Dubai South reports strong 2024 growth across key sectors

Dubai South, the emirate’s largest urban development focused on aviation, logistics, and real estate, closed 2024 with major achievements, the Dubai Media Office reported.

The development welcomed 415 new companies last year, bringing the total number of active businesses to 4,044, with a 94% retention rate.

At the Dubai South Business Park, 500,000 square feet of office space was leased, a 300% increase from 2023.

In real estate, Dubai South Properties completed Phase 1 of The Pulse Beachfront, adding more than 200 residential units. Another 500 units are expected to be finished by mid-2025. To meet rising demand, the developer launched South Living, which quickly sold out. Construction on the project is underway.

The education sector also grew, with GEMS Founders School opening to more than 500 students. Meanwhile, BT Properties, Asia’s largest private property developer, signed an agreement to build a gated community in Dubai South’s Golf District.

Dubai's upcoming logistics hub

Dubai South’s Logistics District marked key milestones, strengthening its role in the UAE’s logistics sector.

The district saw the opening of a FedEx air and ground regional hub, the launch of Boston Scientific’s regional distribution center, and the groundbreaking of a dnata Logistics facility. Additionally, Dubai South completed the first phase of the UAE’s autonomous vehicle trials in partnership with Evocargo.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) attracted several major aviation companies. International Energy Resources (IER) will develop a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility with an engine test cell. ATS Technic and Liebherr Aerospace committed to MRO facilities, while Tim Aerospace began construction on a new site. Jet Flight Services and Comlux also inaugurated their facilities at MBRAH.

“We are proud of our 2024 achievements,” said Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South. “Attracting new companies and maintaining a strong retention rate shows the trust businesses have in Dubai South. Our continued growth in aviation, logistics, and real estate strengthens our role in supporting the government’s vision, economic diversification, and future plans.”

Dubai South is home to what will be the world’s largest airport when fully completed. The development features a multi-modal transport network connecting air, land, and sea, designed to create a thriving business and residential community.