
Dubai to Develop Luxury Island Right Next to Burj Al Arab
Naia Island will be developed by Shamal Holding in partnership with the world-renowned luxury hospitality brand Cheval Blanc.
The project is already under construction and is expected to be completed by 2029. Once finished, the island will feature an exclusive range of accommodations, including 30 hotel suites, 40 private pool villas, and a selection of estate plots offering private beach access. These residences will be part of the Cheval Blanc Maison, a name synonymous with refined living and exceptional service.
Strategically positioned along Jumeirah's coastline, the island will offer easy connectivity to Dubai's major roads while maintaining a sense of seclusion and prestige. According to Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Portfolio Management Officer at Shamal Holding, the development represents a defining chapter in luxury development and is poised to set a new benchmark in global hospitality and real estate. The project is not just about creating a beautiful destination, but about curating a one-of-a-kind lifestyle experience for residents and guests alike.
Naia Island also aligns with Dubai's broader development goals under the Dubai 2030 vision. The emirate continues to invest heavily in world-class residential and tourism infrastructure, positioning itself as a magnet for high-net-worth individuals and discerning travelers. The luxury island complements other forward-thinking projects, including sustainable eco-tourism destinations such as the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, reinforcing Dubai's commitment to innovation, luxury, and environmental consciousness.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Zawya
9 minutes ago
- Zawya
Majid Developments targets affordable luxury with second residential project in Dubai
As part of its strategic push into Dubai's 'affordable luxury' segment, Majid Developments recently launched its second residential project, Arlington Park, located in the Dubai Land Residence Complex. The move follows last year's successful market entry of the company's first project, Mayfair Gardens, in Jumeirah Garden City. Both projects are part of a five-project portfolio worth approximately AED 500 million ($136 million). 'Dubai has one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the world, consistently attracting strong demand from investors and end-users alike,' said Mansoor Majid, CEO of Majid Developments. 'The overwhelming investor interest during the EOI phase for Mayfair Gardens and Arlington Park is a clear indicator of market demand and a validation of our strategic entry into real estate development.' Mayfair Gardens, which broke ground in August 2024, is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2026. The main contractor is CJ Tec Contracting. The construction of Arlington Park started in June 2025 and is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2027. A shoring contractor has been appointed to handle excavation and dewatering for the project's two basement levels. With Mayfair Gardens and Arlington Park accounting for 50 percent of the target investment of $136 million, the company is on track to launching the remaining three projects, Mansoor noted. Majid Developments' COO Mustafa Majid said the company owns land adjacent to Mayfair and Arlington Park projects, presenting an opportunity to launch follow-up developments tentatively named Mayfair 2 and Arlington 2. 'We are also exploring locations such as Dubai Islands and Bu Kadra for future projects,' he disclosed. Affordable luxury Majid Developments entered the UAE real estate development sector in 2024, leveraging over 20 years of experience in construction and contracting across the UAE, Turkey, and Afghanistan. According to Mansoor, the company is responding to demand for smart, connected communities that include amenities like gyms, co-working spaces, landscaped areas, and wellness facilities - in a single location and within an accessible price range. 'The challenge for us is to offer all these amenities at an affordable price,' he said. 'We have addressed this challenge through curated design, global sourcing of premium materials and competitive pricing.' Elaborating further, Mansoor said the company prioritises sourcing materials before finalising project designs. 'This process is technically complex, especially when dealing with premium materials. For instance, high-quality materials from Italy can range in price from $50 to $700. Despite the price variation, Italy maintains strict quality controls across all factories, ensuring consistent standards throughout the supply chain. Our challenge lies in selecting the right material at the right price and importing it to our region. 'Another technical consideration is furniture design. Importing finished furniture products from Italy is costly due to high shipping expenses. Instead, we source premium textiles from Italy and manufacture the furniture locally in Dubai. This approach is not only cost-efficient but also allows greater flexibility in design. By combining world-class quality with local production, we deliver what we call 'affordable luxury'. 'By 'affordable luxury', we mean offering a lifestyle that reflects the public's image of luxury at a price point that's both accessible and sustainable for long-term living,' added Mustafa. The company also offers pricing below the market average, coupled with highly flexible payment plans that exceed those typically available from other developers. 'Overall, we believe our offering exceeds market standards,' he concluded. (Reporting by Dennis Daniel; Editing by Anoop Menon) (


Khaleej Times
9 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
From Ozempic to Mounjaro: Why Dubai restaurants are rethinking portion sizes
With skinny jabs and shrinking waistlines becoming the new normal, many fitness conscious are opting for smaller, selective palate. As a result, the food industry is looking for ways to reimagine the culinary scene. Banc, Downtown Dubai's newest hotspot, has just launched a brand-new menu for reduced appetites due to weightloss injections like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy. Ever since the news went out, it's generated a lot of interest. Everyone's calling it the 'Ozempic menu.' Banc's founders give us the lowdown on the facts, benefits and potential flipside of this trend. 'Let's clear one thing up right away — this isn't an 'Ozempic menu'. We're not doctors, and we're certainly not here to prescribe trends. But what we are seeing, both in London and now in Dubai, is a change in how people are eating. Appetite-suppressing medications like GLP-1s — which are prescribed by professionals for specific medical reasons — have a clear side effect: people just aren't eating as much. We were getting more and more guests asking, 'Can I get a smaller portion of this?' Some would share a main or skip dessert entirely. And we thought, why not meet people halfway? So we created The Mini Bancer – a menu featuring smaller portions of our most-popular dishes and drinks. It's all about flavour, just in less volume,' starts off Mazlum Topcu, co-founder of The Banc, located in Dubai and London. The founders noticed that in London, the guests still wanted the experience of dining out, but they were choosing differently. Hence, the idea of a 'skinny jab menu'. 