“When we looked at the market, there was a clear gap. Not just in quality of finishes, but in how spaces were actually designed around people who live in them,” shares  Abdulla Al Shaibani, CEO & Founder at Alphabeta Properties. “At Alphabeta, our approach has always been to ask one question first: what does this place specifically need? Q East was built from that. Al Quoz already had its own character, and we didn’t try to override it. We worked with the concrete, the scale, the industrial memory of the area. The lofts carry that in the exposed ceilings and the raw wall textures. But a space with that much weight needs warmth to balance it, so we brought in walnut, leather, and wide-plank timber in the bedrooms. And that kitchen island was a deliberate sculptural choice, something that gives the space a personality without telling the tenant who they are. The layouts are generous on purpose. We want people to move in and make it their own.”

With a limited supply and a rental-only model, the lofts will offer a range of orientations, including one, two, and three-bedroom layouts, each featuring its own private pool and rooftop garden. Notably, these properties will not be available for sale but will instead be rented through an auction system facilitated by Aurelius Auctions. The Q East Lofts offering represents Alphabeta’s second auction-led initiative, reinforcing the company’s commitment to reshaping leasing norms through a transparent, market-led rental auction model.

Set above an entrepreneurial membership club called ONE OF US, the curated lifestyle destination will include premium food and beverage concepts, studios, retail spaces, an events hall, and social areas. The lofts will be ready for immediate move-in following the close of the auction.

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“Flow25 represents our vision for the future of living in Abu Dhabi,” said Eng. Ashba Al Ghafli, CEO of Ghaf Property who played an important role in shaping the architectural vision for Ghaf Property, on Flow25’s launch. “It is a project rooted in integrity of design, a thoughtful response to climate, and the belief that homes should support people’s real lifestyles, both today and over the long term.”

Developed around GAF Property’s three core pillars honouring nature, innovation and community, each residence offers smart home systems to facilitate everyday comfort, while shared amenities promote communal gathering, wellbeing and a sense of connection. The property’s key amenities include outdoor swimming pools, wellness and fitness facilities, a rooftop yoga pavilion, residents’ lounges, family-oriented gathering spaces and community areas that balance both interaction and privacy. A cooling system will be installed across the balconies and outdoor spaces to enhance thermal comfort and enable outdoor living even during the UAE’s hotter months. 

The development is estimated to be handed over in April 2029 and will be supported by a structured 50/50 payment plan along with post-handover options designed to enable long-term ownership. Flow25’s strong connection with nature reflects GAF Property’s long-term mission to deliver design-led communities shaped by climate, context, and human experience. This new residence thus prioritises livability, architectural integrity, and lasting value. 

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The villa’s architectural silhouette has been conceived by the iconic Italian design house Pininfarina, a name synonymous with a timeless sense of modernity, craftsmanship and sculptural purity. The interiors have been curated with the incorporation of furniture by leading international furniture brands, including Antonio Luppi, Henge, Matteo Gennari, Rimadesio, Molteni, Galotti & Radice, Gessi, Reflex, Laura Meroni, Galotti & Radice, Paolo Castelli, Bonaldo, B&B Italia, Baxter, and Poliform. 

Once inside, the interiors span three levels, connected by a majestic triple-height staircase positioned below a skylight, and feature five bedrooms and six bathrooms as well as a cinema and a state-of-the-art gym. A feature of the villa, and among its architectural masterpieces, is a grand spiral staircase, adding once again fluid, harmonious curve and movement to the villa. Residents can also use the private elevator to move from floor to floor.

At the centre of this architectural masterpiece is a grand spiral staircase, bringing harmony to all levels, while the floor-to-ceiling windows offer natural light and uninterrupted views of the beach.

Each space features warm tones and textured surfaces used to enhance states of calm. The bathrooms feature a distinctive use of marble in shades of blue, grey and green that injects the space with vibrancy and movement. 

For ultimate seclusion and stunning views of the beaches on Palm Jumeirah, the Super Master Bedroom spans the entire upper level and is bathed in natural light and designed to offer a luxurious cocoon filled with handcrafted pieces, sculpted stone elements and textured accents alongside a warm colour palette to evoke further tranquilty.

