Dopamine Design: A Couple Lists Their 1950s ‘Happy House’ in Palm Springs Ahead of Modernism Week

The Modern Buildings Summit, taking place on 14–15 October 2026 at Dusit Thani, Dubai, will bring together professionals, innovators and decision-makers shaping the future of the built environment across the GCC.

The summit will examine how buildings can become smarter, more sustainable, efficient and resilient, with discussions covering green building strategies, low-carbon development, energy efficiency, sustainable materials, water management and technologies that support the transition towards net-zero buildings.

The programme will explore the practical application of smart building technologies, AI, digital twins, building automation, HVAC efficiency, lighting, façades, solar technology, EV charging, security and advanced construction solutions. Sessions will also address the modernization of existing buildings through retrofitting, adaptive reuse and improvements that can extend building life while reducing energy use and environmental impact.

Sustainability will remain a key focus throughout the summit, with discussions on net-zero buildings, water reuse, sustainable construction materials, carbon-positive assets and resource-efficient building operations. The event will also look at how technology and better design can improve performance while supporting long-term environmental and operational goals.

The summit will bring together developers, building owners and operators, architects, designers, consultants, MEP contractors, facility managers, government representatives, sustainability professionals, engineers, procurement teams and technology providers, creating a platform for knowledge exchange, industry connections and new business opportunities.

14–15 October 2026 | Dusit Thani, Dubai, UAE

NEAT Development has entered Egypt’s real estate market as a new brand under an investment group operating in real estate development and contracting, with plans to develop four projects with targeted investments of around EGP 10bn.

The company is backed by six founders and partners with more than 13 years of experience in developing and executing real estate projects.

NEAT plans to launch three of its projects in November, followed by a fourth project in January.

The company’s strategy focuses on self-financing land acquisitions and starting excavation and construction before launching units for sale, allowing it to establish construction progress ahead of commercial launches.

Mahmoud Tolba, CEO of NEAT Development, said the company is initially focusing on Sheikh Zayed and 6th of October, with plans to expand into East Cairo.

He said the founders have participated in developing and delivering more than 25 projects comprising over 2,000 residential, commercial, medical, and administrative units, with previous sales exceeding EGP 10bn.

NEAT’s project pipeline includes Business Lab, a commercial and administrative development near Gezira Sporting Club, with investments of about EGP 1.6bn. The project covers 3,500 square metres and has a built-up area of 10,000 square metres, with excavation and construction already underway.

The company is also preparing a villa-only residential project in Sheikh Zayed’s Green Belt, with investments of nearly EGP 1bn on a 14,000-square-metre plot.

Another project, El Nozha, is located opposite Al Ahly Sporting Club in Sheikh Zayed and will combine hospitality, commercial, and residential uses. The project will be developed on 3.5 feddans, with investments of around EGP 3bn, including 80 hotel rooms and 130 residential units.

The fourth project, located opposite Sheikh Zayed Specialized Hospital, will combine medical and commercial uses, with investments approaching EGP 2bn.

Tolba said NEAT aims to complete and deliver its projects within 24-30 months of land acquisition, with construction and sales activities proceeding in parallel.

The company is working with Hafez Consultants, Azure Planning and Architecture, and SEGMENTS Architects, while Gateway Financial Services has been appointed as its financial and investment adviser.

A growing number of major UAE property groups are turning their attention to Australia, with BNW Developments the latest to establish a local presence.

BNW has officially opened a Sydney office after hosting more than 300 investors, property professionals, wealth advisers and industry figures at its launch event.

The new office will give Australian buyers local access to BNW’s portfolio of residential and hospitality-led developments in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. Its projects include branded residences and waterfront developments combining private homes with hospitality, dining, leisure and tourism facilities.

BNW has an AED32 billion development pipeline, equivalent to approximately $12 billion, spanning projects in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. Its portfolio includes developments associated with Tonino Lamborghini, Radisson Blu and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

Among them is Tonino Lamborghini Residences in Ras Al Khaimah. BNW is also active on Al Marjan Island, the waterfront destination where the Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort is under development.

The developer recently announced Dolce Residences in partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Billed as the world’s first residences carrying the Dolce name, the boutique Al Marjan Island project is planned to include 93 premium residences and five retail tenancies.

BNW Developments chairman and founder Dr Ankur Aggarwal said attendance at the Sydney launch indicated that Australians were increasingly interested in the UAE as both a property and lifestyle destination.

