Dubai, UAE — Imtiaz Developments has appointed Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) to design an ultra-luxury mixed-use development in Meydan, with the AED 1 billion Zaha Hadid Meydan Dubai project scheduled for unveiling on November 18 at CocaCola Arena. Masih Imtiaz, CEO of Imtiaz Developments, and Gianluca Racana, Director at ZHA, formalized the partnership at a signing ceremony held at Zaha Hadid Headquarters in London.
The announcement comes as Dubai’s real estate market recorded 59,228 transactions worth AED 170.7 billion in Q3 2025, with ultra-luxury segments attracting sustained investor interest from high-net-worth individuals globally. Apartment sales led market activity with 49,370 units sold for AED 94.3 billion in Q3, marking a 25.9 percent year-on-year increase.
Project Specifications and Timeline
The Zaha Hadid Meydan Dubai project will comprise ultra-luxury residences, premium office spaces, and high-end retail across a mixed-use development designed to deliver sculptural form and futuristic architecture. The development emphasizes panoramic views, privacy, and lifestyle amenities curated for international buyers seeking design-led properties.
Also read: Nordic by fäm Redefines Dubai’s Ultra-Luxury Market with Build-First Strategy
Masih Imtiaz, Chief Executive Officer of Imtiaz Developments, said: “This is not just another project; it’s a legacy in the making. Our collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects is a testament to our relentless pursuit of the extraordinary. Together, we are creating more than just homes — we’re crafting a destination that will elevate Dubai’s reputation as the epicentre of architectural innovation and luxury living.”
Design works are currently underway for the Zaha Hadid Meydan Dubai project, with construction scheduled to commence in Q1 2026 and completion targeted for 2028. The formal unveiling on November 18 will reveal architectural renderings and project specifications to prospective buyers and investors.
Imtiaz Developments’ Meydan Strategy
Imtiaz Developments operates a portfolio exceeding AED 10 billion across more than 40 projects in Dubai, positioning the company among the UAE’s fastest-growing developers. The company recently announced a strategic entry into Meydan with a portfolio worth AED 3 billion, reinforcing its expansion into Dubai’s exclusive residential and lifestyle destinations.
Meydan has evolved into one of Dubai’s most sought-after addresses due to proximity to Downtown Dubai, world-class amenities, and prestigious equestrian and sporting facilities. The district benefits from established infrastructure and connectivity to key business and leisure destinations across the emirate.
Zaha Hadid Architects’ Regional Portfolio
Despite the passing of Dame Zaha Hadid, her firm continues to lead global architectural discourse with projects combining computational design, sustainability, and cultural expression. The Zaha Hadid Meydan Dubai project marks the firm’s latest ultra-luxury residential design in the Middle East, following iconic structures including the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center in Riyadh and the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku.
Also read: Shamal Holding Unveils Naïa Island Dubai: A Private Ultra-Luxury Estate Redefining Waterfront Living
Gianluca Racana, Director at Zaha Hadid Architects, stated: “We are proud to collaborate with Imtiaz on this visionary project. Dubai is a city of great ambition and bold ideas. Combining the highest standards of design and craftsmanship with the most advanced technologies, the development will extend the city’s unwavering optimism for the future. This pioneering design for Meydan is being engineered to create a fully integrated, holistic environment that redefines 21st century living at the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic regions.”
Ultra-Luxury Market Performance
Dubai’s ultra-luxury segment has demonstrated resilience, with Knight Frank reporting residential prices at AED 1,749 per square foot in Q1 2025, representing a 17.6 percent premium over the 2014 market peak. Off-plan properties constituted 73 percent of transaction volume and 66 percent of market value in Q3 2025, underscoring investor confidence in Dubai’s development pipeline.
The First-Time Home Buyer Programme, launched in July 2025, has accelerated market momentum with transactions crossing AED 90 billion in July-August, though the Zaha Hadid Meydan Dubai project targets high-net-worth buyers rather than entry-level segments. Major developers including Emaar, Damac, and Nakheel have expanded portfolios across multiple price points, with ultra-luxury projects commanding premium valuations for architectural distinction and location advantages.
Investment Considerations for International Buyers
For international investors, particularly from India where buyers form the largest nationality group in Dubai property purchases, the Zaha Hadid Meydan Dubai project offers exposure to branded architecture within an established district. The UAE’s Golden Visa program provides 10-year residency for property investments of AED 2 million or above, with ultra-luxury purchases typically qualifying for long-term residency benefits.
Current rental yields of 10-12 percent in Dubai exceed returns in the US or Europe, though ultra-luxury properties typically generate lower percentage yields offset by capital appreciation potential. The Economic Times reports that August 2025 witnessed transactions worth AED 51.1 billion, with sustained demand from international buyers seeking safe-haven assets and lifestyle migration opportunities.
ZHA’s architectural pedigree adds brand value that historically commands premium resale valuations, as evidenced by iconic developments globally where signature design elements create scarcity value beyond standard luxury specifications. The 2028 completion timeline positions the Zaha Hadid Meydan Dubai project for delivery ahead of projected supply peaks, potentially offering first-mover advantages as Meydan infrastructure developments mature and the district evolves into a fully integrated urban center.
Discover more from Invest Dubai Today - Dubai Realty Insights
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
