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
TOWNX HITS 40% CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS ON ASHLEY HILLS IN FOUR MONTHS FROM LAUNCH
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.
Home Integrator
MERED PARTNERS WITH NSCC INTERNATIONAL TO KICK OFF RIVIERA RESIDENCES DEVELOPMENT ON AL REEM ISLAND
MERED, the award-winning international real estate developer, has appointed NSCC International as the enabling works contractor for Riviera Residences, its landmark waterfront development designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. The appointment marks another significant milestone in the construction of one of the capital’s most anticipated residential projects.
With this appointment, NSCC International will take the lead on the project’s enabling works phase, encompassing all piling and shoring activities. Founded in Abu Dhabi in 1968, NSCC has grown from a marine contractor into a multi-disciplined regional leader in ground engineering. Over the decades, the company has delivered the foundations of some of the Middle East’s most technically demanding and prestigious developments, such as Zayed International Airport Terminal A, Reem Hills, Zayed National Museum, and Al Raha Beach Development in Abu Dhabi, as well as the Etihad Museum and The Address Residence Skyview in Dubai, alongside numerous landmark projects throughout Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman.
Michael Belton, CEO of MERED, said: “Partnering with NSCC International represents our continued commitment to delivering Riviera Residences with the highest standards of precision and quality. NSCC’s deep technical expertise and reputation for excellence across the region make them an ideal partner for a project of this scale and architectural ambition. Together, we are shaping a residential community that reflects both the innovation and natural beauty of Abu Dhabi’s coastline.”
Khalil N. Khouri, Group CEO of NSCC International, added: “Riviera Residences embodies world-class design and engineering, and our team is proud to contribute to its foundation. With our decades of experience and commitment to safety and technical excellence, we look forward to setting the groundwork for what will become one of Abu Dhabi’s most distinctive residential destinations.”
Located on Al Reem Island, Riviera Residences is strategically positioned within Abu Dhabi Global Market, one of the capital’s most dynamic districts, home to international schools, premium offices, advanced healthcare facilities, and leisure amenities. The island continues to attract strong investor interest, with off-plan property prices rising by 38% year-on-year during Q2 2025, reflecting confidence in its long-term value.
Envisioned as a lush sanctuary within the city, Riviera Residences is set to redefine waterfront living in Abu Dhabi with more than 400 elegantly designed apartments and 12 exclusive villas, including sky villas, ocean villas, and a penthouse. The project blends contemporary architecture with Abu Dhabi’s rich pearl-diving heritage, expressed through luminous mother-of-pearl façades that capture natural light. The interiors, amenities, and lobby emphasize timeless elegance, seamless functionality, and meticulous detail.
Residents will have access to four swimming pools, a world-class fitness centre, wellness spaces, indoor and outdoor yoga decks, padel and table tennis courts, and dedicated spaces for families and social gatherings. Riviera Residences will also include a premium waterfront promenade lined with cafés, boutique retail, and fine dining, offering panoramic views of the Azure Lagoon, Al Reem skyline, and Saadiyat Island, and easy access to the island’s pristine beaches.
The enabling works are now underway, with main construction set to follow. Once completed, Riviera Residences will stand as an architectural landmark that combines sustainable Design, refined living, and a strong sense of place on Abu Dhabi’s evolving waterfront.
Home Integrator
CASAGRAND UNVEILS DEBUT INTERNATIONAL PROJECT CASAGRAND HERMINA AT DUBAI ISLANDS, VALUED AT AED 420M
India’s leading real estate developer, Casagrand, has officially unveiled Casagrand HERMINA, a premium residential development located on the rapidly transforming Dubai Islands.
Valued at AED 420M, Casagrand HERMINA marks Casagrand’s expansion into the Middle East with a project that blends coastal serenity and city living. Inspired by Hermes, the mythological messenger who moved effortlessly between worlds, Casagrand HERMINA is conceived as a place where the calm of the sea meets the dynamism of Dubai, providing residents a lifestyle that balances retreat, tranquility, and connection.
Arun Mn, Founder and Managing Director, Casagrand, said: “At Casagrand, we have spent more than 22 years creating high-quality developments grounded in precision, timely delivery, and an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. Bringing this ethos to the UAE is an important milestone for us, and Casagrand HERMINA encapsulates what we value most, a place where the sea brings calm, the city stays close, and life feels restorative, joyful, and connected.
