Latest news with #KleindienstGroup
Time Out Dubai
21-07-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
6 of Dubai's mega-projects that we can't wait for
The Dubai skyline is ever-changing, and it's always a treat to see what the city has in store for us next. Over the last few decades, Dubai has created some world-famous masterpieces, from the Burj Khalifa to Palm Jumeirah. But the best is yet to come – there are some mega projects in the pipeline that you definitely need to know about. Some are still in the planning stages, with others taking a little longer than expected, or changing into something even better. So without further ado, here are Dubai's uncompleted projects that we're seriously excited to see. Al Maktoum International Airport Plans for Al Maktoum International Airport (Credit: Dubai Media Office) First opening in 2010, there are plans to make Al Maktoum International Airport the largest capacity in the world. Beginning with cargo flights only, the first phase of the airport started humbly, but in 2024, the Dubai government confirmed the long-term goals of this major project. As part of the plans for the airport's expansion, Dubai South will become something of an aerotropolis with new neighbourhoods and residential developments in the pipeline. As for the airport itself, eventually it will have capacity for a whopping 260 million passengers annually. The interior of the planned new look for Al Maktoum International Airport (Credit: Dubai Media Office) Plans released in 2025 outline that there will be three key phases in developing the project, which is set to be five times the size of DXB. Eventually, the airport will be home to more than 400 aircraft gates, have five parallel runways, five passenger terminal buildings and an underground train system. Current indications suggest that we'll have to wait until 2050 for this project to be completed. You can find everything you need to know in our guide to Al Maktoum International Airport here. Dubai World Islands Dubai World Islands The Dubai World Islands is a pretty cool design. Who wouldn't want to take a trip to Europe that only takes 20 minutes from Dubai? Designed to look like a map of the world, the project first began in 2003, but work paused around 2008. Dormant for some time, the islands saw a surge of life in 2014 when the Kleindienst Group launched the Heart of Europe development. The Anantara World Islands resort then opened in December 2021, making it the first resort to do so on World Islands. The Raining Street can be found in the Heart of Europe (Credit: Supplied) Although not all the islands have been built on, you can visit the Raining Street in the voco Monaco Dubai Hotel. More projects are planned for World Islands, including a Danish-style hygge hotel, a Maldives-inspired Honeymoon Island and the Marbella Resort Hotel. All oozing in luxury, the destination is set to make for a fabulous stay-cay over the coming years. There looks set to be more developments at World Islands in the years to come. Palm Jebel Ali How Palm Jebel Ali should look once completed (Credit: Dubai Media Office) Construction paused on the project for more than 15 years following a break in 2008, which has left the island lying dormant for the better part of two decades. But, last year, it was announced that property developer Nakheel was coming back to the table to breathe new life into the white elephant. While the foundations have been laid, several practical infrastructure developments still need to be completed. The man-made island is twice the size of Palm Jumeirah, but there are no completed projects on it. However, in 2023, plans were revitalised by Nakheel to bring hotels and resorts, beach clubs and even a 'celebration village' to the islands. Futuristic buildings of the Gateway Bridge on Palm Jebel Ali plans The island spans 13.4 kilometres of land with 10.5 million square metres of development and 16 distinctive fronds offering a total of 110 kilometres of coastline and 91 kilometres of beachfront, which will eventually be home to 35,000 families. No specific date has been provided for when work can be expected to be completed, but some real estate developers have provided a handover date of 2027 for property on the island. The Island The Island (Credit: The Island was first announced in 2017, and is still yet to be completed, after originally being rumoured as a home for the first UAE casino. In 2023, it was confirmed that Ras Al Khaimah would instead be home to the UAE's first casino, but the Dubai Vegas-style island will still go ahead without the gaming. Now under construction, the island is being built out into the sea next to Jumeirah, and will boast three iconic hotels, the MGM, Bellagio and Aria. As well as views of the Burj Al Arab and an extended beachfront, guests and visitors will be able to enjoy cafes, restaurants, lagoons and even a huge in-house entertainment venue. An earnings call in April 2025 revealed that the MGM Island project should be completed by 2027. Six Senses Dubai Marina Credit: Select Group Announced in 2024 as the latest addition to Dubai Marina, the tower will be the world's tallest residential building