Dubai Design District (D3) – Apartments in Dubai’s Creative Hub
Dubai Design District (D3) – Apartments in Dubai’s Creative Hub
Dubai Design District (D3) is a centrally located mixed-use district by Meraas, combining residential living, creative workspaces, culture, retail and waterfront public spaces between Downtown Dubai, Business Bay and Dubai Creek.
Dubai Design District (D3) is a centrally located mixed-use district by Meraas, combining residential living, creative workspaces, culture, retail and waterfront public spaces between Downtown Dubai, Business Bay and Dubai Creek.
Properties for Sale in Dubai Design District (D3)
Dubai Design District (D3) Area Overview
Dubai Design District, commonly known as d3, is a purpose-built creative and lifestyle district developed to serve as the region’s centre for design, fashion, art and innovation. Originally launched as a creative business hub, the area has evolved into a fully integrated live-work-culture community, introducing residential neighbourhoods alongside offices, studios, retail and public spaces.
The expanded masterplan spans approximately 18 million sq. ft. and is structured around walkable streets, shaded promenades and a pedestrian-first public realm. Residential buildings are woven into the district, creating an urban environment where daily life, work and cultural activity naturally intersect.
Downtown Dubai
6 minutes
Business Bay
7 minutes
DIFC
7 minutes
DXB Airport
15 minutes
Community & Key Features
— Design-led mixed-use masterplan integrating residential, commercial, cultural and leisure uses
— Pedestrian-first urban layout anchored by the Design Line, a continuous car-free public spine
— Waterfront promenades along Dubai Canal with cafés, pop-ups and public art
— Curated retail, galleries and creative studios throughout the district
— Public plazas, event spaces and seasonal festival areas
— Shaded walkways, landscaped streets and open-air social zones
— Strong emphasis on culture, creativity and community-driven urban life
Real Estate in Dubai Design District (D3)
Property Types
Dubai Design District focuses on mid- and high-rise residential developments designed for urban living and lifestyle-oriented buyers.
— 1-bedroom apartments – compact, design-forward layouts suited to professionals and investors
— 2- and 3-bedroom apartments – larger urban homes with open layouts and city or canal views
— 4-bedroom apartments and Sky Villas – limited, high-end residences within select developments
— Duplex penthouses – rare offerings with expansive terraces and skyline views
Most residences emphasise natural light, contemporary architecture and proximity to the district’s public spaces, retail and cultural venues.
Current Residential Projects in D3
Artistry One Residences – boutique residential development within Dubai Design District, offering branded apartments and a limited number of duplex penthouses. The project is positioned close to the creative core of d3 and is designed to appeal to residents seeking a design-led lifestyle in a central urban setting, with views extending toward Downtown Dubai.
The Edit at d3 – waterfront residential project located along the Dubai Canal, characterised by contemporary architecture and a strong connection to the surrounding public realm. Residences are designed around natural light, movement and open views, with direct access to canal-side promenades and the wider Design District environment.
Atélis at d3 by Meraas – premium residential development by Meraas, offering 1–4 bedroom apartments, Sky Villas and signature penthouses in a prime canal-side location. The project forms part of the next phase of residential growth in Dubai Design District, combining urban living with proximity to cultural venues, retail and waterfront spaces.
Design Quarter at d3 – the first residential community launched within Dubai Design District. Developed by Meraas, the project introduced apartment living to the area, positioned between Downtown Dubai, the Dubai Water Canal and the heart of d3. It established the foundation for residential life within the district’s wider creative and mixed-use masterplan.
Price Positioning & Residential Supply
Based on current launches within the district, starting prices in D3 begin from the high AED 1M range (from approx. USD 490K+), with most new residential projects introduced above AED 2M (≈ USD 545K+), depending on the development, phase and outlook. Canal-facing projects and those closer to the district’s cultural and public spaces typically sit at higher price points.
Unlike large residential zones, Dubai Design District introduces homes selectively as part of a broader mixed-use masterplan. Residential supply remains limited, with apartments integrated alongside offices, studios, retail and public spaces rather than released as high-volume housing clusters. This controlled approach shapes both pricing and the long-term positioning of the area.
Investment Potential
— Central location near Dubai’s primary business and lifestyle districts supports consistent rental demand
— Gross rental yields in D3 typically range from 6–8%, depending on unit type and positioning
— Limited residential inventory within a fully built-out creative district supports long-term value
— Strong appeal to professionals, creatives and executive tenants seeking walkable urban living
— Freehold ownership available for international buyers
— Qualifying purchases may support eligibility for long-term UAE residency under current regulations
Lifestyle & Surroundings
Dubai Design District is planned as a design-led, experience-driven urban district, where amenities are organised into clearly defined zones. The masterplan focuses on creative work, public space, wellness and cultural interaction, integrated directly into the residential fabric.
