Off-plan properties can transform Saudi real estate market
Off-plan residential offerings can help bridge the gap of 1.5 million housing units in Saudi Arabia, directly contributing to goals set out in Vision 2030
Off-plan residential offerings can help bridge the gap of 1.5 million housing units in Saudi Arabia, directly contributing to goals set out in Vision 2030
Insights from PwC Middle East’s latest report, “Saudi Arabia’s off-plan market: A driving force fueling a vibrant and sustainable society” shows that off-plan sales models can increase the effectiveness and affordability of the Kingdom’s real estate market, directly contributing to goals set out within Saudi Vision 2030.
As part of its National Housing Program, Saudi Arabia has set out a target of increasing home ownership to 70%, up from 47% in 2016. Achieving this goal requires a significant leap in residential real estate supply by approximately 1.5 million housing units or 115,000 units annually. The Kingdom’s National Transformation Program as well as the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing (MoMRAH) have introduced several innovative products and initiatives to support this objective, such as market-ready units provided by real estate developers or individual owners, access to financial institutions for housing support, and setting up a legal framework for housing programs.
In a historically ready-property market, off-plan properties provide an opportunity for both local and foreign investors to create more affordable housing options, thereby boosting the GDP of the Kingdom. Off-plan sales can also stimulate and grow the banking sector to create financial solutions that could cater to different beneficiary segments, grow the real estate brokerage market, and stimulate multiple purchases from investors.
Highlighting the findings, Imad Shahrouri, Housing and Real Estate Cluster Leader, PwC Middle East, said: “Since its launch in 2016, the off-plan sales approach has become a key product to achieve the objectives set out in the National Housing Program. It has been a key factor in accelerating the process of home ownership, increasing capabilities of real estate developers to undertake large and integrated projects and stimulating supply. Off-plan sales have paved the way for evolutionary change within the local real estate market, creating a collaborative ecosystem for business consultants, construction contractors, private developers and financiers, as well as marketing agencies and sales brokers.”
Recent years have seen a surge in off-plan property sales in the Kingdom, recording 52% growth in the first half of 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. The Kingdom’s real estate market has now made it a feasible possibility for a new generation of Saudi to own their own property. In tandem with considerable changes made to the local real estate market, including the development of comprehensive and clear regulations, cultivating stronger partnerships between public and private sector players and empowering developers, the Kingdom can bridge the gap between supply and demand for residential housing. However, the off-plan sales in the country is relatively new, and obstacles such as a lack of clear regulations, insufficient awareness, and trust issues need strategic interventions for successful implementation.
Marketing & Product Positioning: The cultural preference for ready-made units in Saudi Arabia poses a significant challenge to the off-plan sales. Buyers typically favor tangible products over waiting for properties to materialize in a few years. To overcome this, a cultural shift towards embracing off-plan sales is necessary. Marketing plays a pivotal role in this transformation, requiring developers to bring awareness to local consumers about the benefits of off-plan sales purchases and implement effective pricing strategies.
Location: Off-plan sales projects often face challenges due to their distant locations from city centers and essential services. Developers need to recognize the importance of proximity to amenities, transportation, schools, and other facilities.
Rising Interest Rates: The gradual increase in interest rates, particularly in 2023, has adversely affected the off-plan sales. Higher interest rates slow down the housing market, as banks may struggle to meet the financing demands of multiple projects, creating a liquidity challenge. Striking a balance between liquidity and financing demands becomes crucial to navigate this challenge.
Shortage of Developers: Saudi Arabia faces a shortage of developers with the necessary knowledge and experience to keep up with the fast pace of Vision 2030 objectives. To address this, the Kingdom can bring in more regional real estate developers as well as working to provide more support and training for local Saudi developers.
Quality Assurance: Buyers often rely on developers’ promises and marketing materials, raising concerns about the quality of off-plan sales properties. Delays in project completion and handover further diminish client confidence and investment returns. Implementing robust quality assurance mechanisms and addressing factors contributing to project delays, such as construction issues, permitting delays, and changes in market conditions, are essential.
“The successful implementation of the off-plan sales will increase the effectiveness and the efficiency of the real estate market in Saudi Arabia and increase the market depth through attracting additional local, regional and international developers on a global level,” Added Shahrouri.
Overcoming challenges through strategic measures can unlock the full potential of off-plan sales, contributing significantly to Vision 2030 goals and fostering a robust, collaborative real estate ecosystem in the Kingdom.
Oman has launched a tender for consultancy services to design the masterplan of New City Sohar, a major green and smart urban development aligned with Vision 2040. With 31 firms already purchasing documents, the project aims to transform over 700 hectares into a vibrant hub featuring 20,000 homes, offices, cultural spaces, and walkable neighborhoods—positioning Sohar as a future center of trade, innovation, and sustainable city living.
Home to at least four billionaires, the low-key, ‘no frills’ enclave of Cashiers has one of the country’s highest concentrations of wealth.
Dubai’s ultra-luxury villa market has evolved into a global asset class, with AED 40M+ and AED 100M+ trophy homes surging in value—driven by record resales, billionaire migration, and a new “Golden Triangle of Wealth.”
TownX has reached a major milestone at Ashley Hills, achieving 40% construction progress in just four months since launch. Valued at AED 662 million, the flagship Arjan development will deliver 616 modern residential units, reflecting TownX’s commitment to quality, efficiency, and timely delivery in one of Dubai’s fastest-growing districts.
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.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
Dubai Land Department and Dubai Holding Community Management have introduced the first three-year fixed service fees for Palm Jumeirah, enabling long-term financial planning and greater transparency through the upgraded ‘Mollak’ system.
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.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Interior designer Thomas Hamel on where it goes wrong in so many homes.
Jayasom has announced its flagship wellness resort at AMAALA, opening in 2026, introducing a new benchmark in integrated wellbeing that blends evidence-based medicine with holistic Arabic healing traditions on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.