upon completion. The first part of the skeleton structure has already been constructed, and design images of the project have shown the new building standing well above the likes of Marina 101 (425m) and Princess Tower (414m). Expected to have 122 floors and a series of 251 luxury apartments, the building will have a wellness theme, with a crystal sound healing room and a huge 25m lap pool. Credit: Select Group If you're lucky enough to call this place home, residents will benefit from amenities such as its Sleep With Six Senses bedrooms filled with everything wellness, including bespoke features like a wellness wardrobe (yes please) stocked with home fitness equipment and mood-enhancing sensory art. If you like reading this: Why you need to know about these skyscrapers coming soon to Dubai Construction for this one is expected to be completed by 2028. Therme Dubai Therme Dubai is set to be located near One Za'abeel (Credit: Diller Scofido + Renfro) Therme Dubai will feature a massive interactive park, the world's largest indoor botanical garden and three 18-metre waterfalls. The Dhs2 billion project will be built in Zabeel Park, one of the largest parks in Dubai, and is slated to open in 2028. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed described the Therme Dubai as 'an iconic addition to Dubai's skyline.' The project, designed to host 1.7 million visitors every year, will be set over a 500,000 square feet area and have a building height of 100 metres. In other Dubai news Al Karama to become car-free zone: Dubai's Super Block initiative explained And three other neighbourhoods will also get the same transformation Drive in Dubai? What you need to know about Salik (and how it could cost you) The toll gate rules have just been updated Here's what the colour of your Dubai taxi roof actually means There are seven colours and they all have different meanings
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.
Euronews
24-06-2025
- Business
- Euronews
James Bond in danger: Why is 007 under threat from a property tycoon?
He's gone up against nefarious and shadowy organisations, as well as cat-stroking megalomaniacs with plans for world domination. However, the world's most famous secret agent may have met his match with an Austrian property developer by the name of Josef Kleindienst. Indeed, the founder of the Kleindienst Group is challenging trademark registrations relating to the James Bond franchise, including '007' and the iconic expression 'Bond, James Bond'. Not even Blofeld would stoop so low... The property tycoon, who is building a $5bn luxury resort complex called the Heart of Europe on six artificial islands off Dubai, has filed claims in the UK and Europe to take control of the James Bond name, arguing that the trademarks have been commercially underexploited. For Kleindienst, the 'non-use' means that various protections around James Bond's intellectual property have expired. To be fair, what does one expect from a man whose name literally translates as "small service"? Under UK and European law, if a trademark is not commercially exploited for five years in the categories for which it is registered, it may be subject to revocation proceedings. James Bond owners Danjaq, the US company that controls the rights to sell James Bond merchandise worldwide in conjunction with UK production company Eon, say the legal battle launched by the property developer to get his hands on the James Bond trademarks is 'an unprecedented assault on the franchise,' reports The Guardian. Lawyers representing Danjaq are gathering evidence to prove that the trademarks are still being commercialised, arguing that Kleindienst's 'non-use' challenges represent "abuse of process'. And a lot is at stake... 'James Bond is a trademark of the highest reputation in the EU,' said Rudolf Böckenholt at Boehmert & Boehmert, one of the largest intellectual property 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.' The context makes this 'assault' delicate in the extreme. The last Bond film was in 2021 with Daniel Craig's swansong as 007 in No Time To Die. Since then, the franchise was acquired by Amazon for $8.5bn, with more than $1bn spent to get full 'creative control' of the series from longtime 007 stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson. While Amy Pascal and David Heyman have been announced as the producers of the next Bond film, no release date, director or lead actor has been confirmed. We reported last year that one candidate may have the edge over countless others and last month, an unlikely source may have confirmed it and let the vodka martini-swigging cat out of the bag. Still, no official announcement as to the identity of the new 007. The period of inactivity also means that the franchise is on track to beat the longest ever recorded gap between two instalments: six years and four months. Something of a godsend for any Blofelds-in-the-making wishing to argue that the brand has been 'commercially unexploited'. So, as fans wait for James Bond to finally return to the big screen, the superspy's greatest battle is shaping up to be a legal one.
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.
