NEOM Enters New Chapter as Nadhmi Al-Nasr Departs

Record-breaking Dubai property sales in 2025 were matched by unprecedented growth across the real estate industry, with a luxury developer saying this shows the market is maturing beyond speculation.

New data from DXB Interact reveals that the number of Dubai real estate agencies increased by 39.7% to 9,728 last year, while registered agents climbed by 34.5% to 32,317.

Talal M. Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of the Keturah luxury brand, welcomed the dramatic industry expansion, firmly believing it reflects a deeper, more competitive market, and this naturally raises standards.

“With greater choice, buyers compare more rigorously, brokers prioritize proven projects, and brand, delivery track record and product quality become decisive,” said Talal.

“In the luxury segment especially, abundance doesn’t drive volume; it drives selectivity, favoring developers that offer trust, differentiation and long-term value.”

Around 700 brokers from across the industry, including some of Dubai’s newest agents, will attend Thursday’s launch event for the final phase of sales at Keturah Reserve, the AED5.7 billion luxury residential development. 

It takes place against a backdrop of soaring returns for Dubai real estate investors. DXB Interact data shows that 2025 produced AED86 billion in capital gains for buyers, with significant YoY increases in each property sector, as shown here:

Thursday’s event at the JW Marriott Hotel in Dubai is organized by fäm Properties, appointed as exclusive Master Agency to oversee sales at Keturah Reserve, the master community from developer MAG at Mohammed Bin Rashid City’s District 7 in Meydan. 

Firas Al Msaddi, fäm’s CEO, sees the event as a chance to forge stronger collaboration across the real estate industry. ” We’re moving away from pure competition toward agencies and brokers working together to build a stronger market,” he said. “Sharing knowledge and resources creates a more transparent industry that benefits everyone.”

Around 700 fäm Properties brokers were attending their own launch event today. Al Msaddi says: “The advantage of investing in a master community like Keturah Reserve is the consistent standard maintained by a single developer with long-term interest in its success, overseeing commercial spaces, amenities, and asset management to protect property values and quality.”

A bio-living residential development designed around nature and wellness, Keturah Reserve comprises 533 low-rise apartments, 93 townhouses, and 90 villas on a nature-focused site.

With townhouses sold out, more than 40% of apartments are already committed. Handovers start with townhouses in Q2 2027, followed by apartments in Q3–Q4 2027, and villas in Q1 2028.

Dubai Land Department (DLD) has launched an awareness campaign on the ‘Ejari’ system as part of its ongoing initiatives to reach all customer segments. This aligns with the DLD’s continued commitment to raising awareness of lease registration procedures, regulating the landlord-tenant relationship, and enhancing the customer experience in Dubai’s rental market, while ensuring the protection of all parties’ rights and reinforcing the principles of transparency and trust.

The campaign is launched under the slogan ‘Step by Step’ and focuses on delivering clear, simplified awareness content that addresses the most common inquiries about Ejari services. This includes lease registration and cancellation, certificate downloads, calculation of rental increase percentages, and notification and non-renewal procedures, in accordance with the approved legal and regulatory frameworks in the Emirate.

The campaign aims to empower customers with a clearer understanding of procedures, reduce the need for repeated inquiries, and enhance the overall user experience by providing accurate, up-to-date information that meets the needs of landlords, tenants, and real estate brokers through unified, easily accessible digital channels.

Dubai Land Department is implementing this campaign across its digital platforms, including its official website and social media channels, as well as through visual and audio awareness content. This underscores the DLD’s commitment to simplifying the customer journey, enhancing customer happiness, and supporting the sustainability and stability of Dubai’s rental market.

Dubai Land Department encouraged stakeholders, including landlords, tenants, and real estate brokers, to use its official channels and access available awareness materials to benefit from the guidance and digital services provided by the Ejari system.

As the UAE heads into 2026, its real estate sector is entering the year on the back of robust growth, underpinned by strong population inflows, sustained residential demand, and emerging innovations such as property tokenization, according to Farhan Badami, Market Analyst at eToro.

“The UAE’s real estate market continues to benefit from powerful structural tailwinds,” Badami said. “Population growth remains a key driver of housing demand, while new technologies such as tokenization are beginning to reshape how properties are bought, sold and valued across major markets like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.”

Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are experiencing a demographic expansion that continues to support residential demand. Dubai’s population surpassed four million in 2025, with more than 208,000 new residents added over the year. This growth, driven by employment opportunities, lifestyle appeal and long-term residency initiatives, has translated into record activity levels in the property market.

“In 2025 alone, Dubai recorded property transactions exceeding AED 680 billion, representing year-on-year growth of around 30%,” Badami noted. “Abu Dhabi is showing a similar pattern, with residential demand growing by approximately 5% to 6% annually, significantly outpacing the rate of new housing supply.”

Looking ahead to 2026, one of the key developments to watch will be the shift towards tokenization and fractional ownership. What was once largely theoretical is now moving into practical implementation, with Dubai’s Land Department launching a tokenization pilot that integrates blockchain-based property titles into the official land registry.

“This initiative has the potential to fundamentally change how real estate is traded,” Badami said. “Tokenization could allow investors to purchase fractional ownership in property assets with greater speed, transparency and efficiency, while also improving market liquidity over time.”

He added that sustained population growth continues to support pre-sales activity, pricing power and recurring rental income, while a more mature market environment favors well-capitalized developers with strong land banks and proven execution capabilities.

“At the same time, innovation such as tokenization may open up new funding channels and broaden the investor base,” Badami explained. “For investors, this reinforces the appeal of established developers with meaningful exposure to residential demand in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.”

From an equity market perspective, Badami believes the real estate upswing points to a sector supported by fundamentals rather than speculation.

“For stocks linked to the real estate ecosystem, from developers to financial institutions, the outlook suggests scope for steady earnings growth,” he said. “Healthier cash flows also support the potential for sustainable dividend growth, which will be a key focus for income-oriented investors in the year ahead.”

The real estate market witnessed a decline in trading activity from Dec 21- 25, with 136 transactions valued at KD69.85 million, compared to 149 transactions worth KD156.3 million in the previous week — a qualitative decrease of 55.3 percent and a quantitative decrease of 8.7 percent.

The newspaper obtained a copy of the weekly report from the Real Estate Registration and Documentation Departments at the Ministry of Justice, indicating that the private sector accounted for 83.2 percent of the total number of transactions, with 114 transactions valued at KD48.7 million.

This marks a significant decrease in transaction value of 53.7 percent (KD56.6 million) compared to 113 transactions worth KD105.3 million in the previous week.

Investment properties witnessed a significant decline as well, with 19 transactions totaling KD15.2 million or 48.6 percent decrease in value (KD14.4 million) and 36.6 percent decrease in the number of transactions (11 transactions).

This indicates that investors are awaiting stability in the real estate market, following the implementation of the new real estate legislation.

Commercial properties also experienced a downward trend, with only two transactions totaling KD5.3 million, compared to five transactions totaling KD20.1 million in the previous week.

This entails 60 percent decrease in the number of transactions (three transactions) and 73.6 percent decrease in value (KD14.8 million). The coastal strip sector recorded only one transaction during the week, valued at KD650,000, while other sectors such as warehouses, crafts, shops, showrooms and banks remained unchanged.

Lazura Developments has announced the launch of its latest real estate project, Lazura New Cairo, in New Cairo, marking the first project to be officially introduced to Egypt’s real estate market at the start of 2026, with total investments exceeding EGP 8bn.

Ahmed Abdel Hakim, Board Member at Lazura Developments, said the launch represents a key milestone in the company’s more than 20-year track record and reflects its confidence in the resilience and growth prospects of Egypt’s real estate sector. He added that the timing of the launch, coinciding with the beginning of 2026, sends positive signals for the sector’s outlook.

Abdel Hakim noted that Lazura New Cairo embodies the company’s commitment to delivering fully integrated real estate solutions that cater to both homeowners and investors, while aligning with the state’s vision for sustainable urban development. The project will comprise a diverse range of residential units, supported by integrated services and modern urban planning concepts.

He also highlighted the project’s strategic location in New Cairo, with close proximity to major road networks and key services, giving it a strong competitive advantage. The development is expected to generate new job opportunities, stimulate economic activity, and enhance real estate value in the surrounding area.

In the same context, Ramadan El-Seddik, Board Member at Lazura Developments, said the project reflects a clear strategic vision built on long-term planning and a deep understanding of market shifts and future demand, particularly as it is the first project to be launched at the start of 2026.

El-Seddik added that Lazura New Cairo has been designed to serve as a model for integrating architectural quality, sustainability, and operational efficiency, ensuring long-term investment value and reinforcing customer confidence.

