The Central Downtown

TL;DR: The Central Downtown by Aqua Properties is an award-winning mixed-use mega-development in Arjan, Dubai, comprising four residential towers (22 to 31 storeys) rising above a 150,000-square-foot shopping mall on a 300,000-square-foot land parcel. Housing 1,168 apartments from studios (AED 599,888) to 3-bedroom units and penthouses, it features a 200,000-square-foot amenity deck with a wave pool, organic farm, rainforest retreat, and outdoor cinema. Winner of Best Mixed-Use Development Arabia at the 2025 International Property Awards.

Overview — Arjan's Defining Mixed-Use Landmark

The Central Downtown is a spectacular, award-winning mixed-use mega-development masterminded by Aqua Properties, one of Dubai's most established real estate companies. Strategically positioned on the largest land parcel in Arjan — spanning 300,000 square feet (approximately 7 acres) — at the critical intersection of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and Umm Suqeim Street (D63), this monumental project comprises four contemporary residential towers built directly above a sprawling 150,000-square-foot integrated shopping mall. The development is currently under construction by Atcon Constructions, with a targeted handover in Q1 2028 (March 2028). Sales launched on November 1, 2023, and the project achieved a record-breaking milestone by selling over 900 units within 100 days of launch, capturing 40.5 percent of all Arjan real estate transactions during that period.

The Central Downtown won the prestigious Best Mixed-Use Development Arabia award at the 2025 International Property Awards in London, adding to its collection of four major industry awards including recognition from Arabian Business and Construction Week. This accolade cements the project's position as one of the most significant mixed-use developments currently under construction in the Gulf region.

Developer Profile — Aqua Properties

Aqua Properties was founded in 2005 by Ali Tumbi and has grown into a diversified real estate company with over 700 employees across more than 50 nationalities. The company is headquartered at 1st Floor, IST Plaza, Umm Al Sheif, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, with additional offices at Bluewaters, Port de La Mer, and Serena. Under CEO Paul Christodoulou and Head of AQUA Developments Faisal Baig, the company holds RERA ORN 303 and employs over 150 RERA-certified agents. To date, Aqua Properties has sold over 10,000 properties and rented more than 15,000 units, accumulating over 25 industry awards.

The company transitioned from brokerage to full-scale development in 2010, and its development portfolio includes J5 and J8 in Sufouh Gardens, O Ten in Oud Metha (completed 2022), The Community in JVT (30-storey, 261 units, completed June 2022), Tumbi Hotel on Palm West Beach (11-storey, 180 units, completed 2025), The Community Motor City, The Community Sports Arena, and the recently launched The Central Uptown in Arjan (488 units from AED 720,888, handover December 2028). The company's total portfolio is valued at approximately AED 3 billion.

Tower Configuration & Unit Inventory

The Central Downtown comprises four towers of varying heights, collectively housing 1,168 residential apartments:

Tower A rises 31 storeys and is the tallest of the four towers. Tower B stands at 22 storeys as the most compact tower. Tower C reaches 28 storeys. Tower D rises 27 storeys. All four towers share a common podium base that houses the shopping mall, amenity deck, and covered parking facilities.

The residential inventory caters to a wide spectrum of lifestyle demands:

Studios range from 397 to 551 square feet, with prices starting from AED 599,888. One-bedroom apartments span 670 to 1,021 square feet, starting from AED 1,019,581. Two-bedroom apartments measure 1,123 to 1,457 square feet, with prices from AED 1,426,204. Three-bedroom apartments range from 2,179 to 2,441 square feet, starting from AED 2,995,888. Terrace penthouses span 1,845 to 8,200 square feet, starting from AED 2,380,888. The overall price range extends from AED 599,888 to AED 3,150,000.

Each residence features sleek, contemporary interiors with open-plan layouts, expansive windows providing natural light and community views, and finishes in grey and earthy tones with marble and stone accents. Units are delivered unfurnished with kitchen appliances included. Penthouse units include two dedicated parking spaces.

The 150,000 Sq Ft Shopping Mall

The integrated shopping mall at the base of the four towers serves as the commercial heart of The Central Downtown. Spanning 150,000 square feet, the mall is designed to provide comprehensive retail, dining, and everyday convenience directly within the residential community. Separate entrances for mall visitors and residential occupants ensure privacy and security for homeowners. While specific retail tenants have not yet been announced given the project's construction stage, the mall is positioned to include diverse dining outlets, restaurants, grocery retailers, and lifestyle services. Nearby established retail options include Spinneys and Ace Hardware.

