The government's decision to diversify from an oil-based economy, and to make Dubai the main hub of tourists in the world, has made and other developmental projects such as Dubailand, more valuable, resulting in the property boom from 2004 to 2007. There are over 1,500 major freehold developments and communities in Dubai.[1] Construction on a large scale is a part of Dubai Strategic Plan 2015[2] unveiled by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, to maintain economic growth and to put Dubai on the map of the world, and a tourist destination of the world.[3] Construction on a large scale has turned Dubai into one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. There are a number of large-scale projects which are currently under construction or will be constructed in the future. Due to the heavy construction which is taking place in Dubai, 30,000 construction cranes, which is 25% of cranes worldwide, were operating in Dubai in 2012.[4] Currently multibillion-dollar construction projects are taking shape in Dubai.[5]
A report published by Forbes on October 22, 2012, says Dubai recovered faster from the Great Recession faster than most other countries and now its economy is growing in a higher rate than its counterparts because of its zero tax policy and economic free zones. The estimated GDP growth rate of Dubai in 2012 was 4.5%.[9] The growth was mainly driven by the tourism, commerce and industrial manufacturing sectors.[10]
According to the UAE's Ministry of Finance, Dubai's government has allocated 32.3 billion dirhams ($8.8 billion) for infrastructure projects in 2012, marking a return to big spending on such projects as some of these projects had been stalled due to lack of funding.[11]
In November 2012, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced fifteen new projects worth more than $187 million.[12] These projects are a part of the municipality's 2013 to 2015 strategic plan of Dubai.[13]
Dubailand will be the world's largest retail and entertainment world, twice the size of Walt Disney World Resort. It includes 45 mega projects and 200 sub-projects. Currently, there are 22 projects under construction; 6 are complete.[20]
This will be the world's largest man-made canal. Construction work on Phase 1 of Arabian Canal is currently in progress, but construction on much of the Arabian Canal is currently halted.
Al Sufouh Tramway is a tramway being built in Al Sufouh, Dubai. It will run along Al Sufouh Road from Dubai Marina to the Burj Al Arab and the Mall of the Emirates.[23]
Arabian Ranches is a premium gated community located on Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Road and in proximity to Dubai's Global Village.[26] It includes the Arabian Ranches Golf Club and Dubai Equestrian & Polo Club.
Announced on February 13, 2013. the Ain Dubai (formerly the Dubai Eye) giant Ferris wheel will be built on this island. Construction is almost finished.[29]