Latest news with #JosefKleindienst
Arabian Business
05-08-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
EXCLUSIVE: Dubai's Heart of Europe to see all remaining hotels under construction by end-2025, says Kleindienst
Kleindienst Group, developer of The Heart of Europe megaproject on Dubai's World Islands, aims to have all remaining hotels under construction by the end of 2025, founder and chairman Josef Kleindienst told Arabian Business in an exclusive interview. The $6 billion tourism and hospitality development spans six man-made islands and will feature 20 hotels with more than 5,000 keys, along with themed resorts, floating villas, climate-controlled streets, underwater experiences and coral regeneration zones. The Heart of Europe is the first major development to gain traction on the World Islands following years of inactivity after the 2008 financial crisis. Fifteen hotels are in various stages of construction, with a few already completed or in pre-opening. The remaining five, including the planned Buddha-Bar Hotel & Floating Villas, are scheduled to break ground before year-end. 'Fifteen are under construction [at] different stages. The remaining five will start construction this year… Our goal is for all of them to be complete by 2027,' Kleindienst told Arabian Business. Few hotels open, others nearing launch The only fully operational hotel is the voco Monaco, an adults-only boutique property that officially opened last year. It features party suites, rooftop views and direct beach access. The Nice Hotel, also part of the Côte d'Azur cluster, is completed and in its pre-opening phase, offering themed gardens, a rooftop pool, and retail along a 'raining street.' The Portofino Hotel, a five-star family-only resort, is currently under construction. It will feature 466 sea-facing suites, a kids' club, annual cultural festivals, and a lobby housing over 500 aquariums. Other partially completed or sold assets include floating Seahorse Villas on Sweden, Germany, and Honeymoon islands. Kleindienst said villas on Germany Island and the Sweden Beach Palaces are at an advanced handover stage, with interiors and landscaping nearing completion. What's next to break ground? The five hotels still to begin construction in 2025 include: Buddha-Bar Hotel & Floating Villas – a $817 million flagship wellness destination on Honeymoon Island St. Tropez Hotel – boutique French-style beachfront resort Cannes Hotel – Mediterranean-inspired with courtyards and family clubs Germany Island Resort – a second hospitality offering on Germany Island Ikaria or Marbella Hotel – construction start to be confirmed Each new property will follow a two-year construction cycle post-mobilisation, Kleindienst said, aligning completion with the group's 2027 target. 'When all of this is in place, and when all your approvals are coming in time, then you have a realistic chance to finish a hotel in two years. It's challenging, but possible,' Kleindienst said. Independent infrastructure powering construction Unlike mainland developments, the World Islands lack municipal infrastructure. Kleindienst Group has independently mobilised construction logistics, including concrete batching plants, barge unloading zones, sewage treatment, a temporary marina, and accommodation for 3,000 workers. 'The World Islands are very complex in regards of improvements, because [they're] not connected to the infrastructure and very specific in regards of environmental regulations,' he said. The entire project must comply with a zero-discharge policy — one of the strictest environmental mandates in Dubai — requiring 100 per cent recycling of water and total containment of waste output. 'Nobody in Dubai has the burden of such high-level environmental regulation like the World Islands,' Kleindienst said. Long-term, self-funded model Kleindienst said the Heart of Europe is funded through a 50:50 model — half from the group's capital and the rest from off-plan sales — with no bank financing involved. This gives the developer control over pricing and avoids pressure for fast sell-outs. 'We are not using bank loans… We invest 50 per cent of the project, and the other 50 per cent comes through off-plan selling,' Kleindienst said. 'So we don't need to satisfy a bank and we don't need queues in front of our sales centre.' 'We have a target of how much we want to sell every month, and we have a target how to increase our price. And we follow this target. We follow this strategy.' The group says investment interest remains strong, with guaranteed rental income options offered for hospitality units, fully furnished villas, and floating homes. According to project materials, some units offer a '100 per cent net ROI' for buyers, although this has not been independently verified. The Heart of Europe is the only multi-hotel development active on the World Islands — a man-made archipelago once envisioned as a billionaire's playground but mostly left undeveloped since 2008. While more than 90 per cent of the 300 islands were reclaimed over a decade ago, the lack of roads, power, water, and investor confidence kept most plots idle. Infrastructure solutions are now under discussion with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Kleindienst said, though no centralised marine transit system has been confirmed. In the meantime, the group continues to expand through standalone marine and construction systems. It announced an expanded masterplan at the end of 2024 that would increase Dubai's five-star hotel room count by 10 per cent, adding 5,000 new keys — pushing the Heart of Europe's total estimated project value to $6 billion. 'This is more than real estate. It's experiential tourism. We're building something that's never been done before — and finally delivering it,' he said.