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.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Following the devastation of recent flooding, experts are urging government intervention to drive the cessation of building in areas at risk.
Oman has launched a tender for consultancy services to design the masterplan of New City Sohar, a major green and smart urban development aligned with Vision 2040. With 31 firms already purchasing documents, the project aims to transform over 700 hectares into a vibrant hub featuring 20,000 homes, offices, cultural spaces, and walkable neighborhoods—positioning Sohar as a future center of trade, innovation, and sustainable city living.
Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has issued a tender seeking consultancy services for the masterplan and detailed design of the New City Sohar, a major urban development planned in Sohar, located in Al Batinah North Governorate.
The tender was published on 24 November 2025, with bid submissions due by 19 January 2026, according to the ministry’s procurement notice. Priced bids will be opened on the same day as submission.
The sale of tender documents will close on 15 December 2025. Pre-bid clarifications will run until 29 December.
To date, 31 companies have purchased the tender documents including 12 international firms, according to Oman’s tender board.
The project, referred to as NCSo, is envisaged as a green, smart, sustainable and vibrant city fully aligned with Oman Vision 2040, according to the tender notice. Its strategic location on historic farmlands in the vicinity of the Grand Mosque and the Palace and its high-level government backing position provides an opportunity to introduce innovative solutions across key urban elements.
In May 2024, UK-based architectural news portal e-Architect reported that Global architecture and design studio Hassell released ‘New City in Sohar’ master plan, after being commissioned by the Ministry with a mandate to position the Northern Oman city as a center of trade, commerce and innovation by 2040.
The report said the master plan capitalizes on Sohar’s free port and the forthcoming international rail link with Abu Dhabi to transform more than 700 hectares of degraded agricultural land into a major new urban center. The development is designed to deliver over 20,000 homes, 520,000 square meters of office space, schools, mosques, hospitals, cultural venues such as an opera house and museums, and a new library.
It said Hassell’s master plan applies the five-minute city principle emphasizing micro-mobility and walkable neighborhoods centered around amenity clusters within a short distance of homes and workplaces.
Development will be phased over the next two decades, with the earliest completions expected around 2040.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Home to at least four billionaires, the low-key, ‘no frills’ enclave of Cashiers has one of the country’s highest concentrations of wealth.
CASHIERS, N. C.—Shortly before 4 p.m. on a recent November afternoon, Buck’s Coffee Cafe was buzzing with a steady stream of customers that included a local chef, the scion of a hot-sauce empire, a real-estate developer and others.
Two Porsches and a pickup truck were parked in front of the shop, which serves as a de facto town hall at the intersection of North Carolina Highway 107 and U.S. Route 64.
If Cashiers had a town centre, this would be it: a crossroads surrounded by a smattering of retail.
In the Blue Ridge Mountains, the unincorporated village has no mayor, no local police force and no central public water supply. There is a limited public sewer system, just a handful of sidewalks and one Ingles supermarket, affectionately known as “Mingles” because it is where locals tend to socialise.
But what Cashiers does have is lots of uber-wealthy homeowners who have been coming to the area for more than a century.
With a full-time population of just 825—and at least four billionaires with homes—Cashiers has one of the highest concentrations of wealth in the country, according to data from Altrata, a wealth-intelligence firm.
Drawn to the area’s climate and natural beauty, most deep-pocketed homeowners, including billionaires like Ken Langone, a co-founder of Home Depot, and members of Nashville’s Ingram family, own property in a half-dozen private golf communities fanning out from the main intersection.
Even as real-estate values in Cashiers (pronounced Cash-ERS) nearly doubled over the past five years, locals have resisted overdevelopment in favour of retaining its small-town character, which provides relative anonymity to its wealthiest residents.

A September article in The Wall Street Journal, disclosing the presence of four billionaire families, got the community talking.
“People said, ‘Four? What an insult. We’ve got more than that,’” said Ann McKee Austin, who summered in Cashiers as a child and who co-developed, with her brother William McKee, the Wade Hampton Golf Club in the 1980s. “It attracts low-key people, not jet-set people,” said Austin.
South Carolina politician Wade Hampton III, a Confederate general, was among the first to build a summer lodge in Cashiers in the 1800s.
By the 1980s, golf communities with courses designed by Tom Fazio, Arnold Palmer and others began sprouting up in the area.
Today, there are at least 15 clubs on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, a roughly 25-mile area that includes Cashiers and its sister town of Highlands, a quaint tourist destination with high-end shops, restaurants and hotels.
By contrast, Cashiers has no Main Street and is “no frills,” said real-estate agent Kati Miller of Caliber Fine Property, comparing it to the fictional town of Mayberry. “You’re not going to see Prada or any sort of chain. It’s hard to get to—the closest airport is 45 minutes away on windy one-lane roads.”
Life in both places largely revolves around the clubs, where the average home-sale price was roughly $5.4 million over the past three months, said Ali Moody of Caliber.
Owning property is often a prerequisite to membership, which costs upward of $100,000 plus annual dues. Besides amenities like golf, tennis, croquet and dining, clubs also provide infrastructure like roads, water and sewer systems, making construction of luxury homes possible.
“Clubs are like mini-cities, quite frankly,” said Jody Lovell of Highlands-Cashiers Sotheby’s International Realty. Some clubs even provide workforce housing.
Over the years, the ranks of wealthy residents have swelled to include Langone, who paid less than $1 million combined to buy 5.77 acres at Wade Hampton in the 1990s, records show. (For many years, the late Bernie Marcus, another co-founder of Home Depot, also had a place there.) Martha Ingram, who succeeded her late husband as chairman of the billionaire family’s conglomerate Ingram Industries ,bought at the Chattooga Club more than three decades ago.

Langone said he was visiting a friend for the weekend when he toured Wade Hampton and was “blown away” by the newly-built golf course. He bought land before he left and built a four-bedroom home that he has added to over the years.
