Emirates agrees multi-billion-dirham deal for new cabin crew housing project

Emirates Airline has signed an agreement with Dubai Investments Park to acquire land for a new purpose-built Cabin Crew Village, marking a multi-billion-dirham investment in residential infrastructure for its workforce.

The development, which will be delivered through a long-term lease arrangement, is designed as a mixed-use residential community capable of housing up to 12,000 cabin crew members. Groundbreaking is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026, with the first phase of the project expected to be completed in 2029.

The agreement was signed by Ali Mubarak Al Soori, Emirates’ Chief Procurement and Facilities Officer, and Khalid Bin Kalban, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Investments. The signing took place in the presence of senior executives from both organisations, including Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer Adel Al Redha.

New housing development for Emirates crew

The Cabin Crew Village will comprise 20 contemporary residential buildings, each rising 19 floors, and will offer a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The accommodation has been designed with a focus on operational convenience, comfort and the day-to-day needs of cabin crew.

Ali Mubarak Al Soori said: “Our cabin crew are central to the experience Emirates delivers to customers. This investment is part of our broader commitment to supporting their wellbeing by offering living spaces designed around their needs and lifestyles. The Cabin Crew Village will provide everything our crew need within a single, thoughtfully planned development, with convenient access to everyday essentials, leisure facilities and communal spaces that foster a strong sense of community.”

The development is planned as a complete lifestyle destination, featuring a central multi-purpose hub with retail outlets, restaurants and food concepts. Additional amenities will include modern fitness facilities, clinics, landscaped public spaces and parks. Walking trails, resort-style swimming pools and green spaces will be integrated throughout the site to encourage an active outdoor lifestyle. Each residential building will also include dedicated facilities to ensure ease of access and convenience for residents.

Omar Al Mesmar, General Manager of Dubai Investments Park, said: “Dubai Investments Park has evolved into a destination where global enterprises can bring ambitious projects to life within a fully integrated and future-ready environment.

“DIP’s collaboration with Emirates reflects the confidence that leading organisations place in its infrastructure and regulatory ecosystem and further reinforces its position as a hub for visionary investment. This development will enrich DIP’s dynamic community, supporting Dubai’s continued rise as a global centre for business and opportunity. DIP remains committed to enabling partnerships that create meaningful, long-term value for the emirate.”

The Cabin Crew Village is strategically located between Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, positioning it to support Emirates’ long-term operational strategy and its planned transition to Al Maktoum International Airport.