Latest news with #DubaiSkyline
Khaleej Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Home reimagined: The rise of the digital buyer in the UAE
Dubai has always been a city of bold ambitions. It's a place where architecture challenges the limits of engineering, where luxury is a lifestyle rather than a label, and where the skyline seems to reinvent itself every few years. More than Dh265.9 billion ($72.45 billion) worth of properties were sold or changed hands through 80,400 transactions between January till end of May this year, according to Dubai Land Department data. Beyond the headline-grabbing towers and futuristic developments, a quieter yet equally transformative revolution is taking place — one that is reshaping the very concept of homeownership. The global real estate market is projected to reach $654.39 trillion by 2025, with residential real estate accounting for $534.37 trillion, according to market intelligence firm Statista. With a steady Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.69%, the market is expected to surpass $727 trillion by 2029. This transformation isn't being led by legacy investors or traditional property moguls. It's being driven by a new kind of buyer: younger, more global, and relentlessly digital. These are individuals who run businesses from their laptops, who treat crypto wallets like savings accounts, and who expect convenience to be measured not in square feet, but in taps and swipes. According to data from Elite Merit Real Estate, nearly 20% of recent high-intent buyer inquiries in Dubai have come from tech entrepreneurs, startup founders, and digital professionals. These buyers aren't just adding to demand — they're rewriting the rulebook of real estate in the city. An estimated $590 billion (Dh2.16 trillion) worth of projects are being constructed in the UAE, which is 15% of the overall Middle East and North Africa (Mena) total project pipeline value of $3.9 trillion (Dh14.31 trillion). Click. Buy. Live. To understand the extent of this shift, one must first look at how the process of buying property has evolved. The traditional real estate journey — weekend property viewings, stacks of paperwork, and endless back-and-forths with brokers — is rapidly being replaced by a far more streamlined experience. In today's Dubai, it's entirely possible to scroll through listings over breakfast in London, initiate a virtual tour before lunch, sign contracts digitally in the afternoon, and arrange key handover through a mobile app — all without ever stepping foot in the city. This seamless experience has been made possible by the rapid rise of property technology, or PropTech. In the first half of 2024 alone, PropTech startups across the Mena region attracted over $200 million in venture capital through 14 major deals, overtaking even fintech in terms of funding. It's a clear indicator that investors and innovators alike see the future of real estate through a digital lens. Buyers are now leveraging AI-powered search tools, blockchain-enabled transactions, and real-time ROI calculators — tools once reserved for institutional investors. The UAE, which now hosts more than 55% of all Mena-based PropTech startups, is quickly emerging as the region's epicentre for real estate innovation. Dubai's government is also playing a pivotal role in this transformation. The Dubai Land Department has introduced digital title deeds, secure e-portals, and more transparent registry systems — all designed to meet the needs of a buyer profile that expects every interaction to be digitised, secure, and instant. Dubai doubles down: The launch of Dubai PropTech Hub In a major move that underscores this shift, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, has officially directed the launch of the Dubai PropTech Hub. This initiative, announced during a high-level meeting of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy, aims to more than double the size of Dubai's PropTech market, targeting a value of Dh4.5 billion within the next five years. It also aligns directly with the broader Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, which seek to position the emirate among the world's top three global cities. The Dubai PropTech Hub is designed to serve as a launchpad for more than 200 startups, attract over Dh1 billion in investments, and bring in 20 investment funds by 2030. It will offer a full-stack ecosystem comprising interactive workspaces, advanced incubators, smart outdoor environments, and testing facilities for AI-powered solutions. Sheikh Hamdan described the initiative as a strategic leap forward in accelerating digital transformation across one of Dubai's most vital economic sectors. 'Dubai has become a leading global hub for high-value investments and top talent, and real estate is no exception,' he stated. 'Through ambitious technological initiatives, we are laying the foundation for a fully integrated digital economy.' The entrepreneur effect: A new kind of living space The impact of digital buyers extends beyond how homes are purchased — it's also changing what kind of homes are being built. For many of today's buyers, home is no longer a passive space. It's a base of operations, a creative studio, a wellness retreat, and a social hub — all rolled into one. Entrepreneurs are launching startups from living rooms, pitching investors from their balconies, and shooting content from kitchen counters. In response, developers are rethinking interior design and floorplans. There's been a noticeable rise in hybrid living concepts, which include features like soundproof podcast rooms, ergonomic workstations, smart lighting synced to circadian rhythms, and even yoga terraces. Wellness and productivity are being baked into the very blueprint of modern homes. What's emerging is a new type of property: a multi-functional, tech-integrated ecosystem that supports a lifestyle of constant motion and high ambition. Branded living: Where design meets digital One of the most significant outcomes of this shift is the surge in demand for branded residences. No longer content with generic floorplans, digital buyers are gravitating toward homes co-created with global names in design, luxury, and hospitality — think Bugatti, Dorchester, and Armani. These properties are not just stylish living quarters; they represent an elevated lifestyle complete with integrated smart ecosystems, hotel-grade services, and cohesive design languages. From