Meanwhile, Ahmed Fouad, CEO of Lazura Developments, said the company has established a detailed execution plan to ensure adherence to construction timelines and the application of the highest quality standards, supported by the latest project management and implementation technologies.

Fouad added that the project is based on comprehensive market studies and will offer flexible payment plans alongside fully integrated services to meet evolving market needs.

Palace Group, a pioneering force in the UAE’s luxury real estate sector, announces the launch of AYA, an exclusive new residential development in Jumeirah Garden City. Offering a contemporary, design-driven sanctuary in the heart of Dubai, AYA responds to a growing demand for residences that pair intentional luxury with balance, convenience and purposeful living.

Designed by award-winning architects John McAslan + Partners and guided by the philosophy of “less to show, more to live,” AYA by Palace Group brings together refined architecture and thoughtful spatial planning to create homes rooted in quiet, sophisticated authenticity. With just 70 one- to two-bedroom residences across 12 elegantly designed floors, AYA offers an intimate living experience centered around open-air terraces and calm landscaped pockets of green. Every detail supports holistic wellbeing, shaping a lifestyle without compromise where exquisite architecture becomes a vessel for modern, mindful living. 

This commitment to intentional design carries through every residence. Natural materials, organic curves and generous light create intuitive, effortless living spaces, that offer balance and acoustic comfort. Open-plan layouts shift seamlessly from private retreat to social gathering, and extended balconies provide quiet moments of privacy, maintaining a continuous dialogue between inner calm and the world outside. 

AYA sits at the heart of Jumeirah Garden City, one of Dubai’s most desirable emerging districts, shaped by a masterplan of mid-rise buildings, landscaped corridors and abundant open space. This future-focused walkable community offers the convenience of central living with the calm of a private sanctuary. With immediate access to the city’s key business and leisure hubs and just moments from DIFC and Dubai Downtown, it positions early buyers advantageously within Dubai’s evolving residential landscape.

“AYA is a boutique residence envisioned for a mindful, human-centered lifestyle, where quality and long-term wellbeing shape every detail,” said Wissam Damaa, Founder and Owner of Palace Group, on announcement of the exclusive residences. “With our proven track record in high-quality developments, AYA reflects our commitment to create distinctive living spaces in prime locations that go beyond conventional ultra-luxury. AYA is designed to stand out, deliver long-term value and offer an elevated living experience. We take pride in crafting homes people genuinely love, enriching the neighborhoods they belong to and setting a new benchmark for modern luxury living in Dubai.”

Reflecting its commitment to elevated living, AYA’s amenities are designed to enrich daily life with intention and ease. Effortless arrival begins at the elegant reception that flows into a unique art gallery, while exclusive retail boutiques add moments of discovery. Wellness and social connection sit at the heart of the experience, expressed on the rooftop through a serene pool, a state-of-the-art gym, a calming spa, and an inviting lounge designed for meaningful connection against panoramic city views. Outdoor spaces balance privacy and community, from an elegant al fresco dining terrace to lush gardens shaped by organic curves and soft planting. Each amenity supports both solitude and togetherness, creating a living environment where residents can feel centered, connected, and completely at home. 

More than residences, AYA offers space that adapts to life’s changing rhythms, creating the foundation for solitude and longevity. As a boutique community shaped with enduring consideration, AYA delivers an exclusive living experience defined by sophistication and an instinctive sense of belonging. AYA is where you come home to who you are. 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

⦁ Total property income for the three quarters increased by 22% year-on-year on a like-for-like basis, reaching USD 60m.
⦁ Occupancy increased to 94% (Q3 2024: 92%).
⦁ Finance to Value (LTV) has been reduced by 16% to a stable 20% (Q3 2024: 36%).
⦁ Net Finance costs decreased by 57% to USD 17m (Q3 2024: USD 40m).
⦁ Fund From Operations (FFO) reached USD 14m (Q3 2024: USD -0.5m, inclusive of divested investment properties in FY 2024)
⦁ Revaluation gains of USD 171m bringing total assets value to USD 1.22b, higher than the USD 1.17b in Q3 2024, despite the sale of properties in 2024.
⦁ Net Asset Value reached a historic high with an increase of 37% year-on-year to USD 886m or USD 2.78 per share from USD 648m (USD2.03 per share) in Q3 2024.

