Dubai World Central, the emerging 145 square km city which will ultimately be home to one million people, was on Wednesday rebranded as Dubai South under a new law issued by the emirate's ruler.

Launched as a Government of Dubai project in 2006, the city is mandated to embody the vision of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum by manifesting the urban and societal themes as outlined in the Dubai Plan 2021.

The city is also home to the now-operational Al Maktoum International Airport - the largest airport in the world when complete - and the World Expo 2020 site.

Announcing the new name, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said: "Over the decades, Dubai's leadership and its people have worked together to transform the emirate into one of the world's most desirable destinations.

"A vibrant economy, excellent roads, landmark buildings, and attractive recreational facilities are outstanding accomplishments we are proud of - but they are simply the means to a higher end, which is to facilitate the happiness of people."

He added: "The Government of Dubai has been working to build a new destination - which we are naming today 'Dubai South' - where individuals can empower themselves to achieve their legitimate aspirations to the greater good of society.

"The name is iconic, and will become instantly recognizable for years to come. Dubai South is the emirate's flagship urban project that will set benchmarks for the rest of the emirate in terms of manifesting the themes of happiness as set out in Dubai Plan 2021."

He said the city's ecosystem is expected to generate over half a million jobs and sustain a total population twice that number.