BEYOND Developments Unveils EVERMORE Masterplan on Marjan Beach in Ras Al Khaimah

Commercial real estate investors have a debt problem. And after years of pretending otherwise, lenders are now getting tired of acting like they don’t. The delinquency rate for office loans in commercial mortgage-backed securities climbed to a record 12.34% in January. As Peter Grant explains, the winding down of that extended period of forbearance reflects two factors. One, lenders are betting that mortgage rates aren’t going back to the historic low levels seen during the pandemic. And second, creditors increasingly believe that structural changes around the workplace and hybrid work have permanently reduced demand for most office space.

The House and Senate recently passed their first significant bills in decades aimed at solving America’s housing shortage. Rebecca Picciotto offers a handy scorecard summing up what these two bills hope to achieve, from streamlining environmental reviews to making it easier to build manufactured housing. Both housing packages also include efforts to help Americans secure mortgages.

Lenders to Commercial Real Estate Owners: Pay Up Now

Refinancing property debt has become difficult since interest rates started to soar in 2022. Many lenders initially extended maturing loans they made when borrowing costs were far lower, hoping that either interest rates would fall or that cash flows would grow. It is a strategy known as “extend and pretend.”

The delinquency rate for office loans in commercial mortgage-backed securities in January, the highest level since Trepp began tracking in 2000. The surge in defaults reflects lenders’ views that mortgage rates won’t go back to historic-low levels and that demand for most office space has been permanently reduced.

The House and Senate recently passed their first significant bills in decades aimed at solving America’s housing shortage. Now, the two chambers will work on fine-tuning and reconciling both bills into one proposal and sending it to President Trump’s desk.

Data Points

• 7.6%: The average residential-rental vacancy rate across the 50 largest U.S. metro areas in 2025, up from 7.2% the year before, according to the U.S. Census’s Housing Vacancies and Homeownership Survey and Realtor.com. Markets with vacancy rates above 7% generally favor renters, and January marked the 29th straight month of year-over-year rent decline for rental properties of up to two bedrooms.
• 1%: The vacancy rate for U.S. data centers at the end of 2025, according to JLL. Despite robust construction levels, 92% of the development pipeline has secured commitments from future tenants, lowering concerns that the sector is overbuilding.

Dubai’s next generation of luxury real estate developments will set new benchmarks in health-conscious construction by creating homes built for the Gulf region’s unique climate conditions.

Talal M. Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of the Keturah luxury brand, says a growing focus on health-conscious design will become a primary competitive differentiator for developers as they look to stand out and attract wealthy investors and buyers.

The brand committed AED200 million to proprietary antimicrobial tiling, breathable wall systems, and zero-VOC (harmful airborne chemicals) finishes at Keturah Reserve, the AED5.7 billion bio-living community under development at Mohammed Bin Rashid City’s District 7.

“This investment has established a new standard for Dubai’s premium residential sector, where construction quality is now being measured in health outcomes rather than aesthetic appeal alone, and it reflects a broader market evolution” says Talal.

“Dubai’s luxury sector has reached the point where discerning buyers expect materials engineered for our climate, not imported standards designed for temperate environments. We’re building homes where every surface contributes to healthier indoor living.”

Serious investment in antimicrobial tiling actively inhibits the growth and spread of harmful bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew, reducing the potential for infections and allergic reactions.

Breathable wall systems overcome health risks associated with dampness, specifically respiratory issues such as asthma, allergies and skin irritation, by preventing moisture accumulation.

Antimicrobial tiles reduce the risk of moisture within walls, roofs, or floors to guard against the growth bacteria that can also trigger asthma and respiratory infections.

The scale and scope of the investment at Keturah Reserve gains added significance in light of peer-reviewed research published in 2025 examining how conventional building materials perform in Dubai’s hot, humid climate.

A study of new Dubai homes found that formaldehyde (HCHO) emissions from standard construction materials, which can have harmful effects on health, increase in hot and humid conditions.

Meanwhile, a Building and Environment study demonstrated that innovative low-emission finishes are 200% more effective at balancing humidity when compared with standard products, and reduce VOCs by up to 63%.

“The science confirms what forward-thinking developers already know – that the Gulf region requires engineering solutions specific to our environmental conditions,” said Talal. “These materials aren’t add-ons or upgrades. They’re fundamental to construction quality today.”