“The response to the opening of our Sydney office has been extremely encouraging,” he said.

“Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah offer a very different lifestyle proposition to Australia, from waterfront living and luxury hospitality to world-class dining, entertainment and tourism.”

Dr Aggarwal said the Sydney office would allow buyers to examine BNW’s portfolio locally and work with a team familiar with the Australian market.

The move comes as Australia attracts increasing interest from UAE-based developers seeking opportunities beyond their home market.

Arada entered Australia in 2024, initially announcing a $2.5 billion Sydney pipeline expected to deliver more than 2,500 homes. Its Australian plans have since expanded to eight projects comprising more than 5,000 homes, including a recently announced twin-tower development at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast.

The company has also acquired the NSW arm of tier-one contractor Roberts Co, giving it greater control over construction and delivery as it builds its Australian business. Globally, Arada says its portfolio of existing and future developments across the UAE, Australia and the United Kingdom is valued at AED130 billion.

Dubai-headquartered Sobha Realty is also laying the foundations for a substantial Australian presence. The developer has established local operations and acquired sites in Sydney and Queensland, describing its entry as a long-term commitment to the market.

Sobha has expressed interest in opportunities across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, while its Australian website says new projects will be announced shortly. The expansion follows AED30 billion in global sales during 2025 and forms part of a wider international growth strategy encompassing Australia and the United States.

BNW’s Sydney opening reflects both the international ambitions of UAE developers and growing Australian awareness of the Emirates’ property market.

While the UAE and Australian markets differ considerably, the arrival of BNW, Arada and Sobha points to a broader exchange of capital, expertise and buyers between the two countries. For Australians considering offshore property, the opening of local offices may also make it easier to assess projects, understand the purchasing process and undertake appropriate due diligence before committing.

The Sultanate of Oman is set to deliver 700 new hotel rooms between now and the end of 2026, taking total inventory to 40,800 keys, according to leading real estate advisory and hospitality property consultancy Cavendish Maxwell.

Oman opened 400 new rooms in H1 2026 – all in Q1 – amid reduced hospitality sector activity as regional travel disruptions affected international connectivity and tourism trade.

The Khareef and winter travel seasons will be key drivers in the country’s H2 hospitality performance, the company said.

Oman welcomed 992,000 guests at 3-5 star hotels in H1, down 13 per cent on the same period last year. Airport passenger traffic declined 9.3 per cent to 6.3 million, according to Cavendish Maxwell’s latest research, released in the run up to the 2026 edition of Future Hospitality Summit World.

Khalil al Zadjali, Head of Oman at Cavendish Maxwell, said: “Oman’s hospitality sector entered H2 in a challenging environment. While the outlook remains sensitive to prevailing travel conditions, the July to December period typically accounts for a significant share of tourism activity, contributing 52 per cent in hotel revenue and guest volumes last year.

“The recent Khareef season – Salalah’s peak tourism period – coupled with the upcoming winter months will indicate how effectively seasonal demand supports the wider market following the H1 disruption, which was most pronounced in the second quarter. Government and tourism sector initiatives – such as international promotions and partnerships with airlines and travel trade partners – should also help strengthen demand.”

REVENUES AND ROOM RATES

Oman’s 3-5 star hotels generated RO 124.2 million (US$322.7 million) in total revenue in H1, down around 12 per cent against H1 2025. Revenue growth was strong at the beginning of the year, increasing nearly 27 per cent year-on-year in January and almost 9 per cent in February, before declining from March. Following the sharpest contraction in April, when revenues fell 64.5 per cent compared to the previous April, the pace of decline moderated in May and June, at around 28 per cent and 15.5 per cent respectively.

Room revenue was down 11 per cent to RO74 million (US$192 million), with other revenue declining by 13 per cent to RO 50.2 million. The decline in ‘other’ revenue is partly because domestic and regional travellers typically spend less per stay than long-haul visitors, Cavendish Maxwell said.

Average room rates (ARR) followed a similar pattern, with a robust start to the year before weakening in Q2. ARR was up nearly 19 per cent year-on-year in January at RO 58.3, and more than 20 per cent in February to almost RO 61. March was on a par with March 2025.

The sharpest ARR decline (around 43 per cent) came in April but, by May, it had partially recovered, increasing more than 8 per cent year-on-year to RO 43.7 (US$113.6) as Eid Al Adha boosted travel demand.

