Dubai Municipality completes development of integrated community markets for workers across key labour areas

• Projects span more than 69,000 square metres across Muhaisnah 2, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, Al Quoz 4 and Jebel Ali Industrial Area 1.
• Markets in Muhaisnah 2, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3 and Al Quoz 4 feature eight service categories and a total of 866 kiosks and stalls, providing essential goods, services, sports facilities and community spaces at affordable prices.
• Initiative has benefited more than 640,000 workers and achieved a 99% satisfaction rate.
• More than 69 community events and 16 awareness workshops have been organised, covering health and safety, food safety, first aid, public health and emergency preparedness.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 19 August 2026: Dubai Municipality has completed the development of integrated community market projects for workers across key labour areas in Dubai. Markets are operational in Muhaisnah 2, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3 and Al Quoz 4, while a fourth market in Jebel Ali Industrial Area 1 is scheduled to open in the coming period. Together, the projects span more than 69,000 square metres.

The initiative forms part of Dubai Municipality’s efforts to provide safe, organised and accessible environments where workers can meet their daily needs and access essential services, recreational amenities and sports facilities close to their accommodation. It supports quality of life, proactive public health measures and the provision of integrated services within sustainable urban environments that respond to community needs.

The markets provide an integrated model for community services, combining essential goods at affordable prices with everyday services and supporting facilities. Each market comprises eight service categories, including food kiosks; outlets for fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, and consumer goods; barber shops; tailoring services; sports facilities; and dedicated spaces for health and awareness activities and community events.

The three operational markets feature a total of 866 kiosks and stalls, providing workers with an integrated community experience that brings together shopping, services, awareness initiatives, sports and recreational activities in one location.

Dr Naseem Mohammed Rafie, Acting CEO of the Environment, Health and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality, said: “The development of integrated community markets for workers reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to providing safe, healthy and accessible environments that enhance quality of life and wellbeing. These projects have been developed in line with planning and organisational standards that support convenient access to essential services, efficient infrastructure and sustainable facilities that respond to workers’ daily needs.

“The markets provide an integrated community model that brings together shopping, services, sports, recreation and awareness activities within organised and safe spaces. By locating these facilities close to workers’ accommodation, we are supporting public health, food safety and community engagement while providing services that contribute directly to quality of life.”

The initiative has benefited more than 640,000 workers and achieved a 99% satisfaction rate, providing access to regulated markets and services within workers’ residential areas.

It has also supported community engagement through more than 69 events, which recorded over 800,000 attendances, alongside 16 awareness workshops covering health and safety, food safety, first aid, public health and emergency preparedness. The workshops benefited more than 16,500 workers.

The project has also received external recognition, including the British Safety Council Award in Category A, and provides a scalable operational model that can support the development of similar community facilities in Dubai and across the UAE.

Dubai Municipality continues to collaborate with the private sector in the operation and management of the community markets within approved regulatory frameworks. These partnerships support compliance with health and safety, food safety and sustainability requirements, enhance service quality and ensure the continuous operation of the markets throughout the week.

Dr. Naseem added: “These projects reflect Dubai’s approach to developing community infrastructure through effective planning, institutional integration and private-sector collaboration. They demonstrate how integrated services and well-organised facilities can improve workers’ daily lives, strengthen community protection and support Dubai’s position as the world’s leading city for quality of life.”

The initiative supports Dubai Municipality’s strategic objectives across sustainable urban planning, proactive public health, occupational safety, food safety and community infrastructure development, contributing to enhanced quality of life across labour areas.