Dubai’s development pipeline continues to be shaped by a small group of international architecture firms working across high-rise residential, commercial and infrastructure-led projects.
Projects announced, relaunched or under construction between 2024 and 2026 give a clear view of current development activity across Dubai. This selection focuses on recent activity involving leading international architects in Dubai, from newly unveiled luxury towers to infrastructure projects and reactivated master plans.
Newly announced and unveiled projects (2024-2026)
Foster + Partners
Foster + Partners continues to shape the Dubai Canal corridor with a new set of ultra-luxury residential developments. VELA and VELA VIENTO at Marasi Bay, unveiled in 2024, introduce a pair of high-rise towers with elevated connections and waterfront positioning. Alongside these, The Rings reflects a more boutique residential direction, focusing on lower-density, high-value living within the same district.
Zaha Hadid Architects
Zaha Hadid Architects has introduced The Symphony in Meydan, a newly announced residential tower that signals a more structured approach to high-rise design. The project sits within a broader pipeline of residential-led developments where architectural identity remains central to positioning.
Aedas
Aedas has brought forward a series of new commercial and residential developments, including the Immersive Tower in DIFC, unveiled in 2024. The project introduces a new office building typology within the financial district, alongside large-scale residential developments such as Rixos Residences on Financial Centre Road.
Gensler
Gensler’s recent involvement in residential high-rise development includes projects such as DAMAC Casa in Al Sufouh, reflecting a shift towards more design-led luxury towers. This builds on its established role in workplace and mixed-use developments across Dubai’s business districts.
Projects under construction and reactivated developments
Zaha Hadid Architects
The Signature Towers development in Business Bay has re-entered the active development cycle, with renewed site activity reported in 2024. The project brings together residential, office and hotel functions within a large mixed-use scheme, marking a return of one of the city’s long-discussed high-rise concepts.
AtkinsRéalis
The announcement of the Dubai Metro Blue Line marks the next phase of the city’s transport infrastructure, extending connectivity across emerging districts. Building on its earlier involvement in the metro network, AtkinsRéalis remains closely linked to the design and delivery of large-scale urban systems.
HOK
HOK’s masterplan for Al Maktoum International Airport has gained renewed relevance following the approval of a major expansion programme in 2024. The project is being repositioned as a central component of Dubai South, linking aviation infrastructure with surrounding commercial and residential development.
SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill)
SOM’s recent activity in the UAE includes new commissions linked to large-scale masterplanning and civic infrastructure. Among these is the Palm Jebel Ali Friday Mosque, a project associated with the reactivation of the Palm Jebel Ali development corridor.
Recently completed projects shaping Dubai’s current skyline
Nikken Sekkei
One Za’abeel, completed in 2023 and opened in early 2024, introduces a new structural typology to Dubai’s skyline. The development features two towers connected by a large cantilevered sky structure, combining office, hotel and residential programmes within a single mixed-use scheme.
Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture
The Uptown Dubai Tower project has re-entered the development pipeline with updated timelines, continuing its role as a proposed supertall tower within the Jumeirah Lake Towers district. Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, the project remains part of the city’s long-term vertical expansion strategy.