He said people in Cashiers are civic-minded, hard-working, and kind. “I go there, and they treat me like I’m just anybody else,” he said, “which is the way it should be. ”
Martha’s son, David Ingram, and his wife, Sarah, own several properties at Chattooga—and they recently purchased the club from his uncle (and Martha’s brother) John Rivers, who developed it in the 1980s.
Members of the McIlhenny family, which has been making Tabasco in Louisiana since the 1800s, also own in Cashiers, as does billionaire Scott Hardman Ward, a scion of Russell Stover candies, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent , who spent $4.6 million in 2022. He is now looking to sell his property for $5.25 million.
Billionaire energy mogul William Doré owns two homes in Wade Hampton, which he purchased for about $3 million combined in 2016 and 2019. And Ric Elias, the billionaire CEO of Red Ventures, recently sold a roughly 2.6-acre lot at the Club at High Hampton for $2.5 million, after paying $2.25 million in 2023. Elias and Bessent didn’t comment. Ward, Doré and the McIlhenny family didn’t respond to requests for comment.
Year-round residents say wealthy “summer people” don’t get any special attention. Pro golfers with homes in the area regularly grab a slice at Slab Town Pizza, said restaurant manager Scott Mulchay. No one bats an eye.
Langone said one of his favourite events is a July Fourth get-together hosted by a family at High Hampton, who serve barbecue; people dress in Americana, sing patriotic songs and fire off a mini-cannon, he said.
“We don’t need to prove what we have or show what we have,” he said. “We just enjoy everyone’s company.”
Despite its unpretentiousness, a turning point for the Cashiers luxury market came in the early 2000s, when Discovery Land Co., the developer behind Montana’s Yellowstone Club, opened Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club, drawing more well-heeled buyers not just from the Southeast, but other parts of the country. The McKee family’s sale of the High Hampton Inn in 2017 to the operator of Tennessee’s popular Blackberry Farm, which renovated the historic property, had a similar effect. undefined
Rob Palumbo, who works in the financial services industry in Atlanta, fell in love with Cashiers’ tranquillity 25 years ago, and for years he owned a log cabin on the Tuckasegee River. In 2013, he and his wife, Melanie Palumbo, paid $800,000 for a 2.3-acre lot at Mountaintop and built a six-bedroom house.
Like other resort areas, Cashiers experienced a Covid boom that turbocharged home prices.
Between 2020 and 2024, the average home sale price jumped 88.8% from $1.05 million to $1.98 million, according to data from the multiple listing service. Despite economic uncertainty that has slowed the luxury market nationwide, Cashiers recently had a string of sales above $7 million—a once-untouchable price point.
“For the longest time, $6 million was the ceiling,” said Caliber’s Miller, who said prices are rising as new homes sell for the first time.
The record in Cashiers was set in July, when a house at Mountaintop with a glass-and-steel facade sold for $11.11 million, said listing agent Liz Harris of Cashiers Sotheby’s International Realty. The prior owner paid $600,000 for the 1.85-acre lot in 2020, records show. “What kept [the market] down before, honestly, was people didn’t know about it,” Harris said. The buyer couldn’t be determined.

Earlier this month, a 6.5-acre estate at Cullasaja Club—halfway between Cashiers and Highlands—sold for $12 million.
Some real-estate insiders say the market, as it currently exists, can only grow so much.
Cashiers has six months’ worth of world-class golf between May and October, but there is less to draw people there during the “shoulder” seasons, said developer Sam Lupas.
A bigger issue is inventory. Many of the clubs have waiting lists, Miller said, even Mountaintop, where the initiation fee will be $275,000 starting January 1. “I hate to say it, but we need another club up here,” she said. “They’re all full.”
In 2003, locals voted against incorporation out of fear of paying higher taxes or ceding autonomy to government bureaucracy. Instead, local philanthropists have supported a local charter school, library, boys and girls club and volunteer fire department.
Two decades ago, when a hotel developer tried to build an Econo Lodge near the main intersection, residents swooped in to purchase the land. They designed a Village Green that is encircled with a low stone wall, and a hard-to-find entrance in the rear. “It was meant to be for the people that live here, and you access it from behind the scenes, rather than ‘Stop here and have a picnic lunch,’” said Austin.
Over the past few years, Cashiers has experienced growing pains amid its newfound popularity. During the summer months, traffic can back up for miles, said the Rev. Steve Hines, a retired clergyman who is a member of the Chattooga Club. “There were wealthy people here before, but not at this level,” he said. The growth “has gotten a little out of hand.”
Affordable housing is also an issue, said Jackie Hooper Hernandez, a clerk at Lulu & You clothing boutique, who said she is lucky to live with a relative about 8 miles from the shop. Other family members drive more than 30 minutes to work. But she puts up with the inconveniences of the summer influx because her livelihood depends on it. “We might hate the traffic,” she said, “but you know, if we didn’t have that, I wouldn’t have a job,” she said.

Some people think Cashiers would be better off incorporating, so that it could benefit from having its own tax base and public infrastructure.
But others believe there is reason to fear overdevelopment. “I’ve witnessed an overbuilding [at other clubs], where going to dinner or getting a tee time for golf almost became a lottery system,” said Hufstetler, who just bought the $12 million house in Cullasaja. He previously owned homes in Destin, Fla., and on Lake Oconee, Ga., that he sold when those areas became too crowded.
Lupas said he and his partners are working on an effort to bring hospitality, retail and housing to Cashiers in a way that is both appropriate and “authentic” to the community. “Some people think I’m an evil developer,” but he said the opposite is true. He believes a certain amount of growth is good for Cashiers, if not necessary. “Everybody wants it to stay like it was in 1950, but it’s not possible.”
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Dubai’s ultra-luxury villa market has evolved into a global asset class, with AED 40M+ and AED 100M+ trophy homes surging in value—driven by record resales, billionaire migration, and a new “Golden Triangle of Wealth.”