Occupancy rates across Oman averaged 46.3 per cent in H1, down more than half compared to the same period last year. Again, performance was impressive in January and February, with occupancy around 70 per cent, before dropping from March. The decline was most acute in Q2 as regional tensions weighed in on international travel and, while domestic visitors provided some support, it was not enough to compensate for the overall decline in visitors.

After a January year-on-year increase of 7.3 per cent in guests, volumes declined monthly, reflecting air disruption across the Gulf. The steepest drop was in April (43 per cent), but performance picked up again in May, when the decline narrowed to 2.6 per cent as conditions normalised and Eid Al Adha supported travel demand.

Omani nationals represented the biggest source market in H1, with 396,000 guests accounting for almost 40 per cent of all visitors – a rise of 3.1 per cent on the same period last year. Europeans (247,000) took second place, at 25 per cent, but their numbers were down 31 per cent compared to last year. With 163,000 visitors, Asians made up 16 per cent, with a marginal year-on-year increase of 0.6 per cent.

Most other source markets saw lower year-on-year guest volumes, with the GCC down 17 per cent, other Arab countries down 15 per cent, the Americas down 22 per cent, Africa 10 per cent and Oceania 61 per cent.

After delivering 400 new rooms in H1 – all between January and March – Oman is set to bring another 700 to the market by December 2026. A further 1,500 are scheduled in 2027 and 1,600 in 2028, taking total Oman room inventory to 43,900 by end of 2028.

Delivering Saudi Arabia’s next generation of giga and mega projects will require more than ambitious targets. As the Kingdom moves from vision into increasingly complex stages of execution, the strength of the organizations, people and systems responsible for bringing these developments to life will be critical to achieving consistent, high-quality outcomes.

This will be a key focus at Saudi Mega Projects 2026, taking place from September 28–30 in Riyadh. Organized by MEED under the theme “Turning Vision into Value,” the three-day conference will bring together senior leaders from government, development, construction, investment and the wider project ecosystem to examine the priorities shaping Saudi Arabia’s next phase of growth. The program will address areas including investment, procurement, project execution, infrastructure and technology, alongside the wider requirements for supporting the Kingdom’s ambitious development program.

As part of the conference’s Contractors Leadership Forum, Mr. Mohamed Amer, Managing Director, International Code Council (ICC) – MENA, will participate in the ‘Building Contractor Excellence for Saudi Arabia’s Next Phase of Growth’ panel on September 29 at 2:00 PM. The discussion will look at how contractors can respond to evolving expectations from project owners while strengthening the leadership, workforce and operational foundations needed to deliver increasingly demanding projects.

For Amer, the conversation is ultimately about strengthening the sector beyond individual projects and building the conditions for sustained performance.

“The next phase of Saudi Arabia’s development will place even greater expectations on the organizations responsible for delivering these projects,” said Amer. “Contractor excellence is not only about the ability to deliver at speed, but also about building the leadership, workforce capabilities, processes and partnerships that support consistent quality and performance. As the Kingdom’s project pipeline continues to evolve, strengthening these foundations will be critical to creating a contracting sector that is equipped for the opportunities ahead.”

The discussion will further look at how a more resilient and competitive contracting sector can support Saudi Arabia’s long-term development ambitions. This includes strengthening workforce capability, encouraging operational excellence and creating greater consistency across project delivery, priorities that extend beyond individual developments to the overall maturity of the construction market.

For ICC, participation in the forum provides an opportunity to contribute to the wider conversation around the practices and conditions that support effective project delivery, while bringing together perspectives from across the construction ecosystem.

As Saudi Arabia enters a critical stage of its Vision 2030 program, attention is increasingly turning from the scale of the opportunity to the capabilities required to realize it. Saudi Mega Projects 2026 will provide a platform for industry leaders to examine these priorities and consider how the Kingdom’s construction sector can continue to strengthen in preparation for the years ahead.

For years, tech entrepreneur Asher Waldfogel and his wife, Helyn MacLean, dreamed of building a modern house in Palo Alto, Calif.

The couple, however, worried about clashing with the Mediterranean-style architecture typically associated with their neighborhood of Old Palo Alto.

So they tapped architect Steven Ehrlich to create a design that paid homage to its surroundings with stucco, mahogany and titanium zinc cladding. They spent $20 million over several years building the house, completed in 2005.

