Latest news with #urbanliving
Gulf Business
16 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Gulf Business
MAG Group's chairman on shaping sustainable, wellness-centric communities
Image: Supplied In a city known for mega-projects and high-profile real estate launches, Chairman Moafaq Ahmad Al Gaddah says it's a response to what today's buyers are actually looking for: green space, wellness, and integrated communities. Here, he discusses the long-term thinking behind the project, and how it ties into the UAE's evolving urban and investment priorities. Tell us about your long-term vision behind developing a private city in one of the fastest-growing areas of Dubai. Our vision is to create a next-generation city that redefines what urban living can and should be. We saw a rare opportunity to build a fully integrated private city that goes beyond traditional development. Keturah Ardh is designed to offer more than just homes or commercial space — it's a holistic environment that combines art, nature, and wellness to elevate the quality of life. The project also supports Dubai's ambition to be a global leader in innovative and sustainable urban development. How does the Keturah Ardh development align with Dubai's 2040 Urban Master Plan and the emirate's broader vision for sustainable urban growth? Keturah Ardh was designed in alignment with the key pillars of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, namely sustainability, enhanced quality of life, and smart land use. The development integrates green infrastructure, walkable spaces, and environmentally responsible design. With over 100,000 trees and a clear focus on sustainable urban growth, Keturah Ardh not only supports but also amplifies the emirate's broader vision for long-term, people-centric, and climate-resilient development. The concept of 'Life-Scaping' is central to the project's design philosophy. Can you elaborate on how this approach will transform the living experience for future residents? 'Life-Scaping' is a core philosophy of Keturah Ardh. It means designing spaces where nature is not an afterthought, but a foundational element of the built environment. By integrating mature trees, natural materials, and biophilic design throughout the project, we're creating a living ecosystem that enhances physical and emotional wellbeing. Residents will experience improved air quality, increased access to green space, and a stronger sense of connection to their surroundings. It's a complete shift from conventional development toward a lifestyle that prioritises wellness and community. What measures are being taken to ensure Keturah Ardh meets global sustainability standards, and how do certifications like LEED ND and WELL Building Standard factor into the project's long-term impact? Sustainability is embedded into every layer of Keturah Ardh. We are actively pursuing LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED ND) and WELL Building Standard certifications to ensure the project meets the highest international benchmarks. These certifications address both environmental impact and human health, covering everything from energy efficiency and water conservation to air quality and wellness features. Our goal is not just to meet the standards but to set new ones for sustainable luxury living in the region. With growing demand from both regional and international investors, how is the UAE positioning itself as a long-term destination for high-end real estate investment? Under the visionary leadership of the wise leadership, the UAE has made significant strides in positioning itself as a premier destination for high-end real estate investment. Forward-thinking policies, such as long-term golden visas, full foreign ownership rights, and robust regulatory framework, are the result of a leadership that prioritises economic diversification, innovation, and global competitiveness. Dubai, in particular, has emerged as a beacon for international investors, thanks to the continued guidance of Dubai's leadership. The emirate's stability, world-class infrastructure, and unmatched lifestyle offerings make it a natural choice for long-term, high-value investment. How are changing buyer preferences, particularly around wellness, sustainability, and integrated communities, shaping future development strategies in the UAE? Today's buyers are more discerning than ever. They are no longer just looking for property, they are seeking environments that support their health, reflect their values, and foster meaningful connections. Wellness, sustainability, and a strong sense of community have become essential, not optional. This shift is deeply aligned with the forward-looking vision of the UAE's leadership, where the country has made remarkable progress in prioritizing human-centric urban planning and sustainable growth. These national priorities are now being translated into real, measurable expectations from a new generation of homeowners and global investors. We view this evolution not as a trend, but as a defining force that shapes the future of real estate. Developments like Keturah Ardh are thoughtfully designed to meet these expectations, placing wellness, biophilic design, and social connectivity at the center of the living experience. It's about contributing to a larger national vision where people, nature, and long-term well-being are seamlessly integrated into every layer of urban life. In your view, what are the key economic or regulatory trends currently influencing the UAE's real estate sector, and how is MAG Group adapting to stay ahead? Several key factors are shaping the sector such as the UAE's evolving visa and ownership laws, and a strong push for sustainability. We are aligning with these trends by partnering with global leaders, like CITIC Limited, and by investing in smart, sustainable developments. We've secured all regulatory approvals for Keturah Ardh from bodies such as DDA, DEWA, and RTA, ensuring a smooth path forward. Our approach is proactive, future-focused, and grounded in creating long-term value for residents and investors alike. Read:
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
Is our mental health determined by where we live?