Outside, a landscaped terrace with an infinity pool offers a luxurious oasis merged with the natural environment and views overlooking the Palm Jumeirah skyline.

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The palace, known for its thick stone walls, intimate courtyards and traditional southern Arabian craftsmanship, is being transformed into a ‘heritage stay with a soul’, a retreat that immerses guests in the spirit of Saudi history while offering refined contemporary comfort.Designed by Elie Metni Architects, the restoration preserves Qasr Bin Kadsa’s defining architectural elements: a central courtyard, timber structures, ornamented pillars and stone staircases.

“Designing the Qasr Bin Kadsa project was an act of listening – to the stones, the landscape and the spirit of Al-Baha,” said Maarouf Dawalibi, Co-Founder and Partner at BYOOT, the heritage hospitality subsidiary of Panther Holdings that is behind the venture. “We wanted to preserve not only the architecture, but the emotion of the place. By breathing new life into its courtyards, the project bridges the past and the present, allowing visitors to experience the soul of Saudi heritage in a truly immersive way.”

The project emphasises the courtyard as the central gathering space while introducing 12 guest rooms, a hammam and spa, farm-to-table dining, and workshop spaces for local crafts. By preserving these elements, Qasr Bin Kadsa will serve as both a living museum of regional identity and an immersive cultural destination.

Located in Baljurashi province, a region renowned for its forests, waterfalls and ancient mountain villages, Qasr Bin Kadsa reflects the deep connection between people and landscape. The restoration is focused on sustainability through local materials, passive cooling and restored gardens with native vegetation. Qasr Bin Kadsa will serve not only as a destination for cultural tourism but as a living exhibition of Al-Baha’s traditions, from architectural forms to local crafts and social customs. The project embodies the Kingdom’s broader vision for heritage development: showcasing the diversity of Saudi identity while fostering economic and cultural vitality in regional communities.

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This collection of 25 bespoke units will stand on the Palm Jumeirah, and has been developed in partnership with Alta Real Estate Development. Each residence is conceived as a canvas for the House’s unconventional vision, where material exploration and architectural mastery merge. Conceived by Italian architect Carlo Colombo and the Maison Margiela architecture team, a bespoke furniture collection – including sofas, armchairs, tables, chairs, beds and lighting – has been developed exclusively for the Residences, creating a seamless visual language between the building’s form and its interiors.

Since its inception, Maison Margiela has utilised space and furniture as media to convey its creativity, continuously exploring interiors and furniture design – from immersive set designs and installations over the years, to the house’s hand in the design of La Maison Champs Élysées hotel interior in Paris in 2011, to the house’s line of objects, including the iconic bottle lamps, white cushions, dolls and feather pens.

The house’s play with materiality and technique is also expressed in the Residences; this is materialised in Travertine furnishings designed in the memory of classic objects, the use of the maison’s décortiqué technique, and resin-filled indentations in optical white – details that echo Margiela’s exploration.

Amenities are an extension of the maison’s philosophy, offering residents an environment of elegance, discretion and intuitive comfort. These offerings include an art gallery, curated library, fitness studios, infinity pool, gym and spa, as well as the Margiela Café.

“It has been thrilling to bring together the codes of more than 30 years of history of an iconic maison, led by the greatest fashion couturiers like Martin Margiela, John Galliano and now Glenn Martens. It has been very inspiring to create this first project, and I hope it marks the beginning of many more to come, defining the unmistakable style of a one-of-a-kind fashion house,” said Renzo Rosso, Chairman of OTB Group, the owners of Maison Margiela.

“The Maison Margiela Residences represent a bold vision of luxury and lifestyle innovation,” added Abdulla Al Tayer, Managing Director of Alta Real Estate Development. “As the first collaboration of its kind globally, this project blends iconic design with bespoke experiences, redefining luxury living in Dubai. We are excited to unveil this landmark in an extraordinary location soon.”