He expects the investment at Keturah Reserve to influence industry standards, as buyer awareness of indoor environmental quality continues to grow across Dubai’s premium residential sector.

Leading sustainability and wellbeing lifestyle developer Fakhruddin Properties has announced the launch of Treppan Living Privé, an exclusive collection of luxury branded residences on Dubai Islands, designed around vitality, longevity, and future-focused living.

Treppan Living Privé is the developer’s third residential launch on Dubai Islands, following the successful delivery of Treppan Living Hatimi and Treppan Living Serenique, further reinforcing Fakhruddin Properties’ position as one of the principal landowners and most active lifestyle developers within the islands masterplan.

Comprising just 65 fully furnished, low-density residences, Treppan Living Privé has been intentionally designed to preserve privacy, calm, and long-term wellbeing. The limited collection includes one-bedroom Privé Executive Suites with a generous footprint starting at 1,028 square feet; two-bedroom Privé Family Suites from 1,617 square feet; and a duo of four-bedroom Privé Signature Penthouses offering an exceptional 3,592-plus square feet of living and entertaining space.

Located just minutes’ walk from the shoreline, all residences enjoy a combination of sea, beach and golf course views, located within a tranquil beachside setting and supported by an  intelligent living environment designed to support better sleep, cleaner air, ease of movement, and optimized comfort.

Treppan Living Privé is also the first project introduced following Treppan Living’s recent unveiling of Bollywood actor, producer and entrepreneur John Abraham as the brand’s Wellness Ambassador; whose personal philosophy of discipline, balance, and longevity aligns closely with the wellness-led ethos underpinning the development.

Setting a new benchmark for holistic residential wellness, Treppan Living Privé features a comprehensive suite of biohacking therapies integrated directly into the residential experience. These include red light therapy, cryotherapy, floatation therapy, and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, alongside hot and cold plunge pools, steam and sauna facilities, and dedicated recovery spaces. Together, these clinically supported therapies are designed to enhance energy levels, improve sleep quality, accelerate recovery, and promote long-term vitality as part of everyday living.

Commenting on the launch, Yousuf Fakhruddin, CEO and Managing Partner of Fakhruddin Properties, said: “Treppan Living Privé represents the next evolution of our wellness-driven residential vision on Dubai Islands. This is a deliberately limited, high-privacy community where vitality is supported daily and longevity is considered by design. From advanced recovery therapies and intelligent home systems to curated lifestyle and social spaces, every element has been thoughtfully integrated to support balance, comfort, and quality of life over time.”

Homes at Treppan Living Privé are supported by intelligent systems that quietly manage indoor comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency. Residents benefit from NASA-grade air purification technology, cleaner indoor air, and pure mineralized hydrogenated drinking water available directly within the home, which significantly reduces reliance on plastic bottled water. Intelligent robot delivery systems further enhance convenience, reinforcing the seamless, future-ready living experience.

A carefully curated lifestyle podium anchors the community, featuring The Azure, a water-led destination for movement and restoration with an aqua gym and endless pool, and The Social Pavilion, which includes a stylish clubhouse, working pods, misting majlis, and the signature Greenhouse Café. The Wellness Centre provides indoor and outdoor gyms, yoga and fitness studios, massage rooms, and access to personal training, health, and nutrition consultations, supported by a structured calendar of wellness programming and in-home services.

Family-focused amenities include the Explorer Garden and Kids’ Zone, offering a children’s pool, zip lines, adventure wall, play areas, and sand pit playground, while the rooftop level is designed for relaxation and social connection, with an infinity pool, water loungers, open-air showers, sunbeds, and panoramic roof deck.

Residents of Treppan Living Privé also enjoy a fully serviced living experience, with professional concierge services, valet-style parking, on-site bellboy support, resident housekeeping, Rolls-Royce chauffeur drive services, private motorboat excursions and inter-island transfers, as well as child and pet care assistance. Complimentary coffee for residents and guests further enhances the hospitality-led lifestyle offering.

The Dubai real estate market recorded the highest single-day real estate transaction value in its history of AED15.6 billion ($4.25 billion), data released by the Dubai Land Department said.

This value was achieved through 1,501 real estate transactions on the day, highlighting strong demand and deep market liquidity.

The data further showed that sales alone reached AED11.4 billion, covering land, residential units, and buildings, in addition to mortgages and gifts of significant value. This reflects broad-based activity across multiple real estate segments and underscores the expansion and diversification of the investor base.