'The average spending per head dipped, and that has a direct impact on the bottomline. But rather than fight it, we decided to get creative – without compromising on quality or creativity. Rather than a full three-course meal, they will order a few lighter plates,' says co-founder Can Topcu. The Mini Bancer menu is not just for people on GLP-1s (Type 2 diabetics); Banc is looking at a wider audience. 'We're seeing athletes, professionals, even foodies who just want to enjoy greater variety without feeling stuffed. It's also great for people with lighter appetites – or those trying to make more mindful choices without missing out on the pleasure of dining out,' explains Mazlum. The 'skinny jab menu' is for those with smaller appetites but still want to dine out and eat good food. Can Topcu adds, 'And let's be honest, Dubai is a city that loves a good night out, but it also cares deeply about health and image. This kind of menu fits naturally into that lifestyle. It's not about diet culture. It's about choice, balance, and still indulging in your favourite dishes – just in a way that suits how you're feeling that day. Guests don't want to feel left out or embarrassed by leaving half their meal or telling the table they are not drinking because they are on medication, have an early morning workout, or have other commitments.' By catering to GLP-1 users and health-conscious diners, Banc's 'inclusive' menu could be a game-changer. But what are the potential advantages and disadvantages of the 'Ozempic menu'? Will some diners feel self-conscious about ordering from a menu specifically designed for those on weight-loss medications? 'We see this as a new era for hospitality. It challenges us to think beyond 'bigger is better'. A miniature beverage or baklava bite dessert, they still use the same premium ingredients and techniques — it's not a shortcut – and the price reflects the smaller size. It's thoughtful, it's elegant, and frankly, it's a lot more fun than just saying 'no' to dessert,' says Mazlum. 'The upside is simple: it's inclusive. Whether you're on a medical programme, watching your portion sizes, or cutting back on drinking, this menu gives people the option to dine how they want. It's respectful of changing appetites, changing drinking habits, and a broader wellness mindset,' adds Can. The founders also believe that serving smaller portions could reduce food waste, aligning with sustainable dining practices. 'It's taken some adjusting. Smaller serves mean we've had to be smarter with curation, but the result is still high-impact and high-value. Sure, a few have called it a gimmick, but you can't please everyone. Introducing something new is always a gamble, but responding to guest feedback isn't trend-chasing – it's just good hospitality,' he says. After doing a trial run at their London location, the concept has made its UAE debut this month, blending The Banc's signature Mediterranean flavours with a narrower, health-conscious approach to dining. Terming their new menu as 'The Mini Bancer', this is a thoughtfully designed section of the menu, offering lighter, more intentional versions of the restaurant's most popular dishes and beverages. 'I think we're just trying to be honest with where people are right now. The way people eat is changing. Their habits, their appetites, their beverage choices – all of it. And as restaurateurs, we either adapt or get left behind. This isn't about Ozempic. It's about flexibility. Hospitality should never be one-size-fits-all,' explains Mazlum. Banc plans to tap into the UAE's growing market of health-conscious foodies who want nutritious and tasty options. 'We're deeply invested in Dubai, but the UAE has so many exciting markets. The feedback here has been incredible, and we're exploring opportunities to grow organically, without losing what makes The Banc special,' Can concludes.


Gulf Business
39 minutes ago
- Gulf Business
Dubai's Tax Star launches UAE's first AI-powered corporate tax software
Developed in Dubai, Tax Star is the UAE's first corporate tax software to harness artificial intelligence, designed to help accountancy firms and in-house finance teams save time, avoid penalties, and manage more clients without increasing headcount. Built to address the complexities of the new UAE corporate tax regime, it is adept at handling varied tax rates, exemptions, and allowances. Created by accountants for accountants, Tax Star integrates seamlessly with existing systems to automate daily tasks. After more than 18 months in development, it combines smart tax calculation, compliance tracking, client approvals, document storage, and multiple integrations in a single platform. AI is playing an expanding role in the UAE's accounting sector, covering corporate tax, VAT, ESG, AML, and other compliance requirements. While many tools focus on advisory guidance, Tax Star delivers complete workflow automation—from calculation to filing. 'Our vision is to build a global tax technology company, proudly headquartered in Dubai,' said Rayhan Aleem, co-Founder and CEO of Tax Star. 'We aim to help accountants supercharge their capabilities by enhancing productivity and reducing reliance on manual processes. Although businesses are now legally required to retain records for at least seven years, many still have tax-related documents scattered across emails, WhatsApp, accounting systems, and internal servers. Tax Star keeps everything in one place – structured, accessible, and audit-ready so firms stay compliant without the chaos.' Read: Rayhan added: 'What excites us most is how our AI-powered platform is reshaping compliance into something far more strategic. We are not just doing the calculations; we are replacing manual spreadsheets with a system that automates corporate tax from start to finish. This shift allows accountants to devote more time to focus on higher-value advisory work. By building intelligent tools that simplify tax calculations, we're doing more than streamlining a process; we're giving accounting firms a way to scale smartly, advise confidently, and lead the future of tax in Dubai and beyond.' According to accountancy firms using the software, Tax Star's AI-powered corporate tax calculator reduces processing time by 75 per cent and enables them to serve 50 per cent more clients. The company is now developing group tax calculation capabilities for businesses operating under group structures, simplifying return filings through a unified framework.