Time Out Dubai
07-07-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
Huge new Danish-style hotel to be built on Dubai's World Islands
A brand-new luxury hotel is set to be built on Dubai's iconic World Islands. Inspired by the Danish concept of hygge, the Hygge Hotel will bring a laid-back, cosy vibe to The Heart of Europe. Hygge is a Danish word for the quality of cosiness that comes from doing simple, everyday things. With a warm, comfortable and understated design, the hotel aims to create a happy place for guests to slow down and reconnect with what matters in life. Hygge will be home to 96 rooms and four restaurants, which will all be carefully designed to encourage calm, connection and wellbeing. Expect soft textures, warm lighting and natural materials to make the hotel room feel more like a home away from home. Hygge Hotel (Credit: Supplied) Hygge Hotel will be part of a cluster of six themed islands inspired by the culture and architecture of diverse European regions. The new concept comes to Dubai's World Islands via the Klendienst Group – the group behind the voco Monaco, Venice Hotel and Portofino Hotel – and is set to open in the first half of 2027. The hotel will be designed by HWKN Architecture DPC, a firm that uses specific AI-driven prompts and research to shape buildings. Hygge Hotel (Credit: Supplied) Josef Kleindienst, founder and chairman of Kleindienst Group, believes that the hotel will offer a happy escape for guests. He said: 'With Hygge Hotel, we are not just unveiling a new property, we are opening the doors to a home of happiness. Hygge Hotel (Credit: Supplied) 'This hotel is designed to offer guests a deep sense of comfort, calm, and connection. A sanctuary where joy lives in all the details. 'At Kleindienst Group, we believe true luxury is emotional and Hygge Hotel is where that emotion is embraced, nurtured, and brought to life through thoughtful, human-centred hospitality.' You might also like: UAE public holidays: Every long weekend to look forward to in 2025 The dates to know 22 pictures that show how much Dubai has changed from the 1950s to today Take a look at these unrecognisable photos of the city 112 best things to do in Dubai in 2025 Everything to tick off your Dubai bucket list
Web Release
03-07-2025
- Business
- Web Release
HYGGE HOTEL – A HOME OF HAPPINESS AT THE HEART OF EUROPE
Kleindienst Group today unveils the concept of Hygge Hotel, a new property set to open in H1 2027 as part of its visionary flagship destination, The Heart of Europe, on The World Islands. Taking its name from the Danish concept of hygge – a word that encapsulates the feeling of contentment, simplicity, and quiet joy – the hotel aims to create a home of happiness for guests to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters through experiences rooted in warmth, comfort and intentional design. With happiness as a lifestyle, every detail of the hotel with 96 rooms and four restaurants is carefully designed to encourage calm, connection, and well-being. From the soft textures and warm lighting to natural materials and intuitive service, the hotel is built to feel like home – no matter how far from home you are. The philosophy of hygge will be brought to life through every touchpoint of the guest experience: the design is warm and understated, with cosy corners, communal spaces, and intimate details that invite relaxation; meals are prepared with seasonal ingredients and served in a way that feels familiar and welcoming; and even wellness is approached with simplicity and care, through saunas, quiet rituals, and peaceful environments. Josef Kleindienst, Founder and Chairman of Kleindienst Group said: 'With Hygge Hotel, we are not just unveiling a new property, we are opening the doors to a home of happiness. This hotel is designed to offer guests a deep sense of comfort, calm, and connection. A sanctuary where joy lives in all the details. At Kleindienst Group, we believe true luxury is emotional and Hygge Hotel is where that emotion is embraced, nurtured, and brought to life through thoughtful, human-centred hospitality.' Matthias Hollwich, Founding Principal of HWKN Architecture commented: 'When developing the façade and interiors of Hygge Hotel, we were encouraged to approach the property as a distinct cultural story, viewing hospitality not just as a design, but as an emotional journey. As a German born and raised architect leading a New York City firm, we are perfectly positioned to bring European inspired design with New York ambitions to Dubai's place of vision. We focused on what the future of hospitality will look like and how to create experiences that exceed the expectation of travellers for years to come.' HWKN Architecture DPC, one of the most innovative firms globally, pioneers a new approach by merging AI with architecture. This process uses specific AI-driven prompts and research to shape buildings with contextual insight, programmatic intent, brand identity, and personality. For Hygge Hotel, it brings surprising experiences that push the boundaries of traditional design. Situated within The Heart of Europe, the Hygge Hotel becomes part of one of Dubai's most ambitious and visionary developments – a cluster of six themed islands inspired by the culture and architecture of diverse European regions. Designed to deliver immersive experiences rooted in innovation, sustainability, and European excellence, the destination now gains a new dimension with Hygge Hotel. It introduces a deeply personal and emotionally resonant layer, offering guests a haven of warmth and well-being within this iconic project. Sales of units will be officially launched during an exclusive event on 25th July 2025, and interested buyers can register their interest via The Heart of Europe website.
