A.R.M. Holding set to develop masterplan around Dubai's historic Jebel Ali Racecourse

Promotion: UAE-investment firm A.R.M. Holding has announced a partnership with international architecture practice Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) to undertake a major transformative masterplan in the heart of Dubai.

The collaboration will see the surroundings of historic Jebel Ali Racecourse "brought to life" in a scheme that aims to refine Dubai's urban landscape.

The masterplan presents a blend of residential innovation with community-centric design principles and is focused on four key objectives: modern living, community and culture, wellness and lifestyle, and sustainability and environment.

Central to the project is its green space, and residential units will be built around a central park and across a series of "islands" connected by pedestrian paths, cycling tracks and internal mobility systems.

It will also implement a "city-as-gym" concept, ensuring residents are five minutes away from green space and wellbeing centres to improve health and increase life expectancy.

A.R.M. Holding explained that the masterplan intends to celebrate Emirati identity and safeguard the racecourse's heritage, while creating a city that is culturally significant yet future-focused.

The racecourse and central park will become the landmark features defining the development, and will include sports and horse-riding trails, equine exhibitions, museums and educational experiences to ensure "its equestrian legacy is kept alive and relevant for future generations".

The development will also include urban farms and community markets built alongside flexible office spaces, which support remote work in a bid to increase job opportunities.

"By introducing new commercial hubs and integrated office spaces, the development serves as a catalyst for job creation and foreign investment, supporting the diversification of Dubai's economy," said A.R.M. Holding's chief development officer, Alain Kallas.

The scheme also aims to serve as a bridge to foster communication between Dubai's diverse community of over 200 nationalities, and A.R.M. Holding said it is a big step to redefine Dubai's urban landscape.

"The project redefines how communities connect – not only physically, but also socially and emotionally," explained Kallas. "Unlike many developments that categorise the audience by demographics, the project resonates with a mindset."

According to A.R.M. Holding, the project is an "enabler" that will pave the way for future developments in Dubai. As the design is rooted in the city's heritage and shaped by innovation, it hopes to inspire future schemes that prioritise residents' health while also safeguarding the city's history.

"The project marks a new chapter for Dubai by setting a different standard for how cities can be imagined – socially, economically, culturally and environmentally," said Kallas. "This is Dubai's next evolution: an inclusive, creatively driven and forward-looking urban destination, designed not just for today, but for generations to come."

The project is expected to break ground in 2026 and was announced during a signing ceremony attended by His Excellency Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, CEO of A.R.M. Holding.

"The collaboration between A.R.M. Holding and BIG is driven by a shared vision to create something truly transformative for Dubai," explained Kallas.

"It combines local expertise with global design and innovation, brought to life by like-minded teams committed to building a visionary and lasting urban legacy."

A.R.M. Holding is a multi-focused investment firm based in the UAE that aims to create enriching cultural opportunities through global, regional and local investments.

The company has a diverse portfolio, which spans different sectors, including health, sustainability innovation, real estate and banking.

To view more about the masterplan, visit A.R.M. Holding's website.

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This article was written by Dezeen for A.R.M. Holding as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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