Emirates Airline has reached an agreement with Dubai Investments Park (DIP) to lease land for a massive new staff housing development. The multi-billion-dirham project will create a modern residential hub capable of housing 12,000 cabin crew members. Work on the site is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026. This new Cabin Crew Village is a key part of the airline’s plan to expand and eventually move operations to Al Maktoum International Airport.

The deal was formalised by Ali Mubarak Al Soori of Emirates and Khalid Bin Kalban of Dubai Investments. Other top officials including Adel Al Redha and Omar Al Mesmar also attended the signing. The project will feature 20 residential buildings that each stand 19 storeys tall. These blocks will contain a variety of one, two and three-bedroom flats. The first stage of the build is scheduled to finish in 2029.

Ali Mubarak Al Soori, Emirates’ Chief Procurement & Facilities Officer 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 Cabin Crew Village also represents a strategic investment in Emirates’ future, supporting our transition plans to Al Maktoum International and continued growth in the years ahead.”

The village will offer more than just housing. It is designed to be a complete lifestyle hub with shops, restaurants, gyms and medical clinics. The plans include green spaces and pools to help staff stay active. Omar Al Mesmar, General Manager of Dubai Investments Park, commented: “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.”