The Guardian
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
James Bond owners say name battle is ‘assault' on 007 franchise
The owners of James Bond have called the attempt by an Austrian businessman to take control of the superspy's name across Europe an 'unprecedented assault' on the multibillion-pound global franchise. In February, the Guardian revealed that a Dubai-based property developer had filed claims in the UK and EU arguing that lack of use meant various protections had lapsed around James Bond's intellectual property, including his name, his 007 assignation and the catchphrase 'Bond, James Bond'. Nearly all of the nine trademarks being challenged relate to the merchandising of goods and services under the Bond name, which can be challenged after five years of 'non-use'. Josef Kleindienst, an Austrian who is building a $5bn (£3.7bn) luxury resort complex called the Heart of Europe on six artificial islands off Dubai, has argued the trademarks have been commercially under-exploited. Lawyers representing Danjaq, the US-based company which controls the rights to worldwide James Bond merchandising in conjunction with the UK-based production company Eon, have hit back, aiming to vigorously defend the 007 franchise. 'James Bond is a trademark of the highest reputation in the EU,' said Rudolf Böckenholt at Boehmert & Boehmert, one of the largest intellectual property (IP) law firms in Europe, representing Danjaq. 'The trademarks are also licensed for numerous consumer products and merchandise products, ranging from very luxurious products to everyday products, as well as further services. These goods and the corresponding services are covered by a number of trademarks that have been challenged and attacked by the claimant Josef Kleindienst in an unprecedented assault.' It has also emerged that Kleindienst has extended his attempt to try to take control of the spy's various brands by also submitting his own trademark for James Bond in Europe. He has not, however, done the same in the UK. The European IP law firm Withers & Rogers said this is likely to be because the 'intention to use test' that applications are submitted to is more stringently applied by the UK's Intellectual Property Office than its continental equivalent the EU Intellectual Property Office. 'Danjaq would be more likely to object to the registration [in the UK] on the grounds of 'bad faith',' said Mark Caddle, a partner and trademark attorney at Withers & Rogers. Danjaq's lawyers are putting together evidence to prove the trademarks are still being commercialised, while at the same time arguing that Kleindienst's 'non-use' challenges 'represent abuse of process'. Kleindienst was approached for comment. 'The plot thickens,' Caddle said. 'Opting for an 'abuse of use' defence suggests that Danjaq could believe that the cancellation attempt is not legitimate, and specifically, that the challenger may not be intending to use the marks commercially. While it is impossible to say for sure what the challenger's motives are in this case, the James Bond trademark portfolio and its legacy value does make it an enticing target for opportunists, and further cancellation attempts can't be ruled out.' Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion Daniel Craig's last outing as 007, No Time to Die, was released in 2021 and with no announcement yet of his replacement or timeline for production of the next film, the franchise is on track to beat the previous longest gap between instalments of six years and four months. Danjaq also co-owns the copyright to the existing Bond films, along with MGM Studios, which was acquired by Amazon for $8.5bn in 2021. Days after the report of Kleindienst's legal challenges, it emerged that Amazon had paid more than $1bn to gain full 'creative control' of the franchise from Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, the longtime stewards of the Bond films. With creative control, Amazon now has the power to move forward with new films and potentially TV spin-offs, without approval from the two British-American heirs to the film producer Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli, who had overseen the integrity of the character originally created in 1953 by the author Ian Fleming. In March, Amazon confirmed that Amy Pascal and David Heyman would steer the next Bond film, although no release date or lead actor has yet been named. Pascal has experience with the Bond series in her previous position as Sony's chair of film, overseeing Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace and Skyfall. She also had producer credits on the latest Spider-Man series. Heyman is best known as the producer of the Harry Potter films as well as the Fantastic Beasts franchise and is now in pre-production on the much-anticipated HBO TV series adaptation of the stories. He is the second most commercially successful film producer of all time, with credits including Gravity, Paddington, Barbie, Wonka and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Gulf Business
12-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
‘If it doesn't exist, create it,' Josef Kleindienst on real estate innovation and AI-powered hospitality
