stores.
4. Dubai Design District Sales Trends
Property Type
Area (Sq. Ft)
Sales Prices (AED)
Apartments
1-bedroom apartment
804
2,276,560
2-bedroom apartment
1,762
5,203,000
3-bedroom apartment
2,019
6,701,000
5. Investment Opportunities in Dubai Design District (D3)
Explore architectural masterpieces in Dubai Design District and watch Design Quarter by Meraas reach the apex of exquisiteness. Built on over three towers, these panoramic rises contain a scalable variety of 1 to 3-bedroom apartments. With spectacular views and astonishing amenities, the development offers low pre-completion prices around AED 1.87 million. Slated for delivery in Q1 2027, a 60.40 staggered payment structure is designed to cover your balance in installments.
Another captivating launch by Meraas for the creative precincts of Dubai Design District, Atelis is a sky-high tower that rises to 46 stories. Each story is packed with an exclusive collection of apartments, penthouses, and villas, all spanning from 1 to 4-bedroom layouts. Starting around AED 2.1 million, the project features a flexible 75.25 staged payment plan. Moreover, it is expected to open for residency in Q3 2029.
6. Nearby Communities
Business Bay: Touted approximately 12-minute away from D3 is this bustling business center of Dubai. Known for panoramic towers and home to MNCs’ regional offices, the district’s proximity largely benefits the Dubai Design District.
MBR City: Navigable within a 13-minute drive from D3, this sought-after address and a city within a city stands as a dynamic destination for fashion designers, brand owners, and professionals working in Dubai Design District.
Downtown Dubai: Placed at a distance of only 12 minutes from Dubai Design District, this neighborhood is more an architectural landmark than a simple community. Professionals and residents can seamlessly access the district if they have a penchant for urban exploration.
Dubai Creek Harbour: Conveniently positioned within a short 13-minute drive from Dubai Design District, this waterfront haven opens its gates to future-forward professionals, couples, and growing families. Acclaimed for its self-contained ecosystem, DCH is a preferable choice for individuals working in D3 and seeking a blend of modernity and sea-view.
7. Popular Buildings in Dubai Design District
A4 Space
The Lighthouse
The Block
Atelis
Design Quarter
8. Things to Do in D3
Attend Events & Festivals
Dubai Design District hosts the city’s most anticipated events. These events occur throughout the year, with Sole DXB, Fashion Forward Dubai, and Dubai Design Week, being the central attractions. Explore the upcoming events on d3’s official website and connect to become a part of an unmatched lively environment.
Explore Public Art
As a fashion and creative hub, Dubai Design District is permeated with local artists’ masterpieces throughout. From Shepard Fairey’s creativity in car parking lots to boastful portraits by Marwan Shakarchi on wide streets, these artistic expressions add a picturesque touch to the community orientation.
Located only a 9-minute drive away from Dubai Design District, this tourist attraction in Dubai stands most advanced. This alluring site attracts future-forward explorers and creative minds, transporting them to the invigorating perspective of the year 2070. From its doughnut-shaped façade to an immersive future environment, the museum is poised to inspire.
Navigable within a 10-minute drive from Dubai Design District, this wetland reserve is a curated space for nature as well as bird lovers. Among a massive range of migratory birds, the sanctuary also hosts flamingoes that take the central stage of attention through their pink color and complex social behavior.
9. Schools In Dubai Design District
Blossom Design District Nursery
Established in the heart of Dubai Design District, this early education center was founded in 2009 and managed by Babilou Education. The nursery follows the British EYFS curriculum, with an “ECO Nursery” approach. The central focus on holistic development of children allows them to nurture their confidence, skills, and independence.
Hartland International School
This school was established in 2015 in Mohammed Bin Rashid City by the Sobha Group. As a reputable educational facility in Dubai, it is widely considered by residents in the Dubai Design District and takes only 10 minutes by car. From unwavering commitment to educational excellence to British-centered curriculum, the school features a high-end environment to grow students holistically from FS-1 to Year 13.
JSS Private School
Another future-forward, international educational institution, JSS Private School, takes only 11 minutes to reach from Dubai Design District. The school follows CBSE for its educational approach and is ranked among Dubai’s best schools for expats. Moreover, it is a co-schooling facility and caters to pupils from kindergarten to Year 12.
10. Hospitals In Dubai Design District
While there are no major hospitals or medical clinics directly accessible in Dubai Design District, professionals, visitors, and residents can explore multiple renowned facilities in the nearby Healthcare City district. Prominent hospitals near Dubai Design District include:
Emirates Specialty Hospital
Located only 13 minutes away from Dubai Design District, this healthcare facility is known for its reputable presence in Dubai since 2017. It is a multi-specialty care center, supported by a large, international team of doctors and medical professionals. A wide array of medical fields dealt with here include anesthesiology, orthopedics, dermatology, and endocrinology, among others.
Mediclinic City Hospital
It is another prime medical facility positioned within a 13-minute drive from Dubai Design District. The hospital’s patient-centric approach and internationally-qualified staff has propelled it among the best hospitals in Dubai. As a multi-disciplinary center, it treats patients across various fields including neonatology, oncology, cardiology, and intensive care.