app-controlled lighting and climate to voice-activated concierge services, these homes are crafted with efficiency, elegance, and digital fluency in mind. What makes these residences even more appealing is the element of trust. Buyers know what they're getting —premium materials, high-end finishes, and an overall experience that matches their aesthetic and technical standards. Smart, sustainable, and self-aware buyers The next-generation buyer doesn't just care about aesthetics — they care about function, sustainability, and longevity. Features that were once considered luxuries — smart HVAC systems, solar integration, EV charging stations — are now seen as basic requirements. Environmental intelligence has become non-negotiable. Today's buyers want to monitor utility consumption in real-time, automate energy-saving protocols, and live in spaces designed to reduce carbon footprints. Developers are stepping up. Projects that incorporate greywater recycling, low-energy lighting systems, and sustainable materials are gaining serious traction. Some go even further by adopting wellness architecture — designs that enhance mental health, air quality, and connectivity with nature through biophilic elements. It's not just about living in style anymore. It's about living responsibly and intelligently. Hyper-personalised living spaces Mass-market design is officially out. The digital buyer of 2025 demands spaces that feel tailor-made. From lighting that changes with your mood playlist to thermostats that recognise your face at the building's entrance, hyper-personalisation is now a central design philosophy. Developers are creating modular interiors with flexible layouts, offering smart furniture that adapts to lifestyle changes, and even enabling NFT-linked features and virtual staging for customised visualisation before purchase. This isn't about showing off — it's about creating a home that is a true extension of the resident's personality and values. From real estate to real community Finally, the very definition of 'home' is changing. For digital buyers, it's not enough to own four walls — they want to be part of a community. Today's developments are focusing less on just having pools and gyms, and more on offering co-working lounges, wellness cafés, creative hubs, and event spaces. These are places designed for organic connection — a nod to the fact that today's buyers often find their next collaborator, investor, or friend just down the hall. This growing desire for community has sparked the rise of premium co-living spaces, especially in a city like Dubai, where ambition is as common as sunshine. In these developments, the lines between living, working, and networking continue to blur in exciting ways. Dubai's moment: A future that feels personal What we're witnessing in Dubai's real estate market is not a fleeting trend — it's a fundamental transformation. The market is shifting from being product-driven to platform-driven, from focusing solely on square footage to prioritising service, sustainability, and smart living. And perhaps most importantly, this change is being led not by developers alone, but by a new generation of digital-native buyers who are reimagining what it means to call a place 'home.' Dubai, ever ahead of the curve, is once again proving that the future doesn't just happen here — it's made here. This time, it's more personal than ever. What is PropTech? PropTech — short for Property Technology — refers to the use of digital innovation to improve the way we buy, sell, rent, manage, and design real estate. It combines tools like AI, blockchain, virtual reality, big data, and smart systems to create faster, smarter, and more transparent property experiences. From virtual property tours and e-signatures to automated tenant screening and real-time ROI calculators, PropTech is modernising the entire real estate ecosystem. Why it matters Streamlines transactions: Say goodbye to paperwork. PropTech enables digital contracts, secure online payments, and instant deal closures, no matter where you are in the world. Empowers smarter decisions: AI tools and analytics offer buyers insights into price trends, neighbourhood data, and long-term investment value. Boosts transparency and trust: Blockchain-enabled records reduce fraud and make ownership history crystal clear. Builds smart living: From app-controlled lighting to predictive maintenance, PropTech enhances day-to-day life at home.
Arabian Business
26-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai real estate: Meraas launches new phase of City Walk Crestlane waterside project
Meraas, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has announced a new phase of City Walk Crestlane, the waterside residential development launched earlier this year. The announcement follows what the company describes as investor response to the initial launch. The new phase comprises two residential towers containing 198 units. The development offers one- to three-bedroom apartments, four-bedroom duplexes with private terraces, and five-bedroom penthouses with double-height living spaces. All units feature views of the Dubai skyline. Meraas expands City Walk Crestlane with two new towers near Downtown Dubai The towers include double-height reception and lounge areas, a cinema room, and an indoor children's club. Residents will have access to outdoor facilities including pools, a park, outdoor gyms, children's play areas, a pet park, yoga lawns, an outdoor cinema, and running and cycling tracks. The complete City Walk Crestlane masterplan encompasses 22 residential buildings housing 2,625 residential units across 365,676 square metres. The development includes retail, recreation, and open spaces. Indoor community amenities feature a fitness studio, games room, and co-working spaces. The development sits within City Walk, positioned near Downtown Dubai, the Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Airport, and Jumeirah Beach. Transport links include Al Safa, Al Wasl, Al Enjaz, and Al Multaqa streets. Meraas has positioned the project as part of what it calls the first waterside community in City Walk. The company states the development represents its approach to urban living in Dubai through what it describes as 'thoughtfully designed, lifestyle-led communities.' The architecture integrates with the existing City Walk streetscape. Each residence incorporates greenery and water features as part of the design approach.