Badar Rashid AlBlooshi, Chairman of Arabian Gulf Properties, said the record-breaking figures reflect an advanced stage of market maturity and stability, reaffirming the emirate’s growing position as one of the world’s leading real estate and investment destinations.

AlBlooshi said: “Recording real estate transactions worth AED15.6 billion in one day represents an unprecedented milestone and reflects strong confidence from both local and international investors in Dubai’s real estate market, as well as its ability to absorb large-scale investments within an attractive and globally competitive environment.”

He added that this record performance is closely linked to the wider economic landscape, coinciding with continued business growth, corporate expansion, and Dubai’s strengthening role as a regional and global business hub, factors that directly support real demand for real estate assets.

AlBlooshi explained that the figures point to genuine investment activity driven by long-term economic fundamentals, noting that the scale and value of transactions confirm the market’s transition toward a more sustainable growth phase.

He continued: “At Arabian Gulf Properties, we closely monitor these market indicators and respond to this momentum by developing well-planned real estate projects that address both current and future market requirements, combining strategic locations, quality execution, and long-term investment value.”

AlBlooshi concluded that achieving these record transaction levels further strengthens Dubai’s appeal as a primary destination for real estate investment and lays the groundwork for a new phase of balanced growth, supported by clear regulations, advanced infrastructure, and sustained investor confidence.

Rove has entered the Omani market through a strategic partnership with LEO Developments, marked by the signing of Rove Home Muscat Expressway — the brand’s first branded residences project in the Sultanate.

Born in Dubai, Rove is a joint venture between Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding, and has recorded strong regional growth, with over 8,000 keys open or under development. An award-winning leader in contemporary travel, Rove manages a diverse portfolio of hotels and branded living spaces. Every property is positioned for maximum connectivity and crafted for those who seek efficiency and sustainability alongside a vibrant, local personality – all without the usual complications.

The first of several planned developments, Rove Home Muscat Expressway, is set in a central and well-connected area near Muscat Hills and key road links. The location offers convenient access to the city’s main business districts and urban destinations, as well as to the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) and Muscat International Airport.

The project will feature fully furnished one- and two-bedroom apartments and lofts, complemented by key lifestyle amenities including a lap pool with jacuzzi, roof garden, and co-working spaces designed for modern urban living, alongside the brand’s signature Rove Café.

Commenting on the announcement, Viktor Serenkov, Chairman of LEO Developments, said: “We are proud to announce our partnership with Rove, bringing a fresh and highly relevant approach to branded residential living in Oman. This collaboration reflects a shared vision to respond to evolving lifestyle expectations and deliver developments defined by intention, cultural sensitivity, and long-term value. Rove Home Muscat Expressway is the first step in a broader pipeline that we believe will redefine urban living in the Sultanate.”

Paul Bridger, Chief Operating Officer at Rove Hotels, added: “We are incredibly proud to partner with LEO Developments to bring Rove to Oman. LEO’s deep understanding of the local market, combined with Rove’s lifestyle-led design philosophy, creates a powerful platform for long-term growth. This project signals our commitment to Oman’s future and sets the stage for multiple developments across the country.”

As part of the long-term partnership, LEO Developments and Rove are aligned on expanding the Rove portfolio across city hubs, leisure destinations, ITCs and free zones in Oman, reinforcing the Sultanate’s position as an emerging destination for contemporary lifestyle hospitality in the GCC.

Dubai’s rental market absorbed one of its strongest demand cycles on record in 2025 without triggering inflationary pressure, according to the betterhomes Full-Year Dubai Residential Market Report 2025.

Leasing transactions at betterhomes rose 60% year-on-year, while tenant enquiries increased 36%, yet average rents across the city held at AED 207,000 per year. According to betterhomes, this divergence between volume and pricing reflects a market that is no longer reacting to short-term pressure, but redistributing demand across a wider pool of communities and property types.

The shift is being led by families. Townhouse tenant enquiries surged 200% year-on-year, with leasing transactions up 66%, as renters prioritized space, lifestyle and long-term livability over central locations. Villas recorded 21% growth in enquiries, while apartment demand rose 28%, indicating that upgrading behavior, rather than affordability stress, is driving the current cycle.