Image: Supplied The Kleindienst Group prepares to mark 40 years in 2025. Spearheaded by a belief in building what doesn't yet exist, the company has reimagined what experiential tourism and climate-conscious living can look like through its flagship $6bn project, The Heart of Europe. In this interview, the group's founder and chairman, Josef Kleindienst, reflects on the concept of underwater living, launching AI-powered hospitality, regenerating coral ecosystems — and shaping a legacy that is enduring. As Kleindienst Group celebrates 40 years this year, how would you describe the company's evolution? We started with just two desks and one mindset: if it doesn't exist, create it. Four decades later, Kleindienst Group is Dubai's largest European real estate developer, with a team of more than 1,500 people working across hospitality, tourism, marine engineering, and real estate. From day one, our mission has been to deliver impact – through innovation, sustainability, and long-term vision. The Heart of Europe is the clearest expression of that ambition: a six-island destination built from the sea up to redefine what luxury hospitality tourism can look like. We were the first developer to successfully deliver a complex, multi-island destination on The World, Dubai – something that has never been done before. That meant solving unprecedented regulatory, engineering, and environmental challenges, often with no blueprint to follow. But we stayed the course. We engineered the seemingly impossible and brought it to life. Today, we've launched voco Monaco Dubai into a thriving destination attracting guests from around the world. We've delivered the luxurious Sweden Beach Palace and completed construction on the Nice Hotel. These aren't just milestones, they're a living expression of the Kleindienst vision: to create bold, experiential, innovative, and climate-positive communities that deliver world-class experiences. We didn't just develop a resort: we delivered a vision, and helped shape a future-forward model for experiential tourism in Dubai. The Heart of Europe is widely recognised for pioneering concepts like underwater living, climate-controlled streets, and car-free islands. How do you approach innovation, and what's next in redefining real estate and hospitality in Dubai? Innovation isn't just part of our process — it is the foundation of the process. We are driven by a single goal: to create world-class, immersive, and experiential destinations the world hasn't seen before, and make them real. That mindset has shaped The Heart of Europe into a $6bn destination defined by firsts; from underwater bedrooms to climate-controlled streets, soon to be launched Snow Plaza, and zero-car islands powered entirely by solar energy. These are not design flourishes; they are engineered experiences, built to challenge the limits of hospitality and fully immerse guests in something extraordinary. What's coming next is the region's first Buddha-Bar Hotel & Floating Villas, a flagship $817m luxury wellness destination that forms part of Honeymoon Island — a concept built around floating villas, coral-rich diving zones, and marine-inspired architecture. It's a key step in our strategy to lead the next era of restorative, experience-led tourism, aligned with Dubai's vision for innovation and sustainability. Sustainability is a core pillar of your development, from solar power to coral regeneration. How are you integrating environmental resilience into your business model, and what does sustainable premium living look like for the next decade? At But our most ambitious work is happening below the surface. Through the Coral Institute, we've restored over 100,000 coral fragments and built thriving artificial reefs around our islands — creating a self-sustaining marine ecosystem that protects biodiversity and enhances the underwater environment. These reefs are not just conservation tools — they're destinations in their own right. Guests can dive straight from their villas into living coral habitats, explore curated dive zones off Honeymoon Island, and witness marine life returning to areas that were once barren. It's a rare convergence of tourism and restoration, where guests don't just experience nature, they contribute to it. This is our model for the future: sustainable, high-performing destinations that offer unforgettable experiences while actively healing the environment. With AI rapidly transforming the real estate sector, how is the group leveraging technology to enhance operations and the customer journey – including the launch of Olivia, your AI-powered concierge? We're not just building real estate. We're building responsive, intelligent ecosystems. Olivia, our AI concierge, provides guests, brokers, media and investors with 24/7 real-time access to updates, insights, and on-demand support. But AI's role goes much deeper. Currently, it enables seamless customer engagement — ensuring every interaction is frictionless and personalised. Driven by steadfast commitment to innovation, we are advancing towards a future where AI is deeply integrated into our core processes. Moving forward, we plan to leverage AI to enhance project planning and the guest hospitality experience. What's your long-term vision for The Heart of Europe – and what advice would you offer to developers looking to balance ambition, impact, and innovation in today's market? Dubai's future is bold, and our job as developers is to help shape it. The long-term vision for The Heart of Europe is to become a destination in its own right: not just a place to stay, but the reason people travel. A hub of culture, innovation, and hospitality that brings the best of Europe to Dubai. Every phase is aligned with national strategy, including UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, Dubai's To other developers: don't build for now, build for what's next. The most successful projects won't be the biggest, but the ones that deliver legacy environmentally, economically, and culturally. If it doesn't contribute to the future, it's just construction.
