Dubai, UAE — Meraas, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded a AED1.9 billion ($517 million) construction contract to United Engineering Construction (UNEC) for the first phase of Dubai sustainable villa community The Acres, a standalone development in Dubailand. The agreement includes the construction of 642 villas and associated community facilities, with completion targeted for the fourth quarter of 2027.
The Acres enters the market amid rising demand for villa communities in Dubai. Off-plan sales growth in Dubai in 2024 from CBRE indicates that off-plan sales increased by around 41.0% in the first half of 2024, with overall residential transactions in Dubai rising by 27.6% year-on-year during that period. This was driven by sustained population growth, expanding suburban developments and strong investor appetite for family-oriented villas. Market consultants note that Dubailand and surrounding districts have become preferred choices for residents seeking affordability, space and greenery.
Sustainability-Led Masterplan Anchored by Halo Loop Park
The community is planned around the Halo Loop Park, an 8.8-km green spine connecting landscaped walkways, swimmable lagoons and themed gardens. Villas at Dubai sustainable villa community The Acres range from 3,048 to 6,001 sq ft across three-, four- and five-bedroom layouts, each with a private garden integrated into the green corridors.
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Meraas said the development incorporates measures that will reduce per-capita greenhouse gas emissions by 80% compared to the UAE national average, cut water usage by 33% relative to local consumption norms, and meet all irrigation needs through treated wastewater. The Acres has secured LEED Gold Pre-Certification for Cities & Communities, reflecting the developer’s focus on environmentally responsible urban planning.
Khalid Al Malik, CEO of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said: “The Acres represents the next chapter in Meraas’ vision to create neighbourhoods where design, sustainability and wellbeing come together seamlessly. This partnership with UNEC reinforces our commitment to delivering homes that reflect Dubai’s architectural excellence and support its broader vision for sustainable urban living under the Dubai 2040 Master Plan.”
UNEC Chairman Eng. Abdul Halim Muwahid said: “We are proud to collaborate with Meraas on The Acres, a project that reflects Dubai’s continued leadership in residential excellence. Our commitment to international best practices and innovative construction standards will ensure this development delivers outstanding quality and robust sustainability performance.”
Connectivity, Community Infrastructure and Lifestyle Offering
Located near Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street and Emirates Road, The Acres provides access to several leisure and sporting destinations. Global Village is a 10-minute drive, while the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and Hamdan Sports Complex are about five minutes away.
The development includes community infrastructure such as a nursery, school, clinic, mosques, retail spaces and clubhouses. The seven themed gardens within Halo Loop Park reinforce the focus on green public spaces. Walking and cycling paths, fitness zones, swimming pools and shaded children’s areas form part of the wider neighbourhood amenities, aligning with Dubai’s shift toward wellness-centred suburban planning.
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The trend toward green and walkable communities has accelerated in recent years. According to Knight Frank’s 2024 research, access to parks, nature and integrated amenities is now among the top purchase drivers for villa buyers in Dubai. These features have also contributed to stronger capital appreciation. DXB Interact’s market reports and expert analyses consistently highlight strong price growth in villa communities with premium amenities such as lagoons, parks, and green spaces, with villa prices surging approximately 26% in 2024 in key areas like Dubai Hills, Palm Jumeirah, and Arabian Ranches. These locations benefit from integrated green infrastructure that drives demand and price appreciation.
Strong Appeal for Indian Investors
Dubai sustainable villa community The Acres is expected to attract interest from Indian buyers, who remain the largest group of foreign property purchasers, according to Dubai Land Department records. For this segment, the project offers a combination of mid-luxury pricing, eco-conscious design and proximity to education, sports and lifestyle hubs.
Indian investors have increasingly targeted suburban villa communities that offer long-term growth potential and eligibility for residency schemes such as the 10-year Golden Visa. With LEED Gold pre-certification, green landscaping, swimmable lagoons and family-focused amenities, The Acres aligns with this demand while offering a quieter alternative to Dubai’s higher-priced waterfront neighbourhoods.
As Dubai expands sustainably under the Dubai 2040 Master Plan, developments like The Acres highlight the city’s shift toward environmentally responsible, low-density living. For long-term investors assessing villa communities across Dubailand, the combination of connectivity, green design and LEED-linked planning in Dubai sustainable villa community The Acres positions it as a project with potential for stable capital appreciation and strong rental demand.
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