Mohammed Bin Rashid City (MBR City) is one of Dubai’s most ambitious urban developments, designed as a mega-project that plays a crucial role in the city’s strategic growth plans. Spanning an enormous 45 million square meters, this AED 30 billion project is set to redefine urban living by blending residential, commercial, and leisure spaces into a seamless community. The project was originally set for full completion by 2020, and while many developments are already completed and occupied, new additions continue to shape its evolving skyline. In this article, we will review the history and current state of MBR from an investing point of view.
The MBR City project timeline
November 2012
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum officially announced the establishment of Mohammed Bin Rashid City (MBR City), marking the beginning of one of Dubai’s most ambitious urban developments.
2013
District One was developed as a joint venture between Meydan and Sobha, introducing a low-density luxury residential estate. Construction also began on the largest man-made lagoon in the world, which was designed by Crystal Lagoons.
2015
The Meydan One district was launched, envisioned as a luxury development spanning 34 hectares. This project, which includes world-class attractions and residential properties, was personally inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
2016
It was announced that the Mall of the World initially planned for MBR City, would be relocated to Al Sufouh, opposite the Mall of the Emirates. This shift led to changes in MBR City's commercial and retail development plans.
2019
The first property handovers began, including notable projects such as Millennium Estates villas, Polo Townhouses, and Polo Residences.
2021
As part of Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid approved Phase II, which outlines integrated development strategies for five main urban centers. This plan is expected to shape the future of MBR City and guide its sustainable growth and infrastructure enhancements.
Today, 2025
As of February 2025, MBR City continues to evolve, with major sub-communities like District One, Sobha Hartland, and Dubai Hills Estate nearing full completion. Ongoing projects and plans focus on enhancing MBR City’s status as one of Dubai’s premier residential and lifestyle destinations.
MBR: A city in a city
MBR City is envisioned as a “city within a city,” catering to Dubai’s rapid urbanization and reinforcing its status as a global hub for luxury real estate and innovation. The development spans 10,800 hectares — 20% larger than Manhattan.
MBR City features distinct sub-communities, each with unique architecture and amenities. District One, Sobha Hartland, and Dubai Hills Estate offer apartments, villas, and townhouses for rent and sale. Meydan City covers a quarter of this area, surrounding the Dubai Racing Club. It includes Meydan 1, Meydan Metropolis, Millennium Estates, Mag Eye at Meydan (District 7), District 11, and Dubai Hills Estate.
Favorable location
MBR City is strategically located between Emirates Road, Al Khail Road, and Sheikh Zayed Road, ensuring seamless connectivity across Dubai. Residents have quick access to Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Design District, and Al Quoz, making it ideal for professionals and families.
One of MBR City's standout features is its 7-kilometer-long crystal lagoons, offering an exclusive waterfront lifestyle with private beaches and water activities. The district also features vast parks, jogging tracks, and cycling paths, creating a tranquil retreat within the city's vibrant landscape.
Additionally, the district is located within 15–25 minutes by car from major attractions such as Kidzania Theme Park, Dubai Aquarium, Dubai Ice Rink, and the Dubai Dancing Fountains, making it a well-connected and vibrant destination.
The district is also connected to Dubai Marina and Dubai International Airport, with travel times of just 10 minutes to the city center and 20 minutes to the airport. Plans include extending the Dubai Metro Green Line to MBR City, further improving accessibility.
Public transportation
Although the community does not yet have a metro station, residents can reach Business Bay and Al Jadaf metro stations by car or bus. The development provides ample parking spaces for both residents and visitors, ensuring convenience for drivers. As the area grows, public transportation options are expected to expand.
Ecology is the new luxury
Mohammed Bin Rashid City (MBR City) in Dubai offers a range of luxury residential properties, including high-end developments such as District One, Sobha Hartland, and MAG City. These communities feature a variety of housing options, from waterfront villas to upscale apartments, all surrounded by lush green spaces and artificial lagoons. The architectural designs in these areas blend modern aesthetics with functional luxury, providing residents with spacious layouts, premium finishes, and state-of-the-art amenities.
A key aspect of MBR City's appeal is its commitment to sustainability and adherence to global environmental standards. The development emphasizes eco-friendly urban planning, incorporating extensive parks, cycling paths, and energy-efficient buildings. The inclusion of the Mohammed bin Rashid Gardens Project further enhances the city's green spaces, contributing to a serene and environmentally conscious living environment.
Capital of entertainment and retail
MBR City is designed to be a premier destination for entertainment, leisure, and culture. It offers world-class attractions and amenities, some of which are still in development, while others already shape the city's cultural and business life.
One of its standout features is Mohammed bin Rashid Gardens, which will be 30% larger than London’s Hyde Park and capable of welcoming 35 million visitors annually.
The district also includes a collaboration with Universal Studios, set to develop the largest family entertainment complex in the region, featuring over 100 hotels.
Another major attraction is Meydan One, a cutting-edge entertainment hub home to a massive shopping mall, an indoor ski slope, and the world’s tallest residential tower.
Retail and the arts significantly shape the district’s appeal. The Mall of the World envisioned as the largest shopping mall globally, is designed to accommodate 80 million visitors annually.
