Former Dubai Zoo Site Moves Into Main Construction Phase for 90-Home Jumeirah Community
By Thasmiya
The former Dubai Zoo site in Jumeirah 1 is moving into its next chapter, with **Dutco Construction appointed as the main contractor** for a new low-rise residential community planned on the historic site.
Developer Shamal Holding confirmed the construction award on August 10, 2026, marking the start of the project’s main works. The development will feature **90 homes surrounded by landscaped courtyards, green spaces and a large central park**, while preserving elements connected to the former zoo’s history.
## **What is being built on the former Dubai Zoo site?**
The project will transform the former zoo land in Jumeirah 1 into a low-density residential community comprising 90 homes.
Shamal Holding says the development will focus on:
- Low-rise residential architecture - Landscaped shared courtyards - A large central park - Preserved mature trees from the former zoo - Walkable communal spaces - Wellness and family amenities
The architectural approach uses clean geometry and natural materials while attempting to retain the character of the site and its connection to the surrounding Jumeirah neighbourhood.
## **Dutco Construction appointed as main contractor**
Shamal Holding has appointed **Dutco Construction** to deliver the project’s main construction works.
Dutco is a major UAE contractor and has previously worked with Shamal on infrastructure elements at Dubai Harbour and Dubai Harbour Marinas.
The contract award means the project is now moving beyond early planning and enabling works into its primary construction phase.
## **Will the 90 homes be for sale?**
No. Shamal Holding plans to **retain ownership of the entire development**.
All 90 residences will be offered for **premium leasing rather than individual sale**, with the project being developed as a long-term investment.
This approach means the community will remain under a single owner rather than being divided among individual property buyers.
## **What amenities will residents get?**
The residential community is expected to include several shared facilities, including:
- A clubhouse - Wellness facilities - A gym - Family swimming pool - Children’s play area - Resident lounge - Landscaped communal areas - Central park - Walkable internal spaces
The concept places particular emphasis on greenery, privacy and community interaction rather than high-density residential development.
## **Mature trees from Dubai Zoo will remain**
One of the more distinctive elements of the development is the plan to preserve mature trees that remain from the former Dubai Zoo.
Shamal says the landscape design has been influenced by the site’s previous organic clusters and greenery.
The preserved trees will be incorporated into courtyards and landscaped areas, helping maintain a physical connection between the new community and the site’s past.
## **Why the site is significant to Dubai**
Dubai Zoo opened in **1967** and became one of the city’s best-known early attractions.
It operated for around 50 years before permanently closing on November 5, 2017. Its animals and birds were subsequently transferred to Dubai Safari Park.
For generations of Dubai residents, particularly those who lived in the city before its rapid modern expansion, the zoo was closely associated with Jumeirah and the development of Dubai as a family tourism destination.
That history is one reason Shamal says the new project has been designed as a reinterpretation of the site rather than simply replacing it with conventional apartment towers.
## **A low-rise community rather than towers**
The development is notably different from many new residential projects in Dubai because it will remain relatively low density.
Instead of introducing high-rise towers, the plan centres on 90 homes integrated with open areas and landscaping.
That approach is intended to complement the established character of Jumeirah 1, where villas, low-rise buildings, beaches, schools and neighbourhood retail remain prominent.
## **H&H and DXB Lab are also involved**
The project was originally announced with **H&H Development** as a development partner and **DXB Lab** responsible for the architectural design.
DXB Lab said its design process drew inspiration from the site’s history, particularly the greenery and irregular spatial arrangements associated with the former zoo.
Shamal Holding is leading the project as owner and long-term investor.
## **Where exactly was Dubai Zoo?**
The old Dubai Zoo occupied a prominent site in **Jumeirah 1**, close to Jumeirah Beach Road.
Its central location means the new community will sit within one of Dubai’s longest-established residential districts, rather than within a newly master-planned suburban area.
This gives future residents access to existing schools, retail, beaches, restaurants and major roads while living within a newly built residential environment.
## **When will the new community open?**
Shamal has now confirmed that the main construction contract has been awarded, but a firm final completion and handover date was not included in the latest construction announcement.
Further information on leasing dates, residence sizes, rental prices and phased completion is expected as construction progresses.
Because the homes are planned for leasing rather than sale, prospective residents will also need to wait for Shamal to release formal rental and availability details.
## **Why this matters**
The redevelopment is significant because it involves one of Jumeirah’s most recognisable historic sites.
Rather than replacing the former Dubai Zoo with a dense tower development, the project is being positioned as a lower-rise neighbourhood focused on landscaping, walkability and communal space.
Preserving mature trees and acknowledging the site’s history also offers an example of how older Dubai landmarks can be redeveloped while retaining some connection to their original identity.
For Jumeirah residents, the latest construction contract confirms that the long-discussed transformation of the former zoo site is now moving into its main building phase.
## **FAQs**
### **What is replacing the old Dubai Zoo?**
A low-rise residential community consisting of **90 homes**, landscaped courtyards, a central park and resident amenities.
### **Who is developing the project?**
The project is being developed by **Shamal Holding**, with H&H involved as a development partner and DXB Lab responsible for architectural design.
### **Who is building it?**
**Dutco Construction** has been appointed as the main contractor.
### **Will the homes be sold?**
No. Shamal Holding intends to retain ownership and offer all 90 homes for premium leasing.
### **Will anything from the old zoo be preserved?**
Yes. Mature trees from the former zoo will be incorporated into the landscaping, while the overall design aims to retain elements of the site’s character.
### **Where was Dubai Zoo located?**
The former zoo was located in Jumeirah 1 and operated from 1967 until its closure in November 2017.
### **When will leasing begin?**
The latest announcement confirms the start of the main construction phase but does not provide a definitive leasing or handover date.
## **Source Credits**
Information source and resource owners: Shamal Holding, Dutco Construction, H&H Development, DXB Lab, Gulf News and TradeArabia.
## **Image Credits**
Image sources are combined from AI-generated visuals and other platforms. If any owner wants to be mentioned or any content needs to be changed, please email us at **concerns@whatmatters.ae**.