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In Dubai’s ever-evolving real estate landscape, this approach has earned Vedra a reputation for integrity and attention to detail. Projects are managed as if they were their own, from shaping consultant teams and curating supply chains to aligning budgets with measurable outcomes. Every material, every workflow considered. When plans shift mid-design, Vedra’s foresight ensures the original vision remains intact. Frameworks are rebuilt, timelines realigned and value preserved without compromise, maintaining both the rhythm of the project and the integrity of the space.

Walid Tabet

For Walid Tabet, senior project manager, precision is everything. “Bringing Maison Dali in Downtown Dubai to life was unlike any other project. Translating a true artist’s vision into a fully operational restaurant meant balancing creativity with structure: every curve, every finish, every lighting detail had to honour the original concept while functioning in the real world. My job was to make that invisible complexity seamless for the client.”

Katie Budgen

Katie Budgen, chaos wrangler and ace project manager, brings another layer of expertise. “Across multiple projects, from luxury villas to boutique offices, momentum is key. When every stakeholder feels seen and every decision has direction, projects move with a rhythm that builds confidence for the client, the team and the space itself.”

At Vedra, this dedication isn’t limited to office hours. The team’s 9 to 5 is often mirrored by the 5 to 9. Not as a requirement, but as a culture of ownership. Every project is lived and breathed, every challenge approached with commitment and every outcome treated as a reflection of shared values. It’s this philosophy of shared responsibility that defines Vedra. Clients become collaborators, outcomes reflect collective values and the finished space is as much about trust as it is about design with every surface, corner and detail bearing the mark of considered care.

Vedra’s signature isn’t a logo on a wall. It’s the presence felt in every project delivered with consistency, integrity and quiet excellence. A team that treats every brief not as work, but as a standard to carry forward into everything they build.

For a closer look at Vedra’s work, check out @vedra_dev

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It is within this context that Dubai-based firm Vedra has positioned itself differently. What began as a consultancy guiding private villa developments has, in only a few years, become a deliberate exercise in project development. The firm has chosen not to compete on scale but to compete on depth. Its purpose is not to deliver more projects, but to deliver projects with greater accountability, greater precision, and, most importantly, greater integrity.

“In this market, the temptation is to build quickly. We saw the need to build carefully,” says Hamed Parnian, Founder and Managing Director of Vedra. “Every project must carry a clear identity, and that identity cannot survive if the process is fragmented.”

Hamed Parnian, Founder and Managing Director of Vedra

Vedra’s philosophy is simple yet demanding: to “own the process.” Unlike many firms that serve as managers or advisors, Vedra operates as though each project were its own. This manifests in practical decisions such as curating supply chains, restructuring consultant teams, and ensuring every bill of quantities is transparent and defensible. But it also manifests in something deeper: a willingness to carry the weight of responsibility.

One of their Palm Jumeirah projects is a case in point. Vedra inherited this villa mid-design, at risk of misalignment between vision and outcome. Rather than simply managing and tweaking the existing framework, the firm reassembled the team, redrew the plans, and rebuilt the process. The result was a project that met the client’s ambitions without straining financial boundaries, and a procurement pathway that was both efficient and transparent. It demonstrated how Vedra’s involvement transforms risk into clarity, and chaos into calm.

Palm Jumeirah villa

“We don’t observe from the outside,” Hamed explains. “We step in, align the pieces, and accept the same responsibility as the client. That is why we call ourselves developers, not managers.”

The firm’s selective approach to clients reflects this philosophy. For those who wish to remain closely involved, Vedra serves as a trusted partner, sharpening execution without diluting vision. Their ongoing villa project in La Mer is a clear example, with the team embedded in every phase to bring the client’s aspirations fully to life. For those who wish to remain at a distance, Vedra takes on the role of full developer, often going so far as to share equity. In doing so, the firm aligns incentives not on paper but in practice – sharing both vision and risk.

La Mer villa

La Mer villa

In a market accustomed to rapid delivery, Vedra stands as a reminder that development must also mean discipline. Its trajectory has not been defined by chasing scale, but by fine-tuning systems, constantly. Its ambition is not expansion for expansion’s sake, but growth defined by trust and quality.

Hamed puts it succinctly: “We want someone to step into a Vedra home and know, without a word being said, that it carries our imprint.”