Dubai’s ultra-luxury villa market has moved past a post-COVID boom to become a stable global asset class, with record-breaking sales of AED40+ million properties and demand for elite ‘trophy’ homes on the rise.
Analysis by fäm Properties highlights AED 70M-AED100M deals climbing sharply, resales overtaking new sales, and the emergence of a ‘golden triangle’ of wealth between Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills and MBR City.
Data from DXBinteract also identifies Palm Jebel Ali, Tilal Al Ghaf and The Oasis as the next frontiers for ultra-luxury villas worth AED100M+ after handover in the next three years.
“Dubai’s AED 40M+ villa market is now a sustained global wealth segment, not a post-COVID anomaly, with strong resale demand and a limited supply of trophy homes driving prices higher,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties.
“Over the last five years, there has been explosive growth in this sector, with transactions increasing more than ninefold, from 27 in 2020 to 210 in 2023, 242 in 2024, and a projected 199 in 2025.”
Transaction value jumped from AED 0.89B in 2020 to AED 15.98B in 2024, a 1,700% rise that effectively created Dubai’s ultra-prime villa market. The growth is fueled by global UHNW migration and limited trophy homes in Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Bay, and MBR City.
Al Msaddi reacted to the surge by creating fäm Luxe, a new ultra-super-prime arm for Dubai’s UHNW buyers, making it the fäm Group’s 17th division.
Resales overtook new sales from 2022 onward, accounting for 58% of all AED 40M+ villa deals in 2024. Value-wise, resales jumped from AED 2.0 B in 2021 to AED 10.8 B in 2024, surpassing developer sales which stood at AED 5.96 B the same year.
“This confirms a mature investor cycle, where delivered ultra-prime stock – mainly on Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Bay, and Emirates Hills – now trades at liquidity levels once limited to off-plan,” said Al Msaddi, who
Meanwhile, Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, and MBR City have emerged as Dubai’s ‘Golden Triangle of Wealth,’ accounting for 56% of AED 40M+ villa transactions.
Dubai has also seen the rise of AED 70M+ to AED 100M villa deals, which grew from negligible between 2015–2019 to over 170 villas between 2023–2025.
In addition, AED 100M–200M transactions totaled 83, and AED 200M+ deals reached 25 since 2021. Dubai now consistently records AED 200M–600M trophy sales, a category that barely existed before 2021, signaling institutional-grade global demand.
Data from DXBinteract also identifies Palm Jebel Ali, Tilal Al Ghaf, and The Oasis as the next frontiers for ultra-luxury villas worth AED 100M+ after handover between 2026–2028. It follows their entry into the sector for AED 40M+ villas as follows:
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
ELIRE Managed By LUX* celebrates the UAE’s 54th National Day by blending Emirati architectural heritage with modern luxury living in the heart of Business Bay.
As the UAE celebrates its 54th National Day, QUBE Development is spotlighting Emirati heritage in structural excellence through its most recent luxury residential project, ELIRE Managed By LUX*. Designed as a refined expression of cultural identity, the development pays homage to the UAE’s architectural legacy while offering residents a highly curated, contemporary way of living.
Inspired by the iconic Al Barajeel, or wind towers, ELIRE is crafted to celebrate the interplay of light, shadow and form, echoing the beauty of traditional Emirati architecture. Set in the heart of Business Bay, the development features 100 units across 23 floors, from one-bedroom apartments to expansive four-bedroom duplexes. Lush greenery is woven throughout the development, creating a serene urban retreat for residents to enjoy.
“The vision for ELIRE was to interpret the UAE’s architectural traditions with authenticity and respect, while shaping a lifestyle that reflects the sophistication of today’s residents,” said Hala Adra, Project Director at QUBE Development. “As a developer, we are committed to creating spaces that honor the nation’s identity through thoughtful design that integrate the essence of Emirati architectural heritage into modern living spaces.”
As Business Bay continues to be one of Dubai’s most desirable locations for high net worth residents, ELIRE represents a rare opportunity to experience the intersection of heritage, culture and modern luxury living. With National Day serving as a reminder of the UAE’s rich traditions, ELIRE Managed By LUX* embodies a living space that honors the past while looking confidently to the future.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
AMIS Development unveils The Tides on Dubai Islands — a new luxury coastal community offering fully furnished residences, world-class amenities, and sustainable living, set for completion in 2028.
AMIS Development today announced the launch of The Tides development on the highly anticipated Dubai Islands, a transformative master-planned development designed to offer a seamless fusion of luxury living and coastal serenity.
The launch event, held yesterday at DRIFT Beach Dubai, was attended by over 500 brokers, partners, and industry leaders, marking a significant milestone for the company in its expansion into the iconic Dubai Islands.
Featuring fully furnished, high-end residential units, The Tides by AMIS is designed to offer a modern and sustainable lifestyle with a focus on both luxury and community. Set for completion by April 2028, the project offers a 50-50 payment plan with 5% only required on booking. Strategically located along Dubai’s captivating northern coastline, it offers unparalleled sea views, lush landscapes, and easy access to key locations such as Deira, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai International Airport.
The project offers a range of unit configurations, including one-bedroom apartments with a study, two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom apartments, and four-bedroom townhouses featuring G+2 floors. Sizes range from 812 to 4,433 square feet and prices start from AED 2.1 million. Each residence is thoughtfully designed to maximize space and functionality, with bespoke fitted kitchens, high-quality appliances, and smart home integration. The project’s interior finishes reflect AMIS Development’s commitment to premium craftsmanship, featuring high-quality tiles, lacquered cabinet doors, and premium sanitary ware from renowned brands
The rooftop will offer a wide array of amenities designed for the entire family, including an infinity pool, children’s pool, play area, BBQ facilities, outdoor cinema, and a family lounge. On the first floor, residents can enjoy a nature park, Zen garden, outdoor yoga area, multi-purpose party hall, cross-fit gym, and a bocce court. The ground floor will feature a grand reception lobby and a waiting lounge, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Neeraj Mishra, Founder and CEO of AMIS Development, expressed his excitement at the launch, stating: “The Tides is a testament to our vision of creating world-class residential developments that blend modern luxury with sustainable living. This is our first project in Dubai Islands, offering a unique opportunity to live in a serene and vibrant community, while remaining well-connected to the heart of Dubai. It marks an exciting new chapter for AMIS Development, and we are committed to delivering exceptional projects that cater to a wide range of lifestyles. With more projects in the pipeline, we look forward to further enhancing Dubai’s landscape with innovative, luxurious developments.”
