Dalands Holding, in collaboration with Marriott International and with the support of ‘Marjan’, has announced the signing of W Residences Al Marjan Island. Set to open in Q4 2027, W Residences Al Marjan Island will be co-located with the W Al Marjan Island hotel, introducing a bold fusion of vibrant hospitality and elevated residential living to one of the UAE’s most iconic beachfront destinations. This milestone marks a new chapter in Dalands Holding’s expansion into the UAE, building on its successful track record of developing boutique resorts and high-end residences.

Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO of Marjan, added: “W Residences Al Marjan Island is a significant addition to our expanding portfolio of world-class developments on the island. We are pleased to welcome global brands like W Hotels and leading developers like Dalands Holding who have long-standing credibility as a hospitality-focused developer. This project will further enhance our position as a preferred destination for luxury living and investment, while enriching the cultural and economic landscape of Ras Al Khaimah.”

Saurabh Gupta, CEO of Dalands Holding, said, “We are delighted to introduce W Residences to Al Marjan Island; a development that embodies our vision for creating iconic destinations rooted in design, service, and a vibrant sense of place. Co-locating these 201 W Residences with W Al Marjan Island ensures an unmatched lifestyle offering, combining private, luxury living with access to exceptional hospitality services. These fully furnished residences, supported by a world-class hotel experience and direct access to the beach, is what sets this project apart.”

The residences will feature a range of exquisitely designed luxury homes, offering sweeping views and direct access to 130-metres-long beachfront. Each element of the development reflects the bold, irreverent spirit of the W Hotels brand, from cutting-edge interiors to the signature Whatever/Whenever services.

A wide array of exclusive amenities is planned to elevate the living experience for the residents. These include an exclusive reception area, WET infinity pool deck, a plush resident’s lounge, the brand’s signature FIT fitness hub including a yoga studio, a beachside lounging zone, a mini ‘Screening Room’, and dedicated entertainment spaces for private events and parties. With seamless access to select hotel services, residents will also get to enjoy the best of both worlds — privacy and comfort at home, and the vibrant, social energy of W Hotels in the same premise.

“This launch marks an exciting milestone for Marriott International as we continue to grow our luxury residential footprint in the region,” said Sandeep Walia, Chief Operations Officer, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East & Africa – Marriott International. “W Residences Al Marjan Island reflects the evolving expectations of today’s luxury consumer — seeking more than just a home, but an immersive lifestyle destination. We are proud to continue our collaboration with Dalands Holding and Marjan to bring this bold new residential offering to life alongside W Al Marjan Island.”

The residences represent a seamless fusion of upscale beachfront living and contemporary luxury hospitality. Positioned along the island’s pristine coastline, this development is poised to become a landmark address and a symbol of refined lifestyle in the Northern Emirates.

By Chloë Scott, Head of Design, Green Sheep Group

Bringing a baby home is one of life’s most transformative moments. At Snüz, we recognise that this transition is about more than just preparing a nursery. It’s about redefining how parents experience and live in their space. As Head of Design at Green Sheep Group, I’ve had the privilege of guiding our design ethos to align with the evolving identity of modern parenthood, where functionality, aesthetics and emotional wellbeing intersect.

We are seeing a real shift in how people think about nursery interiors. It’s no longer just about creating a space purely for the baby, filled with loud prints or novelty motifs. More and more, parents want the nursery to feel like a natural extension of the rest of their home. Somewhere that reflects their personal style, not just a ‘baby zone’. There’s a move towards calm, cohesive spaces that are as beautifully considered as any other room in the home, with soft, neutral tones and timeless design leading the way. It’s about creating an environment that feels good to be in for the baby and for the parents too.

One of the most important considerations in our design process is understanding that nursery furniture often begins its life in the parents’ bedroom. Our award-winning SnüzPod, for instance, is created not only with newborn comfort in mind, but with a grown-up aesthetic that integrates seamlessly into adult interiors. This design philosophy is rooted in empathy, understanding that new parents are navigating an emotional shift and by preserving their personal style, we support a smoother, more comforting transition into parenthood.

Becoming a parent doesn’t mean losing yourself, it means evolving. We see nursery design as a chance to affirm identity, not sacrifice it. That’s why our furniture collections are designed with warm, gender-neutral palettes, natural wood tones and minimalist silhouettes. They reflect broader interior design trends such as Scandinavian influences and Japandi minimalism, because we know today’s parents want pieces that complement the rest of their home, not stand apart from it.

Playfulness still has its place, of course. Soft textures, gentle curves and sensory details are all important in creating a nurturing atmosphere. We aim for subtle, tactile engagement – whether it’s the natural woodgrain, a cosy woven fabric, or a soft-touch eco-friendly paint – because sensory design matters. It not only supports baby’s development but also contributes to a space that feels emotionally safe for parents and children.

