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Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Why high-net-worth individuals are moving to golf-front homes
Nestled in the golf district of Dubai South, Discovery Dunes is shaping up to look like the blueprint for ultra-luxury golf communities in the UAE. Here, renowned American golf course architect Tom Fazio designed his first 18-hole private layout in the region, with wide fairways, recessed bunkers, and native ghaf trees woven into the desert in a way that feels intentional, understated, and remarkably quiet. Spanning nearly 27 million square feet, Discovery Dunes — developed by Discovery Land Company — includes 340 residences, with 84 per cent of the land preserved as open space. With the value of plots reaching approximately Dh183 million, Discovery Dunes isn't just selling homes — it's selling exclusivity. One of the latest deals, in April 2025, closed at Dh33 million for a 52,000-square-foot plot, underscoring just how much buyers are willing to pay for space and seclusion. The 600-acre development offers three types of land plots — Estate, Signature, and Lifestyle — ranging in size from around 22,000sqft to over 73,000sqft. Beyond golf, residents enjoy amenities like the Lakehouse — a farm-to-table restaurant overlooking the 11th hole — equestrian facilities, wellness centres, and even 'comfort stations' stocked with gourmet snacks. Buyers are required to purchase a membership for access to the amenities, reinforcing a focus on quality over scale. Even though homes that overlook golf course estates typically have a 10-30 per cent price premium, golf-front homes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have steadily carved out their place in the market over the past two decades. Not for the sport, but for what they offer: green views, fewer neighbours, and a sense of calm that's getting harder to buy. 'There's always been an association globally between green space and golf communities and privacy and exclusivity,' says Ghada 'GG' Benitez, the CEO of GG Benitez International, a luxury real estate company that operates under Prime Capital Realty in Dubai. She also runs the affiliate offices in California and in Spain's Costa del Sol. 'When you have exclusivity, particularly, that equates most times to additional value.' Benitez, who also hosts The Dubai Connect Podcast where she discusses real estate trends in the UAE, launched her property firm in Dubai a little under three years ago but works with her strategic partner, who has operated in the market for over two decades. 'Dubai is a vertical city... It's not as prevalent to find open green areas.' She said that as part of the UAE's Master 2040 plan to develop more green spaces for residents, golf communities are in line with the government's long-term goals. To understand what's driving demand for golf communities, Benitez says you have to look at who's actually moving in. She notes a rise in high-net-worth individuals relocating from the UK, the US, Canada, Russia, and India, with most of her clients coming from Europe and North America. In those parts of the world, golf is already tied to luxury, she notes. But the group to really watch, she says, is families. 'As more families move to Dubai, they're looking for more villas and townhouses,' she explains, adding that they are looking for greenspace. UK families are a big one. The GEMS Education report Exodus & Education: Why British Parents Are Moving to the UAE found that over a third of UK parents with children in private schools are considering relocating abroad due to rising education costs — with many drawn to the UAE for its tax-free income, strong schools, and family-friendly lifestyle. That shift in who's buying is shaping the kinds of spaces people want. It's not just about luxury — it's about liveability. Many of the golf communities are gated, offering privacy, greenery, and a quieter environment that's well-suited for raising families, Benitez explained. 'Because it's green, it lends to that serenity and greenery, and recreational walkways that are associated with more desirable, luxurious, higher value,' Benitez says. It's a clear contrast to typical tower living and speaks directly to the growing number of families choosing to relocate to Dubai. Of the highest rated communities, Dubai Hills Estate topped villa searches in Q1 2025 — and it's easy to see why. It's massive, central, and built with families in mind. At 2,700 acres, it's Emaar's largest community to date, anchored by an 18-hole championship course and filled out with schools, parks, and enough green space to feel like you're not in the city. Prices have climbed fast, according to a Dubai Housing investment guide — Sidra villas, which once went for Dh3.2 million, are now hitting Dh6.6 million, and Maple townhouses have nearly doubled in value. Still, agents say the market hasn't peaked. Kunal Gaur, an economist writing for Dubai Housing, claims it's not too late to invest. 