The Sustainable City in Dubai is a compelling case study in modern urbanism. It's a living example of how environmental integrity and contemporary life coexist.
It’s not some far-off idea pulled from an architect’s sketchbook. It’s a real, lived-in place. A community built from scratch to produce its own energy, reuse water, and keep waste to a minimum. Developed by Diamond Developers, the city officially opened in 2015 and spans 46 hectares.
At the centre of it all is the Sustainable City Park, a green corridor that offers more than shade and scenery. It anchors daily life around nature, shared space, and environmental responsibility.
As the first net-zero energy development in the Middle East, it quietly but powerfully challenges the notion that sustainability must come at the cost of comfort or progress.
Overview
Overview of The Sustainable City: Development Details and Features
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Developer | Diamond Developers, in collaboration with Dubai Holding |
Year Construction | 2013 |
First Residents Moved In | 2015 |
Year Completed | 2017 |
Total Area | 46 hectares (approximately 113 acres) |
Location | Al Qudra Road, Dubailand, Dubai |
Nearby Communities | Arabian Ranches II, Mudon, Damac Hills |
Population | Approximately 3,000 residents |
Housing | 500 villas, 89 apartments |
Commercial Areas | Five commercial clusters (The Sustainable Plaza) |
The Sustainable City began as a collaboration between Diamond Developers and Dubai Holding, driven by one idea: a city could thrive in harmony with the environment.
From the start, the focus was clear: prioritise renewable energy, reuse resources, and build a community that moves lightly on the land. The vision took shape in 2013; by 2015, residents moved in, and by 2017, the city was fully built, quietly redefining sustainable urban living.
Today, around 3,000 residents live across 500 villas and 89 apartments, all part of a connected network that includes five commercial clusters called The Sustainable Plaza. These retail shops, offices, and restaurants operate with eco-conscious intent and form the city’s social and economic core.

Located on Al Qudra Road in Dubailand and near Arabian Ranches II, Mudon, and Damac Hills, the 46-hectare layout is practical, scalable, and replicable.
Notably, it’s been named the GCC’s “happiest community,” reflecting that more than design, it's about lived experience. At its heart is the Sustainable City Park: a gathering space, ecological statement, and symbol of the city’s mission to reconnect people, place, and planet.
Facilities and Amenities of The Sustainable City
Gallery
Get a glimpse of what facilities and amenities The Sustainable City can offer.
In the Sustainable City, everyone, from locals to tourists, has access to all the contemporary comforts they may want. Eco-friendliness and functionality coexist in perfect harmony in every part of the city, from homes to public spaces.
The amenities include:
Residential areas
Veterinary clinic
Educational and community facilities
The Sustainable Plaza
Fitness and wellness facilities
Clinics and Hospitals
Biodomes and community gardens
Equestria Centre
The Sustainable City Mosque
Transportation infrastructure
Supermarkets
Retail Choices
The Sustainable City Park
Residential Areas

Photo courtesy of thesustainablecity.com
Located in Dubai’s freehold zone, about 18 miles from Central Dubai, the community covers 113 acres. It is divided into five residential clusters connected by the Central Green Spine, an urban farming network featuring 11 biodome greenhouses spanning over 3,000 square metres. Each cluster contains a mix of Courtyard, Garden, and Signature Villas.
The Sustainable City offers a diverse range of eco-friendly housing options to suit various lifestyles, including:
Villas: Spacious, energy-efficient homes with solar panels, rooftop terraces, and private gardens.
Townhouses: Modern multi-level homes designed for family living, featuring smart home technologies and sustainable materials.
Apartments: Contemporary living spaces with open layouts, energy-saving features, and access to community amenities.
Residents and visitors also benefit from nearby recreational facilities, including The Sustainable City Parks. Many visitors to the holiday homes end up becoming long-term residents, drawn by the balance of comfort and sustainability.
Properties for Rent in The Sustainable City in Dubai
For those exploring rental options, The Sustainable City features a variety of homes, with villas being the predominant choice:
Clusters 1 and 2 are preferred areas for rental villas.
Most available properties include 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom villas.
3-bedroom villas can span up to 3,400 sq. ft.
4-bedroom villas offer living spaces nearing 5,600 sq. ft.
Rental prices typically start around:
AED 270,000 annually for 3-bedroom villas
AED 300,000 annually for 4-bedroom villas
Properties for Sale in The Sustainable City Dubai UAE
Homebuyers seeking long-term residence in a sustainable environment will find high-quality villas available for purchase:
3-bedroom villas start from approximately AED 3.8 million
4-bedroom villas are priced from AED 4.4 million
5-bedroom villas begin at around AED 10.8 million
Properties include features such as:
Fully equipped kitchens
Walk-in wardrobes
Private gardens and swimming pools
Double-storey layouts promote natural light and ventilation
Veterinary Clinic
Star Veterinary Clinic, our trusted partner clinic within The Sustainable City, is more than just a convenient spot for pet care. It reflects the community’s commitment to well-being.
The clinic offers:
Comprehensive services, from routine preventive care to advanced treatments
A team of veterinarians delivering care with expertise and compassion
State-of-the-art medical technology for accurate diagnosis and treatment
Easy access for residents, eliminating the need to travel far for quality pet care
Pets here enjoy more than excellent medical care, knowing that The Sustainable City Park features dedicated dog-friendly zones where furry friends can roam freely, socialise, and stay active.
Educational and Community Facilities