At the city level, total rental contracts rose 5% to a record 530,000, with 62% of leases being renewals. betterhomes said the high renewal ratio points to a maturing tenant base, where residents are choosing stability and continuity, rather than cycling between homes.

Despite the surge in activity, pricing remained controlled. Apartment rents rose 5% year-on-year, villas 11%, while townhouse rents declined 3%, reflecting the impact of new supply entering family-led communities and a market able to absorb demand without distortion.

“This is what a structurally supported rental market looks like,” said Rupert Simmonds, Director of Leasing at betterhomes. “When volumes rise this fast but rents don’t, it shows demand is being met by the right type of supply in the right locations. Families are driving this cycle, and that creates stability rather than volatility.”

A Beverly Hills, Calif., estate built for the famed Hollywood film star James Cagney is coming on the market for $38.5 million.

Cagney, known for 1930s and 1940s gangster films such as “Angels with Dirty Faces,” built the stone villa around 1939, property records show. He owned the home until his death in 1986. A year later his widow, Frances Cagney, sold the property to the current owner, Steven Dunn, founder of the baby-products supplier Munchkin. Dunn didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Cagney lived in Beverly Hills while filming, but otherwise spent time at his farms in upstate New York and Martha’s Vineyard, actor Robert Wagner, a friend of Cagney’s, wrote in a 2014 “Vanity Fair” piece. The California house was unpretentious but had a studio with a wooden floor and record player where Cagney practiced dancing, Wagner wrote.

After purchasing the Beverly Hills estate, Dunn expanded the villa to approximately 6,000 square feet with three bedrooms, said listing agent Timothy Di Prizito of Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California.

James Cagney at left in 1935 with his wife, Frances Cagney, and at right in 1974.Everett Collection (2)

In the 1990s, Dunn purchased an adjacent parcel, combining the properties into a compound spanning about 5 acres. In addition to the main house, the property has a pool and a roughly 2,500-square-foot guesthouse. Over the years, Dunn added more space for guests, as well as tennis and pickleball courts and a pool cabana with an outdoor kitchen.

Cristian Cruzio

Dunn renovated the guesthouse with a nautical theme. Cristian Cruzio

Dunn landscaped extensively, adding hand-laid stone paths, tiered citrus gardens and grassy lawns.  Luan Pernia

Dunn also owns another property adjacent to the Cagney estate that isn’t for sale. He is listing the former Cagney property because he is “ready for a change,” said Aaron Kirman, who is marketing the property with Di Prizito. In 2019, Dunn and his ex-wife Laura Dunn put a different Beverly Hills estate on the market for $72 million. Laura Dunn currently owns that property, which is no longer listed.

Dunn raised the exposed-beam ceilings in the main house. The estate has a total of six bedrooms.

Cristian Cruzio (3)

The luxury market in Los Angeles is picking up after battling major headwinds, including a mansion tax and geopolitical uncertainty, said Kirman. “We have a lot more buyers looking at properties across all price points,” he said. There are still major challenges, including the prospect of a potential tax on billionaires in California, he said, but for now “there’s pent up demand and not a lot of inventory.”

H&H, the Dubai-based developer behind the Eden House brand, announces the completion and handover of Eden House The Canal, its low-rise waterfront development on the banks of the Dubai Water Canal, following a 100 per cent sell out prior to completion.

Located in Jumeirah, the 98-residence development is defined by residential privacy, considered architecture, and signature suite of services. The handover introduces a new waterfront address designed to offer a quieter, more residential alternative within the city.

The commercial success of Eden House The Canal reflects a continued shift within Dubai’s luxury residential market, where homeowners place increasing value on privacy, wellbeing and a sense of community. With over 60 per cent of units sold within the first month of launch, the project reached full capacity well ahead of schedule. Notably, a significant number of buyers are the residents of Eden House Al Satwa, the very first lease-only Eden House residence, and repeat buyers from previous H&H developments.

Designed by dxb lab, Eden House The Canal prioritises human scale. Clean, horizontal architectural lines reference the canal setting while the floor to ceiling glass facades are balanced by textured stone and warm timber accents, creating a building that feels rooted in its environment. The low-rise profile preserves privacy and limits visual density, offering residents a sense of retreat rarely found along the canal.