“Our experience in thoughtful design and meaningful community living shapes every detail, and we’re excited to introduce this approach to one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets. Ultimately, our goal is to continue to be the developer people trust with one of the most important decisions of their life – of buying a home.”
Casagrand HERMINA offers 131 residences ranging from one- to four-bedroom apartments, each crafted for privacy, openness, and elevated everyday living. Residences on every floor are thoughtfully spaced to ensure enhanced privacy, quieter corridors, and a boutique sense of exclusivity. With a starting price of AED 1.92M, a 60/40 payment plan, and completion scheduled for Q2 2028, Casagrand HERMINA brings carefully considered living to the heart of the city.
Strategically located within Dubai Islands, a major coastal district backed by government vision and investment, supported by the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The area features 21 km of Blue Flag-certified beaches, major infrastructure upgrades including an eight-lane bridge to Downtown Dubai by 2026, and a planned Metro link. With extremely high demand showcased by almost 50% rise in transactions last year, and limited supply of prime waterfront locations as well as future-ready connectivity, Dubai Islands is positioned as one of the emirate’s strongest long-term real estate investment corridors.
Luthfullah K, Director, Dubai, Casagrand, said: “Dubai Islands represents one of our city’s most exciting long-term growth corridors, and it was essential for our first UAE development to be rooted in a location that reflects both our ambition and our values. With Casagrand HERMINA, we wanted to create a community that captures the balance people increasingly seek, spaces that feel calming and restorative, yet remain closely connected to everything Dubai offers. This development is a statement of our commitment to the market and Casagrand HERMINA is only the beginning of what we aim to contribute to the city’s evolving residential landscape.”
Casagrand HERMINA integrates advanced smart technology and eco-conscious design to create a healthier and more efficient living environment with smart home controls, eco-friendly materials, and a locally landscaped podium that naturally helps regulate temperatures.
The development is envisioned as a place where everyday life feels elevated, where wellness, leisure, and community are seamlessly woven into routine. Beyond its impressive range of amenities, from serene swimming pools and spa retreats to vibrant play areas, an immersive sky cinema, and tranquil meditation zones, every space invites you to slow down, connect, and experience a richer way of living while staying connected to the city. Fully furnished layouts, walk-in closets, and entry foyers in all units further enhance the sense of comfort and everyday ease.
Designed by the Casagrand in-house architectural team who have the experience of curating homes for more than 55,000 families, Casagrand HERMINA stands at the crossroads of tradition and transformation, where the vibrancy of the city meets the serenity of the shore. Each space was thoughtfully shaped to carry meaning for every family that buys a home at Casagrand HERMINA. From rooftop views to wellness zones, the Casagrand team were committed to creating a lifestyle that makes coming home feel restorative.
Casagrand remains deeply committed to long-term growth in the UAE and is currently exploring land parcels across major masterplans and emerging communities, with plans to develop over 6 million sq. ft. of premium residential and mixed-use spaces in the next three years. Casagrand HERMINA marks the first milestone in this strategy in one of the most prime waterfront addresses of Dubai, showcasing Casagrand’s design intelligence, build quality, and modern approach to lifestyle-driven living.
-
Tech News1 year agoDenodo Bolsters Executive Team by Hiring Christophe Culine as its Chief Revenue Officer
-
VAR8 months agoMicrosoft Launches New Surface Copilot+ PCs for Business
-
Tech Interviews2 years agoNavigating the Cybersecurity Landscape in Hybrid Work Environments
-
Tech News5 months agoNothing Launches flagship Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1) in theme with the Iconic Museum of the Future in Dubai
-
Tech News2 years agoBrighton College Abu Dhabi and Brighton College Al Ain Donate 954 IT Devices in Support of ‘Donate Your Own Device’ Campaign
-
Editorial1 year agoCelebrating UAE National Day: A Legacy of Leadership and Technological Innovation
-
VAR1 year agoSamsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Clash Of The Folding Phenoms
-
Cover Story9 months agoUnifonic Leading the Future of AI-Driven Customer Engagement