'When you compare Dubai property prices to places like Singapore, the US, or the UK, they're still pretty reasonable, especially when you factor in that whole tax-free thing,' Gaur wrote. That optimism is reflected in the numbers. According to Provident Real Estate's Q1 2025 market overview, villa communities built around golf course amenities dominated market share. DAMAC Hills 2, home to the Trump World Golf Club Dubai — an 18-hole championship course designed by Tiger Woods — led the segment, capturing a 5.8 per cent market share. Emirates Living, which offers views of both Emirates Golf Club and the Address Montgomerie, followed with 5.2 per cent, while DAMAC Hills held 5 per cent. Jumeirah Golf Estates (JGE) came in close behind with 4.7 per cent. Total sales volume for JGE for Q1 reached Dh882 million, with the average price across listed JGE properties being approximately Dh14 million. That performance tracks with the broader luxury villa market. The Provident Real Estate report also noted a 13 per cent price jump in the luxury villa segment this quarter. Most of the sales happened in the premium range, particularly among four-bedroom villas priced over Dh3.2 million. In total, 1,183 transactions were recorded, with the average sale price hitting Dh11.83 million. Four-bedroom homes made up the bulk of activity, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of all sales. Even within golf communities, supply is tight. 'You have to understand that whether it's Dubai Hills, Jumeirah Golf Estates, or Emirates Hills, the number of homes that actually sit on the course is very limited,' says Tahir Majithia, a Dubai-based real estate agent with over 20 years of experience and managing partner at Prime Capital. Originally from Mumbai, Majithia has seen first-hand how exclusivity and location within these communities can drive demand. Even in newer communities being launched by other developers, you're not seeing many new golf courses, Majithia says. 'When you talk about a golf course, you need a lot of land for it... Obviously, land has become expensive.' Because golf communities are expensive, they don't necessarily dominate overall sales. They tend to sit in the luxury or high mid-market range, which naturally limits how many people are buying in. Over the past five years, only 7.6 per cent of all residential transactions in Dubai happened in golf-focused communities — and more than half of that came from Dubai Hills Estate alone, according to Dubai Residential: Par for the Course, a report by GCP Group and REIDIN. When asked how golf-front homes compare to waterfront properties, Majithia didn't hesitate: ' You would get much better value for money if you're buying on a golf course. You would get a much bigger plot... you'd probably get somewhere around 70-80 per cent more space for the same amount of money.' 'Waterfront has historically performed better than non-waterfront. But again, how much more waterfront is there going to be in Dubai? And in the UAE in general,' Benitez adds. 'You're still going to find that for short-term rental, which tends to provide, let's say, on average 3 per cent higher rental yields than long-term, that there's still that desirability of being in the middle of the city or on a waterfront. Whereas you would see more of the family wanting long-term rental, the larger units, you'll see that in golf communities.' Looking at buyer psychology and investment behaviour, Majithia said most buyers to purchase in golf communities are end users wanting a lifestyle and long-term hold, meaning people who are purchasing homes are actually living in them, not flipping or renting them. There are a few people who are still buying as an investment, despite inventory tightening in prime golf communities. He explained that end user buying in this real estate category has increased because of the increase in demand for the lifestyle affiliated with golf communities. Importantly, Majithia noted that five to seven years ago, demand for golf-facing villas wasn't nearly as strong. The recent surge, he said, aligns with the influx of ultra-high-net-worth individuals relocating to Dubai. Looking forward, Benitez believes that golf-facing villas and real estate will remain a top-tier asset class. 'It's here to stay and it will become the new, what we talk about waterfront,' she said. If you look at what's still available along the waterfront, the options are starting to narrow. 'There's Palm Jebel Ali, Maritime City, La Mer, Rashid Marina — but inventory there is limited.' Then you have Dubai Islands, and that's pretty much it, she explained. As coastal land gets built out, the city is naturally pushing inward, and golf-front living is starting to fill that space in the luxury market. It's a shift that's not just about views and square footage, but about what comes next. 'With healthcare and lifestyle clubs, you're going to see that as more retirees are looking where to retire around the world, golf communities in Dubai are going to be a play,' Benitez said. With long-stay visas, rising healthcare standards, and a growing appetite for wellness-led living, golf communities may end up offering something the city hasn't quite figured out yet: a soft landing for the people who've built their lives here and want to stay.