By Matthew Hobbs Chris G. Sibley Elena Moltchanova Taciano L. Milfont of Where we live and how many times we move is directly linked to our mental health, research shows. Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER Ever felt like where you live is having an impact on your mental health? Turns out, you're not imagining things. Our new analysis of eight years of data from the New Zealand Attitude and Values Study found how often we move and where we live are intertwined with our mental health. In some respects, this finding might seem obvious. Does a person feel the same living in a walkable and leafy suburb with parks and stable neighbours as they would in a more transient neighbourhood with few local services and busy highways? Probably not. The built and natural environment shapes how safe, supported and settled a person feels. We wanted to know to what extent a person's mental health is shaped by where they live - and to what degree a person's mental health determines where they end up living. Most research on the environmental influences on mental health gives us a snapshot of people's lives at a single point in time. That's useful, but it doesn't show how things change over time or how the past may affect the future. Our study took a slightly different approach. By tracking the same people year after year, we looked at patterns over time: how their mental health shifted, whether they moved house, their access to positive and negative environmental features, and how the areas they lived in changed when it came to factors such as poverty, unemployment and overcrowding. We also looked at things like age, body size and how much people exercised, all of which can influence mental health, too. To make sense of such complex and interconnected data, we turned to modern machine learning tools - in particular Random Forest algorithms . These tools allowed us to build a lot of individual models (trees) looking at how various factors affect mental health. We could then see which factors come up most often to evaluate both their relative importance and the likely extent of their influence. We also ran Monte Carlo simulations . Think of these like a high-tech crystal ball, to explore what might happen to mental health over time if neighbourhood conditions improved. These simulations produced multiple future scenarios with better neighbourhood conditions, used Random Forest to forecast mental health outcomes in each, and then averaged the results. What we uncovered was a potential negative feedback loop. People who had depression or anxiety were more likely to move house, and those who moved were, on average, more likely to experience worsening mental health later on. And there's more. People with persistent mental health issues weren't just moving more often, they were also more likely to move into a more deprived area. In other words, poorer mental health was related to a higher likelihood of ending up in places where resources were scarcer and the risk of ongoing stress was potentially higher. Our study was unable to say why the moves occurred, but it may be that mental health challenges were related to unstable housing, financial strain, or the need for a fresh start. Our future research will try to unpick some of this. On the flip side, people who didn't relocate as often, especially those in lower-deprivation areas, tended to have better long-term mental health. So, stability matters. So does the neighbourhood. These findings challenge the idea that mental health is just about what's inside us. Where we live plays a key role in shaping how we feel. But it's not just that our environment affects our minds. Our minds can also steer us into different environments, too. Our study shows that mental health and place are potentially locked in a feedback loop. One influences the other and the cycle can either support wellbeing or drive decline. That has real implications for how we support people with mental health challenges. In this study, if a person was already struggling, they were more likely to move and more likely to end up somewhere that made life harder. This isn't just about individual choice. It's about the systems we've built, housing markets, income inequality, access to care and more. If we want better mental health at a population level, we need to think beyond the individual level. We need to think about place. Because in the end, mental health doesn't just live in the mind; it's also rooted in the places we live. * This story was originally published on The Conversation .
