Currently the world’s largest waterfront development project, Dubai Waterfront is a dramatic mixed-use scheme that will comprise residential, commercial, retail, leisure and resort areas. This 81 million square metre development, located 35km south west of the city of Dubai, will transform an area seven times the size of Manhattan into a premier international residential and tourist destination.

The masterplan required the input of a number of Buro Happold’s infrastructure services, including marine and coastal engineering, transport planning, geotechnical advice and facilities management. There were a number of significant challenges to be addressed, including the creation of 15 themed neighbourhoods, an extensive network of canals and waterways, a super-yacht marina and ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ coastal protection features.

Other drivers included requirements for a large protected bay, five main access gateways, preserving key vistas throughout the development and deep waterway penetration into the site aligned with the prevailing winds. Our team produced a comprehensive masterplan encompassing land use, road networks, utilities, waterways and facilities management.

Date: 2005 - current