For art enthusiasts, MBR City features the largest area dedicated to art galleries in the MENA region, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a cultural hub.
Animal lovers will also find a welcoming community, with the Meydan Equestrian Center and Meydan Falcon Center catering to traditional Emirati heritage.
Outlook for the MBR’s future
The future of MBR City looks promising. It aligns with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan, which emphasizes sustainable development and enhancing residents' quality of life.
One key innovation is the introduction of the Green Spine, a 40-mile-long motorway featuring robot, pedestrian, and cycling tracks, promoting eco-friendly transport options. This infrastructure is designed to reduce the city's carbon footprint, support a cleaner environment, and offer residents more sustainable ways to navigate the area. With a focus on green spaces, smart technologies, and innovative urban planning, MBR City is poised to become a model for future cities worldwide.
However, as MBR City continues to grow, it faces challenges such as traffic congestion and housing affordability which need to be addressed to ensure that the district remains accessible and livable for all residents. Despite these hurdles, MBR City’s continued development, coupled with its focus on sustainability and innovation, presents significant opportunities for shaping Dubai’s future urban landscape.
MBR City in 2025: Property market overview
Investing in Mohammed Bin Rashid City (MBR City) in 2025 presents a compelling opportunity for investors seeking luxury properties in Dubai. MBR City is renowned for its high-end residential options, including luxury villas, townhouses, and apartments nestled among green gardens and beautiful landscapes.
Plans for the MBR City’s development, its infrastructure, and immense opportunities for its residents contribute to continued growth. The district attracts further investor interest in local real estate and promises ever-higher returns.
Given the area's development history and plans, further growth is a realistic and reasonable expectation. Let’s take a look at the current market trends in this area to understand the prospected investing opportunities.
General trend
The prices of local property have been steadily increasing for the last decade as shown in the chart:
| All properties (year-to-date) | All properties (3 years) | |
| Median price | 2,290,000 AED | 1,963,000 AED |
| Median price per sqft | 2,240 AED | 2,050 AED |
All apartments
Apartments as a specific property type, follow the general market trend – they appreciate well over time.
| Apartments (year-to-date) | Apartments (3 years) | |
| Median price | 2,000,000 AED | 1,789,000 AED |
| Median price per sqft | 2,250 AED | 2,090 AED |
| Average rent (new) | 110,000 AED | 105,000 AED |
| Average rent (renewed) | 100,000 AED | 85,000 AED |
1-bed apartments
In MBR City, 1-bed apartments show good tendencies to appreciate for the last ten-year period.
| 1-bed apartments (year-to-date) | 1-bed apartments (3 years) | |
| Median price | 1,615,000 AED | 1,500,000 AED |
| Median price per sqft | 2,190 AED | 2,090 AED |
| Average rent (new) | 96,000 AED | 90,000 AED |
| Average rent (renewed) | 84,300 AED | 70,000 AED |
District 7, MBR City ⭐
Take a look at District 7 with a new investment project from Headway NOVA. The MAG City 1-bedroom apartment available on NOVA stands out as a premium investment, exceeding the district's average benchmarks.
| 1-bed apartments (3 years) – MBR City average | District 7, MBR City – district average | MAG 970, 1-bed apartment – the perfect option for retail investors! | |
| Median price | 1,500,000 AED | 1,310,000 AED | 1,330,000 AED ↗ |
| Median price per sqft | 2,090 AED | 1,570 AED | 1,643 AED ↗ |
| Average rent | 90,000 AED | 89,000 AED | 100,000 AED ↗ |
Invest in MAG 970 on NOVA with yearly returns over +16%!
MBR 13 investment project is a 1-bed apartment in MAG City at Meydan (formerly known as MBR City District Seven). MAG Group is a globally renowned developer with a diverse portfolio of projects across the MENA region. MAG Group is the developer of MAG City, a luxury residential complex.
NOVA’s luxury 1-bed apartment in Mag City, MBR 13 is located in a rapidly growing, family-friendly neighborhood filled with parks, retail outlets, restaurants, and playgrounds. The area offers strong potential for property appreciation and sustained long-term rental demand.
Key property features:
| ✔️ Initial price: $409,000 ✔️ One bedroom, two bathrooms ✔️ Developer: MAG City ✔️ Innovative district | ✔️ Yearly ROI: up to 16.7% ✔️ Located near Emirates Road, Al Khail Road, and Sheikh Zayed Road ✔️ Well-developed infrastructure |
You can invest in tokens of this property on Headway NOVA!
- It costs only $25 to start, and the price of an MBR 13 token is set at $25. This makes real estate investing accessible to a wide range of potential investors.
- 16.7% of annual ROI. Return on investment (ROI) is an important indicator of how profitable an investment is. For a property located in MBR City, Headway NOVA offers a competitive ROI of 16.7% – this is at least 60% more than the market average.
- Monthly rental dividends. MBR 13 project follows the Long-Term Rent strategy. Investors will receive two types of dividends: rental and property appreciation, with rental dividend payouts scheduled every month after all the tokens get sold out.
- 1-year duration. The project will last one year, which allows investors to receive their earnings as soon as possible.
Sign up on NOVA to see the full investment details. The offer is limited! Install the app to start →
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