This launch marks the fourth project by AMIS Development, a developer known for its dedication to creating cutting-edge, sustainable developments. As part of its continued growth, AMIS has several more projects in the pipeline to be released in the coming months.
Dubai Islands, with its exquisite combination of residential, commercial, hospitality, and leisure spaces, is fast becoming one of the city’s most desirable destinations. The development is designed with sustainability at its core, featuring walkable neighborhoods, marinas, retail promenades, resorts, and wellness facilities, all harmoniously integrated with nature and modern infrastructure.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Rua Al Madinah Holding partners with Adeera to operate 250 hotel rooms and 120 luxury residences within the Rua Al Madinah Project, strengthening national hospitality brands and supporting Vision 2030.
Rua Al Madinah Holding, a PIF company, and Adeera have signed a partnership agreement to operate and manage two buildings comprising 250 hotel rooms and 120 luxury residential units under its brand Alia, within Rua Al Madinah Project, which is being developed near the Prophet’s Mosque.
The signing comes as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the hospitality sector and empower national brands within its large-scale development projects.
Mr. Naif bin Saleh Al Hamdan, Chairman of Rua Al Madinah Holding, stated: “This partnership with Adeera reflects our commitment to empowering national capabilities in the hospitality sector and strengthening their presence within our major development projects. Rua Al Madinah Project represents a continuation of our efforts to realize the objectives of the Public Investment Fund and Saudi Vision 2030, advancing sustainable development that reinforces Madinah’s position as a leading cultural and urban destination.”
For his part, Eng. Ahmed Al Juhani, CEO of Rua Al Madinah Holding, emphasized that the collaboration with Adeera marks a promising new beginning for local companies in hotel management within Rua Al Madinah Project, which brings together leading global hospitality brands. He added that this agreement is the first of its kind and expressed his optimism that Adeera will play a key role in enhancing hospitality services, reflecting authentic Saudi identity while maintaining the highest international standards.
Stefan Leser, CEO of Adeera Hospitality, stated that “Rua Al Madinah Project represents a distinctive addition to the Kingdom that will serve millions of visitors.” He expressed his delight in partnering with Rua Al Madinah Holding on this ambitious project and affirmed Adeera’s commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s efforts in serving the Guests of the Two Holy Mosques.
Leser added that “Adeera is focusing on developing and delivering exceptional hospitality experiences that will embody the generosity and warmth deeply rooted in Saudi culture, while enriching the religious and cultural experience of visitors from around the world.”
Under this agreement, Adeera joins Rua Al Madinah Holding’s roster of hotel operation partners, which includes four leading global hospitality brands, Marriott, Hyatt, Accor, and Hilton, contributing to the introduction of 17 hotel brands within Rua Al Madinah Project, such as Hilton Garden Inn, Conrad, Hyatt Regency, Grand Hyatt, Fairmont, Swissôtel, The Ritz-Carlton, Le Méridien, Four Points by Sheraton, and others.
The Public Investment Fund had previously launched Adeera Hospitality Management, which is expected to become a leading company in the sector, supported by national talent and expertise. Adeera aims to operate hotels innovatively, combining world-class standards with the authenticity of Saudi hospitality.
Rua Al Madinah Holding, a PIF company specializing in real estate development and investment, is dedicated to delivering diverse and integrated projects that enhance Madinah’s status as a global cultural and modern destination. Through Rua Al Madinah Project, the company aims to develop a comprehensive hospitality and commercial ecosystem that increases accommodation capacity near the Prophet’s Mosque, facilitating the hosting of 30 million visitors and enriching their experience in line with the objectives of the Pilgrims Experience Program and Saudi Vision 2030.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Object 1 expands its footprint in Dubai Land Residence Complex with VERDAN1A, a sustainable, design-led community set to benefit from the upcoming Dubai Metro Blue Line. The developer strengthens its commitment to smart, connected living as DLRC rises as one of Dubai’s top-performing residential hubs.
Object 1 Real Estate Development, an award-winning developer, is expanding its portfolio within Dubai Land Residence Complex (DLRC), reinforcing its commitment to building smart, connected, and future-ready communities. The move aligns with Dubai’s ongoing infrastructure development of the upcoming Dubai Metro Blue Line, which is set to transform connectivity and enhance property values across the city’s key residential corridors.
Considered one of Dubai’s hidden gems, Dubai Land Residence Complex has rapidly evolved into one of the city’s most promising real estate destinations. Located at the intersection of Emirates Road (E611) and Dubai–Al Ain Road (E66), the area offers residents fast access to major business hubs, schools, and attractions, while remaining surrounded by calm, open landscapes. The planned Blue Line will connect DLRC to Dubai’s major transport network, linking it directly to Dubai International Airport and Business Bay, further strengthening its appeal for end-users and investors alike.
DLRC has recorded some of the city’s strongest property performance indicators. Apartment sales volumes remain high, and rental yields have reached up to 8% in select projects, placing it among Dubai’s top-performing residential zones. This has positioned the area as a preferred destination for investors seeking long-term returns and for residents drawn to modern living within a well-connected, emerging district.