OPERATIONS

Equitativa’s asset management team continued to deliver steady operating performance across the Emirates REIT portfolio, with occupancy increasing to 94% as at 30 September 2025. The improvement reflects sustained tenant demand across the portfolio, and the continued focus on proactive asset and lease management.
The net property income closed at USD 52m, remaining broadly stable year-on-year, despite the disposal of investment properties in 2024, and underlining the resilience of the portfolio’s income generation.

FINANCE

Emirates REIT maintained its conservative capital structure during the period, with the Finance-to-Value reduced to 20%, compared to 36% a year earlier. This reduction reflects proactive deleveraging and disciplined balance sheet management.

Combined with refinancing initiatives and a reduced debt profile, net finance costs decreased by 57% year-on-year to USD 17m, supporting the improvement in Funds From Operations to USD 14m for the period.
Revaluation gains of USD 171m were recorded during the period.

Commenting on Emirates REIT’s performance, Thierry Delvaux, CEO of Equitativa Dubai, said: “Emirates REIT’s continued strong performance underscores the resilience of our portfolio and the disciplined execution of our strategy. We have delivered higher property income while materially reducing finance costs, with Net Asset Value reaching a record USD 886 million. At the same time, LTV has been reduced to 20% and net finance costs lowered by 57% to USD 17 million, strengthening the REIT’s balance sheet and positioning us well for sustainable growth and attractive returns for our shareholders.”

Abu Dhabi’s Modon Holding PSC has formed a new joint venture with US developer Related Companies and Jersey City firm Panepinto Properties to develop Harborside 4, a 54-storey residential tower in downtown Jersey City, New Jersey.

Modon will hold a majority equity stake in the JV, which the company said was part of its strategy to expand its global portfolio and enhance its long-term recurring income.

Construction is set to begin in Q1 2026, with completion targeted in Q1 2029.

Financial details of the project have not been disclosed.

The JV will jointly oversee the development, with Related leading development and construction management, leasing and operations.

A consortium of banks led by JP Morgan will provide construction financing for the development scheme overlooking the Manhattan skyline.

Dubai is entering a decisive new phase in its luxury property cycle, with branded residences expanding at a rate unmatched anywhere in the world. 

The city’s branded-residence pipeline is set to grow by 80%, reaching nearly 250 projects by 2030, according to fresh market data from Dubai-based real estate consultancy VVS Estate.

According to Savills’ Branded Residences 2024/25 Report, the global sector has recorded more than 180% growth over the past decade, with over 700 completed schemes and another 790 in the pipeline.

The Savills report confirms nearly 140 branded-residence projects already active in Dubai, the highest concentration worldwide. Meanwhile, the EMEA region has emerged as a global hub for branded residences, accounting for nearly 30% of total supply. Within this landscape, the Middle East stands out, representing around 12% of global inventory and boasting the strongest growth outlook worldwide, with supply projected to expand by approximately 120% by 2030.

Valentina Rusu, Founder of VVS Estate said: “Cross referencing these findings with Property Finder’s 2,300+ off-plan developments across the UAE further indicates that Dubai’s branded residences are projected to increase by 80%, potentially reaching 250 projects by 2030.”

The next stage of Dubai’s branded-residence evolution is being driven by private-access launches and early intelligence shared only with top-tier brokerages. One of the most anticipated forthcoming developments, Palace Hillside in Dubai Hills Estate, has been quietly previewed to a select circle of industry leaders prior to public announcement. This trend reflects a broader market shift, which is that luxury buyers increasingly rely on agencies with privileged access, transforming traditional brokerage into strategic advisory.

Property Finder data highlights several significant branded schemes with confirmed delivery timelines. These include the Address Residences The Bay (2026), the St. Regis Residences Downtown (2026), the Vida Residences Dubai Hills (2027), and the Palace Residences Dubai Hills (2028), as well as the Six Senses Dubai Marina (2028) and the Address Residences Dubai Hills (2029). 

Each project publicly shares construction progress and payment structures, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation for market transparency and investor confidence.

The next boom in Dubai property extends beyond residences alone. Projects such as Lumena Alta by Omniyat, which is a 380-metre tower combining a five-star sky hotel, wellness components, and commercial space, signal the rise of integrated lifestyle ecosystems. This progression marks Dubai’s shift from ‘branded residences’ to ‘branded life’, where hospitality, living, wellness, and workspace merge into cohesive premium districts.