Now looking to be closer to their adult daughter on the East Coast, they are putting the five-bedroom home on the market for $44 million—the most expensive listing in Palo Alto.

Waldfogel is an angel investor who co-founded Redback Networks, a telecommunications-equipment company. MacLean previously had a career in fundraising.

The couple purchased the roughly 0.4-acre site for $7.1 million in 2000 and demolished a circa-1930s Spanish Colonial home. The house they built pinwheels around a central staircase. It has 7,900 square feet of livable space, with four distinct courtyards and a pool.

A key feature of the home is a cast-in-place concrete wall, or spine, that is two stories high and about 80 feet long. “There’s a little bit of controlled chaos in what comes out of the form,” unlike a perfectly uniform surface, Waldfogel said. “If you want that, you do it in plastic.”

Waldfogel said he and his wife are thinking about the next phase of life now that their daughter is grown, although they have not decided where they will move. They also have a home in Sun Valley, Idaho.

“Right now we’re just trying to emotionally let go and decide what to do next,” he said.

Palo Alto, an epicenter of venture capital and tech startups in Silicon Valley, is home to some of the country’s biggest tech titans. Sales volume and prices are rising, with a median sale price of $3.5 million for the three months ending in August, up 5.8% year-over-year, according to real-estate brokerage Redfin.

Arthur Sharif of Sotheby’s International Realty—San Francisco Brokerage has the listing.

Ras Al Khaimah’s property market continued to attract investment during the first half of 2026, supported by demand for residential and tourism-related assets and a growing pipeline of major developments, according to research by global real estate industry expert CBRE.

The emirate has continued to attract capital and new businesses despite a more challenging regional economic backdrop, with developers advancing a number of large-scale residential, hospitality and infrastructure projects, CBRE said in its latest report on the market.

The broader UAE economy has faced increased pressure in 2026 amid disruptions to trade, tourism and economic activity linked to the regional conflict. GDP is forecast to contract by about 1.5% this year, according to the report.

The economy had nevertheless been supported by domestic demand and trade activity. Non-oil trade reached AED1.93 trillion ($526 billion) in the first half of 2026, up 13.1% from a year earlier, while the purchasing managers’ index rose to 55.3 in August, indicating continued expansion in the non-oil economy.

In Ras Al Khaimah, the chamber of commerce recorded AED771.5 million in new investment capital across 967 newly registered establishments during the first half of the year. The new businesses attracted 1,399 investors from 68 nationalities and are expected to create 2,449 jobs, the report said.

Apartment sale prices rose about 18% year-on-year in the first half to 2,298 dirhams per square foot, while villa prices increased 7.3%, CBRE said.

Price growth was strongest in established waterfront communities. Apartment values on Al Marjan Island rose 23.1% from a year earlier, while values in Al Hamra increased 14.7%.

In the ready-property market, apartment and villa values increased 11% and 10%, respectively, over the same period.

CBRE said pricing and absorption had moderated since the end of February, although year-on-year growth remained positive.

The market also recorded several high-value residential transactions during the period. A Sky Palace at Waldorf Astoria Residences sold for $35.4 million, making it the highest-value residential transaction recorded in Ras Al Khaimah, according to CBRE. A penthouse in the same development sold for $15 million, while a Sky Mansion at Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences changed hands for $34.7 million.

According to CBRE, the apartment rents rose 14.3% year-on-year, led by gains in Mina Al Arab and Al Marjan Island, the report said.

More than 34,000 residential units are expected to be delivered in the emirate between 2026 and 2030, including about 10,000 branded residences, according to CBRE.

Projects announced during the first half included The Strand and Lunara by RAK Properties, the 25 billion dirham Evermore masterplan by Beyond Developments and Karl Lagerfeld Beach Residences on Al Marjan Island.

Ras Al Khaimah recorded a record 670,400 hotel visitors in the first half, up 2.7% from a year earlier, driven in part by higher domestic and Gulf visitor numbers, which both increased 47%, CBRE said.

Hotel operating performance was weaker, however. Average occupancy stood at 49%, while revenue per available room, or RevPAR, fell 28.6% year-on-year to 348 dirhams.

Average daily rates rose 5.2% to 705.6 dirhams per room per night, indicating continued pricing strength despite lower occupancy, the report said.

Hotels generated more than 606 million dirhams in revenue during the first six months, including 385 million dirhams in room revenue and 192 million dirhams from food and beverage operations.

