  We propose a scheme for the quantum simulation of quantum link models in
two-dimensional lattices. Our approach considers spinor dipolar gases on a
suitably shaped lattice, where the dynamics of particles in the different
hyperfine levels of the gas takes place in one-dimensional chains coupled by
the dipolar interactions. We show that at least four levels are needed. The
present scheme does not require any particular fine-tuning of the parameters.
We perform the derivation of the parameters of the quantum link models by means
of two different approaches, a non-perturbative one tied to angular momentum
conservation, and a perturbative one. A comparison with other schemes for
$(2+1)$-dimensional quantum link models present in literature is discussed.
Finally, the extension to three-dimensional lattices is presented, and its
subtleties are pointed out.