Arabian Business
05-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Inside Discovery Dunes – Dubai's newest ultra luxury enclave where plots command up to $50 million
As wealth continues to flow into the United Arab Emirates at an unprecedented rate, Discovery Land Company's first Middle Eastern venture is well underway. Discovery Dunes, the region's first members-only residential community, arrives as the emirate's property market experiences a major investment boom and promises to change the game of luxury living in the region. Spanning across 26.1 million square feet (600 acres) in the prestigious Golf District of Dubai South, the largest single urban masterplan development in the UAE, this low-density haven will accommodate 340 residences. Since its soft launch just months ago, demand has been extraordinarily strong, with the developer reporting a 25 per cent increase in pricing and approximately 60 per cent of the first phase already sold through word-of-mouth alone to an international mix of European, Middle Eastern, and American buyers. This reception comes as little surprise in a market where super-prime properties valued above $25 million saw transactions double last year, with Dubai outperforming traditional luxury capitals like London and New York. According to Savills' 2024 Prime Global Cities Index, Dubai, alongside Sydney, is projected to lead the world in prime property value increases, with expected growth between 4 per cent and 9.9 per cent. The luxury segment has seen a remarkable 47 per cent increase in transactions over AED10 million compared to the same period last year, according to Knight Frank. Dubai has cemented its position as one of the world's most dynamic wealth hubs. Between 2014 and 2024, Dubai recorded an impressive 102 per cent growth in its millionaire population, with the city now home to 81,200 resident millionaires, including 237 centi-millionaires and 20 billionaires. This influx of wealth reinforces the emirate's position as a premier destination for luxury real estate, with developments like Discovery Dunes catering precisely to this demographic's expectations. An era of ultra-exclusive living Discovery Dunes offers ultra-private, low-density living — 340 residences spread across 26.1 million square feet. The development reflects the growing shift towards design-led luxury living as high-net-worth individuals increasingly seek privacy and curated lifestyle experiences rather than just opulent homes. 'As a global destination where UHNWIs seek luxury, innovation, and privacy, Dubai was a natural first choice for Discovery's expansion into the Middle East,' noted Mike Meldman, Discovery Land Company Founder and Chairman. 'Discovery Dunes is unlike anything in the region – our model for amenity-driven environments and family-oriented living has shaped our exclusive communities around the globe. At Discovery Dunes, we honour Dubai's rich culture and scenic landscape while staying true to our standard of providing unforgettable experiences for generations to come.' The ultra-luxury private member development is an intimate haven designed for like-minded families seeking a safe and serene environment to create long-lasting memories. Each Discovery property reflects its natural surroundings — a philosophy clearly evident in Discovery Dunes, where the desert landscape informs every aspect of the development's design and experience. Bespoke residences for the discerning few Discovery Dunes offers a thoughtfully curated selection of land plots, designed to cater to a discerning range of buyers. With a focus on exclusivity and concierge-driven living, it provides an opportunity for those seeking a truly unique experience. The Estate Land Plots, ranging from 36,747 square feet to 73,119 square feet, provide the highest level of personalisation within the community, with expansive golf views and an abundance of private space. Signature Land Plots, ideally located near club amenities, range from 27,878 to 51,681 square feet, offering a perfect balance of privacy, space, and convenience, tailored for families seeking a sophisticated yet streamlined ease of ownership experience. For those seeking a refined level of space, the Lifestyle Land Plots start from 22,317 square feet, blending privacy with efficient layouts and convenient access to the community's amenities. Both the Signature and Lifestyle land plots are designed to accommodate a variety of luxury residences, including the signature Dune Villas, which range from 5,300 to 15,000 square feet and are crafted by world-renowned architects Olson Kundig and Champalimaud Design. Dubai's first and only truly private golf course At the heart of Discovery Dunes is Dubai's first private golf course, designed by the legendary Tom Fazio. Free from tee-time restrictions and welcome to all-level golfers, from beginners to professionals, the course is complemented by a state-of-the-art clubhouse, practice facilities equipped with TrackMan technology, and two signature comfort stations offering premium refreshments inspired by local flavours. True to Discovery Land Company's fundamental value of bringing high-quality leisure to