Tatiana Tonu, CEO at Object 1, said: “Dubai Land Residence Complex has transitioned from a quiet suburban community into one of Dubai’s most dynamic residential corridors. With the upcoming Dubai Metro Blue Line redefining mobility across the city, the district’s potential for sustainable growth has never been stronger. Our investment in this area reflects Object 1’s long-term belief in creating buildings that combine design excellence, accessibility, and well-being. Our development VERDAN1A embodies that vision, a community that nurtures connection, sustainability, and quality of life while offering lasting value for homeowners and investors.”
At the center of Object 1’s DLRC expansion is VERDAN1A 1 & 2, a multi-phase residential development inspired by the word verde—green. Designed around the principles of sustainable urban living, VERDAN1A combines modern aesthetics with practical functionality, encouraging wellness and community interaction. The project comprises 316 units across two phases and features resort-style amenities including swimming pools, a gym, yoga and meditation zones, a cinema, children’s play areas, and outdoor lounges. Every detail has been carefully considered to foster balance and vitality in residents’ everyday lives.
VERDAN1A is built in full compliance with the Dubai Green Building Regulations and Specifications, which promote insulation efficiency and energy-saving measures in line with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative. The project also aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan’s goal of developing inclusive, human-centric, and climate-resilient communities.
Dubai’s real estate market continues to break records, with AED 559.4 billion in total sales so far in 2025, reaffirming the city’s global appeal and investor confidence. Building on this momentum, Object 1 continues to deliver across high-demand communities, including Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT), Al Furjan, Sports City, and Dubai Land Residence Complex.
The company’s portfolio now comprises with more than 20 design-led projects focused on wellness, sustainability, and family-centric living—each crafted to provide long-term value and contribute to Dubai’s evolving urban landscape. Alongside its expanding footprint in Dubai, Object 1 is also growing its presence in Abu Dhabi, reflecting its vision to create thoughtful, connected spaces across the UAE that meet the needs of a new generation of residents and investors.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Pantheon Development breaks ground on VOXA, an AED 800M mixed-use landmark set to redefine work-live-play living in JVT. Blending smart design, sustainability, and premium amenities, VOXA marks a bold new chapter of innovation and affordable luxury in Dubai.
Pantheon Development, one of Dubai’s leading real estate developers, renowned for its commitment to affordable luxury, has officially broken ground on VOXA. This AED 800 million premium mixed-use development will fundamentally change the modern business and residential living in Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT). VOXA is a dynamic destination where work, life, and leisure will coexist in perfect balance, introducing a new era of smart, connected, and experience-driven living in Dubai.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held last week, was attended by Mr. Kalpesh Kinariwala, Founder, Pantheon Development, alongside senior management, and key project partners, including Al Khawaja Engineering Consultants (KWEC) and the appointed contractor, IGS Foundation Contracting LLC. The event marks a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and diversification.
“VOXA is more than just a development; it is a statement of intent,” said Mr. Kalpesh Kinariwala, Founder, Pantheon Development. “As we enter the mixed-use space in Dubai, our vision is to deliver inspiring environments where work, wellness, and community coexist in perfect harmony. This project exemplifies our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and design innovation, continuing our legacy of affordable luxury into a new realm of commercial sophistication.”
Adding to the excitement, project partners shared their perspectives on the development as well.
“VOXA represents a landmark project where innovation meets functionality, and we are proud to contribute our expertise to bring this vision to life,” said Mr. Jamal Al Khawaja, Owner of Al Khawaja Engineering Consultants (KWEC).
Ms. Yasmin Salem, General Manager of IGS Foundation Contracting L.L.C., further added, “Our team at IGS Foundation Contracting is dedicated to delivering VOXA to the highest standards, ensuring quality, safety, and timely execution”.
Scheduled to be completed in Q3 2028, VOXA is the first branded residence and mixed-use project by Pantheon Development, marking the strategic expansion of the company into the premium commercial real estate sector of Dubai. Building on its award-winning residential legacy across Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Pantheon now extends its hallmark of design excellence, innovation, and precision craftsmanship to a new generation of modern business and lifestyle spaces.
Mr. Kinariwala said: “With VOXA, we are not only diversifying our portfolio but also empowering investors and enterprises with a future-ready opportunity that reflects Dubai’s dynamic growth and global appeal. We aim to contribute meaningfully toward the evolving real estate landscape of this city, where quality, connectivity, and lifestyle blend seamlessly.”
Spanning over 450,000 sq. ft., VOXA seamlessly integrates 70,000 sq. ft. of premium commercial spaces, 20,000 sq. ft. of curated retail, and 360,000 sq. ft. of contemporary residences spread across 29 floors. Designed for modern enterprises and residents, VOXA offers an environment where one can work smart, live comfortably, and play freely, all within one inspired destination.
VOXA has been thoughtfully crafted to support productivity, well-being, and lifestyle balance, bringing together convenience, connectivity, and community under one roof.
The project boasts of contemporary architecture with functional spatial planning, including:
A Strategic Investment Opportunity
Beyond its design and lifestyle appeal, VOXA presents a compelling investment proposition across its residential, commercial, and retail components. By offering future-ready workspaces alongside contemporary residences and curated lifestyle experiences, the development delivers a unified work-live-play ecosystem within one of Dubai’s most sought-after neighborhoods.
With construction progressing on schedule and completion targeted for 2028, VOXA reinforces Pantheon Development’s long-term strategy to diversify its portfolio while strengthening its position as one of the region’s most trusted and forward-thinking developers.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
AIR launches the UAE’s first fully AI-native real estate brokerage, redefining how properties are bought and sold through human-centered intelligence and real-time market insight.
In a significant move towards the UAE’s goal of becoming a worldwide leader in artificial intelligence, AIR (AI Realtor) has announced the launch of the region’s first fully AI-native real estate brokerage platform, built from the ground up in Dubai.
