Dubai to Launch ‘5-Minute Islands’ Community in Jebel Ali to Boost Livability and Public Health
Dubai is set to transform the area surrounding the Jebel Ali Racecourse into a groundbreaking urban neighborhood, featuring a network of “5-minute islands” — interconnected residential zones where key facilities and services will be accessible within a five-minute walk. Construction on this visionary project is expected to begin in 2026.
Spanning a 5-square-kilometre area, the project is a collaboration between UAE-based A.R.M. Holding and globally renowned architecture firm, Pegg-Bjarke Ingels Group. The masterplan aims to merge green spaces with urban living, placing a central park at the heart of the community and promoting a lifestyle centered around accessibility, movement, and human interaction.
Walkable Urban Design for Enhanced Quality of Life
The “5-minute islands” concept ensures that residents can access open spaces, workspaces, vital services, and recreational areas on foot — in just five minutes. The layout is specifically designed to encourage walking and community engagement, with the goal of improving public health outcomes.
The new neighborhood will draw on traditional architectural influences, while also integrating modern amenities such as equestrian zones and hubs for small and medium-sized enterprises in food, retail, and the arts.
Data-Driven Development Goals
The project is grounded in 17 measurable key performance indicators (KPIs), focused on enhancing public health, strengthening the local economy, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering community cohesion.
Leadership and Vision
Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, a representative of A.R.M. Holding, described the initiative as a direct reflection of the company's values of creativity, integrity, and flexibility. “We believe in creating spaces that elevate the human experience,” he said. “This community, home to more than 200 nationalities, is designed to foster communication and mutual understanding, ultimately enabling both human and economic prosperity.”
Bjarke Ingels, the lead architect, described the vision as a reimagining of the Jebel Ali Racecourse area into a green, interconnected oasis. “This is a new model of urban living — one that balances nature, community, and daily convenience,” he said.
With a strong focus on sustainability, wellness, and community-centric design, the new Jebel Ali project is poised to become a benchmark for future urban development in the region.
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