residents' doorstep, Discovery Dunes provides a relaxed environment paired with world-class facilities. Blending sport and sociability, the course provides members a setting to play, unwind and connect, allowing members to enjoy the game at their own pace without the constraints typically found at conventional golf clubs. Curated lifestyle experiences Beyond golf, Discovery Dunes provides an extensive range of amenities designed for an ultra-luxury lifestyle. An equestrian centre offers elite training and riding opportunities, while a kids' club provides engaging activities and programs designed to inspire and entertain younger members. The adventure park includes sports courts, a surf rider, and educational experiences. Members can enjoy a selection of pools, perfect for relaxation, recreation, or fitness. One of the key offerings is Discovery's signature recreational service, the Outdoor Pursuits Program, featuring a dedicated on-site team that crafts personalised experiences tailored to all skill levels, age groups, and local interests. Activities range from road biking and guided bike tours to padel, kite surfing, and a wide array of other adventures both at Discovery Dunes and in the other Emirates. Discovery Dunes also houses a Clubhouse with sweeping views featuring a health and wellness centre complete with a gym and a variety of fitness classes. Separately, a purpose-built clinic further enhances the community's comprehensive offering. Families can enjoy an organic farm and greenhouse that promote sustainable farming techniques and farm-to-table dining, reflecting the development's commitment to environmental stewardship and healthy living. Concierge-driven living A dedicated concierge-style services team enhances members' experiences through various tasks such as organising travel arrangements, home preparations while residents are away, restaurant reservations, and booking golf lessons, just to name a few. This service philosophy ensures that residents can focus entirely on enjoying their time within the community, with daily logistics managed seamlessly by professionals who anticipate needs before they arise. For added ease and exclusivity, Discovery Dunes features a private helipad, offering swift and seamless access for members travelling from other Emirates or further afield to the community. The development's proximity to several private jet terminals at Dubai World Central ensures international residents can arrive directly at their sanctuary with minimal transit time. The best of both worlds What truly sets Discovery Dunes apart is its innovative dual presence in Dubai. While the main development offers a private sanctuary in Dubai South, members also enjoy exclusive access to Discovery Downtown, a private city club located in the Dubai Edition Hotel, offering dining, a golf simulator, and breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa. This dual-location concept allows members to transition effortlessly between their secluded residential enclave and Dubai's vibrant urban core – a feature unique among residential developments in the UAE. Members can begin their day with a peaceful breakfast overlooking the golf course, conduct business meetings at Discovery Downtown, and return to their tranquil residence in the evening, experiencing the best of both worlds without compromise. Strategic location in Dubai's growth corridor Discovery Dunes offers its members exceptional convenience being a short drive away from the Al Maktoum International Airport, which is projected to become the world's largest airport with a capacity of 260 million passengers. The new airport is poised to transform the surrounding Dubai South region into a vibrant hub for residential and commercial activity with property demand expected to exceed 100,000 homes in the coming decade. The Dubai government has recently announced AED 272 billion projected expenditure between 2025 and 2027 with 46 per cent being allocated to infrastructure, which includes the new airport development. This strategic investment ensures that Discovery Dunes residents will benefit from world-class connectivity and appreciating property values as Dubai South evolves into one of the emirate's most dynamic districts. The perfect timing as Dubai becomes leading wealth migration hotspot The UAE's overall financial wealth is expected to continue growing in the upcoming years, generated by family offices and UHNWIs, and is anticipated to contribute an additional $500 billion to the overall economy by 2026 as per a survey conducted by KPMG and Agreus. The continuous overall growth of the economy will pave the way to new revolutionary developments and projects that will help meet the current demand of these wealthy individuals and families, providing them with additional incentive of choosing the UAE as either their permanent or secondary home destination. For Dubai's increasingly sophisticated luxury market, Discovery Dunes represents not just another high-end development, but the arrival of a globally proven concept in creating communities where privacy, exceptional amenities, and family-focused living come together in perfect harmony.