Photo courtesy of thesustainablecity.com
Education lies at the heart of The Sustainable City’s vision. Within this community, diverse institutions work together to bring that vision to life.
The Sustainable City hosts a range of institutions focused on education and inclusion:
Fairgreen International School: a net-zero energy campus with hands-on sustainability learning
Sanad Village provides therapy and support for individuals with autism
SEE Institute: a research hub driving clean energy innovation
But education here doesn’t stop inside buildings. The Sustainable City Park hosts workshops, talks, and events that inspire residents to embrace greener lifestyles. These gatherings nurture a genuine sense of community and shared responsibility for the environment.
Through these efforts, the city instills its values early, teaching children about renewable energy, water conservation, and everyday eco-friendly habits in ways that truly resonate.
The Sustainable Plaza
The Sustainable City also has a place for social gatherings and commercial uses. This lively area has stores, cafés, and restaurants that align with the city’s eco-friendly principles. Locals and tourists alike can shop and eat without guilt, as these spots use green items.
What makes "The Sustainable Plaza" stand out is its little details. Shading comforts visitors, while seating areas have plants to give them a lush green design. The plaza also has fruit trees, which the community regularly takes care of.
The plaza also uses cooling towers to help provide a more comfortable experience for outdoor enthusiasts. A sunken square centers the entire plaza with a beautiful water feature.
Fitness and Wellness Facilities

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The Sustainable City encourages people to live healthy lives through it's nature-focused layout. The gyms, swimming pools, and sports areas are all open to residents and are powered by clean energy. You’ll be able to play basketball and other types of sports with your friends within the community.
Residents also use Sustainable City Park’s walking trails and open spaces for yoga, jogging, biking, and group exercise. Outdoor yoga and workout areas are set in green spaces for a peaceful workplace.
Clinics and Hospitals
When it comes to healthcare, the essentials are thoughtfully covered. Inside The Sustainable Plaza, the Miami Autism Rehabilitation Center, and The Chiron Clinic offer more than just treatment.
They bring a more complete, integrative approach to care. And if something more urgent arises, Aster Medical Center and Aster Clinic are nearby in Arabian Ranches II. Emirates Hospital and Medcare are also a short drive away for broader medical needs.
Biodomes and Community Gardens
Urban farming isn’t just a nice idea here. It’s part of daily life. The Sustainable City has 11 biodomes, each filled with fresh, organic produce grown right in the neighbourhood. This small but meaningful shift away from imported food makes it easier for residents to enjoy a farm-to-table lifestyle without leaving home.
People don’t just consume; they contribute. Residents are welcome to join in through community gardening plots, which often become spaces for learning and connection.
At the heart of it all is The Sustainable City Park, a long, green stretch that ties everything together. The park holds the biodomes, but it also works as a shared backyard for friends, families, pets, and a quieter kind of togetherness.
Equestrian Centre

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To level up the experience, The Sustainable City also has its own center for equestrians. The Sustainable City Equestrian Club is the place to learn everything about horse riding and care. Set upon a massive plot of land, the Equestrian Centre has a range of facilities.
Its facilities include four riding schools, a comfortable viewing area, and a 4 km hacking track around Dubai’s The Sustainable City. When you visit the massive area, you’re bound to meet one of the 45 school horses, each with a unique skill set.
The Sustainable City Mosque
The mosque in The Sustainable City isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a quiet statement of how tradition and sustainability can meet. Built to welcome up to 700 worshippers, the space is designed with care and efficiency.
It uses advanced insulation, LED lighting, and cooling systems, significantly reducing energy and water consumption. The result is a structure that respects spiritual and environmental values without compromise.
Transportation Infrastructure