“Branded residences go beyond luxury and sales; they represent value. Buyers are not just interested in purchasing a home, but investing in a lifestyle. The brand embodies a unique vision that leaves a lasting impact,” Rusu concluded. Her perspective captures the sentiment driving new investor behavior across the region and the desire for long-term assurance, strong brand stewardship, and lifestyle-driven returns.

With almost 250 branded and hybrid projects projected by 2030, and the potential to approach 400 schemes by 2035, Dubai is poised to remain the world’s most influential branded-living market. Its future pipeline is expected to strengthen high-end inbound investment, deepen international demand, and continue redefining how luxury real estate is conceived and delivered across the MENA region.

Dubai’s shift from a temporary base to a long-term home is becoming increasingly clear. According to betterhomes’ Future Living Report 2025, the average length of stay across the city has risen to 10.5 years, up from 7.5 years in 2024, underscoring a clear shift in how residents view life in Dubai.

This increase reflects a growing sense of permanence across both tenants and homeowners, as more people commit to building their lives in the city for the long term. In 2024, tenants reported an average residency of 6.7 years. By 2025, that figure has climbed significantly to 9.9 years. Looking ahead, tenants now expect to remain in Dubai for an average of 10.7 years, compared to just 7 years the previous year. Nearly 60% of residents now plan to stay in the city for more than a decade, signaling a broader shift toward long-term living, stability, and confidence in Dubai’s future.

Commenting on these findings, Louis Harding, CEO of betterhomes, said, “With 59% of tenants committing to Dubai for the long term, it’s evident that people are planning their lives here with far greater confidence and clarity than we’ve seen before. This shift reflects Dubai’s continued appeal as a stable, livable city for both families and professionals.”

From Short-Term Plans to Long-Term Commitment

The rise in both actual and expected length of stay points to a deeper sense of belonging taking hold. Tenants are planning further ahead, setting roots, and aligning their lives around the city with greater certainty than in previous years.

Rupert Simmonds, Director of Leasing at betterhomes, added, “The growth in tenant residency is one of the clearest indicators of Dubai’s evolution. People are choosing to stay longer, not out of necessity, but because the city supports long-term living, stability, and progression.”

Together, the findings underline a clear narrative: Dubai is no longer seen as a temporary chapter for tenants, but as a long-term destination where people are choosing to settle, plan, and grow.

Nabni Developments has officially begun construction on Nabni Avenue 7, its newest premium residential development located in Dubai’s Al Furjan district, one of the city’s fastest-growing communities.

The latest release in Nabni’s Avenue-branded series of residences – and its flagship, is designed as a showcase for elevated urban living while presenting a contemporary, sophisticated aesthetic with discreet Emirati design accents. It joins the developer’s Avenue 1–6 buildings and brings total investment in Al Furjan to AED 800 million.

Due for handover in August 2027, the 12-storey mid-rise building (ground + podium + 10) offers a total of 166 one, two and three-bedroom units ranging in size from 950 to 2,050 square feet – the largest in the area.

Grounded in minimalist Art Deco design with distinctive architectural elements drawn from traditional UAE homes, the light-filled interior layouts feature high-quality Italian fixtures and fittings, and premium European kitchen appliances. Smart home technology is integrated across the luxury residential experience, and a range of lifestyle-driven amenities tailored to young professionals and families are on offer including separate adult and kids’ swimming pools, a Technogym-equipped workout space, a resident’s lounge, ghaf tree garden, kids’ play area, jogging track, and barbecue area.

Commenting on the announcement, Abdulrahman Abdulla Alhelo Alsuwaidi, Co-founder and Chairman, Nabni Developments, said: “Following the sold-out success of our first six Avenue-branded residences, and 65% of Nabni Avenue 7 already sold out, we are continuing with a proven residential model that has consistently attracted quality-driven couples and families to both the Nabni reputation and the appeal of the Al Furjan community lifestyle.

“We remain focused on delivering high-quality living spaces that meet the high expectations of both investors and end users looking for standout projects that deliver on the off-plan promise. Our approach is backed by two decades of local market experience and a solid commitment to quality across construction, fit-out, and functionality – all aligned with international standards while honoring local design influences.”