Ras Al Khaimah currently has about 9,000 operational hotel rooms across 60 hotels, with a further 8,500 rooms planned between 2027 and 2030, according to CBRE. More than 80% of the planned supply is in the five-star category, while nearly two-thirds is expected to be located on Al Marjan Island.

The emirate is also investing in transport and tourism infrastructure, including an expansion of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and improvements to its mobility network.

The $5.1 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort is expected to open in September 2027, the report said.

Matthew Green, Head of Research at CBRE Mena, said: “The pace of change we are witnessing in Ras Al Khaimah continues to impress. Despite a more challenging regional backdrop, investor interest in the emirate remains evident, supported by a growing pipeline of high-profile development and infrastructure projects.”

“While we are beginning to see a moderation in some performance indicators including absorption levels and sales pricing following an exceptional period of growth, overall activity levels remain positive,” stated Green.

“With major hospitality, residential and tourism projects continuing to progress, Ras Al Khaimah is well positioned to strengthen its role as one of the UAE’s most compelling investment and lifestyle destinations in the coming years,” he added.

Sharjah is set to receive one of its largest new residential communities, with Azizi Developments unveiling plans for a US$8.1 billion master-planned precinct containing more than 10,000 homes.

Named Azizi Florence, the freehold development will comprise 1,130 villas, more than 6,000 townhouses and 3,500 apartments. Three-bedroom townhouses will start from US$515,000, with an indicative rate of US$231 per square foot of saleable space.

The project marks the Dubai-based developer’s first move into Sharjah, expanding a portfolio that includes the planned Burj Azizi skyscraper and the Azizi Venice community in Dubai.

A park at the heart of the community

Rather than treating landscaping as an afterthought, Azizi Florence will be organised around a 1.7 million sq ft central park.

The wider precinct is planned as a self-contained neighbourhood combining homes with retail, hospitality, education, leisure and wellness facilities.

Six residential clusters will sit within the development, each with its own park, clubhouse, community centre and landscaped gardens. The approach reflects a broader shift across large Middle Eastern developments, where greenery, recreation and everyday convenience are increasingly central to the residential proposition.

The scale of Azizi Florence suggests it is intended to function as a neighbourhood rather than a collection of housing estates. Its mix of housing types should also give the project broader appeal, accommodating apartment buyers alongside families seeking townhouses or standalone villas.

Azizi expands beyond Dubai

Azizi Developments has delivered more than 45,000 homes to buyers from over 100 countries and says it has approximately 150,000 units under construction.

Much of its growth has been concentrated in Dubai, where its portfolio extends across Palm Jumeirah, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Dubai South, Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown Jebel Ali.

Its most prominent current project is Burj Azizi, which is intended to become the world’s second-tallest building. Azizi Florence represents a different type of undertaking: a low-rise, family-oriented community built around public space and daily amenity.

For company founder and chairman Mirwais Azizi, the Sharjah project also carries a personal connection. The emirate was his first home in the UAE more than three decades ago, adding a symbolic dimension to the developer’s expansion.

Sharjah’s residential ambitions grow

Although Dubai and Abu Dhabi have traditionally captured much of the international attention directed at the UAE property market, Sharjah has been steadily broadening its residential offering.

Large freehold communities such as Azizi Florence have the potential to attract both local families and international purchasers looking for comparatively accessible entry points into the Emirates’ property market.

At a starting price of US$515,000, the project’s three-bedroom townhouses will sit well below the cost of equivalent family homes in many of Dubai’s more established luxury communities.

The ultimate appeal, however, will depend on execution. At this scale, the quality of the public realm, connections between residential clusters and delivery of the promised supporting infrastructure will be as important as the homes themselves.

If those elements come together, Azizi Florence could help establish a new benchmark for large-scale residential development in Sharjah—and give buyers another option beyond the UAE’s better-known property markets.

Ad-Dulayl Industrial Park & Development Zone (IDMC), one of Jordan’s established industrial investment destinations, is advancing a major new expansion aimed at attracting local and international manufacturers seeking a competitive base for regional and global operations.

Located in Zarqa Governorate, approximately 30 kilometres from Amman, IDMC has developed into an important industrial hub hosting export-oriented manufacturers and investments from Jordan and several international markets.

