Home Integrator
Property Finder Reveals a Surge in Demand for Holistic Community Living, just as the UAE Names 2025 the Year of Community
With the UAE marking 2025 as the Year of Community, Property Finder’s survey of real estate experts across the region, coupled with its trusted owned insights, highlight an increased interest in holistic community living. The findings align with the nationwide initiative to strengthen social bonds and champion inclusive spaces, and also with Property Finder’s Home for Every Life campaign, highlighting the prop-tech’s deep understanding of the emotional importance of finding the right home for every phase of someone’s life, and lifestyle.
Consumers are increasingly seeking out well-integrated developments featuring commercial, entertainment, educational and lifestyle facilities, where they can build lasting human connections, leveraging a sense of safety and contentment. Communities such as Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Hills Estate, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Business Bay, Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Lake Towers and Dubai Creek Harbour are seeing heightened interest due to their active social environments, connectivity and diverse amenities.
As dynamic market factors shape the property ecosystem, experts weigh in on what transforms a neighbourhood into a true community:
1. Easy access to a range of facilities and services
The UAE is a bustling metropolis, which means the majority of UAE residents lead busy lives where convenience is paramount. As a result, the property market has seen a rising demand for developments and communities that feature a mix of residential, commercial, lifestyle, and entertainment options.
“Based on feedback from our clients and recent trends, we have observed a growing preference for neighbourhoods with easy access to retail, dining, and essential services,” explains Charlie Bannan, Managing Director, haus & haus. “Areas such as Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina exemplify this, offering a blend of high-end shopping and diverse culinary experiences, within walking distance of residential living spaces.”
Wellness and recreation are also key considerations. “Demand for comprehensive recreational facilities has surged, with buyers and tenants prioritizing parks, sports facilities and wellness spaces. As Dubai’s population continues to grow, the need for well-integrated communities will only strengthen,” Bannan added.
2. Opportunity to build meaningful connections
It’s a trend that Property Finder has been aware of for a while. As indicated in its UAE Community Living Survey in 2024, consumers are increasingly seeking community-centric living that is in tune with their personal aspirations and values. They are not just looking for a space to live – they want a place where they can form strong human bonds and build relationships that last a lifetime. Neighbourhoods with good walking trails and well-maintained communal spaces, for example, encourage social engagement, and as a result are highly favoured.
“Areas like Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Hills Estate, and Mohammed Bin Rashid City all offer a unique sense of belonging. Even in urban spots like Dubai Marina, there’s a vibrant community feel,” said Zarah Evans, Owner and Managing Partner, Exclusive Links Real Estate Brokers.
3. A place to raise a family
Family-friendliness has long been among the top requirements for UAE property seekers.
Evans explains: “At Exclusive Links Real Estate, we’re seeing a real shift in what buyers and renters want. Green spaces, family-friendly amenities, and proximity to schools and business hubs are top priorities. Families now make up 57% of buyers in Dubai, and there’s been a notable rise in UK buyers attracted to Dubai’s dynamic community living.”
Bannan adds: “For families, proximity to top-tier schools remains a key factor in their home search. Communities like Dubai Hills Estate have become increasingly popular due to their access to reputable educational institutions, making them ideal for long-term family living.”
Facilities such as safe indoor and outdoor play areas, green spaces and parks, kids’ swimming pools, and sports courts where children are welcome, complement the list of desirable features for family-centric neighbourhoods. Parents also often prefer the security of a gated community and place a higher value on tranquility.
Thriving communities naturally lead to a flourishing real estate market with a wide variety of living options. In this diverse landscape, finding a Home for Every Life requires a connected and accessible search ecosystem that keeps pace with the latest market trends and offers property seekers accurate, insightful data needed in the home-seeking journey.
Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer, Property Finder, says: “The UAE has been proactive in fostering a culture of tolerance and inclusivity while implementing initiatives that evoke a sense of belonging, which is why it has emerged as a coveted destination for community living. As the Year of Community unfolds, it is encouraging to see the rising importance of human connection within the nation. Within our findings, the necessity of home-seekers to engage with a wider circle of neighbours, friends and acquaintances is clear. At Property Finder, our extensive data-base of available high-quality properties, features a diverse selection of integrated communities. This includes increasingly popular locations such as Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay and Dubai Hills Estate, that blend lifestyle, convenience and community spirit, ultimately enhancing quality of life.”
Home Integrator
ARABIAN ACRES DELIVERS LANDMARK AED 400M COASTAL LAND ACQUISITION, SETTING NEW RECORD FOR RESIDENTIAL LAND TRANSACTIONS IN THE UAE

