Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar, said the developer did not set out simply to build an office district, but to create the address every ambitious company in the world wants. "Some places are built for business. This place was built for ambition," he said.

Here's what we know so far about the upcoming business district:

1. It's a 300,000 sq m, AED 12bn office district

The Dubai Square Business District will add 300,000 sq m of premium commercial and office space in the centre of Dubai Creek Harbour, with a total development value of AED 12bn. The office towers will surround Dubai Square on all sides. The masterplan centres on Icon Plaza, with avenues spreading out from it and green corridors running through every block.

2. The offices connect directly to the metro

Two metro stations will serve the district, and the office buildings will link directly into them. Employees will be able to walk from the train to their lobby through a climate-controlled connection, with no need to drive or queue for a taxi. One of the stations is Dubai Creek Harbour's Iconic Metro Station, which Emaar says will be the highest metro station in the world, with a design of golden fins rising above the creek. Across the wider masterplan, three metro stations, 17 bus stops and a 7 km Discovery Loop will connect the community.

3. A new kind of mall will sit next to the offices

Dubai Square mall is designed to open out into the surrounding streets rather than sit enclosed, so retail and dining reach the district's office buildings. Its features include:

• The building: a daylit canopy of golden shells
• Shopping: drive-through shopping and an outdoor retail concept
• Access: multiple entrances and exits, direct access to Icon Plaza and a direct link to the Iconic Metro Station
• Sustainability: sustainability initiatives built in

4. Dubai Creek Tower will give the district its landmark

The new Dubai Creek Tower is planned as a global landmark for the area. Emaar sees it giving Dubai Creek Harbour an identity recognised around the world, alongside Dubai Square.

5. Hotels and parks are within walking distance

Four hotels will stand around Dubai Square, out of eight across the masterplan, so visiting clients can walk from check-in to the boardroom. The district includes three park "hearts" and is part of a wider network of 15 parks, four ecological green corridors and 13% open space. Named parks include Sidr Square, Pearl Park, Cloud Gate Park and Lake Park.

6. 200,000 residents will live nearby

More than 200 residential towers and 75,500 homes will surround the district, with some residential plots just a five-minute walk from the mall. Community facilities include:

• Education: seven schools and 14 nurseries
• Healthcare: two hospitals and 25 clinics
• Community: 11 mosques and more than 70 neighbourhood shops

7. The waterfront adds a lifestyle draw

A 4.5 km promenade and a 600 m urban beach will run along the creek. The waterfront is home to 450 species of plants and animals and has views across to the Downtown Dubai skyline.