Clemenceau Medical Center Hospital
It is the city’s most technologically-advanced healthcare facility, located 12-minutes away from Dubai Design District. The hospital operates with a capacity of 100-beds and hosts approximately 44 consultation clinics, including urology, fertility & IVF center, pulmonology, general surgery, and neurology.
11. Dubai Design District Restaurants
The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar
Looking for a sophisticated dining place in Dubai Design District? Visit The Lighthouse Restaurant. Located in Building No. 6, this high-end eatery is famous for delightful brunches, memorable dinners, and tantalizing breakfasts. It features a Mediterranean menu, with every item and every bite ensuring a return visit.
Vicolo Italian Street Food
Established in Building No. 4 in Dubai Design District, Vicolo Italian Street Food is a savoring site for food enthusiasts. It offers Italian specials with a modern twist, reflecting the chef’s magic in every bite. Try the Vicolo Pizza or immerse yourself in its Lasagna because every recipe is ready to transport its diners to the artistic and flavorful streets of Italy.
PEOPLES Honest Eatery & Café
Established in Dubai Design District’s Building No.9, PEOPLES is where individuals reconnect and plunge into the ambient atmosphere and delightful meals. Focusing on the well-being of its diners, the eatery is ideal for beverages, breakfast, and brunches. The crowd-favorite items at this gourmet, high-end eatery include Wagyu Tartare Tacos and Premium Rib Eye.
12. Hotels In Dubai Design District
Millennium Central Downtown
Located in the Business Bay area, this 4-star hotel is only 9-minutes away from Dubai Design District. Known for its world-class services and stunning accommodations, the hotel hosts approximately 242 soundproof rooms. A coffee machine, a minibar, satellite, and free WiFi is available in every room, with hotel facilities like buffet breakfast, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, and banquet hall.
Paramount Hotel Dubai
Explore the 5-star, Hollywood-themed hotel near Dubai Design District and book an unmatched accommodation at Paramount Hotel Dubai. This exceptional hotel has over 823 rooms and themed suites, with culinary options and world-class facilities extending endlessly. In addition to 6 restaurants and concierge services, it has swim-up bars, full spa service, and pools.
Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre
This 5-star hotel facility is traceable in DIFC, approximately 10-minutes away from Dubai Design District. The hotel celebrates its high-end ecosystem and houses over 275 options for accommodation. Besides luxurious staying units, it encompasses a wide array of amenities.
13. Gyms In Dubai Design District
Generation Iron Gym
Located in Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Generation Iron Gym is easily accessible within 11 minutes of driving from Dubai Design District. The gym extends its next-level environment from New York and offers fitness enthusiasts unlimited access to the best training atmosphere.
The Warehouse Gym
One of the top fitness facilities in Dubai, The Warehouse Gym has several branches near Dubai Design District in Business Bay and DIFC. This gym is recognized for its state-of-the-art equipment and boastful environment that build and maintain the pace of fitness lovers of all levels.
The world’s most visited retail giant, Dubai Mall, lies only 8-minutes away from Dubai Design District. From adrenaline-pumping entertainment venues to upscale dining options and endless retail hubs, this mall spans over a scalable land area and houses over 1,200 stores.
Wafi Mall
Established in Umm Hurair 2, Wafi Mall takes only 11-minutes to reach from Dubai Design District. The mall celebrates its Egyptian-themed architecture and encompasses a variety of retail and dining options to cater to diverse preferences.
15. Beaches Near Dubai Design District
Jumeirah Beach
Steer your car to Jumeirah Beach, roughly 16-minute drive away from Dubai Design District. Known for its lively eco and pristine core, the beach is lined with casual cafes and eateries and attracts visitors to ample watersport options.
Kite Beach
A more zestful and sophisticated beach experience is traceable within a 20-minute drive from Dubai Design District. Kite Beach is famous for kitesurfing, wakeboarding, and kayaking. Besides, it offers breathtaking vistas of Burj Al Arab and suits to families looking for evening hangouts or daytime fun.
16. Transportation & Highway Connectivity
The coolest neighborhood of Dubai, Dubai Design District is connected to key arteries and main highways, including Ras Al Khor Road, Dubai-Al Ain Road, and D71. These routes offer seamless navigation to get in and around the neighborhood, specifically to those driving private vehicles or using taxis and cabs.
Residents can easily access metro services from its neighbors, Downtown or Business Bay, however, several RTA bus lines like D03 and F14 facilitate public commuters.
17. FAQs About D3 Dubai
How far is Dubai Design District from DXB airport?
It roughly takes 15-minutes via E66 to get from Dubai Design District to DXB airport or vice-versa.
Are there any mosques in Dubai Design District?
Dubai Design District is primarily a fashion and creative hub and doesn’t include any prominent mosques. However, a prayer room can be found in Block Park, while larger facilities are accessible within a 9-minute drive at Al Wasl Club Masjid.
Are there any supermarkets in the Dubai Design District?
Allday minimart is the sole grocery store traceable in Dubai Design District. For alternative options, individuals can head to nearby districts.
Is D3 a freezone?
Yes, Dubai Design District is a freezone district, allowing professionals, global brands, and entrepreneurs to benefit and nurture without limits or burdens of taxation.
Why does the Dubai Design District standout in Dubai?
Dubai Design District is often referred to as the coolest neighborhood of Dubai due to its master plan focus on creativity. The district is designed to attract professionals from the fashion, art, and design industry, while maintaining its peace and calmness.