Arabian Acres, a Dubai-based luxury real estate brokerage and development advisory firm specialising in super-prime residential and commercial transactions, has concluded the acquisition of three adjacent freehold plots in Jumeirah Coastline for a collective value of AED 400 million (approximately USD 109 million). The deal represents one of the most significant private coastal land assemblies in Dubai and marks the largest residential land transaction completed in Dubai.
This transaction comes at a time when global capital is increasingly seeking resilient, well-regulated markets. The UAE’s policy stability, strong governance and long-term growth fundamentals continue to reinforce its position as a preferred investment destination
“Large-scale land acquisitions of this nature reflect steady institutional and private wealth confidence in the UAE’s regulatory transparency, economic resilience, and long-term growth trajectory. Sustained capital inflows into Dubai’s prime and super-prime real estate segments continue to reinforce the UAE’s position as one of the world’s most stable and resilient investment destinations. At Arabian Acres, our role goes beyond brokerage. We work closely with local & international clients to navigate and execute complex, high-value opportunities in Dubai’s evolving real estate market.” Issa Atiq, CEO, Arabian Acres.
The consolidated landholding spans over 113,000 sq. ft, with a stretch of 160 metres of private beachfront along the Arabian Gulf, forming one of the last remaining contiguous coastal development opportunities of this scale in the Emirate. The transaction was completed in March 2026 and registered through the Dubai Land Department as three coordinated unit transfers. Arabian Acres structured, sequenced, and executed the entire acquisition, acting as exclusive broker for both buyer and seller.
The combined site is projected to deliver a gross development value exceeding AED 1 billion, driven by its extreme scarcity, scale and the planned integration of Dubai’s only residential land opportunity combining private beach access with a dedicated residential yacht marina. The development will comprise three ultra-luxury villas, each with direct beachfront access and private marina docking.
According to Dubai Land Department data, the three plots have appreciated between 255% and 335% over the past three years, underscoring both the scarcity of prime coastal land and the sustained demand for ultra-luxury residential assets. As contiguous beachfront plots become increasingly rare, structured land assemblies are expected to diminish further, amplifying the strategic significance of this transaction.
“This was a tightly structured transaction that required all three plots to move together. The window to secure this site was exceptionally narrow, as these were the last adjacent beachfront plots of this scale. Once developed, this combination of site, beach and planned marina access will be exceptionally difficult to replicate, making this one of the most strategically significant land transactions we have led to date” Added Issa Atiq.
While global markets continue to navigate heightened uncertainty, the fundamentals underpinning Dubai’s investment appeal remain firmly intact. Finite by nature and impossible to replicate, prime beachfront and waterfront land continues to attract significant capital from ultra-high-net-worth investors seeking long-term value, stability and asset security. Supported by strong regulatory frameworks, freehold ownership protections, RERA oversight and long-term economic planning, Dubai continues to reinforce its position as one of the world’s most transparent and resilient real estate markets.
Home Integrator
WESTERN FURNITURE EXPANDS PORTFOLIO WITH NEW BRANDS ‘CIERRE’, ‘ZANOTTA’, AND ‘DESALTO’
While Showcasing Global Partnerships at Salone del Mobile 2026




Western Furniture Brands, one of the UAE’s leading luxury home and lifestyle retailers in UAE, recently captivated attendees at the prestigious Salone del Mobile 2026 in Milan, the world’s most prestigious design and furniture exhibition. Renowned as a global benchmark for innovation and craftsmanship, the annual event brings together the industry’s most influential brands and design visionaries.
Marking a significant milestone in its growth journey, Western Furniture announced the acquisition of ‘Cierre’, ‘Zanotta’, and ‘Desalto’, the newest addition to its distinguished portfolio in the UAE. This strategic expansion reflects the company’s continued commitment to curating world-class brands and elevating the region’s luxury interiors landscape.
With a rich and diverse portfolio, Western Furniture proudly represents some of the most renowned names in international design, including Tonin casa, Tomasella, Draenert, Cierre, Natuzzi italia, Unopiù, Miniforms, Calligaris, Adriani rossi, and Reflex , each embodying excellence in craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless aesthetics.

