Dubai Holding has announced the launch of Jumeirah Central, an urban mixed-use city district in the UAE emirate that will offer its 35,000 residents a self-sufficient and holistic mixed-use experience, through a range of facilities including schools, offices, parks, shopping centres, smart police services and comprehensive community amenities.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, unveiled the massive project featuring 47 million sq ft of gross floor area (GFA) along Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road.

An all-season city district, Jumeirah Central, will boast of 9 million sq ft of retail space including three malls, 4.5 million sq ft of outdoor shopping space and supported by more than 44,000 car-parking spaces, according to Emirati news agency Wam.

It will introduce new international standards in city planning that are able to balance requirements from an environmental, urban development and societal perspective, conceptualising Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of Dubai’s future development and evolution, said the report.

A unique tourism destination, Jumeirah Central will offer 7,200 hotel rooms, which will be the largest number of hotel rooms centred in one district, it added.

Jumeirah Central, which will host 100,000 people annually, has a smart world-leading infrastructure that includes a multi-modal transport network, eco-friendly transport options and aerial gondolas. It will be connected by a comprehensive cycling network that spans over 33 parks and open spaces.

The district, of which over half will be open space, will offer one million sq ft of climate-controlled arcades for all-season lifestyle and a comfortable pedestrian experience, said the report.

The Jumeirah Central masterplan is a product of the collaborative work of over 19 government and private agencies, international experts and consultants under the leadership of Dubai Holding over the last two years, it stated.

Speaking at the launch, Sheikh Mohammed said: "As our vision for future cities evolves, Dubai will continue to set the benchmark for city development across the globe. Jumeirah Central is a clear milestone in our journey towards building the city of the future and the creation of engaged and happy communities."

"We will not stop investing in our economy, and these projects are tools to expedite that journey of growth. We are confident in the strength of our economy and are optimistic for the future of our nation. To that end, our vision will continuously evolve and expand," he stated.

Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, the chairman of Dubai Holding, said: "Jumeirah Central is a result of extensive research into future urban development and the creation of more cohesive societies. It is a clear demonstration of our leadership’s vision, aiming to further Dubai’s global position as an attractive destination for residents and tourists alike."

The uniqueness of this project will not only be a model for advanced urban development, but will also play a key role in enhancing the quality of life and in shaping future generations. All project plans and designs have been endorsed by government authorities in Dubai and we expect to start development in the coming months," he added.