The 200,000 Sq Ft Amenity Deck — Unparalleled in Arjan

The Central Downtown features an unprecedented 200,000-plus square feet of world-class amenities spread across the podium level between and above the mall, delivering an amenity offering that is unmatched in the Arjan district:

Aquatic & Recreation: Spectacular wave pool, swimming pool, jacuzzi and steam room, basketball court, padel tennis courts, mini golf course, rock climbing wall, golf simulator, BBQ area, and table tennis.

Wellness & Fitness: Health club, open-air gymnasium, yoga room, jogging track.

Entertainment: Outdoor rooftop cinema, colour fountain feature, kids' play area.

Nature & Serenity: Organic farm for residents to grow produce, rainforest retreat providing a tropical escape, Zen garden for meditation and relaxation, dog park for pet owners, and rooftop gardens with panoramic city views.

Community Services: Beauty salon, business centre, daycare centre, multipurpose hall, prayer room, food kiosk, family sitting areas, and changing rooms.

Payment Plans & RERA Registration

The Central Downtown is registered with RERA under permit number 1718533772. All properties are offered on a freehold basis with 100 percent foreign ownership eligibility.

Aqua Properties offers multiple flexible payment plan options, with the most commonly cited current structure being:

Standard Plan: 20 percent down payment on booking, 50 percent during construction in scheduled installments, and 30 percent on handover.

Post-Handover Plan (Select Units): For qualifying 2- and 3-bedroom configurations, a structured plan is available with 20 percent at booking, 10 percent in December 2025, 22 percent in June 2027, with the remainder at 2 percent monthly post-handover.

Extended Plan: A 1 percent monthly payment plan over 72 months (6 years) has been offered during promotional periods.

All plans are interest-free. The 4 percent DLD registration fee applies at the time of purchase registration.

Service Charges & Rental Yield Projections

Estimated service charges for The Central Downtown are projected at AED 12 to 14 per square foot annually. For reference, this translates to approximately AED 5,500 to AED 7,700 per year for a studio, AED 8,000 to AED 14,300 for a one-bedroom, and AED 13,500 to AED 20,400 for a two-bedroom apartment. Final service charges will be confirmed upon project completion and community handover.

Arjan has emerged as one of Dubai's strongest-performing affordable luxury markets, with gross rental yields consistently ranging from 7 to 9 percent for studios and one-bedroom apartments. The area's appeal to young professionals and small families, combined with its central location and growing infrastructure, supports robust rental demand. A metro station is planned near Arjan as part of Dubai's metro expansion programme, targeted for completion by 2030, which would significantly enhance public transport connectivity and property values.

Location & Connectivity

The Central Downtown's position at the E311/D63 intersection provides unparalleled access to Dubai's major destinations:

Nearby Attractions: Dubai Miracle Garden and Dubai Butterfly Garden are just 5 minutes away. Dubai Hills Mall is 10 minutes by car. IMG Worlds of Adventure is approximately 14 minutes.

Major Roads: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) is 3 minutes away. Al Khail Road is reachable in 12 minutes. Sheikh Zayed Road is approximately 15 minutes.

Public Transport: Dubai Internet City Metro Station is 12 minutes away. A future metro station near Arjan is planned for 2030.

Key Destinations: Mall of the Emirates is 15 minutes. Dubai Marina is 15 to 18 minutes. Palm Jumeirah is approximately 17 minutes. Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa are 20 to 25 minutes. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is 25 to 30 minutes. Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is approximately 30 minutes.

Construction Progress

Construction commenced in November 2023, with a formal groundbreaking ceremony held in April 2024. As of mid-2025, overall construction progress stood at approximately 4.22 percent, reflecting the foundation and piling phase typical of early-stage mega-developments of this scale. Atcon Constructions serves as the main building contractor. The project's handover timeline of Q1 2028 allows for a construction period of approximately four years, aligning with industry norms for multi-tower developments of comparable scope in the Dubai market.

The Central Downtown is positioned alongside its sister project, The Central Uptown (488 units, also in Arjan, from AED 720,888, handover December 2028), establishing Aqua Properties as the preeminent developer in the Arjan district.