Executive Council Approves Super Block Initiative for Al Karama and Al Fahidi

The Executive Council of Dubai approved the 'Super Block' initiative to transform Al Karama and Al Fahidi in Bur Dubai into car-free zones. It also approved the Strata Registration initiative to allow UAE citizens to subdivide real estate units and issue independent title deeds, with the first phase focusing on areas including Al Karama.

These approvals occurred alongside the Dubai Free Zones Council's 35th meeting, which focused on redesigning the investor journey and reviewed the 'Dubai Investor Register' to create a unified economic identity for investors. An AED 1 billion economic support package for the business sector was also approved, rolling out from April 1 over three to six months.

Changes for Bur Dubai Residents

Residents in Al Karama and Al Fahidi may encounter adjustments to daily travel as the Super Block initiative limits vehicle access in those neighbourhoods. The Strata Registration initiative is expected to give UAE citizen property owners in the first-phase areas, including Al Karama, the ability to divide units and obtain separate title deeds, which could influence local housing arrangements.

The economic support package targets the business sector across Dubai, which may affect services and employment options available to people living in Bur Dubai. Dubai's GDP grew by 5.4% in 2025, reaching AED 937 billion, with 6.4% growth recorded in the fourth quarter alone, providing broader context for local economic activity.

Next Steps in Implementation

The government says the policies will support local economic activity affecting services and opportunities in the area. Implementation of the car-free zones and strata registration is projected to proceed in phases, with the economic support package already underway since April.

Further details on rollout timelines and specific effects on community services remain subject to additional council guidance. The initiatives directly address property and mobility matters in Bur Dubai neighbourhoods named in the approvals.