Backed by the nation’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, AIR represents the next frontier of technology-driven transformation, powered by the nation’s growing pool of world-class AI and technology talent. Unlike many regional tech models inspired by global counterparts, AIR is not an adaptation but a truly homegrown innovation. It was conceived and built within the UAE’s robust digital ecosystem, one supported by forward-thinking regulations, open data infrastructure, and a government-led vision to integrate AI across every major sector. This unique environment has made it possible for AIR to emerge as a platform born in the UAE, for the UAE, setting a new benchmark for how real estate and technology converge.
“No human can monitor every listing, price movement, and buyer signal across the entire city, but AIR can, instantly,” said Milad Monshipour, Founder & CEO of AIR. “Our mission is to become the most trusted advisor in the country, in the region, and soon globally – transform how people buy and sell properties, making it fundamentally simpler, smarter, and more trustworthy through human-centered AI.”
AIR is a revolutionary, agent-centric AI ecosystem that redefines how property is bought, sold, and experienced. It merges human expertise with machine precision to deliver transactions that are simpler, smarter, faster, and radically transparent.
At the core of AIR lies AIR Brain, an advanced neural intelligence trained exclusively on Dubai’s real estate landscape. It orchestrates a symphony of smart tools, each designed to transform how agents, investors, and clients engage with the market:
AIR’s purpose is clear: empower agents, reduce transaction costs, and deliver seamless advisory through trusted transparency and real-time intelligence. By automating administrative workflows and eliminating inefficiencies, AIR allows agents to scale their business while providing superior service at a fraction of the traditional cost.
For clients, this translates into clarity, confidence, and control with every valuation, every recommendation, and every decision grounded in transparent, understandable data.
“AIR doesn’t evolve real estate, it rewrites it,” said Milad Monshipour. “For the first time, AI understands Dubai’s property market in real time, empowering agents to move faster, act smarter, and redefine what trust and performance mean in this industry.”
Born in the UAE, Built for the World
AIR could only have been created in the UAE, a market uniquely primed for innovation. Government-led deregulation has opened the brokerage sector to unprecedented competition, driving higher standards and better outcomes for consumers. The country’s commitment to data transparency and open property information, unmatched in the US, Europe, or the wider Middle East, provides the foundation for true AI intelligence to thrive.
Combined with fully digitised and automated real estate processes, this ecosystem has enabled the world’s first AI-native property platform to be built from the ground up.
Scalable by design and powered by regionally developed intelligence, AIR now stands ready to expand across the GCC and beyond, redefining how real estate operates in the digital age.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Alexandre de Betak and his wife are focusing on their most personal project yet.
Abu Dhabi elevates its luxury retail season with Unlock Luxury Rewards: a two-week experience offering Darna members 15% back across 80+ global luxury brands at The Galleria from 1–14 December 2025.
As Abu Dhabi enters a standout moment in its cultural and social calendar, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), in partnership with Darna Rewards by Aldar and The Galleria Al Maryah Island, announces the launch of Unlock Luxury Rewards. This exclusive two-week experience, running from 1 to 14 December 2025, brings an unmatched luxury rewards experience to the capital’s leading retail destination.
Arriving during a month marked by flagship events, from Eid Al Etihad and the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, to the debut of Sotheby’s Collectors’ Week and the return of Abu Dhabi Finance Week, the initiative responds to a growing demand for elevated retail experiences among residents and international visitors alike.
Set against Abu Dhabi’s dynamic luxury landscape, Unlock Luxury Rewards offers Darna Rewards members 15% back across more than 80 of the world’s most coveted maisons, from fine jewelery and haute horlogerie to couture and lifestyle. Designed to enhance every visit, the program reinforces The Galleria’s position as the region’s benchmark for luxury retail.
Anchored in ADIO’s long-term vision to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s luxury ecosystem, this initiative reflects the emirate’s commitment to advancing a world-class retail environment through strategic partnerships, high-quality experiences and meaningful rewards for today’s discerning consumer.
Guests spending a minimum cumulative total of AED 5,000 across eligible luxury brands at The Galleria between 1 to 14 December 2025 will unlock rewards of 15% back, capped at a total of AED 30,000 in rewards (equivalent to AED 200,000 in spend).
Guests can select from three seamless reward redemption options:
All rewards are automatically processed via the Darna Rewards app, and credited within 15 days of the transaction date, provided that no returns or refunds have been initiated.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Sydney’s prestige market is looking up, here’s three of the best on the market right now.
Rafal partners with Rove Hotels to launch multiple Rove properties in Riyadh, marking the brand’s official entry into Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing hospitality market.
Rafal Real Estate Development Company, a leading Riyadh-based developer, and Rove Hotels today announced a strategic partnership to develop multiple Rove Hotels properties in the Saudi capital. The signing ceremony, which took place in Riyadh, officially marks the Rove brand’s expansion into the Saudi Arabian market, with plans for future cities to follow.
Rove Hotels is a dynamic, award-winning lifestyle brand that has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing hospitality brands in the Middle East. Born in Dubai as a joint venture between Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding, Rove already boasts over 8,000 keys open or under development. The brand is defined by its smart, vibrant design, seamless and fuss-free service culture, and a robust commitment to sustainability, appealing to the modern traveller seeking both style and substance.
Under the agreement, the partners will bring Rove’s well-loved lifestyle concept to key, high-growth locations across Riyadh, with the first opening location set to be on Olaya Street. Locations are thoughtfully positioned to serve both business and leisure travellers, catering to the city’s dynamic growth.
“This expansion represents a significant milestone and an important step forward. We are proud to be part of Rove and Rafal in shaping a new chapter for lifestyle-driven hospitality in Saudi Arabia,” said Saad Hussain of Alaia Developments.
“We are delighted to introduce one of the region’s smartest hotel concepts to Riyadh,” said Elias Abou Samra, CEO of Rafal Real Estate Development Company. “Our confidence stems from the depth and track record of Rove Hotels in tailoring hospitality for regional guests, and from the strong connectivity between Riyadh and Dubai that underpins sustained demand from both leisure and business travellers. This partnership is a cornerstone of our strategy to bring innovative and proven concepts to the Riyadh real estate market.”