Nabni Developments follows a considered development approach that balances refined luxury with commercial viability supported by direct global sourcing and smart cost management to ensure a consistently quality-centric product. As of December 2025, the company has delivered five buildings generating more than AED 1.2 billion in sales, with three further buildings in development in Al Furjan.

This new milestone for Nabni Avenue 7 follows the May 2025 launch of the developer’s Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Business Bay, the crown in its growing portfolio – and Waldorf Astoria’s first standalone residences outside of the US.

BEYOND Developments, the bold and design-led real estate developer shaping next-generation waterfront destinations in the UAE, today unveiled SIORA, its first beachfront masterplan on Dubai Islands and the company’s second large-scale community within a year. The launch underscores BEYOND’s accelerated growth and strong alignment with Dubai’s future urban vision.

Spanning over 2M square feet, SIORA is conceived as a coastal sanctuary inspired by Japanese garden philosophies, including the pursuit of Ikigai, the Japanese concept of finding purpose and fulfilment in everyday life. In this context, it reflects a philosophy of creating spaces that bring clarity, balance, and a sense of meaning, where architecture nurtures wellbeing and restores harmony between people, nature, and place.

Commenting on the launch, Adil Taqi, CEO of BEYOND Developments, said: “Since its inception in 2024, BEYOND had an exceptional journey with nine launches in 2025 that delivered opportunities for a wider audience to experience a richer and more meaningful life. Today, I am thrilled to announce the launch of SIORA, the company’s second cluster masterplan and bold new expansion into beachfront destinations, spanning over 2 million sqft with 2.7 million sqft of GFA on the beautiful Dubai Islands.”

“This masterplan aims to define the next generation of urban coastal living, in line with Dubai’s inspirational 2040 Urban Master Plan that puts wellbeing, walkability, and nature at the heart of community life. It embodies our vision for future waterfront living environments where where design excellence, natural beauty, and emotional connection come together to empower people to live balanced experiences and connect purposefully with nature and the community.” added Taqi.

Over the past year, BEYOND has delivered nine launches, welcomed residents and investors from over 40 countries, and exceeded AED 10 billion in sales, a trajectory that reflects the company’s momentum and the market’s trust in its design-led approach.

Taqi emphasised: “SIORA represents the next phase of BEYOND’s expansion across Dubai’s coastline. It reflects our commitment to creating thoughtfully designed communities that carry lasting value and deeper meaning for a global audience. SIORA will introduce a new benchmark for waterfront living on Dubai Islands, a complete coastal ecosystem of homes, hospitality, and lifestyle experiences.”

SIORA is planned as a pedestrian coastal district where nature shapes the rhythm of daily life. More than 70 percent of the masterplan is dedicated to open green spaces, creating over 1.5M sqft of landscapes that enhance comfort and bring people closer to the coastline. Along 6 km of continuous beachfront, the sea becomes an integral part of community living and outdoor wellbeing.

Shaded routes and landscaped terraces encourage effortless movement and social connection throughout the day. These pathways introduce cooler microclimates and frame calming outlooks toward the water and the horizon, enabling a lifestyle that feels active, grounded, and human. As a defining layer of placemaking, curated cultural and artistic expressions enrich SIORA’s public realm, introducing sculptural installations influenced by Japanese aesthetics to enhance identity and transform every journey into an inspiring cultural experience.

Sustainability is embedded into SIORA’s design through wind, water, and light. Inspired by Japanese garden philosophy, these natural forces shape ventilation, comfort, and climate balance, elevating Dubai Islands living through thoughtful design and a purpose-driven coastal vision. This begins BEYOND’s multi-phase presence on Dubai Islands, elevating design-led waterfront living and shaping the future of Dubai’s coastline.

 TownX, one of Dubai’s fastest-growing real estate developers with an AED 4 billion project portfolio, has announced a significant milestone in the construction of its AED 662 million Ashley Hills project. In just four months since the project launch, the development has reached 40% construction progress, demonstrating the company’s efficiency and commitment to delivering high-quality residential communities.

Located in the heart of Arjan, Ashley Hills is a flagship development that will feature 616 residential units across 400,000 square feet of sellable area. The project is designed to offer a mix of spacious apartments that cater to families and investors seeking modern, sustainable living spaces in one of Dubai’s fastest-growing districts.

The project’s progress includes several key milestones. Site mobilization, enabling works, piling and foundations, and substructure works have all seen notable progress, with significant advancement made on the superstructure and internal works. The external envelope and building services are also underway, while internal finishes are in progress. External works and infrastructure are set to begin in the coming months.