Scotsman
01-05-2025
- General
- Scotsman
How a Highland castle turned private members' club for super rich is bringing back heritage produce
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Taymouth Castle on the outskirts of Aberfeldy could have easily gone the way of so many other stately piles across the country. In a state of disrepair, with many leaks, it could have taken 'another couple of winters' for a complete collapse of one of the hand painted ceilings in the drawing room meaning they'd have been lost forever. Taymouth Castle sits at the head of Loch Tay in Perthshire. More than £100m has been spent on returning the pile to its past Victorian splendour. | Represent Now the green/grey stone building, that you can glimpse from the road, has been restored to its former glory, and has been turned into a private members club by Discovery Land Company (DLC). DLC is responsible for the renovation and operations of Taymouth Castle, which was purchased by a US-based investment group including John Paul DeJoria, entrepreneur, and philanthropist in 2018. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Millions have been spent on its painstaking restoration, taking it back to the former owner's heyday - the Campbells of Breadalbane - who famously opened the doors of the castle to welcome Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The castle is the finest example of a Gothic Revival-style country house in the UK and, having had several owners before now, was set to be lost for good until the restoration. Local and Scottish crafts and tradespeople were used in the huge renovation project, including Prestwick-based Rainbow Glass Studios and MacKay Decorators in Perth. Holiday homes are planned for land surrounding the castle - and there's an upgraded James Braid-designed golf course within the grounds. Both the homes and golf course will be accessible only to 'ultra-rich' DLC members, who will use the castle as the club house where a bar, kids room with old school arcade games and sweet-stocked kitchen, tavern, library, and whisky library can be found. DLC have also bought Glen Lyon estate and are undertaking an ambitious culinary project to bring back heritage produce such as apples and beef to the land. The Chinese Room at Taymouth Castle. | Represent Anyone who passes the imposing but beautiful castle and thinks this is another classic National Trust property that you can visit for a wander in the garden or tour is sadly much mistaken. 'This was always a private house,' said culinary director Gary Robinson who is overseeing the kitchens in the castle and culinary programme at the Glen Lyon estate. 'We're going back in time here a little bit, but when it was here, you couldn't just rock up and say 'any chance of a coffee''. While locals and visitors can't pop in for tea and a scone , the local community has been made part of the renovation and future of the estate. Children from the local school have taken part in the apple tree planting, with each getting a tag with their name for their tree so they can grow up with it. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Robinson, who has worked in some of Scotland's best kitchens including in the Balmoral Hotel and for the Royal family, likened this job to working for the Royals, saying this role, which was a homecoming for him, is refreshing as it's 'not in the competition space'. He said: 'It kind of takes a lot of the pressure off your thinking, as this is all I have to do here. It does take me slightly back to my days with the Royal family, because all I had to do on any given day was look after my boss and his guests.' culinary director Gary Robinson | contributed Mr Robinson knows only too well that some of the best produce whether that's mushrooms or seafood is Scottish but that most of it ends up down south in London or in Europe. We don't get first refusal on our own produce, which is something he's changing within this ecosystem that has been created at Taymouth Castle. By using his contacts from years of working in high end kitchens and for literal Royalty, Mr Robinson has access to the best Scottish produce, which he said: 'The produce we're producing up here, we're getting first dibs on. Our supply chain programme is the coolest thing. I'm getting access to the best of the best, such as girolles, before the Michelin Star restaurants.' While there's access to the best in the country, Mr Robinson is heading up the culinary programme and is taking steps to bring back traditional produce on the estate's farm. Mr Robinson said: 'We're not just cooking to feed people; we're thinking carefully about how that plays into the impact on the land, the environment, and the learning culture we bring to our guests. We are passionate about producing food with honesty and integrity.' Traditional or lost produce such as Ashmean's Kernel, Beauty of Moray, Cambusnethan Pippin; White Joaneting and Golden Monday apples and Chalk Crawford, Lindores, Flower of Monorgan and Jargonelle pears, as well as livestock such as Scottish cattle, are being introduced back to the farm.
