Bromellia in Al Barari - The Best Contemporary Villa in Dubai Written by Arpan Ghosh Luxury takes many forms and is very much in the eye of the beholder. In terms of design, luxury brings to mind ornate gold chandeliers dripping with crystals, rich leather armchairs that are almost too precious to actually sit in, or perhaps priceless and one-of-a-kind paintings adorning every wall. Spread over an immense 19,000 square foot plot, this awe-inspiring family home has been fully upgraded and features interior design courtesy of renowned Italian brands such as Visionnaire, Fendi and Minotti. “I would consider this to be the finest villa in Dubai. The house contains a total of three kitchens, each with a unique bespoke design, custom fittings and countertops that are as much objets d’art as they are work spaces. If you’re in a more outdoorsy mood, or just want to enjoy the lovely weather while it lasts, you can head up to the expansive roof deck.
Best Waterfront Investments in Dubai Dubai’s real estate market is coming out of its summer hibernation in full force with two fantastic waterfront residential launches - Marina Vista from Emaar and Port de la Mer from Meraas. Both developers are known for delivering elegant contemporary homes that hold strong appeal for both buyers and investors. As these projects prepare to roll out, we take a look at some of the other excellent waterfront investment options there are in Dubai. Emaar Beachfront is one of the most intriguing new communities that has been introduced this year. It is hard to choose just one project out of the many that have been launched in Dubai Creek Harbour so far. If you want to get an idea of what to expect from the upcoming Port de La Mer, you need only look at Bluewaters Residences. Being built on one of the last remaining prime plots in Dubai Marina, LIV Residence offers a very stylish collection of apartments set in a glass-fronted tower with a unique silhouette.
Community Guide: Al Barari Dubai has come a long way from its humble desert beginnings, transforming itself into a metropolis that stands shoulder to shoulder with global giants such as London, New York and Hong Kong. While it is generally associated with colossal skyscrapers and buildings overflowing with superlatives, there are a few suburban surprises up the city’s sleeve that offer a stark contrast to the concrete jungle. One of those pleasant surprises is Al Barari, a community with a heart as green as its thumb. Al Barari is a highly exclusive development located in the very centre of Dubai, and is part of the massive district known as Dubailand. It is about a 20-minute drive from the bustling Downtown district and is secluded from the world around it despite lying next to a major highway. Going Green The one word that comes to mind when talking about Al Barari is ‘green’. Sustainability Villas in Al Barari is not just green because of its surroundings, though. Rejuvenating Body, Mind and Soul At Home in Nature
Best Waterfront Communities in Dubai Dubai is known for its vibrant waterfront destinations. Luxuryproperty.com has put together a list of the best areas in Dubai that offer prime residential options along with excellent facilities and of course, the most unparalleled views. The Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island formed in the shape of a palm tree, is the first off-shore structure of its kind in Dubai and is often known as the Eighth Wonder of the World. It is home to magnificent beach resorts, some of the city’s most popular restaurants and a number of premium residential developments located on the various fronds of the Palm and along its main ‘trunk’. Among these are the W Residences, a development of spacious penthouses and apartments serviced by the W Hotel; One Palm, featuring a stunning exterior design and well-designed apartments overlooking amazing views; and Palme Couture, one of the newest projects on the trunk that contains fourteen very exclusive homes and has a stylish Los Angeles-inspired exterior design.
Community Guide: Arabian Ranches In stunning contrast to Dubai’s towering skyscrapers and beachfront penthouses, Arabian Ranches is a tranquil residential community that draws its inspiration from the desert sands. It is divided into 23 residential enclaves of sprawling family villas, with each villa featuring a warm sand and earth toned exterior palette.Arabian Ranches is part of the Dubailand district that stretches across the center of the city, enjoying the twin benefits of being secluded from Dubai’s main urban areas while being easily connected to them via two major highways – Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road. Oasis of Leisure Although the desert influences the aesthetic of the homes at Arabian Ranches, it certainly isn’t reflected in the look of the community itself. Lush greenery and tree-lined avenues surround each neighborhood, and two pristine lakes grant some of the villas a lovely waterfront setting. Ranch Homes Arabian Ranches I Polo Homes Arabian Ranches II
Best Schools Near Emirates Hills Emirates Hills is widely considered to be the most exclusive residential community in Dubai. It is surrounded by two magnificent championship golf courses and is composed of a fine selection of beautiful family villas. As an ideal place to raise your children in Dubai, it is also in close proximity to some of the city’s best international schools. LuxuryProperty.com takes a look at some of the top schools located near Emirates Hills that offer world-class education from primary to high school levels. Dubai British School Image Courtesy of Dubai British School Dubai British School offers a classic high-quality English curriculum to over a thousand students from FS1 to Year 13. Annual fees vary from AED 48,000 to AED 72,000 (relative to each year level) Dubai International Academy Image Courtesy of KHDA Having achieved the prestigious and much-desired ‘Outstanding’ rating from the KHDA, Dubai International Academy is one of the most sought-after schools in Dubai. Moving to the Emirates Hills:
Community Guide: District One Developed by Meydan Group, District One is part of Mohammed Bin Rashid (MBR) City, a multi-phase group of communities that also includes Sobha, Meydan and Dubai Hills Estate. District One is a gated community comprising over a thousand acres of landscaped greenery, set around a Crystal Lagoon and is an “innovative megapolis inspired by visionary leadership”. District One’s mansion and villa options are plentiful, with a range of architectural styles available including; Mediterranean - think sun-drenched and cosy, Contemporary - minimalist design that doesn’t compromise on convenience and Modern Arabic - warm and welcoming, with nods to classic design. Mansions are available in 7 or 8 bedroom options and each is designed, as you’d expect, with incredible attention to detail. If a mansion is perhaps too much, consider one of the villas - carefully designed properties that allow a luxurious life of ease and convenience in 4-6 bedrooms (with a very limited number of 7 bedroom units).
