What is MBR and should you consider moving there?

If you follow construction updates across Dubai, you will no doubt have heard of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, frequently shortened to MBR.

Developed by Meydan Sobha, the AED35 billion development is one of the most ambitious Dubai projects ever. Part of it has already opened, and villas across two of its phases have already sold out, with another phase of 4 and 5 bedroom freehold villas being prepared for Phase 3. Handover is expected to commence in the middle of this year, with full completion planned for 2020, and parts of MBR are already open, including 8.4km of cycling and running tracks which encircle the stunning MBR District One area, just 4km from the Burj Khalifa. The tracks are illuminated by solar lighting which means that you can run 24 hours a day, and that the site is environmentally friendly. There will also be the world’s largest swimming pool! However, it’s not just health enthusiasts who will be moving to MBR. There will be man-made beaches, and a 7km stretch of Crystal lagoons which will offer a unique beach-side ambiance (and the world’s largest artificial beach!) 65% of the area will be dedicated to open and green spaces, which means that MBR is going to be low-density, if not the lowest density area in Dubai.

The Architecture

There are villas to please all tastes – in District One, there are three different kinds of villa: Modern Arabic, Mediterranean and Contemporary, meaning that you can combine modernity with old world. Each Arabic villa takes on the traditional aspect of ‘mafrooka’ – which means that each home has a central courtyard, or Majlis, while the Mediterranean villas are inspired by Italian, Spanish and Greek homes with pitched terracotta roofs, stucco walls and courtyards. The Contemporary villas are minimal, with simple connections and open spaces. There are mansions reflecting the same styles.

Location & Facilities

Part of the reason for buying off-plan (i.e. buying property before the structure has been built) is that the development is in a good location and that facilities are going to be built nearby. MBR is right at the heart of Dubai, 4 minutes away from Downtown Dubai, and right next to the Meydan racecourse. It’s close to the Dubai Mall and 12km away from the Dubai Financial Centre, the World Trade Centre. However, with retail facilities, 300 restaurants and cafes, an indoor mall with retractable roof, MBR is a prime location for luxury living with relatively little need to go beyond the community for family life.

Buying in MBR

If you’re interested in buying property in Dubai off-plan with Espace, take a look at our property available for sale now, and contact our team for further details.