Renowned for its futuristic architecture, high-end shopping malls and superb infrastructure, Dubai is basking in rave reviews.
It’s always fascinating to read the latest research on various destinations around the world. One such report is Knight Frank’s ‘Global lifestyle Review’ which assesses the most important lifestyle elements that individuals consider when relocating their businesses and families overseas. Factors range from cost of transport and distance to airport; to number of Michelin star restaurants and cost of beverages in five-star hotels. With Hong Kong and London leading the way, Dubai came in fourth in terms of importance to entrepreneurs, along with Geneva, Sydney and Vienna. Dana Salbak, associate partner and head of research at Knight Frank, says,
“Businesses and young entrepreneurs are focused on the ease of doing business, political safety and security, availability of high-quality formal entertainment such as fine dining, all of which Dubai offers, so it’s natural to see clients motivated and drawn to the city. This is of course in addition to the tax-free environment and wide-spread of free-zones which facilities business and trading activities.”
Dubai also ranked fifth with families following Luxembourg, Vienna, Hong Kong and Geneva. Ms Salbak adds,
“Dubai caters to nearly all family priorities so it comes as no surprise that it’s highly favourable. It provides good international-grade education systems, creates communities for like-minded people to interact (such as AlSerkal Avenue for arts and culture), and offers a variety of family-friendly activities, most of which can be enjoyed with 365 days of sunshine. This is in addition to personal security and safety.”
II Primo, The Opera District, Downtown Dubai (Above)
This 77 storey residential tower is adjacent to Dubai Opera, a magnificent new multi-format theatre in the UAE. All 119 apartments will provide panoramic views of the new opera house, Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain. The apartments provide the ultimate in lateral living, with wide, open rooms bordered by floor to ceiling glazing and spacious outside terraces. Each residence will span either half or a whole floor, providing vast layouts. At the base of the II Primo tower is the spacious entrance foyer forming part of a podium containing lifestyle amenities. Residents will be able to take advantage of the finest in-house amenities including a state-of-the-art gymnasium, cigar lounge, library, cinema and spa.
From £3.5m / €4.19m / $4.66m
Harrods Estates
www.harrodsestates.com/emaar-properties
Dubai Hills Estate, off Al Khail Road
Spanning 11 million square metres, this project will provide a new lifestyle and residential destination for Dubai, forming part of the wider Mohammed Bin Rashid City development. With a total green area of over 2.2 million square metres, the master-planned new ‘city within a city’ will provide a vast central park, hotels, sports centres, schools, hospitals and a shopping mall. The project, with views of Burj Khalifa and the Downtown Dubai skyline, will provide 2,500 three, four and five-bedroom villas, 2,000 townhouses and 21,000 apartments. Nature trails stretching for 45 kilometres and ‘green corridors’ will be created, along with a world-class 18-hole golf course and 14-court professional tennis academy. Within Dubai Hills Estate are Hills View and Hills Grove; a collection of mansions set around a world-class 18-hole golf course enabling buyers to design properties to their choice.
From £4.98m / €5.95m / $6.62m
Harrods Estates
www.harrodsestates.com/emaar-properties
The Alef Residences, Palm Jumeirah
Serviced by the world-renowned W Dubai – The Palm, these residences are on the west crescent of Palm Jumeirah. The 104 homes are scheduled for handover in spring 2017 and are located across eight mansions featuring their own dedicated lobbies and private elevators, shared by only two apartments on each floor. A selection of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes offer from 4,800 to 15,000 square feet of spacious accommodation, with stunning floor to ceiling panoramic ocean and skyline views, large balconies and gardens. The pinnacle is reserved for two ultra-luxurious single penthouses and three duplex penthouses. A tropical landscaped garden and a 475 metre long white sandy beach – the largest private residential beachfront location in Dubai – surround the residences. An exclusive private members’ club; the Club 104, will be available to residents and select VIPs to unwind, socialise and dine. In addition, residents will have VIP access to the W, its 24/7 concierge service and amenities, including six innovative dining destinations.
From £2.86m / €3.42m / $3.81m – £10.42m / €12.47m / $13.88m
The Alef Residences
www.thealef.com
Le Reve, Dubai Marina
An iconic and revered building, Le Reve is one of the most exclusive high-rise apartment developments in Dubai with uninterrupted sea views towards the Palm Jumeirah. It was competed in 2006 and is now home to several notable celebrities due to its unsurpassable location on ‘millionaire’s row’ in Dubai Marina. Towering over 52 floors, Le Reve is unique in offering residents a choice of half floor and full floor penthouses alongside a host of world class amenities. These include a fully equipped gymnasium, a private spa which provides a variety of treatments and an expansive outdoor pool. This stunning apartment covers an entire floor plate and offers unbeatable 360-degree views. Superb detailing and high quality finishes have been applied throughout. Smart home systems and lighting are included, as well as private parking, 24-hour concierge and security.
£15.3m / €18.33m / $20.41m
Knight Frank
www.knightfrank.com