Inside, the interiors follow a monochromatic palette, where light and space are treated as the primary luxuries. The layouts are intentionally open, allowing for a seamless transition between the indoor living areas and deep, shaded terraces that frame views of the canal and the greenery of Jumeirah. Every material, from the honed natural stone to the bespoke joinery, has been selected for its tactile quality and ability to age gracefully, ensuring the homes remain timeless.

“The handover of Eden House The Canal is a significant milestone in our journey to redefine metropolitan living. We envisioned this project as a home – a place of calm that cuts through the noise of the city. The fact that the development sold out ahead of handover confirms that there is a deep desire for this level of architectural integrity and hospitality-inspired lifestyle. It is a community built for those who value time, privacy, and the beauty of essential design,” said Miltos Bosinis, CEO, H&H.

The lifestyle at Eden House The Canal is anchored by a suite of amenities designed to facilitate balance. Residents have access to a waterfront swimming pool, a Technogym equipped gym and movement studio, and a residents’ lounge that serves as a quiet extension of the home. The true hallmark of the Eden House experience is its human-led service; the emphasis is on ease of living. The on-site team manages the complexities of daily life, from residence maintenance to bespoke concierge support, allowing residents the freedom to focus on their personal wellbeing.

Positioned in Jumeirah alongside the Dubai Water Canal and next to Four Seasons Private Residences also delivered by H&H, Eden House The Canal offers direct access to the city’s key commercial and cultural districts while maintaining the peaceful atmosphere of a private estate.

As handovers continue through January, Eden House The Canal joins the flagship Al Satwa property as a fully completed expression of the H&H residential vision. The brand’s expansion continues with a robust pipeline including Eden House Za’abeel, Eden House The Park, and Eden House Dubai Hills, each carrying forward the same commitment to purposeful design, low-density living and curated community.

Listing of the Day

Location: Downtown Brooklyn, New York

Price: $16.75 million

Boasting 360-degree panoramic views across New York City, this new 92nd-floor penthouse is the highest residence in Brooklyn.

The full-floor apartment stands atop the new Brooklyn Tower, which encompasses 143 condos and 398 rentals in the heart of downtown Brooklyn, said Katie Sachsenmaier, senior sales director, Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group.

The condos begin on the 53rd floor, and the penthouses begin on the 88th floor. This one, Penthouse 92, is the only full-floor penthouse.

“The building is coming into its own now,” she said. “It feels very busy when you step into the lobby.”

Developed by Silverstein Properties, the building at 85 Fleet Street rises from the historic Dime Savings Bank building, according to a news release.

It was designed by SHoP Architects with interiors curated by Gachot Studios, and it is the borough’s only super tall skyscraper.

Penthouse 92 features custom interiors by Brooklyn-based Susan Clark of design firm Radnor, Sachsenmaier said. “Her selections have made it really beautiful. It feels very warm and inviting.”

Architectural details include 12-foot ceilings, European white oak floors in a custom honey stain, mahogany millwork, bronze detailing and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The eat-in kitchen features Absolute Black stone countertops, an island with seating, oil-rubbed bronze Waterworks fixtures and integrated Miele appliances, according to the listing.

The primary en suite bathroom showcases large-format Honed Breccia Capraia marble. There is also a separate laundry room as well as a wet bar and a butler’s pantry.

The views are spectacular, Sachsenmaier said. “If you’re standing in the living room, you take in the Statue of Liberty and all the way up through Midtown. On a clear day, you can see the planes take off at LaGuardia (Airport).”

Moving around the apartment, you see south over the harbor and then north and east over the whole city, she said.

From the front door, “you’re immediately greeted with the expansive living room and the view,” she said. “It’s really the first thing you see.”

The primary suite features a dressing room, multiple walk-in closets, two bathrooms (one with a cedar sauna) and southwest-facing windows, Sachsenmaier said. “You get those really beautiful harbour views.

The amenities will be ready by the end of summer, she said. A Life Time club will occupy the entire sixth and seventh floors, and an outdoor pool deck wraps around the dome of the bank building.

Stats

The 5,891-square-foot home has four bedrooms, five full bathrooms and one partial bathroom.

Amenities 



Residents will have access to over 100,000 square feet of exclusive indoor and outdoor leisure spaces.

Fitness company Life Time will manage an array of amenities that include a 75-foot indoor lap pool, outdoor pools, a poolside lounge and atrium, a billiards room, a library lounge, a conference room, a theatre with a wet bar, a children’s playground and playroom and limited off-site parking.

