A master plan is an informal planning tool used to explore the development potential of a city or district and to outline a broad vision for its future use. It is not legally binding and follows a standardized planning process. Positioned between regional land-use strategies and local development planning, it typically functions as an intermediary level. The content of the plan, including both text and visual illustrations, helps simplify and communicate possible directions for future urban growth.

Urban framework plans are often created to support specific development outcomes, such as guiding architectural competitions or protecting areas of strategic importance. Public participation is a valuable part of the process. In Dubai, such framework plans are particularly important in shaping the growth of high-rise zones and central urban areas, reflecting the city’s rapid transformation and long-term planning goals.

Dubai was not always a high-rise city.