Zawya
10-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Meraas unveils 754-unit Jumeirah residential towers project
UAE - Meraas, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has announced the launch of Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers, a bold new addition to the city's iconic skyline. Designed by acclaimed SCDA Architects, the development introduces a distinctive cantilevered architectural form that sets a new standard for sophisticated urban living. It boasts 754 branded residences - ranging from one-to-four-bedroom layouts - set across two distinctive towers. It offers views of the Museum of the Future and Downtown Dubai, with each residence crafted to ensure complete privacy, said the statement from Meraas. A private entrance beneath the striking cantilever leads to a grand double-height lobby, serene garden courtyard and lounge, establishing an immediate sense of refined luxury, it added. Meraas said the development's three exclusive sky terraces feature infinity-edge pools, landscaped lounges and open-air entertainment spaces, enhancing the towers' allure. Interiors showcase a palette of natural materials, including marble and wood, designed to reflect timeless elegance and elevated design, it stated. According to Meraas, residents will enjoy access to a comprehensive range of lifestyle and wellness amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness centre with dedicated studios, an executive co-working lounge, a private cinema, a resort-style family pool, padel courts, a children's play zone and well-curated social and dining venues. Dubai Holding Real Estate CEO Khalid Al Malik said: "Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers represents the evolution of Dubai's luxury living landscape, where world-class design meets unparalleled hospitality." "By integrating Jumeirah's legendary service standards with innovative architectural design, we are setting new benchmarks for premium residential offerings that reflect Dubai's position as a global destination of choice," he noted. "This project reaffirms Meraas' dedication to creating contemporary spaces that perfectly balance purposeful living with sophisticated comfort," he added. Al Malik said all residents will benefit from Jumeirah's luxury hospitality services, including access to bespoke wellness treatments, personal fitness coaching, 24-hour concierge services and vehicle management. Residents will also get to enjoy access to private chefs for exceptional dining experiences, supported by a dedicated team to deliver seamlessly executed events, he added. Jumeirah CEO Thomas B. Meier said: "Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers marks the next chapter in our growth journey, showcasing the future of the Jumeirah brand through intentional design, mindful living and holistic wellbeing." "With a growing focus on branded residences designed to elevate and inspire living well every day, this development reinforces our leadership in luxury hospitality, rooted in the spirit of Arabian hospitality," he added. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
10-06-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Meraas unveils 754-unit Jumeirah residential towers project
Meraas, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has announced the launch of Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers, a bold new addition to the city's iconic skyline. Designed by acclaimed SCDA Architects, the development introduces a distinctive cantilevered architectural form that sets a new standard for sophisticated urban living. It boasts 754 branded residences - ranging from one-to-four-bedroom layouts - set across two distinctive towers. It offers views of the Museum of the Future and Downtown Dubai, with each residence crafted to ensure complete privacy, said the statement from Meraas. A private entrance beneath the striking cantilever leads to a grand double-height lobby, serene garden courtyard and lounge, establishing an immediate sense of refined luxury, it added. Meraas said the development's three exclusive sky terraces feature infinity-edge pools, landscaped lounges and open-air entertainment spaces, enhancing the towers' allure. Interiors showcase a palette of natural materials, including marble and wood, designed to reflect timeless elegance and elevated design, it stated. According to Meraas, residents will enjoy access to a comprehensive range of lifestyle and wellness amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness centre with dedicated studios, an executive co-working lounge, a private cinema, a resort-style family pool, padel courts, a children's play zone and well-curated social and dining venues. Dubai Holding Real Estate CEO Khalid Al Malik said: "Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers represents the evolution of Dubai's luxury living landscape, where world-class design meets unparalleled hospitality." "By integrating Jumeirah's legendary service standards with innovative architectural design, we are setting new benchmarks for premium residential offerings that reflect Dubai's position as a global destination of choice," he noted. "This project reaffirms Meraas' dedication to creating contemporary spaces that perfectly balance purposeful living with sophisticated comfort," he added. Al Malik said all residents will benefit from Jumeirah's luxury hospitality services, including access to bespoke wellness treatments, personal fitness coaching, 24-hour concierge services and vehicle management. Residents will also get to enjoy access to private chefs for exceptional dining experiences, supported by a dedicated team to deliver seamlessly executed events, he added. Jumeirah CEO Thomas B. Meier said: "Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers marks the next chapter in our growth journey, showcasing the future of the Jumeirah brand through intentional design, mindful living and holistic wellbeing."