A key highlight of this year’s participation was Natuzzi Italia, exclusively represented by Western Furniture in the UAE for over 15 years. The brand, which operates a flagship store in Dubai, showcased its latest collections, reaffirming its leadership in contemporary Italian design.
Mr. Mikdad Babhrawala, CEO of Western Furniture LLC, expressed his pride in the longstanding partnership, emphasizing its strength and continuity. He noted that Natuzzi Italia, as a globally recognized brand with a rich heritage, has maintained a strong and enduring presence in the UAE market for many years.





Mr. Mikdad continue “the presence of our brands at Salone del Mobile reflects our long-term vision to continuously bring the finest global design experiences to the UAE. The addition of ‘Cierre’, ‘Zanotta’, and ‘Desalto’, to our portfolio marks an exciting new chapter, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, exclusivity, and growth. We take great pride in our enduring partnerships with globally respected brands like Natuzzi Italia, which have played a pivotal role in shaping the luxury interiors landscape in the region.”
Home Integrator
MILANO BY DANUBE INTRODUCES “GLOBAL DIRECT” STRATEGY AT CANTON FAIR AMID GLOBAL SHIPPING UNCERTAINTY

Milano by Danube, a leading global lifestyle and home solutions brand, has introduced its new “Global Direct” logistics strategy at this year’s Canton Fair, responding proactively to ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions across key shipping routes impacting global trade. Global Direct model stands as the most agile logistics strategy that allows the brand to ship products directly from its international hubs to partners across global markets and bypass traditional transit routes.
The move comes at a time when conflict-driven disruptions across major shipping corridors have created delays, rising freight costs, and operational uncertainty for businesses that rely heavily on conventional shipping networks. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Milano has adapted quickly by restructuring its supply chain model to ensure uninterrupted deliveries for its partners worldwide.
Through its Global Direct approach, orders placed at Canton Fair are fulfilled directly from Milano’s global hub in China and routed straight to destination markets, eliminating dependency on congested Middle Eastern transit points and significantly reducing delays which will ensure faster and more reliable deliveries.
Speaking about the strategy, Mr. Sahil Sajan, Director of Milano, said, “The current global environment has made businesses rethink how they operate and move products across borders. We recognized early that waiting for traditional shipping channels to stabilize was not an option. Our Global Direct model ensures that our partners continue receiving products on time while maintaining cost efficiency and supply continuity.”
Milano’s presence at Canton Fair received an overwhelmingly positive response from international traders, distributors, and partners who are increasingly exploring alternative logistics solutions to sustain their businesses amid growing uncertainty.
The company observed a significant shift in conversations at the event, with traders from across regions actively seeking dependable alternatives to conventional shipping routes in order to avoid prolonged delays and operational disruptions.
Despite ongoing geopolitical challenges, this year’s Canton Fair witnessed remarkable global participation. The event remained as vibrant and crowded as ever, drawing visitors, buyers, and business leaders from across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and beyond, underscoring the resilience of global trade and the determination of businesses to adapt.
Mr. Anis Sajan, Vice Chairman of Danube Group, added, “What stood out at Canton Fair this year was the resilience of global businesses. The fair was packed with buyers from around the world, and a common concern among many was finding faster, more reliable ways to keep their businesses operational. Our Global Direct strategy directly addresses that need and positions Milano as a reliable partner during uncertain times.”
As businesses continue to navigate an evolving global trade landscape, Milano’s strategic shift reflects its commitment to innovation, adaptability, and ensuring that partners remain competitive regardless of external challenges. With Global Direct now in motion, Danube Group’s Milano is reinforcing its position not just as a leading lifestyle and home solutions brand, but as a business partner equipped to solve modern supply chain challenges.
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