Forbes
02-04-2025
- Forbes
5 Outdoor Excursions Worth Pursuing At South Florida's Atlantic Fields
After many of my travels, I've realized there are fewer and fewer 'secret spots' and 'off the beaten path' destinations to come by. But one South Florida town has retained its 'best kept secret' status: Hobe Sound. Once known as a sleeper, this enclave has suddenly become red hot and is sought-after for its gorgeous scenery and world-class golf. I'd be remiss not to give credit for Hobe Sound's recent cultural cachet to Atlantic Fields, a private, members-only residential community that captures the essence and prestige of South Florida living. The community, surrounded by picturesque native lands, sits on a former citrus grove and incorporates the historic Hobe Sound polo grounds. As a Discovery Land Company community, Atlantic Fields offers a certain standard of living, one that is golf-centric, experiential, service-oriented, luxurious (but always laid-back), and most importantly, all about family. But Atlantic Fields made a real fan out of me when I discovered its Outdoor Pursuits program which has a skilled team of experts create and bring to life a world of fun and adventure for members and their families. Insiders know it as "O.P.' Every Outdoor Pursuits program is unique to the destination and incorporates a sense of place. Anywhere that prioritizes getting outdoors, hiking, biking, and being active in different ways with views is a place I'm drawn to right away. If you find yourself in Hobe Sound and call Atlantic Fields home, here are my 'must-do' Outdoor Pursuits to try out solo or with your friends and family. Is this living or is it a nonstop vacation? EXPLORING TRAILS Give me a solid pair of walking shoes, a good trail, and I'm happy. So, of course, I was thrilled to find out that Atlantic Fields maintained a vast network of trails on the property; it's unlike any other in the region. Members can also explore the neighboring Atlantic Ridge State Park by foot, by mountain bike, even horseback. If outdoor adventure with a steed companion is more your style, the Atlantic Fields O.P. team can organize a ride with one of Wagon Wheel Horse Farm's friendly horses: Poncho, Shadow, Blondie, Dolly, and Bell. They offer private, hour-long trail rides for the whole family to experience the wild surroundings. GOLF LIKE THE PROS Did I mention golf? Starting with the 10-hole short course, Atlantic Fields' golf experience is hard to beat. The course offers an incredibly flexible design incorporating some 35 tees, 14 greens, and more than 120 configurations, all set around a cool diner named Pineapples. Members can also practice at the golf performance center with a PGA Tour-proven Trackman golf simulator bay and two open-air hitting bays. And to top it off, members will also have access to Discovery's signature Comfort Stations featuring South Florida-inspired snacks and beverages including Dole Whip and Orange Julius-inspired beverages, Citrus-infused Margaritas, Empanadas, and more. EQUESTRIAN TRAINING Atlantic Fields' equestrian center is about an hour from the winter equestrian capital near Wellington. Whether members are into polo, dressage, hunter jumper activities, or just learning how to ride they have it covered. For Discovery, equestrian is a new amenity only offered at a select few clubs and another reason why Atlantic Fields is generating a lot of excitement in Hobe Sound. DAY AT THE BEACH Atlantic Fields is just minutes from the beaches and harbors of Florida's stunning Atlantic coast. Atlantic Fields' onsite Jeep Gladiator will chauffer members to the sands where they can lounge in style with beach chairs, umbrellas, blankets, and coolers filled with snacks and drinks. In true O.P. fashion, the team plans kids' activities – think snorkeling, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and of course, surfing lessons. HOLISTIC FARMING Finally, I love the cuisine at Atlantic Fields where the meals are experiences in and of themseleves. Learning to grow, catch, and raise your own food provisions is almost entirely lost in today's culture, but the onsite holistic farm connects you with South Florida's authentic agrarian heritage and provides opportunities to get your hands dirty while planting, growing, and harvesting a wide variety of fruits, berries, and vegetables. The O.P. team can also help members learn the skills to harvest fresh, sustainable seafood they can share with their families. Eating doesn't get more delicious or purer than that.