In August 2025, TownX appointed Ocean Stone as the main contractor for the project. Ocean Stone, known for their extensive experience in large-scale residential developments, has been instrumental in driving the project forward and ensuring timely progress.

Haider Abduljabbar, Executive Director of TownX, commented: “We are extremely proud of the remarkable progress made in just four months of construction. Achieving 40% completion is a testament to the hard work of our team and our contractors, whose collaboration has been instrumental in reaching this milestone. We are excited about the future of this project and remain focused on delivering Ashley Hills on time while maintaining the high standards TownX is known for.”

The rapid progress reflects TownX’s dedication to meeting the growing demand for high-quality residential options in Dubai. The strategic location of Ashley Hills in Arjan offers excellent connectivity to major roads such as Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, along with access to schools, retail centers, parks, and recreational facilities, making it an ideal living destination.

Since its inception in 2017, TownX has focused on delivering projects ahead of schedule and with attention to detail. With over 1,567 units delivered and 1,174 apartments currently in development, the company continues to expand its footprint in Dubai’s real estate market. Ashley Hills is another milestone in TownX’s efforts to create residential communities that meet the needs of modern families while delivering long-term value.

Other key developments delivered by TownX include Easy18, Easy19, Luma21, Luma22 and Luma Park Views in JVC. Ongoing projects include 11 Hills Park at Dubai Science Park and Ashley Hills in Arjan.

Dubai Land Department, in collaboration with Dubai Holding Community Management, has approved the first-ever three-year fixed service fees for the Palm Jumeirah Master community. The new mechanism enables the management companies of jointly owned properties (JOPs) to submit and secure approval for a three-year service fees budget via the ‘Mollak’ system, while also maintaining the option for entities that wish to continue adopting a one-year budgeting model.

The new mechanism aims to stabilize service fees and enhance the efficiency of long-term financial planning by enabling management companies to enter into three-year operational contracts with service providers. This approach enhances clarity and certainty for owners and investors, while contributing to greater transparency in the management of buildings and communities.

This adoption marks a strategic milestone led by the Jointly Owned Property Management Department to advance the ‘Mollak’ system and usher in a more mature phase of community management. It strengthens market stability and transparency while enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of Dubai’s real estate sector. This development enables DLD’s partners, the community management companies to manage their financial and operational obligations across jointly owned properties with greater efficiency, improved planning confidence, and more sustainable decision-making supported by accurate and reliable data.
The enhancements to the ‘Mollak’ system also include strengthened digital data integration and streamlined documentation and verification processes, reducing time and effort, improving oversight, and elevating service quality for all stakeholders in the real estate ecosystem.

In this context, Eng. Abdullah Ahmed Al Shehhi, CEO of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency at Dubai Land Department, stated that the new three-year budgeting mechanism was implemented for the first time in collaboration with Dubai Holding Community Management, with the main Palm Jumeirah Master community being the first project to have its budget approved under this advanced model.

He added: “All community management companies across Dubai can use this new mechanism, which supporting long-term financial planning and enhancing the stability of service fees. This step forms part of RERA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency, improve the efficiency of community management, and elevate the quality of services provided to residents, owners, and investors across the emirate.

The announcement of this implementation was made during a recent collaborative workshop, organized in partnership with Dubai Holding Community Management, during which key updates supporting multi-year financial planning and the development of community management mechanisms in the emirate were presented. During the workshop, Francis Gianni, Chief Community Management Officer, also highlighted the organization’s milestones across Dubai Holding Community Management’s residential portfolio.

Francis Giani, Chief Community Management Officer at Dubai Holding Community Management, said: “This milestone will significantly enhance our strategic planning capabilities, allowing us to approach future initiatives with greater foresight and clarity. Anchored in this renewed framework, we are committed to implementing meaningful, long-term enhancements that enrich the community experience and deliver enduring value to our residents at the Palm Jumeirah and beyond.”

This step reaffirms Dubai Land Department’s commitment to advancing modern systems that meet the evolving needs of the sector, strengthen customer trust, and support Dubai’s vision of delivering world-class living experiences through a more efficient and innovative real estate ecosystem.

