Dubai has announced the launch of the second phase of its healthcare city to be developed on a sprawling 22 million sq ft area at a cost of Dh3 billion to Dh5 billion ($816 million to $1.36 billion), said a report.

The Phase II of the Dubai Healthcare City (DHC) project is in line with the UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Plan 2021, contributing to elevating the UAE’s status, developing its national economy and human resources, reported the Emirati news agency Wam.

It was launched on Wednesday (March 25) by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The project, which lies at Jadaf Dubai parallel to Al Garhoud Bridge, will enhance the UAE’s fine reputation as an investment destination in the field of health care and medical tourism, said the report citing a senior DHC official.

Out of the total land space, 25 per cent has been allocated for medical services, 25 per cent for hospitality and retail with a focus on the medical education aspect," stated Raja Eisa Al Gurg, the deputy chairperson of the Dubai Healthcare City Authority.

She added that 35km has been allocated for pedestrian crossings and bicycle and jogging tracks to ensure the availability of a healthy environment for daily activities and sportsm, the report stated.

The second phase will include the Nashami project that will stretch over an area of 2.4 million sq ft with the capacity to receive 20,000 people. It will include retail stores, hospitality and leisure facilities, as well as 3.3 million sq ft of rehabilitation facilities that will overlook a waterfront.

Al Gurg later briefed Sheikh Mohammad on the infrastructure of the second phase and future DHC projects that will be carried out over the course of the next five years.

These projects include the Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum College for Medical Sciences and Dentistry, an advanced first aid section, and others.