The new Phase 3 expansion covers approximately 386,852 square metres and is being developed to accommodate a diverse range of industrial and supporting activities, including garments and textiles, light manufacturing, warehousing, logistics services, industrial services, supporting apparel industries, worker accommodation, and green infrastructure.

The expansion forms part of IDMC’s strategy to provide additional capacity for new industrial investments while supporting the growth and expansion of existing manufacturers operating within the development zone.

A Platform for Export-Oriented Manufacturing

As a designated Development Zone, IDMC offers an investment environment designed to support industrial operations through competitive incentives, infrastructure, investor services, and access to relevant government services.

Investors within IDMC can benefit from advantages including a competitive income tax framework, customs exemptions on eligible production inputs and equipment, foreign ownership provisions, and the ability to repatriate capital and profits in accordance with applicable Jordanian legislation.

Jordan also provides manufacturers with access to a broad network of international markets through its trade agreements and economic partnerships, positioning the country as a potential manufacturing and export base for companies targeting markets in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and other regions.

IDMC is also a Qualifying Industrial Zone (QIZ), further strengthening its positioning for export-oriented industries, particularly within the garments and textiles sector.

An Established Industrial Community

IDMC hosts a diverse industrial community, including manufacturers and investors from countries such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, alongside Jordanian and other international businesses.

The Development Zone provides investors with industrial land options as well as opportunities for customized industrial facilities, supported by infrastructure, security, logistics support and investor facilitation services.

On-site government services further support investors by facilitating procedures involving relevant authorities, helping create an integrated environment for establishing and operating industrial projects.

Expanding Jordan’s Industrial Investment Offering

Through Phase 3, IDMC aims to attract manufacturers seeking new production capacity in Jordan while also creating opportunities for existing investors to expand their operations.

The expansion is particularly focused on industries capable of generating employment, strengthening local value chains, increasing exports and contributing to Jordan’s position as a competitive manufacturing destination.

IDMC is currently engaging with potential investors, business associations, chambers of commerce, diplomatic missions and international industry organizations to introduce the new investment opportunities available within the Development Zone.

The way we think about sustainable buildings is changing. Buildings and construction account for around 32% of global energy consumption and 34% of global CO₂ emissions, making energy efficiency, lower emissions and responsible resource use important priorities for the real estate industry.

But reducing a building’s environmental impact is only part of the equation. The next question is whether buildings can actively contribute to the health of the people who live in them, the natural systems around them and the communities they serve.

This is the thinking behind regenerative real estate. Rather than focusing only on what a building consumes or avoids, regenerative development considers what it can give back; creating healthier living environments, supporting nature, using resources more intelligently and remaining resilient over time.

For R.Evolution, this approach is shaping how the next generation of residential developments is being conceived. Four shifts are helping to define the move from sustainable to regenerative real estate.

1. Nature is becoming part of how residential quality is measured

Sustainable development has traditionally focused on reducing a building’s environmental footprint. Regenerative development starts from a broader premise: that buildings are part of natural systems and should contribute positively to the environments around them.

The shift also reflects changing expectations among residential buyers. Knight Frank research into high-net-worth individuals interested in Dubai property found that proximity to parks and green spaces is becoming an increasingly important consideration, indicating that access to nature is playing a greater role in how people assess where they live.

For developers, this means that nature is increasingly being considered not simply as an amenity, but as part of the quality and long-term value of a residential environment.

2. Human health is becoming part of building performance

The performance of a building has traditionally been measured through factors such as energy efficiency, water consumption and emissions. Regenerative development expands this definition to consider the conditions people experience inside the building every day.

Air and water quality, thermal comfort, lighting, acoustics and access to nature all influence the quality of the indoor environment. For residential developments, these factors are becoming increasingly relevant as buyers place greater emphasis on health, recovery and quality of life.

EYWA Tree of Life, for example, incorporates MERV-14 air filtration, multi-stage water purification and mineralisation, non-toxic materials and biophilic design as part of its approach to healthier living environments.

This reflects a broader shift in the market. The UAE’s wellness real estate sector reached USD 14.6 billion in 2025, while the global wellness real estate market is projected to reach USD 1.8 trillion by 2030. At the same time, Dubai is developing a wider ecosystem around longevity and healthy life expectancy, including the Dubai Longevity Authority.

The implication for real estate is significant. Wellness is moving beyond individual amenities such as gyms, spas and pools towards the building itself — and the conditions it creates for everyday life.

3. Resource efficiency is moving from an operational consideration to a design principle

Regenerative development also changes how developers think about the resources that go into a building.