Community Guide: Dubai Creek Harbour Written by Arpan Ghosh The Dubai Creek is a very important part of the city’s history and its heritage. From the mid-19th century to the late 1960’s, Dubai was a fishing and maritime trading village, with the Creek serving as its focal point and main commercial hub. Conceptualised by noted master developer Emaar Properties, Dubai Creek Harbour combines all the glitz and glamour of contemporary urban life with sustainable design and a unique lifestyle offering. The Island District, which sits just off the shoreline on the mainland, is the main residential component of Dubai Creek Harbour at present, with 13 high-rise projects and two hotels. The apartments in Dubai Creek Harbour are available in one to three-bedroom layouts for the most part, with a select number of four-bedroom units and a very limited collection of penthouses. Located just opposite the Island district is Creek Beach, a unique concept that brings beachfront living to the heart of the city.
Community Guide: Dubai Hills Estate A joint venture between Meraas Holding and Emaar Properties, the 2,700-acre multi-purpose Dubai Hills Estate development, an integral part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid City project, presents a new way of contemporary and opulent living. Dubai Hills Estate combines luxurious residences with a multitude of world-class facilities such as an 18-hole championship golf course and the marvelous Dubai Hills Mall. Aesthetically brilliant with its tree-lined drives and nature trails, the self-sufficient community offers a true sense of leisure. With a wide variety of residence types, ranging from ultra-modern apartments to family-friendly villas, the community is suitable for all types of residents. Dubai Hills Estate features an extensive range of recreational facilities such as dedicated children’s play areas and lush green landscaped parks. Dubai Hills Mall Opulent, Urban Living for All Street of Dreams Park Point Maple Explore About: Collective
Best Schools Around Palm Jumeirah Palm Jumeirah is one of the most sought-after communities in Dubai, with several high-end luxury villas, comfortable and spacious apartments, and a vibrant beachfront atmosphere. Since its formation, Palm Jumeirah has become one of the top destinations for families who seek to live comfortably in Dubai. In addition to all the premium amenities that complement each of the residences, Palm Jumeirah is ideally located in close proximity to some of the best schools in Dubai, which are easily accessible courtesy of the Palm’s main roadway. The list below includes some of the best educational institutes close to Palm Jumeirah. Dubai College Image Courtesy of Dubai College Dubai College is perhaps the premier school in Dubai, consistently scoring number one in academics and academic achievements among schools in Dubai. American School Of Dubai Image Courtesy of American School Of Dubai Explore More... Dubai American Academy Image Courtesy of Dubai American Academy Image Courtesy of Insydo
Best Places to Watch World Cup 2018 in Dubai Dubai has been in the throes of World Cup Fever over the past couple of weeks. The city is filled with enthusiastic football fans, many of whom support the team of their home country, while others simply tune in for the love of the game. While it’s fairly common to host viewing parties at home where you can enjoy all of the action from the comfort of your living room, if you really want to feel the buzz and excitement of the World Cup, you should head someplace where you can be surrounded by a large group of fans for a truly unforgettable experience. The Penthouse: Palm Jumeirah This stunning venue on the rooftop of The Five, located on the main trunk of Palm Jumeirah, is truly transforming the World Cup experience for fans. Barasti Superdome At the start of the World Cup, Barasti promised to bring “the best football experience Dubai has ever seen”. The Last Stand Football Fan Park The Irish Village Football Central at Emirates Golf Club
Best Off-Plan Investments in Dubai Marina Investment Yield over Last 12 Months - 6.26% Dubai Marina, Dubai’s most popular residential community, is home to some of the best luxury waterfront residences in the world. Dubai Marina comprises a variety of beautiful waterside properties including exclusive penthouses and the most stunning apartments for sale in Dubai. Boasting one of the most prime locations in Dubai, Dubai Marina is a short distance away from Palm Jumeirah and the upcoming Bluewaters Island, home of the stunning Ain Dubai observation wheel. The Marina has consistently been one of the top picks for both residents and investors because of the excellent infrastructure of the district and the many options it offers in terms of recreation, nightlife, and fine dining. The average price per square foot in Dubai Marina has been relatively steady at roughly AED 1,620 over the past year and the average investment yield in Dubai Marina has hovered around the 6% mark for quite some time.