The first two major residential communities at the 145 sq km Dubai South megaproject were on Tuesday unveiled at the Cityscape Global real estate show.

The Villages and The Pulse developments are set to be part of the AED25 billion ($6.8bn) Residential District at Dubai South, according to a statement from the master developer.

They are set to include apartments, residences and townhouses, with retail areas, parks, piazzas and pedestrian walkways, the statement said.

The Dubai South development as a whole, which is being built around the new Al Maktoum International Airport and adjoining the Expo 2020 Dubai site, is being billed as “the first city in the world centered around the happiness of its residents”.

Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, said: “At Dubai South we welcome you to the City of You, to be part of a reinvented urban ecosystem and experience, for the very first time, a city designed primarily on the happiness and wellbeing of its people, with the aim of providing solutions for everyday living. The time has come to Welcome Home Happiness.”

Ahmed Al Ansari, Acting CEO, Dubai South said: “The Villages was the first residential project launched by Dubai South and is due for completion in 2018. A pedestrian-centric family-focused community set amidst serene purpose-planned green open spaces, this master planned community offers unique real estate products such as alley-loaded townhouses and apartments catering to both the young professionals and families.”

The Pulse development will be centred around a 70-metre wide, six-lane boulevard, the statement said.

“The Pulse is one of our exclusive mixed-use projects located in the heart of the Residential District. It will offer studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and 2 and 3 bedroom townhouses within a gated community,” said Al Ansari.

The Cityscape Global show, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, runs until September 8.