Six linked buildings comprise the 600,000 square foot, 3.5 million square foot real estate development in Dubai.

The project consists of six living zones: the Serenia Signature Clubhouse, the Health and Social zone, the Sports and Recreation areas, the Family Oasis, the Nature Discovery zone, and a Wellness Retreat.

Palma’s development reveals the Serenia district of the Duvais Jumeirah Islands

“We are thrilled to introduce our latest development, Serenia District, which will not only set a new benchmark in urban living but also continue our vision of contributing exceptional architecture to Dubai’s iconic skyline. With the Dubai real estate market reaching record figures and solidifying the emirate’s position as a global investment hub, demand for premium developments continues to rise. Serenia District was launched to meet this demand, offering architectural excellence, thoughtful design, natural elements, and an unparalleled lifestyle experience,” Kareem Derbas, Founder and CEO of Palma Development said.

One of the 419, two-room, three-room apartments and a 46-storey tower with  views of the Jumeirah Islands, West Residence is an introduction to the first phase. The tower focuses on simplicity and decent design. 

The 100,000 square metres of size Serenia Signature Clubhouse features a panoramic information pool,  gym, roof cafe, spa for men and women, an inner paddle area, half a basketball location, playroom, retail and food and drinks.

Serenia District was designed by Japanese architects Nikken Sekkei, the world’s third-largest architectural firm, using Japanese Ireko design principles that prioritize tranquility, simplicity, and optimal use of available space.

“Serenia is our homegrown premium residential brand, developed in partnership with our strategic partner, Palma Development, to create high-end communities in strategic locations. Serenia District marks a new era of sophisticated living, where residents can embrace a tranquil lifestyle without compromising on urban vibrancy. We are proud to continue this successful partnership with Palma, having worked together on the Serenia Residences and Serenia Living communities,” Hassan H. Nia, Founder and CEO of Banian added.

Serenia District provides access to urban conveniences while preserving a natural setting, being close to commercial and entertainment centers.

Twenty kilometers of walkways and pathways, as well as sophisticated starlight façade lighting that changes throughout the day and night, are features of the community.

The construction of the world’s largest airport and related billion-dollar new investments are Dubai’s other major announcement concerning that region, and they follow the masterplan. (The project was first announced in April.)

“By itself, the Al Maktoum International Airport created one of the biggest boosts for the Dubai property market – and for Dubai South specifically,” said a real estate consultant. “The Expo City masterplan will now become the other magnet for residential and commercial property development and investors.”

Expo City had already seen a first wave of launches targeted at off-plan buyers, and the feedback was encouraging. It was part of the repurposing Dubai planned to do for the glitzy Expo 2020 venue, scheduled to open in six months.

The property was split into two main residential zones: Expo Valley, which had townhouses and villas, and Expo Central, which had three clusters of high-rises close to Al Wasl Plaza.

The true discussion, however, centers on the future appearance of Expo City and its implications for the working and living classes. Much of that will be on display when the third residential cluster at Expo Central is launched, which is likely not too far off.

When will first residents move in?

The first people in Expo Valley should move in early in 2026. There are 532 semi-detached buildings, townhomes, and villas. The master developer also introduced Expo Valley plots, which have sizes ranging from 7,500 to 12,500 square feet and provide the “flexibility to combine areas to suit their needs.”

At Expo City, there are currently 3,920 square foot villas with four bedrooms listed for Dh7.4 million and a five bedroom unit for Dh8.7 million on the Bayut website.

The projects have excellent visibility because of their close proximity to the recently built Al Maktoum International Airport and the growing Dubai Exhibition Centre.

The master plan states that Expo City will cover an area of 3.5 square kilometers, housing up to 35,000 people and employing 40,000 professionals.

“The new masterplan further validates DP World’s decision to relocate our global headquarters to Expo City Dubai – a prime location next to Dubai’s Logistics Corridor, linking all the major shipping lines of the world that call on Jebel Ali Port with Al Maktoum International Airport”– Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World’s Group Chairman and CEO

Expo City’s construction will now take years, with much of it happening concurrently with the new airport’s development cycle. (The Airport’s first phase is scheduled to be completed in 2030.)

