Image: Supplied
Meraas, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded an Dhs1.9bn construction contract to United Engineering Construction (UNEC) for The Acres, its new standalone villa community in Dubailand. The milestone agreement covers the project’s first release, which includes 642 villas and a full suite of community facilities, with completion scheduled for Q4 2027.
The initial phase features three-, four- and five-bedroom villas ranging from 3,048 to 6,001 square feet. Each home includes a private garden and is connected through a network of landscaped walkways leading to Halo Loop Park, the community’s central green spine, as well as a series of swimmable lagoons.
Khalid Al Malik, chief executive officer, Dubai Holding Real Estate, said: “The Acres represents the next chapter in Meraas’ vision to create neighbourhoods where design, sustainability and wellbeing come together seamlessly. This partnership with UNEC reinforces our commitment to delivering homes that reflect Dubai’s architectural excellence and support its broader vision for sustainable urban living under the Dubai 2040 Master Plan. To bring that vision to life, we are shaping communities that elevate everyday life and set new benchmarks for future-ready living.”
Eng. Abdul Halim Muwahid, chairman, UNEC, added: “We are proud to collaborate with Meraas on The Acres, a project that reflects Dubai’s continued leadership in residential excellence. Our commitment to international best practices and innovative construction standards will ensure this development delivers outstanding quality and robust sustainability performance.”
The Acres has been masterplanned around the expansive Halo Loop Park, connecting multiple neighbourhoods through green corridors, shared spaces and integrated community infrastructure. Sustainability measures are built into the development’s core, targeting an 80 per cent reduction in per capita greenhouse gas emissions compared to the national average and a 33 per cent decrease in water consumption. All irrigation requirements will be met through treated wastewater. The project has already secured LEED Gold Pre-certification for Cities & Communities, reflecting Meraas’ emphasis on environmentally responsible and internationally compliant development.
Key amenities include a nursery, school, clinic, mosques, clubhouses and a retail district — all linked by the Halo Loop Park and its seven themed gardens. Residents will also have access to walking and cycling trails, outdoor fitness zones, children’s play areas, swimming pools and sports facilities. Located in Dubailand, The Acres offers direct connectivity via Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street and Emirates Road, placing it within 10 minutes of Global Village and five minutes of Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and Hamdan Sports Complex.
