In 2003, Emaar Properties unveiled its ambitions for a prominent development project; this project would subsequently become known as Downtown Dubai. The Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, which are the tallest structure and largest mall in the world, respectively, were two historically significant developments that made up the project.

In addition, a number of communities throughout Dubai have been developed by Emaar Properties, including Arabian Ranches, Dubai Marina, The Greens, The Meadows, The Lakes, and The Springs. All of the communities that Emaar Properties has developed share the same architectural style, making them instantly recognisable. They adopt the colours and style of contemporary Arabic architecture. The Address Residence Fountain Views I, II, and III, The Address Residence Sky View, Burj Vista, Boulevard Point, and Vida Residence, all in Downtown Dubai, were among the additional projects that Emaar introduced in 2013. Emaar Properties has also developed a large development project in the Downtown Dubai area known as The Dubai Fountain. The tallest performing fountain in the world, the Dubai Fountain, went into operation in the spring of 2009. The fountain’s length stretches out to be twice as long as a football field.

The Opera District is a recent addition by Emaar to Downtown Dubai. The Dubai Opera Theatre, the nation’s first dedicated opera house, as well as a variety of design studios and other lifestyle attractions, are notable features of the development. Manzil Downtown Dubai, a lifestyle boutique hotel, was inaugurated by Emaar Hospitality in January 2015. The hotel, which is run by Vida Hotels & Resorts, has 200 rooms, including suites with views of the Burj Khalifa, and access to a sports complex and a number of restaurants. With the Dubai Trolley, Emaar launched the first hop-on, hop-off transit system in the area. The trolley is also the first zero-emission, hydrogen-powered street tram system in the world.