Dubai-based Emaar Properties has announced plans to build 144 more villas at its Arabian Ranches development in the emirate.

The Rosa community project will be designed in Spanish-style architecture and will be built around a central park.

The launch follows strong demand for neighbouring Palma villas, which went on sale in September, according to Emaar.

“Demand for villas has gained tremendous strength with Dubai further underlining its credentials as the region’s business and tourism hub,” says Ahmed al-Matrooshi, managing director at Emaar Properties.

“Arabian Ranches today serves as a benchmark in world-class villa development, and as part of its ongoing expansion, Rosa is a stylish new addition to the community.”

In the wake of the recovery in Dubai’s property market, Emaar has ramped up its development of residential and retail projects in the emirate. Last November, the developer announced plans to build 253 new ‘Casa’ villas at Arabian Ranches, and earlier this year launched 188 townhouses in the Al Reem area of the development near Global Village.

At its Downtown Dubai development, the developer recently extended the bid deadline to 4 December for a contract to build the Address Residence Fountain Views. The scheme comprises three towers, including a 220-metre-tall, 60-storey, 280-unit luxury residential tower looking out to Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and The Dubai Fountain.

Emaar has also given bidders more time for the contract to build an extension to its Dubai Mall. The tender closing date for the deal is now 14 November. The work involves building a fashion avenue next to the existing mall, the lake, Burj Khalifa and the existing Address hotel, offering 75,000 square metres of retail space and about 25,000 sq m of parking.

Emaar is also evaluating bids for the contract to build an opera house at the Downtown Dubai area. The district will be built next to Burj Khalifa. In addition to the opera house, it will contain two hotels, studios and leisure facilities.