Exclusive high-rise Sobha tower with 71 levels rising in Meydan, Dubai. Sales restricted to exclusive invitations.
In the heart of Dubai, the districts of Meydan and Nad Al Sheba have become a hotspot for developer activity in 2025, driven by a surge in land prices and a race to secure prime plots before competitors [1]. This growth is rooted in the constrained land supply in central Dubai and rising investor demand, leading to a shift towards large-scale, master-planned communities in emerging neighbourhoods [1].
## Major Land Acquisitions
One of the most significant acquisitions in the area was made by Binghatti Holding, who purchased over 8 million square feet of freehold land in Nad Al Sheba 1 – part of the broader, high-profile Meydan district [2][4][5]. With an anticipated development value exceeding AED 25 billion (approximately $6.8 billion), this marks Binghatti’s first foray into large-scale master-planned residential communities [2][4][5].
Dubai’s largest listed developer, Emaar Properties, also made a notable move by paying $790 million for a site in Ras Al Khor, further highlighting the scale of investment in the Meydan vicinity [1]. Azizi Developments have launched a AED 75 billion ($20 billion) project in the area formerly known as City of Arabia, another significant commitment to the district’s transformation [1].
## Project Values and Market Dynamics
The number of registered land deals in Dubai has increased by 7% year-on-year, while the total transaction value has surged 38% in 2025 compared to 2024 [1]. This competition among developers for limited plots has pushed prices up by more than a third so far this year [1]. Developers are now focusing more on infrastructure timelines, zoning, and long-term demand, moving beyond speculative acquisitions to more strategic, large-scale community development [1].
Affordable housing initiatives are also starting to take shape, with Binghatti joining Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer (FTHB) program, signalling a commitment to diversify its offerings and support broader market accessibility [4][5].
## Developer Profiles
Binghatti Holding, a leading Emirati developer with a portfolio exceeding 80 projects valued at over AED 50 billion, is known for branded luxury residences (e.g., collaborations with Bugatti, Mercedes-Benz, Jacob & Co.) and has attracted high-profile clients [4][5]. They are now expanding into large-scale mixed-use communities.
Emaar Properties continues to dominate the Dubai market with high-value acquisitions and transformative projects [1]. Azizi Developments are known for ambitious, high-capital projects in rapidly evolving districts [1].
## Comparative Table: Recent Major Acquisitions in Meydan/Nad Al Sheba
| Developer | Location | Land Area | Project Value | Project Type | Notable Details | |-------------------|----------------------|-------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Binghatti Holding | Nad Al Sheba 1 | 8M+ sq ft | AED 25B+ ($6.8B+) | Master-planned community | First large-scale residential community[2][4][5] | | Emaar Properties | Ras Al Khor | Not specified | $790M | Not specified | Major central plot acquisition[1] | | Azizi Developments| City of Arabia area | Not specified | AED 75B ($20B) | Mixed-use redevelopment | Formerly branded as City of Arabia[1] |
## The 'S Tower at Sobha Hartland 2'
Among the upcoming skyscrapers in Dubai, the 'S Tower at Sobha Hartland 2' will stand tall in Meydan. Though the pricing for this project is currently not publicly available, it will be part of the Privy Collection and will offer units ranging between 5,430-5,440 square feet [3]. The developer, Sobha realty, has personally favoured the design of this tower, with P.N.C. Menon, the founder of Sobha realty, expressing his approval [6].
## Conclusion
The Meydan and Nad Al Sheba districts are experiencing unprecedented developer interest, with land prices and transaction values soaring due to limited supply and robust demand [1]. Binghatti’s landmark acquisition in Nad Al Sheba 1 – backed by a AED 25 billion development – exemplifies the scale and ambition of current projects, while established players like Emaar and Azizi continue to make high-value investments in the area [1][2][5]. This activity signals a strategic shift toward integrated, master-planned communities and underscores the area’s growing importance in Dubai’s real estate landscape.
- The surge in investment in the Meydan and Nad Al Sheba districts is reflected in the AED 75 billion ($20 billion) project launched by Azizi Developments, marking a significant commitment to the area's transformation.
- The 'S Tower at Sobha Hartland 2', part of the Privy Collection, will be an upcoming skyscraper in Meydan, offering units ranging between 5,430-5,440 square feet, underlining the ongoing business development in the district.
- With the acquisition of over 8 million square feet of freehold land in Nad Al Sheba 1, Binghatti Holding is venturing into large-scale master-planned residential communities, signifying their growth in the real-estate finance and investing sector.