Key lifestyle components within the district include:
— Creekside – A waterfront zone along the Dubai Canal featuring promenades, open terraces and shaded walkways, designed for walking, social interaction and everyday use rather than leisure tourism
— Design HQ – The district’s institutional and creative anchor, hosting global and regional design organisations, exhibitions, workspaces and industry-led initiatives
— SOHO – A social and commercial zone bringing together cafés, concept retail, dining venues and flexible spaces that support daily life and informal meetings
— The Sanctuary – A quieter, landscaped environment dedicated to wellness, reflection and slower-paced use, integrated into the public realm
— Mindspace – Areas focused on productivity, collaboration and creative work, including studios, offices and flexible work environments
— Design Line – A continuous pedestrian-first spine connecting residential buildings, offices, retail and public spaces across the district
Public plazas, shaded streets and landscaped corridors link these zones, creating a walkable urban experience where residents move seamlessly between home, work, culture and leisure without reliance on cars or enclosed malls.
Connectivity & Transport
Dubai Design District benefits from direct road access and short travel times to major city hubs. Ras Al Khor Road and Al Khail Road provide efficient connections across Dubai, while the central location reduces commute times for residents working in Downtown, DIFC or Business Bay.
The district’s internal layout prioritises pedestrians, with shaded routes and car-free zones encouraging walking over short trips.
Education & Healthcare
Schools and Education
— International schools within short driving distance in Downtown Dubai, Business Bay and Dubai Creek Harbour, including Hartland International School and North London Collegiate School Dubai
— Creative and design-focused institutions located within d3 itself, including Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) and L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts
— Nurseries and early learning centres in surrounding central districts, including Blossom by Babilou
Healthcare Facilities
— Major hospitals and specialist clinics in Dubai Healthcare City within approximately 15–20 minutes, including Mediclinic City Hospital
— Private clinics and wellness centres in Business Bay and Downtown Dubai, including Emirates Clinic
— Pharmacies and day-to-day healthcare services integrated into nearby mixed-use developments and commercial zones
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
What is Dubai Design District (D3)?
Dubai Design District is a master-planned mixed-use area developed as the region’s creative hub, combining residential living, offices, retail, culture and public spaces in a central Dubai location.
Who is the developer of Dubai Design District (D3)?
Dubai Design District is developed by Meraas, known for projects such as City Walk, Bluewaters and BVLGARI Residences.
Where is Dubai Design District (D3) located?
D3 is located between Downtown Dubai, Business Bay and Dubai Creek, with direct access to major roads and short travel times to key business and lifestyle areas.
What types of properties are available in Dubai Design District (D3)?
The area offers 1–4 bedroom apartments, Sky Villas and limited penthouses within mid- and high-rise residential developments.
Is Dubai Design District (D3) freehold?
Yes. Properties in Dubai Design District are available on a freehold basis for UAE residents and international buyers.
What are the starting prices for homes in Dubai Design District (D3)?
Indicative starting prices in Dubai Design District currently begin from around AED 1.8 million (≈ USD 490K) for apartments in early residential phases such as Design Quarter at d3. Most newer launches within the district are introduced from around AED 2.0–2.2 million (≈ USD 545K–600K), depending on the project, phase, unit type and outlook. Pricing varies by proximity to the Dubai Canal, views toward Downtown Dubai and building specification.
What is the expected ROI in Dubai Design District (D3)?
Dubai Design District shows solid rental performance supported by its central location between Downtown Dubai, DIFC and Business Bay, along with limited residential supply within a mixed-use creative district. Based on current market positioning and comparable central urban areas, gross rental yields in D3 are generally expected to be in the range of approximately 6–8%, depending on unit type, views and proximity to the Dubai Canal.
Is Dubai Design District (D3) suitable for families?
Dubai Design District is primarily suited to urban households and professionals, though it can also work for smaller families who prefer apartment living in a central location. The district offers pedestrian-friendly streets, waterfront promenades, public spaces and access to nearby schools and healthcare facilities, but it does not follow a villa-style, family-suburban model.
How is Dubai Design District different from surrounding areas like Downtown Dubai or Business Bay?
Dubai Design District is a purpose-built creative district, distinct from purely commercial or residential zones. Unlike Downtown Dubai, which is centred on retail and tourism, or Business Bay, which is office-led, D3 integrates residential living directly into a design- and culture-focused environment with studios, institutions, galleries and curated public spaces as part of daily life.
What is life like in Dubai Design District (D3)?
Life in Dubai Design District is urban, design-oriented and walkable. Residents live within a structured mixed-use environment shaped by architecture, public space and creative activity. Daily routines revolve around pedestrian promenades, canal-side walks, workspaces, retail and cultural venues, with short travel times to Downtown Dubai and DIFC.
When will Dubai Design District (D3) be fully completed?
Dubai Design District is being developed in phases. While the commercial and creative core of the district is already established, residential development is being introduced gradually through projects such as Design Quarter at d3, Atélis at d3 and other future releases. The wider masterplan will continue to evolve as additional residential, commercial and public spaces are delivered over the coming years.
Yulia Berezhnaya
Senior Sales Advisor
of Metropolitan Premium Properties
+971 58 648 8888
Office 1913, Al Manara Tower
Business Bay, Dubai, UAE
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