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Transportation in The Sustainable City sports one of the most innovative features of the area. Electric buggies are available for residents to move around the community. If you want to take a walk, you can do so with shaded areas to keep you cool.
Cycling feels like second nature here. The tracks are wide, shaded in places, and they weave through all parts of the city like school runs, grocery trips, or just a quick ride to the park. If you drive an electric vehicle, you’ll spot charging stations scattered throughout.
Public Transportation and Parking
Regarding public connectivity, the city offers direct access to several bus lines. Residents can board from the main stop located at the community’s entrance, connecting them to Dubai’s wider transit grid.
For metro users, the nearest station is situated along the Red Line and can be reached in roughly 15 to 20 minutes by car. This ensures that commuting into the city for work or leisure remains a viable and relatively quick option.
Inside the development, each villa includes two private parking bays shaded by solar panels, which help power the city while protecting vehicles from the sun. Additional communal parking areas are available near the solar carports, never more than a short walk, typically less than 85 metres, from any home.
Supermarkets
For residents of The Sustainable City, everyday essentials are easily within reach. A Zoom Supermarket is located inside the community, offering a convenient spot for groceries and household items.
Those looking for more variety will find additional options nearby. Arabian Ranches Souk features a Carrefour Market, while Geant Express operates in the neighbouring Mudon community. Other accessible supermarkets include Choithrams and another Geant Express in Layan.
True to its environmental values, the city also encourages residents to grow their produce. Urban farming plots and community gardens make it easy to harvest vegetables steps from home, supporting a healthier and more sustainable way of life.
Retail Choices
Retail therapy in The Sustainable City starts at The Sustainable Plaza, the community’s walkable retail hub. Its mix of shops, cafés, and services provides everyday convenience, all aligned with eco-conscious values.
For a broader shopping experience, residents are:
15 minutes from the nature-inspired Cityland Mall
19 minutes from Dubai Outlet Mall, home to over 1,200 premium brands at discounted rates
25 minutes from both Dubai Marina Mall and Mall of the Emirates, two of the city’s iconic retail destinations
For those who prefer shopping with a cultural twist, Global Village is another nearby option. This seasonal destination hosts hundreds of retail outlets, cinemas, and restaurants in a vibrant, multicultural setting.
The Sustainable City Park

Photo courtesy of thesustainablecity.com
Tucked behind The Sustainable Plaza and not far from the lake, there’s a quiet corner for dogs. This placement helps residents and visitors access a variety of dog-friendly restaurants.
The Sustainable City Park is fenced off, about a thousand square metres in size, and open from 6 AM to 10 PM. At any time, you might find up to two dozen dogs chasing each other through the grass while their owners sit nearby.
The benches are shaded, the mood is relaxed, and when playtime winds down, the cafés nearby welcome pets too. You’ll often see people heading straight from the dog park to the plaza without skipping a beat.
Awards & Recognitions
The Sustainable City has garnered several prestigious accolades, underscoring its commitment to sustainable urban development and community well-being:
Best Sustainable Residential Development
This recognition, awarded at the International Property Awards 2024 in London, highlights The Sustainable City's excellence in sustainable residential design and development.Developer of the Year
Diamond Developers, the visionary behind The Sustainable City, received this honor at the MENA Green Building Awards 2020, acknowledging their leadership in sustainable development.Customer Happiness & Customer Experience Initiative
At the Gulf Real Estate Awards 2022, The Sustainable City secured gold awards in these categories, reflecting its dedication to resident satisfaction and service excellence.Green Building of the Year
In 2016, the Emirates Green Building Council recognized The Sustainable City for its outstanding contributions to sustainable construction practices.
Sustainability Practices

Photo courtesy of thesustainablecity.com
While sustainability is seen in the name, it mostly comes from the city’s core values. Designed as a model for future cities desiring sustainability, the community becomes a pioneer in future living. Here’s how The Sustainable City in Dubai shows its commitment:
Renewable Energy
Solar panels on rooftops, carports, and community buildings generate more electricity than the city consumes, achieving net-zero energy status. Homes have insulated walls to reduce energy use and lower bills.
Water Conservation
Advanced greywater recycling treats water from sinks and showers for irrigation use. Rainwater harvesting systems collect and store water, complemented by efficient watering tools that minimise wastage.
Waste Management
Waste is carefully segregated for recycling. Organic waste is composted, producing nutrient-rich soil used in the city’s biodomes and gardens, creating a circular, zero-waste system.
Sustainable Transportation
Walking and cycling paths are shaded and integrated throughout the community. Electric buggies provide clean transport, while EV charging stations encourage the use of electric vehicles.
Green Landscaping and Biodiversity
Native, drought-resistant plants reduce water consumption and provide habitats for local wildlife. Dedicated dog parks and open spaces ensure that pets and residents enjoy nature together.
Location and Accessibility
The Sustainable City benefits from excellent connectivity to key Dubai landmarks, offering both tranquility and convenience. It is approximately:
30 minutes from Burj Khalifa
30 minutes from Jumeirah Beach
30 minutes from Dubai International Airport
25 minutes from Dubai Marina
Neighbourhood and Connectivity
Located in the suburban outskirts, offering a quieter environment with easy road access
Adjacent to Arabian Ranches and near Mudon, Layan, and Al Waha communities
Close to Al Qudra Road and neighbouring the Town Square community
Nearby Attractions and Facilities
15-minute drive to Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club
10 minutes to Dubai Miracle Garden
10 minutes to Dubai Motor City
There is more to Dubai's Sustainable City than meets the eye. This community offers a glimpse into the future of urban living, where sustainability, innovation, and comfort are not mutually exclusive.
Residents enjoy reduced energy costs, clean mobility, abundant green space, and a strong sense of community. It's a place where families, individuals, and pets can thrive comfortably and consciously in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
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