Zawya
09-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Meraas unveils Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers designed to elevate and inspire living well every day
Dubai, UAE: Meraas, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has announced the launch of Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers, a bold new addition to Dubai's iconic skyline. Designed by acclaimed SCDA Architects, the development introduces a distinctive cantilevered architectural form that sets a new standard for sophisticated urban living. The development features 754 branded residences, ranging from one-to-four-bedroom layouts, set across two distinctive towers. Thoughtfully designed and centrally located, the towers offer sweeping views of the Museum of the Future and Downtown Dubai, with each residence crafted to ensure complete privacy. A private entrance beneath the striking cantilever leads to a grand double-height lobby, serene garden courtyard and lounge, establishing an immediate sense of refined luxury. The development's three exclusive sky terraces feature infinity-edge pools, landscaped lounges and open-air entertainment spaces, enhancing the towers' allure. Interiors showcase a palette of natural materials, including marble and wood, designed to reflect timeless elegance and elevated design. Residents will enjoy access to a comprehensive range of lifestyle and wellness amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness centre with dedicated studios, an executive co-working lounge, a private cinema, a resort-style family pool, padel courts, a children's play zone and well-curated social and dining venues. 'Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers represents the evolution of Dubai's luxury living landscape, where world-class design meets unparalleled hospitality,' said Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate. 'By integrating Jumeirah's legendary service standards with innovative architectural design, we are setting new benchmarks for premium residential offerings that reflect Dubai's position as a global destination of choice. This project reaffirms Meraas' dedication to creating contemporary spaces that perfectly balance purposeful living with sophisticated comfort." Residents will benefit from Jumeirah's luxury hospitality services, including access to bespoke wellness treatments, personal fitness coaching, 24-hour concierge services and vehicle management. Residents can also enjoy access to private chefs for exceptional dining experiences, supported by a dedicated team to deliver seamlessly executed events. Thomas B. Meier, Chief Executive Officer of Jumeirah, commented: 'Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers marks the next chapter in our growth journey, showcasing the future of the Jumeirah brand through intentional design, mindful living and holistic wellbeing. With a growing focus on branded residences designed to elevate and inspire living well every day, this development reinforces our leadership in luxury hospitality, rooted in the spirit of Arabian hospitality.' Occupying a coveted central location, Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers is surrounded by prestigious destinations, including the Museum of the Future, DIFC, One Central and Jumeirah Emirates Towers. With direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, residents enjoy seamless connectivity to City Walk, Downtown Dubai and J1 Beach, creating an unrivalled living experience where luxury meets unmatched convenience. Building on the success of Jumeirah Residences Marsa Al Arab, this latest collaboration between Meraas and Jumeirah continues to set new benchmarks in design and luxury hospitality. Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers represents the next evolution of this enduring partnership, offering purposeful experiences shaped by intentional design and service excellence. About Dubai Holding Real Estate Dubai Holding Real Estate is a member of Dubai Holding and is one of the largest integrated master developers in Dubai, offering a diverse range of residential communities as well as a robust land sales portfolio across unique and highly sought-after locations. Combining the long-standing experience and expertise of Meraas, Nakheel, Meydan and Dubai Properties, the portfolio offers innovative residential real estate solutions across property development, project and facilities management. Each development is built to sell, offering a unique opportunity to be a part of Dubai's vibrant future. Residents living in its developments can enjoy unique and attractive lifestyle opportunities to meet the evolving needs. Meraas plays a key role in the development of communities that stimulate creative urban culture and represent some of Dubai's most sought-after locations. Residential communities of Meraas include the prestigious Bvlgari Residences, Bluewaters Residences, Nikki Beach Residences, City Walk Residences, Central Park at City Walk, Cherrywoods, Port de La Mer and Villa Amalfi. Nakheel whose landmark projects form an impressive portfolio of master communities that are pivotal to realising Dubai's vision. Nakheel's master developments include Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai Islands and the iconic Palm Jumeirah, spanning 15,000 hectares and accommodating nearly 740,000 people. Meydan is the visionary concept of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Its portfolio includes Mohammed Bin Rashid City, District One and the Canal Front Residences. Dubai Properties is responsible for some of the most iconic property developments and destinations across Dubai, including Business Bay and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) – the first single-phase, 40-tower residential development in the world. Its residential communities in Dubailand include The Villa, Al Waha, Serena, Villanova, Mudon and Remraam, while projects around the Dubai Creek within Jaddaf Waterfront include Dubai Wharf and Manazel Al Khor.