As the UAE enters its next chapter of growth, voices like Vedra’s matter. For in the end, development is not only about what is built. It is about how it endures, and how it reflects the values of those who built it.

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What is STAMN Dual Key?

Zheng Jian: STAMN Dual Key is an innovative concept for residential units, offering something rarely seen in the Middle East market. Selected STAMN apartments have been designed to incorporate a dual entrance layout, where property owners can live on one side of the property and let out the other, or choose to occupy the whole space for a larger living space. Alternatively, investors could choose to let out both parts of the property (across short or long-term letting).

What are the benefits of the dual key system?

Zheng Jian: The primary advantages are flexibility of space and earning potential. Often Dubai buyers make a decision between whether to buy somewhere to live or buy somewhere to rent out. With ‘Dual Key’, they can do both – becoming a homeowner and a landlord at the same time.

One example could be maintaining privacy between owner and tenant, with no spatial interference – a two-bedroom unit can be split into two separate apartments, allowing for higher rental returns and easier leasing.

Families could also choose to operate dual key – for example a multi-generational family, where a couple may live on one side of the property and their parents on the other.

You’ve launched this dual key scheme at STAMN Nautis Residences which is an upcoming development on Dubai Islands – how do you envisage the community emerging with this design concept?  

Nautis Residences by STAMN

Zheng Jian:There are clearly aspects that we need to bear in mind to ensure the success of the dual-key design. For example, we must consider how property occupancy may fluctuate and ensure that shared amenities do not become overwhelmed at the highest peak periods. This is something that the hospitality industry has managed for a long time – we must ensure that shared spaces are designed to handle even the busiest demand.

All residential complexes have busy periods where residents want to use facilities at the same time – this is a key design challenge. Shared facilities must be large enough and intelligently zoned, while capacity planning must be deployed across elevators, corridors and lobbies to accommodate peak user volumes.

Across our wellness facilities, we must have a comprehensive and diverse range of equipment in the gym to cope with busy moments (like the pre-work morning routines) and enough loungers and seating for weekend relaxation peaks around the pool. Parking allocation can be one of the most challenging aspects for ‘dual-key’, but with Dubai’s excellent public transport network and G+2P parking levels, there is ample space to meet residents’ needs.

Tell us a little more about STAMN Nautis Residences?

Zheng Jian: There are 63 properties, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to four-bed townhouses. Prices range from AED 1.74 million to more than AED 6.6 million. Within the wider property we have focused on the wellbeing of residents, with intelligent zoning, cosy relaxation and meditation areas, as well as staple premium residential features such as a tranquil swimming pool and well-equipped gym.

Nautis sample bedroom

It’s set on Island A of Dubai Islands, the closest to the mainland with multiple interconnecting bridges (one currently operational, one under construction and another in the planning phase) – and it’s opposite what we think will be an incredibly popular feature, the incredible new Dubai Islands Mall.

What were the challenges of incorporating ‘dual entrances’ into the project’s floorplans?

Zheng Jian: The ‘dual key’ design was incorporated from the very beginning. Certain inspiration was taken from hotel floorplans where interconnecting family rooms often utilise flexible layouts. In a similar vein, it’s important that when separated into individual units that both ‘halves’ operate seamlessly. When considering the design, we asked a key question: ‘When separated, does each individual unit have the necessary kitchen space, bathroom amenities and living areas to function as a standalone property’ – in other words, will it be a comfortable and practical place to live. Once we identified how to maximize space (whether joined or as separate units), it was clear that dual key would not only work but thrive as a model at Nautis Residences.

How easy is it to switch between utilising the whole space versus dividing it up into separate apartments?

Zheng Jian: It’s incredibly simple. If an investor or homeowner knows that they only want to have one big space and not operate ‘dual key’ at any stage, then we’d offer a slightly different layout. But for those selecting the ‘dual key’ layout, it’s as easy as a shared foyer and two separate doors into each ‘half’ of the property. If the unit is ‘combined’ then this foyer simply acts as a connecting hallway.

