Dubai South, the largest major urban development project focusing on aviation, logistics, and real estate, concluded 2025 with strong results that reflect the resilience of its integrated system. The region attracted 653 new companies, bringing the total number of operating companies to over 4,200, while maintaining a 90% retention rate for existing companies, indicating sustainable growth. New commercial licenses saw a significant 65% increase in the past year compared to 2024, reflecting the expansion of economic activity and sector diversification within the Dubai South ecosystem.
«Dubai South's strong performance in 2025 embodies the sustainable approach adopted by the emirate of Dubai in building integrated, large-scale economic systems,» said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktum, Chairman of Dubai's Civil Aviation Authority, President of Dubai Airports, and Chief Executive of Emirates and The Group, in a post on the social media platform X. «This affirms the continued momentum in aviation, logistics, and urban development sectors, highlighting Dubai's pivotal role as a global hub for trade, travel, and connectivity».
He added that this progress fully aligns with the goals of Dubai's Economic Agenda D33, supporting sustainable growth, enhancing the emirate's competitiveness, and reinforcing its position among the world's leading cities.
In the real estate sector, Dubai South Real Estate completed the delivery of the 'Pulse Beach' project, featuring 800 residential units, in 2025. Around 1,300 residential units within the 'Khaleej South' and 'South Living' projects are scheduled for delivery in 2026. The past year also saw the launch of prominent projects, including 'Hayat', 'Beach Gates', and 'South Square', which have reached full sales stage.
To enhance quality of life, Dubai South Real Estate unveiled 'Khaleej South Mall', the first shopping and entertainment destination in the residential area, spanning 200,000 square feet.
The region's logistics sector also maintained its strong performance in 2025, with the opening of key facilities for several global companies, including Expeditors, Ford's parts distribution center, and DHL's innovation center.
In direct support of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Dubai South launched multi-user facilities providing flexible infrastructure and strategic locations to foster growth and expansion. Concurrently, E-Zone Dubai, the dedicated e-commerce zone within Dubai South, continued to play its role in supporting the national and regional e-commerce ecosystem, alongside the growth of the UAE's e-commerce market, which reached 32.3 billion dirhams in 2024 according to the latest E-Z Dubai report.
Meanwhile, the 'Mohammed bin Rashid Aviation Project' had a landmark year in 2025, signing strategic agreements with a selection of global companies, including Avia Solutions Group, the world's largest provider of aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (MRO) services; Aetherian Aerospace; UUDS; Tarik Al Futtaim Group; and Al Bar Holding. The project also announced the launch of new facilities, most notably an 'Aircraft Maintenance Complex' and a 'Private Aviation Boulevard', a sophisticated destination designed to attract leading global airlines and luxury retail brands.
Nabil Al Kandi, CEO of Dubai South, confirmed that the 2025 results reflect the strength of the integrated ecosystem that Dubai South is known for, and the commitment to supporting growth in aviation, logistics, and real estate. He stated that attracting new international companies, coupled with a high retention rate of existing businesses, reflects the high level of confidence Dubai South enjoys as a strategic business destination.
He added that the next phase will see a continued focus on developing world-class infrastructure and enabling sustainable growth to contribute to our leadership's vision of enhancing Dubai's status as a global hub for economy and aviation.
