Nakheel Unveils 3.8 Million Square Metre Palm Springs Masterplan for 50,000 Residents

The launch adds a large new supply pipeline to southern Dubai at a time when developers are pressing ahead with projects despite uncertainty linked to the Iran war and concerns that the emirate's property market is slowing. Nakheel did not give the total value of the development or a construction and handover schedule, according to The National.

Palm Springs will be split into 15 neighbourhoods with a mix of villas, townhouses and apartments, the company said. The plan includes two schools, a hospital and six mosques, as well as a Country Club and a Sports Club, retail space, cultural venues and fitness and play areas. About 593,000 square metres is set aside as open space, including a central park, and more than 35 km of cycling, jogging and walking routes are planned to link the neighbourhoods.

The masterplan has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Communities Platinum precertification. Nakheel said water, energy and waste systems would be built into the community from the start to reduce carbon emissions, alongside climate-responsive landscaping and shaded corridors.

Khalid Al Malik, chief executive of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said: "Palm Springs reflects our long-term confidence in southern Dubai and its role in the city's future." He added that the focus is on "creating a community that brings homes and supporting infrastructure together from the outset."

The site sits in what the developer describes as Dubai's southern growth corridor, with road links to Sheikh Zayed Road and to Al Maktoum International Airport. That area has been drawing more attention as the government invests in the airport's expansion and in Expo City Dubai, and as Nakheel builds out Palm Jebel Ali next door.

Work on Palm Jebel Ali is under way. In April, Nakheel awarded contracts worth more than Dh3.5 billion ($950 million) to build 544 villas on the island. Ginco General Contracting is building 354 villas across Fronds A to D, and United Engineering Construction is building 190 on Fronds E and F. Nakheel has also started handing over 892 villas and townhouses at the redeveloped Jebel Ali Village near Ibn Battuta Mall, more than four years after the community's original 290 homes were demolished.

Other developers are also expanding in the emirate. Abu Dhabi's Aldar said last month it plans to launch a major villa and townhouse development in Dubai before the end of this year.

Nakheel has not said when units at Palm Springs will go on sale or at what prices, which will be the first indication of how the developer intends to pace the release of homes on a project of this size.