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Avenew launches 217-unit Dubai South residential project
UAE - Avenew Development has announced the launch of Modo, the first phase of its over AED1.3 billion ($354 million) flagship project, Avenew 888, located in the rapidly expanding Dubai South residential district. This groundbreaking project represents a new era of urban living in Dubai South, creating a place where residents can truly live, grow, and feel at home, said the developer. A dynamic neighborhood, Avenew 888 integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, offering a prime location for those seeking a modern way of living. Spread across five architecturally distinct buildings, it offers a dynamic blend of wellbeing, connection and modern elegance. Unveiling the new phase, Avenew Development said Modo will comprise 217 units, including stylish one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as two- and three-bedroom duplexes. These refined living spaces blend comfort with modern sophistication, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that flood interiors with natural light and spacious balconies with panoramic views, it stated. With the launch of Modo, Avenew sets the tone for a new generation of living where thoughtfully designed residences, expansive green spaces, and vibrant communal areas come together to create a truly integrated lifestyle experience. Speaking on the occasion, Rasha Hassan, Managing Partner of Avenew Development, said: "Avenew 888 reflects our commitment to crafting forward-thinking communities that put people and wellness at the heart of design." "Through innovative design, premium amenities, and a focus on connection and wellbeing, we're setting new standards for what modern urban living should be. Modo marks the beginning of a transformative journey that will reshape how people experience home in Dubai South," stated Hassan. The project offers residents a private space to engage in endless activities, blending tranquility with dynamic living. Its amenities include: ●Wellness and recreation: Indoor and outdoor gyms, half basketball court, ping pong table, and two large adult pools with comfortable seating areas ●Family-friendly spaces: Dedicated children's pool, kids' play areas, and safe recreational zones ●Community living: BBQ zones, amphitheatre, social hubs, and winding paths through carefully crafted green landscapes ●Pet-friendly environment: Dedicated dog park with spacious, well-maintained zones for play and exercise and ●Commercial convenience: Curated selection of retail stores and services seamlessly integrated throughout the complex. "With prices starting at AED800,000, Avenew 888 offers exceptional value. The community will unfold in three thoughtfully planned phases, with Modo laying the foundation for a lifestyle that's connected, inspiring, and future-focused," stated Hassan. "The remaining two phases will be unveiled soon, each building upon the vision introduced in this debut release," she added. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Our family of 4 shares a 900-square-foot apartment. The benefits outweigh the negatives.
I thought I would be raising my kids in a suburban house with a backyard. Instead, our family of four lives in a one-bedroom apartment with a study in an urban area. Living in an apartment was hard when our kids were babies, but now it's working for us. I never imagined I would be raising my kids in a 900-square-foot apartment. My husband and I had planned to move to a house in the suburbs just before our first baby was born. But then the pandemic struck, and real estate prices went up. Five years later, we still live in the same apartment, and now there are four of us. For a while, I felt inadequate about our living situation because we didn't live in a house with a backyard for our kids to run around and play in. Now I've realized that there are benefits to living in an urban apartment for our family, especially once the baby phase was behind us. There were things I really didn't like about living in an apartment when my kids were babies. For starters, it was hard to find room for all of the baby stuff. Some baby items just wouldn't fit neatly anywhere, such as the double stroller and the travel crib. It also seemed like the noises were amplified in our apartment, so our babies' cries felt louder than they really were. I was constantly worried that we were disturbing our neighbors' sleep. With only one bedroom and a study, I felt frustrated because I couldn't take a proper break from the demands of motherhood unless I left the apartment. That push to get out of the apartment for more space hasn't been all bad, though. It has led to more socializing with other families who live in our neighborhood. Our family spends a lot of time at the local parks, playgrounds, and playgroups. In doing so, we've connected with many other families, who have become our broader support network. Meeting other families who live in apartments has also helped to normalize our own living situation. It shows me that there's nothing wrong with raising kids in an apartment. With nearly everything we need at our doorstep, walking everywhere keeps us active and allows us to live an almost car-free lifestyle. We hardly ever have to wrestle our kids into car seats, worry