Paul Bridger, Chief Operating Officer of Rove Hotels, added: “We are very excited to partner with Rafal to enter the Riyadh market, given their credibility, execution record, and local expertise. We believe they are a great partner to launch the Rove brand in the Kingdom’s capital and are looking forward to bringing our blend of style, value, and convenience to Saudi Arabia’s vibrant and rapidly evolving hospitality landscape.”
Riyadh’s Booming Hospitality Landscape
The partnership is strategically timed to capture Riyadh’s transformation into a global metropolis. Demand drivers include:
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Fakhruddin Properties unveils Treppan Serenique Residences — Dubai Islands’ newest wellness-driven luxury address, offering free biohacking amenities, smart living, and sustainable design.
Leading sustainability and low carbon footprint lifestyle developer Fakhruddin Properties officially launched its flagship Dubai Islands project – Treppan Serenique Residences – at a gala VIP event held at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai on 13th November.
The dual tower Treppan Living branded project will occupy prime waterfront real estate on Island A of the sought-after five-island community and offers a premium resort lifestyle with a curated collection of 164 exquisite two- and three-bedroom apartments, ranging from 980 to 1,902 square feet, and offering panoramic sea, golf course, or island views.
A total of 12 residential floors and two podium floors will be complemented by over 50 specially selected amenities, including an oxygen-rich bamboo park and biohacking lab featuring a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, cryotherapy, red light therapy, and sensory deprivation pods. Residents also have access to a rooftop infinity pool, indoor and outdoor gyms, rock climbing walk, state-of-the-art meditation pods, koi pond, dedicated kids’ leisure facilities, and are a mere 90 seconds walk from the island’s white sand beaches.
Commenting on the launch, Yousuf Fakhruddin, CEO and Managing Partner of Fakhruddin Properties, said: “Treppan Serenique Residences is an exclusive wellness-forward sanctuary where luxury resort inspiration is fused with pioneering smart home and AI technologies, underpinned by our proven track record of sustainability-driven residential real estate design, development and delivery.
“Treppan Serenique Residences will be the first – and only – premium residential destination to provide complimentary biohacking amenities as standard. In a June 2025 report, the Global Wellness Institute noted that real estate has long been the fastest-growing sector in the wellness economy, with an estimated FY 2024 market value of US$548.4 billion. This represents approximately 3.3% of global annual construction output, with a CAGR of 19.5% for the period 2019-2024, and the market is forecasted to grow exponentially, to hit US$1,114 billion by 2029.”
“Residents will be able to seamlessly integrate transformative clinically proven therapies into their daily routine with treatments designed to enhance recovery, boost energy, and improve sleep quality. Together, with the full raft of complementary on-property amenities, this is the resort lifestyle experience elevated to a standard not seen before in the UAE,” he added.
Fakhruddin Properties continues to lead the market in groundbreaking sustainability initiatives, with its latest Treppan Living project delivering on multiple fronts, including waste management, with 90% of all property waste recycled using the company’s proprietary waste segregation system.
In addition, Treppan Serenique residents will have hydrogenated, ionized, organically mineralized alkaline drinking water on tap, which removes the need for plastic bottled water, drastically reducing plastic waste and emissions tied to bottled water logistics as part of the group’s commitment to eliminating single-use plastics. The residences will also house a Refill Station where everyday household products such as detergents, hand wash, and body wash will be available at a subsidized cost.
Meanwhile, NASA-grade technology will deliver clean air via an Airocide air purifier, supported by Smart Air Handling Unit (SAHU) technology that guarantees the purest indoor air quality while consuming less energy.
As in all Fakhruddin projects, energy efficiency is a key focus with a targeted 30% reduction in energy consumption achievable thanks to AI-enabled smart home technology, energy efficient electronic applications, and SAHU implementation, which reduces the load on the overall HVAC system by cutting humidity and dust congestion in the ducts.
Community residents will also be able to meet, relax and socialize in the Greenhouse Café, a radiant cooling system-controlled dining destination that will be home to an on-site hydroponics system ensuring a supply of fresh leafy greens. The radiant cooling system is designed to regulate room temperature while simultaneously reducing energy consumption by 10-15% and supporting opportunity for efficient water recycling.
“Treppan Living is a lifestyle infrastructure ecosystem that anchors Fakhruddin Properties’ growing portfolio of high-profile, sustainable, wellness-focused lifestyle projects. Since inception in 2023, Treppan Living has been integral to our commitment to create low carbon communities that meet the increasingly exacting demands of a global client base of health and eco-conscious investors. Treppan Serenique Residences marks our second Dubai Islands community, with other projects located in Jumeirah Village Circle and Jumeirah Village Triangle. Our first Dubai Islands project, Hatimi Residences by Treppan Living has seen a per-square-foot price appreciation of approximately 103% since its launch three years ago,” said CEO, Yousuf Fakhruddin.
To encourage community-wide engagement, residents are invited to join the Treppan Living rewards program – a simple, practical points-based initiative that rewards sustainable involvement, whether it’s recycling of household waste and other items, using the refill stations, or signing up for eco-friendly services, as well as addressing personal wellness by taking yoga classes, using hydroponics-produced vegetables, attending community events, etc.
Points are translated into tier status, which allow priority access to certain amenities, community recognition, and other value-led benefits. Treppan Coins, meanwhile, can be earned and redeemed for various community, health and sustainability benefits via the Treppan Living app.
A highly decorated pioneer in the sustainability development space in the UAE, with 11 awards recognizing eco-friendly innovations implemented across various projects, and a total of 18 accolades spanning sustainability, innovation, technology, brand, leadership and design, Fakhruddin Properties continues to ‘walk the talk’ for each new project – from drawing board to physical reality – with the delivery of liveable, environmentally-conscious developments that align with Dubai and the UAE Government’s long-term sustainability vision.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Self-tracking has moved beyond professional athletes and data geeks.