The Sky Park offers an open-air loggia with a basketball court, foosball, a playground and a dog run.

Neighbourhood Notes 



Downtown Brooklyn is at the centre of a number of neighbourhoods, including Fort Greene, Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill and Brooklyn Heights. The tower has access to 13 subway lines, 11 commuter trains, the city’s ferry network and 22 Citi Bike stations.

“You can walk to Fort Greene Park in less than 10 minutes,” and Dekalb Market Hall, which has a Trader Joe’s, a Target and a food hall, is “right next door,” Sachsenmaier said.

Agent: Katie Sachsenmaier, senior sales director, Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group

When Flor Mora closed on her new home for $4 million in November 2025, she knew she was acquiring a piece of California history. What she didn’t realize was that she was also buying the future House of the Year.

The property, built in 1925 and located in Carmel Highlands, is an example of early 20th-century Storybook architecture, characterized by features such as a curved roofline and stone chimney. The style is synonymous with the neighboring city of Carmel-by-the-Sea, which is known for its fairy tale aesthetic.

Mora, who works in healthcare and owns an avocado ranch in San Diego, spent years admiring the home when she visited California’s Central Coast. “Every time I drove down that street, this home always stood out to me,” says Mora, 49. “I would admire it and quietly hope that one day it might be mine.”

That dream materialized last year, but with an unexpected twist. After Mora purchased the property—which, unbeknown to her, had been featured as a House of the Week pick in September—readers voted to crown it the House of the Year in a year-end poll.

“It came as a complete surprise,” Mora says.

The path to the winner’s circle was paved by a significant transition. The home, designed by famed builder M.J. Murphy—who was largely responsible for Carmel-by-the-Sea’s signature look—had been owned by John and Beth Neidel since 1986. For the couple, the house represented four decades of historical preservation.

Beth, who is in her 80s, and her extended family were no longer able to use the home as much as they’d like. John died three years ago, and his estate placed the property on the market last June.

Media exposure from the initial feature generated market traction, according to listing agent Ashley Wayland. Three different people reached out to her after the article ran. “One ended up in a showing,” she said, “but it didn’t end up being the right fit for them.” While the home’s architecture drew interest, a price cut from $4.775 million ultimately led Mora to buy.

For the Neidels’ daughter, Linnah Neidel, the win is a testament to architectural restraint. “It was a labor of love for my family to maintain the house in the character it was built in,” she says. “Readers illuminated that.”

Mora appears to be taking the house’s legacy to heart. “I was very honored to purchase an M.J. Murphy home,” she says. “I definitely want to keep the original structure, but just update it slightly.”

She is currently overseeing a restoration that leans into the Storybook aesthetic while uncovering original features. For example, after pulling up wall-to-wall carpeting, she was thrilled to find original oak hardwood floors, which she is now refinishing.

As she is settling in, Mora is discovering details that also charmed the Neidel family, from a tiny secret room to the expansive living-room windows. Even as her own furniture begins to arrive and fill the spaces, she and her pug, Lola, have been spending their evenings on a sofa left behind by the previous owners.

“At night, I sit on the couch and look out the windows and it feels like I can touch the stars,” she says.

The Emirate of Sharjah is witnessing significant growth in transactions for waterfront properties, driven by its geographically diverse coastline along the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, as well as its lakes and internal waterways. This diversity has enhanced the appeal of these areas for both residential and investment purposes. The remarks were made during a panel discussion titled “Developing Real Estate Projects on Waterfronts”, moderated by journalist Ahmed Sultan and featuring top officials and experts from the real estate sector.

Abdullah Al Zarouni, the director of the Real Estate Transactions unit at the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, stated that the Emirate has successfully leveraged the diversity of its waterfronts to develop integrated real estate projects combining residential units, commercial services, and recreational facilities, along with promenades and green spaces that enhance quality of life.

Al Zarouni added that Sharjah registered more than 10 new projects on its waterfronts during 2024 and 2025, reflecting continuous growth in this sector and further enhancing the attractiveness of the real estate market.

The creation of water bodies such as Khalid Lake and the Qasba and Al Layyah canals has also strengthened the long-term investment value of waterfront properties, alongside the development of comprehensive experiences on waterfronts, including Majaz Waterfront, Al Hira Corniche, and Khorfakkan Corniche, adding a vibrant recreational and tourism dimension.