Zheng Jian, CEO of STAMN

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Personally envisioned by Giorgio Armani and his architectural team, the design draws inspiration from his own homes, capturing the brand’s distinctive aesthetic of refined simplicity and timeless elegance. The residences feature meticulous attention to detail, premium materials, and thoughtful craftsmanship create an atmosphere of refined serenity. “New projects related to living fascinate me because I can bring the way of thinking of Haute Couture, that is, the use of precious materials and unique, tailored creations, into the space where we live. The villas developed in collaboration with RAK Properties, a true excellence in the sector, represent an important milestone in this journey and are even more significant because they are designed to integrate into the evocative surrounding marine landscape, offering a unique lifestyle experience,” shares Giorgio Armani.

Residents will also enjoy an extensive array of bespoke lifestyle amenities, including an exclusive members-only beach club, private wellness offerings, and access to curated services by Giorgio Armani. These include personalized concierge services, private experiences, global privileges, and invitations to special events across the Armani network.The launch comes at a momentous time for the brand, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Armani/Casa and the 50th anniversary of Giorgio Armani, marking half a century of influence in global fashion, design, and lifestyle.

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The creation of Aman Dubai as a garden oasis was fundamental in establishing it as a sanctuary within the city. Set on the edge of a lush, planted peninsula, the architecture was designed to offer residents a true sense of arrival – one that evokes retreat, renewal and a journey home. This sense of sanctuary is heightened through a deep connection to its surroundings: embracing sea views and breezes on one side, and vistas of the shimmering city framed by verdant gardens on the other. The contrast between Dubai’s dynamism and the calm of nature grounds the project in a refined sense of place.

In a city where architectural expression often leans toward the extravagant, how does Aman Residences stand apart through restraint and purity of form?

Aman Residences embodies a quiet elegance through pared-down forms and a refined abstraction of regional experiences.

Expansive double-height living spaces and terraces frame dramatic views and invite social connection, while more intimate rooms provide sanctuaries for rest and contemplation. Natural materials – stone, timber, bronze – are used with a deliberate restraint and were chosen for their inherent character and ability to age gracefully. This thoughtful simplicity amplifies the rhythms of living and the presence of nature, rather than competing with them.

Dubai is synonymous with speed and spectacle; how did you slow things down in the spatial experience of Aman?

Drawing from the traditions of Middle Eastern architecture, the design centres on courtyards, gardens and carefully composed thresholds – transitional moments that mark the shift from public to private, from movement to stillness.

These spatial sequences – through galleries, paths and planted courtyards – guide residents on a journey that allows for pause, reflection and reconnection with the natural world. The architecture is not about creating spectacle, but rather about quieting the senses and inviting presence.

Can architecture truly shape behaviour and emotional state? If so, what design decisions within Aman Dubai were made specifically to foster serenity and reflection?

The connection to the natural world can have a profound effect on our emotional state. At Aman Dubai, the architecture is designed to foster this connection – this is not a hermetically sealed environment, but one that opens up to embrace the garden, the sea breezes and the expansive views beyond.

Throughout the residences, there is a deliberate relationship with nature, allowing the outside world to permeate and soften the experience of the interiors. Just as the architecture opens itself to its environment, many of the interior elements also reflect a deeply human quality. For example, the use of cast-bronze tables and lamps – each bearing subtle imperfections – carries the mark of the maker and invites quiet contemplation through their tactile, crafted presence.

This layered sensitivity to place, material and craft contributes to an atmosphere of serenity, shaping how residents feel, move and reflect within the space.

Do you think the growing fatigue from overstimulation is driving a wider movement toward ‘sanctuary architecture’?

There is a growing recognition of the need for spaces that restore rather than overwhelm. As our environments become faster, brighter and more saturated, a quiet urgency has emerged for architecture that offers relief – spaces that slow us down, invite reflection and reconnect us with nature. This shift toward what some describe as ‘sanctuary architecture’ is not simply a trend, but a return to foundational values: stillness, clarity and presence. Aman has long embodied these principles. Long before the language existed to define it, Aman spaces were conceived to heighten sensory awareness, cultivate calm and honour the surrounding landscape.

At Aman Residences, Dubai, that ethos takes on new resonance. The design curates sensory quietness through natural light, framed views and materials that breathe. In a city shaped by velocity and spectacle, it offers a moment of pause – a place to exhale.

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