The World Green Building Council estimates that the built environment accounts for around 15% of global freshwater use. This is particularly relevant in the Middle East, where water scarcity creates additional pressure on how developments are designed and operated. Construction materials present another challenge: cement and steel are significant contributors to global emissions, while construction activity generates substantial volumes of waste.

Regenerative approaches address these challenges earlier in the development process through material selection, resource efficiency, reuse and lower-carbon specifications.

Importantly, reducing embodied carbon does not necessarily require significant additional cost. Research across the buildings studied by RMI found that upfront embodied carbon could be reduced by 19% to 46% through existing material and specification strategies, with cost premiums below 1%.

The opportunity is therefore not simply to consume fewer resources, but to rethink how materials, water and energy are selected, used and retained throughout a building’s lifecycle.

4. Long-term value will depend on how well buildings adapt

Real estate is inherently long term, yet development is often evaluated around a relatively short cycle: design, construction, launch and sale. Regenerative thinking extends the timeframe. It asks how a building will perform as climate conditions change, technologies evolve and the expectations of residents and investors develop.

This is particularly relevant in the Middle East. Cooling accounts for nearly half of peak electricity demand and around a quarter of annual electricity demand across MENA, making climate-responsive design an important consideration as temperatures and cooling requirements increase.

Adaptability also matters beyond operational performance. Buildings that can be renovated, reconfigured or repurposed over time are better positioned to retain their relevance without requiring complete replacement. Adaptive reuse can extend the life of existing structures, preserve architectural character and reduce the environmental cost associated with new construction.

The result is a broader definition of value. A regenerative building is not simply one that performs well when it is handed over. It is one designed to continue serving people, responding to changing conditions and retaining relevance over decades.

Alramz Real Estate has obtained Shariah-compliant credit facilities worth SAR 500 million  ($133 million) from Al Rajhi Bank to finance real estate acquisitions and development as part of its expansion plans.

The financing package includes a SAR 450 million tranche with a tenor of five years, and a SAR 50 million tranche with a tenor of three months.

The pace of new and renewed rental contracts recorded in Dubai’s freehold areas continued to increase in August, says a new report.

A market analysis from fäm Properties shows that 39,645 rental contracts were registered across Dubai’s freehold areas in August, a 3.79% month-on-month (MoM) increase. The volume of new contracts climbed 19.4% YoY to 20,611, while renewals increased by 4.4% YoY to 19,034.

This takes the total number of freehold rental contracts recorded for the first eight months in 2026 to 257,284, a 5.5% increase on the same period in 2025 which ultimately set a full-year record of 377,944 registered contracts.

To date this year, the leading area of Dubai in freehold rentals is Al Warsan First, with a total of 23,894 registered tenancy contracts. Underlining a consistent apartments preference in the market, 105,880 (41%) tenancy contracts registered were for one-bedroom units.

Meanwhile, Data from DXBinteract shows that the market delivered 12,018 sales transactions valued at AED28.6 billion ($7.79 billion) last month. Once again off plan sales dominated with 8,359 transactions worth AED 16.3 billion compared with 3,659 valued at AED12.4 billion in the resale market.

For a sixth consecutive month, Dubai South was the emirate’s best-performing area in primary market sales volume, recording 1,908 off-plan transactions worth AED2.3 billion.

“The rental market is an important indicator of how committed people are to living and working in Dubai, regardless of regional uncertainties over the last months,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties. “The volume of new contracts in part reflects the fact that tenants are moving to take advantage of lower rents in some areas, which is natural in the circumstances.”

August recorded 9,974 apartment sales worth AED15.7 billion, alongside 1,354 villa sales worth AED7.9 billion, 183 plot sales valued at AED2.6 billion, and 420 commercial transactions, including offices and shops, worth AED AED1.5 billion.

The most expensive apartment sold in August went for AED86 million at The Address, Jumeirah Gate Tower 2 at Jumeirah Beach, while the most expensive villa fetched AED110 million at Signature Villas.

With properties worth more than AED5 million accounting for 5.7% of sales, 7.25% were between AED3-5 million, 10.9% between AED2-3 million, 33.2% between AED1-2 million and 42.8% were below AED1 million.

The share of household income spent on rent in Riyadh has fallen to about 15%, from more than 17.5% in September 2025, according to Real Estate General Authority (REGA) CEO Abdullah Al-Hammad.