about parking a car, or fill up the gas tank. When we don't even want to leave our apartment building, we use the shared communal space, which is equipped with a landscaped garden and grassy lawn—kind of like having a backyard. We work together to keep our apartment organized and functional, and try to limit how much stuff we own. We gift each other experiences and prefer to borrow toys and books instead of buying them. The smaller space strengthens our family's bond and fosters many shared experiences with each other. We intentionally gather together to do things as a family, yet we also feel comfortable doing independent activities side-by-side. While things didn't turn out quite as I had expected, I think we're making the most of our living situation. Read the original article on Business Insider
Zawya
15-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
AVENEW Development launches first phase of AVENEW 888 – MODO, valued at over AED 1.3bln
Dubai, UAE – AVENEW Development announced the launch of MODO, the first phase of its over AED 1.3 billion flagship project, AVENEW 888. This groundbreaking project represents a new era of urban living in Dubai South, creating a place where residents can truly live, grow, and feel at home. AVENEW 888 is where every detail celebrates harmony, wellbeing, connection, and security. This visionary development embodies a lasting vitality that redefines urban living in one of Dubai's most promising strategically developing districts. Located in the rapidly expanding Dubai South residential district – one of the city's largest and most promising development zones – AVENEW 888 enjoys an enviable position just minutes from Al Maktoum International Airport, a major hub driving the area's expansion. This dynamic neighborhood integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, offering a prime location for those seeking a modern way of living. Dubai South is anchored around the airport and features large-scale city projects, including a 70-meter-wide main road running from east to west with a central light rail train system designed and a dedicated metro station designed to connect the entire district seamlessly. Spread across five architecturally distinct buildings, AVENEW 888 offers a dynamic blend of wellbeing, connection, and modern elegance. With the launch of MODO, AVENEW sets the tone for a new generation of living where thoughtfully designed residences, expansive green spaces, and vibrant communal areas come together to create a truly integrated lifestyle experience. MODO will consist of 217 units, including stylish 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments, as well as 2 and 3-bedroom duplexes. These refined living spaces blend comfort with modern sophistication, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that flood interiors with natural light and spacious balconies with panoramic views. The project offers residents a private space to engage in endless activities, blending tranquility with dynamic living. Amenities include: Wellness & Recreation: Indoor and outdoor gyms, half basketball court, ping pong table, and two large adult pools with comfortable seating areas Family-Friendly Spaces: Dedicated children's pool, kids' play areas, and safe recreational zones Community Living: BBQ zones, amphitheatre, social hubs, and winding paths through carefully crafted green landscapes Pet-Friendly Environment: Dedicated dog park with spacious, well-maintained zones for play and exercise Commercial Convenience: Curated selection of retail stores and services seamlessly integrated throughout the complex "AVENEW 888 reflects our commitment to crafting forward-thinking communities that put people and wellness at the heart of design," said Rasha Hassan, Managing Partner of AVENEW Development. "Through innovative design, premium amenities, and a focus on connection and wellbeing, we're setting new standards for what modern urban living should be. MODO marks the beginning of a transformative journey that will reshape how people experience home in Dubai South." With prices starting at AED 800,000, AVENEW 888 offers exceptional value. The community will unfold in three thoughtfully planned phases, with MODO laying the foundation for a lifestyle that's connected, inspiring, and future-focused. The remaining two phases will be unveiled soon, each building upon the vision introduced in this debut release. About AVENEW Development Avenew Development is more than real estate—it's about curating a lifestyle where comfort and finesse live together in harmony to create timeless memories. Founded and born in Dubai in 2024, Avenew was co-founded by Rasha Hassan with a vision to craft homes that elevate everyday living. We believe a home is more than just a space—it's where life's finest moments unfold. That's why we design with intention, creating refined, high-end communities where luxury feels effortless and every detail enhances the way people live, connect, and unwind. At Avenew, we shape more than residences; we create experiences. Our developments are a seamless blend of sophistication and warmth, ensuring that every home isn't just lived in —it's cherished. With a deep commitment to redefining modern comfort, Avenew is setting new standards for inspired living in Dubai—one exceptional home at a time.