He noted that competitive pricing, clear regulations, and the continued support of the Sharjah government have contributed to increased local and foreign demand for property ownership, particularly for projects overlooking the waterfronts, which remain among the most stable real estate assets.

George Raymond Khouzami, CEO of AL THURIAH Real Estate Group, emphasized that the development of vertical towers on waterfronts aims to maximize views while maintaining open spaces for pedestrians and public life, highlighting that waterfronts are a rare resource that requires high-quality development.

Khouzami added that seaside properties enjoy high investment value due to limited supply, retaining their worth while delivering better rental returns and higher liquidity upon resale. He also noted a market shift in buyer preferences toward quality, smart design, and sustainability, supported by smart technologies that enhance management efficiency and protect asset value.

Farid Jamal, Chief Commercial Officer at Ajmal Makaan, explained that coastal tourism is a primary driver for waterfront development, given its role in increasing the economic and real estate value of coastal areas.

Jamal emphasized that successful projects achieve integration between tourism and real estate development, providing high-quality recreational and service experiences that create vibrant coastal cities. He also stressed the importance of balancing economic growth with the preservation of marine environments to ensure the long-term sustainability and appeal of these destinations.

Dubai-based Sobha Realty said total property sales reached 30 billion UAE dirhams ($8.17 billion), a 30 percent year-on-year surge, in 2025, supported by new masterplan developments and international expansion.

The growth reflects sustained momentum in the UAE’s luxury real estate market and the strength of a diversified portfolio, the developer said in a statement.

A significant portion of the sales came from the company’s expanding footprint in Umm Al Quwain (UAQ), with AED 8 billion in sales from Downtown UAQ and Sobha Siniya Island.

The company launched four masterplans, Sobha Solis, Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty, Sobha Central and Sobha SkyParks, bringing its UAE portfolio to 14 developments, comprising 12 in Dubai and two in Umm Al Quwain, said Sobha Group Chairman Ravi Menon.

Each new project is helping strengthen the company’s role in shaping the future of urban living in the UAE, he added.

Last year, Sobha Realty expanded into the United States and Australia by opening regional offices and acquiring land in Texas in the US, and Queensland and Sydney in Australia.

Trapped renters want home prices to fall so they can finally get onto the property ladder. Millions of existing owners want values to stay high. These and other conflicting interests make it hard for policymakers to give young Americans a leg up in a brutal housing market.

President Trump is heeding anger about housing affordability ahead of the midterm elections, and the administration has been drip-feeding ideas about how to tackle the issue.

Object 1, an award-winning and rapidly growing real estate developer, has closed a major land investment in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant step forward in its expansion into the capital. The developer has acquired four waterfront plots on Al Reem Island, within the Shams Gate District, with a combined development area of over 2 million square feet and a total sales value of AED 4.5 billion.

The transaction marks a defining next step following Object 1’s expansion into Abu Dhabi in late 2025, which included the launch of its first Sales Gallery in the capital and its long-term growth plans for the emirate. Al Reem Island land acquisition reflects the company’s alignment with the government’s National Family Growth Agenda 2031. With 2026 designated as the Year of Family, the investment prioritizes land positions suited to long-term residential communities, encouraging stability, community-led living, and environments that support families at different life stages.

Egor Maslennikov, Chairman and Founder of Object 1, said: “Our entry into Abu Dhabi was always intended as a long-term commitment, not a one-off expansion. Closing this investment on Al Reem Island reflects our confidence in the capital’s direction and our readiness to contribute meaningfully to its residential landscape. Abu Dhabi offers the right balance of stability, planning clarity, and community demand, which aligns closely with how we build.”

Abu Dhabi’s real estate market has entered a phase of accelerated growth, supported by rising buyer confidence and structural shifts in how the market is developing. Sales activity climbed sharply over the past year, with transactions increasing by 76% and total deal values more than doubling to AED 25.3 billion, reinforcing the capital’s appeal as a stable, high-growth destination for long-term residential investment.

Against this backdrop, the capital now stands as a core pillar of Object 1’s UAE strategy, building on the company’s momentum after delivering more than 2,600 homes and establishing a development pipeline exceeding 4.5 million square feet in Dubai. The Al Reem Island commitment positions the developer as an active participant in Abu Dhabi’s next phase of growth, translating its Dubai momentum into lasting impact in the capital.