‘We're not here to compete on volume': DHG Holding on bringing AI-powered smart living to Dubai's property market
The Swiss major, which debuted in Dubai with its high-end Helvetia Residences in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) early last year, also teaming up with Two | 88 by Rina Rankova, an internationally renowned interior architecture and design studio, to launch timeless, elegant design solutions to cater to the expectations of the rising pool of global wealthy who are looking to make Dubai their new homes.
DHG also plans to bring its green building expertise to Dubai – a certification which the company's all-new construction projects in Switzerland earned for the highest levels of energy efficiency.
The Swiss realty major's moves are seen as highly strategic as they come amidst the emerging trend of global diversification, with super-rich buyers from Europe, Asia, and the Americas viewing Dubai as a stable and attractive investment destination.
'We're not here to compete on volume or visibility. We're here to offer something distinct,' Blagoje Antic, Chairman of the Board and CEO of DHG Holding, told Arabian Busine ss in an exclusive interview.
'We believe quality is the foundation of a resilient market, and we want to be a reference point for that standard,' he said.
Antic said DHG's long-term vision and its focus on premium, high-quality developments will add lasting value to Dubai's real estate landscape.
'Our goal is to deliver projects that stand the test of time and enhance the communities they are part of.'
Dubai's global investment appeal
Antic said Dubai's real estate market is experiencing strong demand, especially from international buyers seeking luxury, privacy, and an exceptional lifestyle.
He said several key factors, such as attractive yields and no income tax, the ease of doing business, transparent regulation, and residency-linked investment options such as the Golden Visa programme, which make it easier for investors and expats to settle in the city.
'Equally important is the confidence in long-term infrastructure planning, since Dubai has proven it delivers on its vision.'
Antic said as a Swiss company, they find that this transparency and commitment to future sustainable development align well with the expectations of international clients who seek both growth and stability.
'What will set us apart even more in the future is our new smart living solution, powered by artificial intelligence and technologies such as machine learning and predictive analytics. We are currently in the early stages of platform development,' he revealed.
'I can also share an exclusive announcement – we've begun a collaboration with Two | 88 by Rina Rankova, an internationally renowned interior architecture and design studio with offices in Dubai, London, and Spain. They will be leading the interior design for our new project in Meydan Bukadra, bringing timeless, elegant solutions tailored to meet the expectations of the most sophisticated and discerning buyers,' Antic said.
He said the company applies the same meticulous approach in Dubai as it does in Switzerland – both in planning, design, and execution.
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Besides Meydan Bukadra, the Swiss major has also announced a new residential project on Dubai Islands.
'We started this year with land acquisitions in these locations, which we see as the next real estate hotspots, with strong potential for value appreciation, making them highly attractive investment opportunities,' Antic said.
He said both projects are currently in the planning and design phase.
Dubai's strategic real estate vision
Antic said their company is highly impressed by Dubai, as well as the UAE government's proactive, strategic approach to real estate — from visa reforms and sustainability targets to ambitious infrastructure investments.
'These initiatives create strong confidence in the market, both for residents and investors,' he said.
Besides, Dubai's Urban Master Plan 2040 is guided by principles of sustainability and liveability, which align with DHG's long-term vision and its focus on premium, high-quality developments, he said.
'Our journey in the UAE has just begun, yet we've already made a strong impact, with three projects bringing our total development value in Dubai to AED1.3 billion,' Antic said.
As for choosing Dubai for DHG's next key market for global expansion, he said: 'When looking at international expansion, Dubai stood out as a natural next step. It's a dynamic, fast-evolving city that attracts people from all over the world.'
He, however, said what truly resonated with the company is Dubai's vision, which aligns closely with the company's values.
'We're here to bring DHG's Swiss expertise and contribute to the city's ambition of becoming a world-class destination for residents and investors alike.'
Antic also said as a global real estate hub, Dubai also offers strong growth opportunities and a favourable investment landscape.
With a growing population projected to reach 5.8 million under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the real estate sector will continue to boom.
Regarding the company's expansion plans in the UAE and beyond in the region, he said: 'At the moment, we're focused on delivering Helvetia Residences and our two new developments.'
'We haven't defined a precise target for this market, but we are committed to it long-term, and are always exploring strategic investment opportunities for future growth. We believe that our approach to quality truly resonates in this region, and we aim to solidify DHG's position as a developer bringing Swiss excellence,' the company's top executive said.
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