Because of this, some indications regarding pricing and price movements that can be anticipated in the years to come may be found in Expo City’s residential launches thus far.

Mangrove Residences

With three towers that were clearly visible in the direction of Jubilee Park and Al Wasl Plaza, this cluster was the first to launch. The facilities and attractions of Expo City were also just a five-minute stroll away.

Priced starting at Dh1.2 million, the first phase featured 451 one- to three-bedroom apartments, 4 bedroom loft apartments, and 3 bedroom townhouses. The price range of listed two-bedroom apartments is Dh2.56 million to Dh3 million. Q4 of 2025 is when these are scheduled to be handed over.

“Closer to the handovers of these initial set of homes would be a good indicator of Expo City’s future pricing,” said an analyst.

Five grid-organized districts are to be established as part of the master plan in order to promote simple navigation, flow, and access.

The Expo Downtown will extend from the metro station to Al Wasl, then on to Terra and eastern edge of the City. “Al Wasl will remain as a ‘cultural garden’ and the district will also include the Terra Living residential buildings, the ‘floating’ Terra Garden and Terra Tower – a high-end, mixed-use office and hospitality tower and the tallest building at Expo City,” says a statement.

Fitting in the green

“The landscape will be full of greenery and shaded open spaces – ensuring a comfortable micro-climate and plenty opportunities for rest,” the statement adds.

“A nature-based design will help to solve a number of the modern city’s challenges, using native plants and biodiversity to better protect against cloudbursts and floods, clean the air of particle pollution, reduce emissions, and provide shade during warm weather.”

Expo City clearly took all possible outcomes into account when drafting the master plan. For the developers and investors who will build this Dubai “City,” the smallest and most intimate details are what matter. The other details will fall into place.

The amenities available at Rixos resorts across the world include infinity pools, hotel-style lobbies with drop-off zones, community residential lounges, a spa, and a fitness facility. The first five-star hotel and residential option on the Dubai Islands is the Rixos Dubai Islands, Hotel & Residences. The Rixos Dubai Islands, Hotel & Residences is tucked away from the road in a peaceful cove with easy access to a 700-meter beach.

One, two, and three-bedroom apartments with large terraces that give shade, four-bedroom duplexes with private pools, and ten luxurious villas with ocean views are among the properties that will be available. Beach houses with gardens and terraces will also be among the residences.

Rasha Hasan, Chief Commercial Officer, Nakheel, said: “At Nakheel we are committed to redefining waterfront living in Dubai and we are delighted to be launching Rixos Dubai Islands, Hotel & Residences, a project which will enhance the lives of citizens, residents and visitors of Dubai. By bringing the world-renowned Rixos brand to Dubai Islands, we are creating an exclusive family-friendly living environment that offers waterfront luxury living with a metropolitan feel.”

The five islands that make up Dubai Islands have a total size of 17 square kilometers, 20 kilometers of beaches, and they offer beachfront living within 20 minutes from the center of Dubai, in addition to other crucial locations like the airport and marine ports. The objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which include increasing the number of hotels and developing vibrant, thriving communities, will be furthered by the construction of Rixos Dubai Islands, Hotel & Residences.

Khalid Al Malik, CEO of Dubai Holding Real Estate, expressed excitement about this venture, stating, “Developing the first residential offering at d3 aligns perfectly with our vision of creating vibrant spaces for people to embrace and enjoy life, introducing the concept of creative living to the community.” By introducing Design Quarter, Dubai Holding Real Estate continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering exceptional residential projects and world-class master developments that solidify Dubai’s status as a premier global real estate investment destination.

d3 has gained significant traction among businesses in the creative, design, and “New Economy” sectors, with its office and retail spaces becoming the preferred choice. The district hosts notable annual events such as Dubai Fashion Week (Arab Fashion Week), Dubai Design Week, and Sole DXB, showcasing its dynamic and thriving environment as part of Tecom Group’s cluster portfolio.

As the initial phases of the rapidly expanding residential and mixed-use developments near completion and handovers progress, real estate investors have started showing keen interest in the vibrant offerings along Shaikh Zayed Road.