Jayasom, the global integrative wellness hospitality brand, has announced its inaugural flagship property at AMAALA on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. Set to open in 2026, Jayasom Wellness Resort, AMAALA will unite evidence-based medicine, holistic healing traditions, and mindful living philosophies to inspire sustainable wellbeing across generations and cultures. True to its name, Jayasom – derived from ‘Jay’, meaning heart, and ‘Asom’, meaning place – embodies “a place for the heart”, a sanctuary created to help guests feel deeply connected to themselves, their surroundings and the spirit of AMAALA.

The resort will set a new benchmark in integrated wellbeing, offering tailored, multidisciplinary wellness journeys that draw upon Western evidence-based practices together with holistic remedies rooted in Arabic traditions, yielding tangible, sustainable results in a best-in-class luxury environment. Key pillars available for guests to immerse themselves in will include – detox and nutrition; mindfulness and emotional wellbeing; women’s health and hormone balance; fitness and movement; immune resilience; integrative sleep recovery; men’s longevity and vitality; as well as stress recovery and mental clarity.

Rooted in its purpose to inspire wellness, Jayasom, AMAALA will offer guests the rare gift of time, stillness, and space – space to breathe, to recalibrate, to reconnect with inner quiet, and to build new habits that last a lifetime. As an adults-focused wellness retreat destination  as well as a family wellness resort (including infant, toddler, tween and teen zones), Jayasom, AMAALA will offer a refined, nature-immersed escape at the pristine Triple Bay, designed to support both personal transformation and meaningful connection.

At Jayasom, wellness is multifaceted. Functional assessment and physical activity combine with foods that heal and holistic experiences that together breathe life into all levels of our health and happiness. Guests will access over 7,000 sqm of world-class facilities dedicated to health, physiotherapy, fitness, mindfulness and energy work, nutrition and conscious cuisine, therapeutic spa treatments, and minimally invasive aesthetic medicine supported by U.S. FDA-approved technologies. Two distinct zones – a serene adults-only enclave and a family-focused area – will support both private retreat and intergenerational wellbeing, with programs led by medically certified specialists, holistic practitioners, therapists, and movement experts. Tailored retreats are set to encompass couple’s reconnection, women’s-only retreats, leadership, wellness and wellbeing experiences with horses, marine activities, physical performance, detox, and healing powers of sound. Alongside specialized programs inspired by the wisdom of TAIM (Traditional Arab and Islamic Medicine), an integrative healing tradition that emphasizes balance, prevention, and harmony across body, mind, and spirit. These evidence-informed protocols draw on centuries of regional knowledge – from herbal practices and nutritional principles to emotional and spiritual wellbeing – reimagined thoughtfully for the modern traveler. This culturally rooted approach complements the resort’s broader medical and holistic expertise, offering guests a deeper appreciation of a holistic tradition that complements their personalized wellbeing journey.

“Jayasom was born from a belief that wellness is a practice – grounded in presence, learning, and the quiet courage to be still,” said Karen Campbell, CEO of Jayasom. “At AMAALA, we will provide the space and support to restore balance, breathe deeply, and reconnect with wisdom – ancient and modern, personal and shared. Our commitment is to deliver wellness with integrity and compassion, empowering guests to carry forward habits that enrich their lives long after they return home.”

A symbiotic relationship between personal and planetary health runs through all that Jayasom does. Led by the ethos – tread lightly, live well – Jayasom is a destination dedicated to supporting future generations. In line with this commitment to a light resource footprint and meaningful community contribution, the resort will feature a signature organic farm – a cornerstone of the brand’s approach to nutrition, nature immersion, and regenerative practice. The farm will provide fresh organic produce for optimal nutritional wellbeing, serve as a learning hub for adults and children, support biodiversity and sustainable agriculture, and supply an early-phase nursery to nurture the resort landscape. This interplay of nourishment, education, and environmental stewardship underscores Jayasom’s belief that wellbeing is all-encompassing – spanning body, mind, spirit, and planet.

Celebrating the culture of local communities connects Jayasom to indigenous wellness traditions and honors the vibrancy of our world. This sensibility, combined with the brand’s ethos for luxury hospitality, lies at the heart of its design and guest experience philosophy at AMAALA – where global wisdom meets local authenticity to create a truly transformative sense of place.

As Jayasom’s flagship, AMAALA represents the future of purposeful luxury – where depth replaces excess, clarity replaces noise, and wellbeing becomes a way of living, not an escape. Here, wellness is not a pause from life – it is a pathway back to it.