The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), the world’s flagship free zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise, has announced further details on the next phase of its ambitious Uptown District master plan. At the heart of this expansion lies a landmark megatall, mixed-use tower; designed to be one of the few structures globally to exceed the 600m threshold. Incorporating next-generation construction methodologies, advanced smart-building technologies and long-term sustainability measures, the tower will further reflect the evolving demands of global occupiers and residents.

The announcement reinforces a structured, long-term master plan that has seen the district evolve in clear, demand-driven stages. While Phase 1 successfully delivered the 340m Uptown Tower and the central Plaza, Phase 2 is already well underway, consisting of two Grade A office towers and two upscale residential towers scheduled for completion in late 2027 and early 2028.

The strategic timing of Phase 3’s more detailed announcement aligns with the visionary directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, regarding the development of Al Maktoum International Airport. Set to become the world’s largest airport, processing 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually, the airport will be located less than 30 minutes by car from Uptown District, positioning the area as the primary commercial anchor of Dubai’s southern economic corridor.

“At DMCC, we have never built for the sake of building; we build to meet the clear, growing requirements of a global trade community that is outgrowing its current footprint,” said Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC. “The decision to develop the world’s largest airport in the southern corridor has broadened Dubai’s economic centre of gravity. Uptown District is the strategic anchor of this corridor, providing a highly sophisticated district that forges a vital part of Dubai’s ongoing southern expansion.”

The new tower represents a significant step change in scale from the existing supertall Uptown Tower. Current designs suggest that approximately 50 per cent of the megatall will be dedicated to high-specification, Grade A office space to support multinational corporations (MNCs) seeking to centralise their regional operations. This follows the successful model of Phase 1, which recently saw the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) relocate its laboratory operations across two entire levels.

Beyond its commercial utility, the tower will feature a flagship ultra-luxury hotel operated by a leading global hospitality brand, alongside a collection of ultra-luxury residences designed to cater to the continued inflow of high-net-worth individuals to the emirate.

Accessibility and sustainability are core to the Phase 3 narrative. The tower will feature direct integration with the Dubai Metro via a climate-controlled link bridge, alongside enhanced road infrastructure including direct flyover access to Sheikh Zayed Road to ensure seamless traffic capacity.

“We are building a sophisticated ecosystem where commerce and lifestyle are inextricably linked,” Bin Sulayem added. “This megatall landmark is the vertical anchor that consolidates the district’s identity. From the ultra-luxury residential offerings to a world-class experiential viewing deck that will serve as a global tourism destination in its own right, we are delivering the global prototype for a modern, infrastructure-led business district.”

The project has already garnered significant institutional interest, with several major banks expressing a desire to partner with DMCC on the development, underscoring the market’s confidence in the district’s disciplined growth and long-term value.

As Phase 2 nears its late 2027 delivery, the announcement of the Phase 3 megatall further accelerates the momentum of the Uptown District, ensuring it remains the premier gateway for global trade and premium urban living in the heart of the "New Dubai."