Speaking at the Legal Aspects of Governance Conference at King Saud University, Al-Hammad said the decline was among the tangible results recorded following the introduction of measures aimed at balancing Riyadh’s property market.

He noted that the most financially vulnerable households had been spending more than 30% of their income on rent.

Al-Hammad said Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman’s directives included continuously monitoring real estate indicators and submitting periodic reports on results and challenges.

Riyadh has introduced a series of measures aimed at addressing pressures in the rental market, including a five-year freeze on annual rent increases for existing and new residential and commercial lease contracts within the capital’s urban boundary.

For vacant residential and commercial properties that have previously been leased, the total rent is fixed at the amount stipulated in the property’s most recent Ejar contract. For properties that have never previously been rented, the rent is determined by agreement between the landlord and tenant.

The measures also extended the notice period required when a landlord does not intend to renew a standard residential lease because the property will be used personally or by a first-degree relative.

In such cases, tenants must receive at least 365 days’ notice before the lease expires. If notice is given less than 365 days before expiry, the lease is extended until a full year has elapsed from the date the tenant was notified.

Al Reem Island is increasingly offering the mix homebuyers look for in an established neighbourhood – waterfront living, proximity to Abu Dhabi’s financial district, parks, schools, retail, dining and everyday services alongside a rapidly expanding off-plan residential market. That evolution is being matched by strong buyer activity, with 1,291 of Abu Dhabi’s 2,658 off-plan apartment transactions during Summer 2026 recorded on the island, according to proprietary market analysis by MERED, an award-winning international real estate developer.

Residential activity has accelerated sharply over the past two years. Approximately 139,000 sqm of off-plan apartments were sold on Al Reem Island during Summer 2026, compared with 34,000 sqm in Summer 2024, representing a more than fourfold increase.

Across Abu Dhabi, approximately 308,000 sqm of off-plan apartments were sold during Summer 2026, 2.4 times the volume recorded in Summer 2024. Al Reem Island alone accounted for approximately 45% of the total area sold during the period.

Prices have risen alongside transaction activity. MERED’s analysis found that the average transacted price for off-plan apartments across Abu Dhabi increased by 28% between Summer 2024 and Summer 2026, reaching approximately US$7,070 per sqm.

For buyers looking beyond the apartment itself, Al Reem has steadily added many of the features associated with an established residential community. Reem Central Park brings a waterfront setting, beach and outdoor sports facilities together with a four-kilometre promenade, while the wider island includes schools, restaurants, shopping and everyday services. Reem Mall and Shams Boutik add to the retail and leisure offering, while Al Maryah Island and central Abu Dhabi are within easy reach. Zayed International Airport is approximately a 25- to 30-minute drive away.

“Al Reem Island has also taken on a larger role within Abu Dhabi’s business landscape since its inclusion within the jurisdiction of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). The UAE Cabinet expanded ADGM’s jurisdiction to include Al Reem Island in 2023, alongside Al Maryah Island. ADGM completed the integration of Al Reem at the end of 2024, with more than 1,100 businesses on the island operating under its jurisdiction by February 2025.”

Artemiy Marinin, Project Director at MERED, said, “As Al Reem matures, the benchmark for successful residential projects is changing. Buyers are becoming more selective, looking closely at how well a home is planned, how it functions day to day, the quality of construction, the amenities it offers and its long-term relevance. For developers, that means creating homes that respond to how people actually want to live, while giving projects a clear sense of distinction in an increasingly competitive market. The projects that stand out will be those that combine thoughtful design and genuine quality with a clear understanding of what residents value, and that can remain relevant as the neighbourhood continues to evolve. That is the direction we see Al Reem moving in, and it is the standard we are applying to Riviera Residences.”

The findings come amid wider growth in Abu Dhabi’s off-plan residential market. Data published by the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) for H1 2026 shows that off-plan transactions accounted for 82% of residential deals and 89% of residential sales value across the emirate. The combination of rising residential demand, increasing transaction volumes, an expanding lifestyle offering and deeper integration into Abu Dhabi’s financial centre is strengthening Al Reem Island’s position as a key mixed-use district within the capital.

MERED is developing Riviera Residences on the waterfront of Al Reem Island. Designed by Swiss architecture practice Herzog & de Meuron, the development will include apartments, villas, duplexes and a penthouse and is scheduled for completion in Q3 2029.