Another defining shift in nursery interiors is a growing focus on sustainability and long-term value. At Snüz, this is more than a trend, it’s a design imperative. Our products, like the SnüzKot, are designed to evolve with your child, transitioning from cot to toddler bed to junior bed with ease. This modularity reduces waste, extends product life and offers real value over time – both emotionally and financially.

We also take care to source sustainably wherever possible, using FSC-certified wood and non-toxic, baby-safe finishes. These choices may be invisible to the eye, but they speak volumes about our values and our responsibility as designers. Parents shouldn’t have to choose between beauty and conscience. With Snüz, they don’t have to.

Timelessness is the thread that ties all this together. Trends may inform our palettes or materials, but our core goal is always to create enduring designs that look and feel relevant through every stage of early childhood. We don’t chase fast trends – we interpret them through the lens of longevity. Our goal is to create furniture that can be loved not just for a season, but for a generation – or even passed down to the next.

In shaping the future of nursery interiors, we are ultimately shaping the future of family life. A well-designed nursery doesn’t just house a baby, it cradles a new way of living, loving and growing together. At Snüz, we’re proud to stand at the intersection of innovation and emotion, helping parents create spaces that feel just right for their babies, their homes and themselves.

Because great design doesn’t just support development – It nurtures identity, enhances wellbeing and makes the everyday moments that much more beautiful.

Majid Al Futtaim recently announced a major milestone at its flagship forest living community, Ghaf Woods with the launch of Capria, the development’s third phase. In addition, it has achieved the LEED Platinum certification for its newly opened Ghaf Woods Sales and Experience Centre.

Located in the heart of Dubai, Ghaf Woods redefines urban living by blending contemporary architecture with an immersive, forest-inspired environment rooted in sustainable design principles.

Capria introduces the Wellness Community and Tranquillity Collection, a premium residential enclaves designed around holistic wellbeing and mindful living. Tailored for families, wellness seekers, and fitness enthusiasts, this phase integrates biophilic and salutogenic design, WELL residential concepts, spa-style pools, wellness gardens, retreat zones, and an exclusive clubhouse.

Homeowners can select from two refined interior palettes, Radiance (light and airy) or Twilight (warm and bold). The Tranquillity Collection offers a nature-immersed experience, blending the privacy of suburban living with the conveniences of city life.

Ahmed El Shamy, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said: “Ghaf Woods represents a bold vision for the future of residential living, where nature and modernity coexist harmoniously. With Capria, we are reimagining how communities can integrate wellness into everyday living. The Wellness Community and Tranquillity Collection continues to build on our promise to redefine forest living in Dubai, offering a holistic lifestyle that nurtures both mind and body while respecting the environment.”

The newly opened Ghaf Woods Sales & Experience Centre has been awarded LEED Platinum certification, the highest distinction under the world’s most widely used green building rating system. This achievement reflects Majid Al Futtaim’s steadfast commitment to innovation-led sustainability in real estate. The Centre offers visitors an immersive journey through the community’s vision, featuring interactive AR/VR-enabled smart home demonstrations, a 3D projection room, and spatially dynamic zones including a reception lobby, multimedia room, meeting spaces, and a café.

Spanning 7,556 square feet, the Ghaf Woods Sales & Experience Centre offers a dynamic, immersive introduction to the forest living lifestyle. Architecturally inspired by nature, the centre features organic, biophilic design and operates as a Net Positive Energy facility, achieving 144.5% energy savings through car park solar PV, high-performance insulation, reflective roofing, smart lighting, energy sub-metering, and an efficient HVAC setup.

Designed for occupant wellbeing, over 80% of regularly occupied spaces receive ample daylight and offer direct views of the outdoors, reinforcing the centre’s alignment with Ghaf Woods’ forest-first philosophy.

“The LEED Platinum certification is a powerful testament to our vision for environmentally responsible communities and innovation in the built environment. The Sales & Experience Centre demonstrates how sustainable design can be seamlessly integrated into the customer journey, delivering energy efficiency, occupant well-being, and immersive technology in a single, future-forward space.”

Spanning 738,000 square metres off the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Highway, near Global Village, Ghaf Woods will feature over 7,000 premium units, including one, two, and three-bedroom residences and penthouses. The community will be home to a thriving forest of 35,000 climate-suited trees, including the iconic Ghaf tree, playing a crucial role in reducing soil erosion, conserving water, and cooling the environment—ensuring temperatures remain up to five degrees Celsius lower than the city’s average.

Prioritizing wellness, Ghaf Woods promises residents eight kilometres of walking trails, a three-and-a-half-kilometre biking loop, resort-style pools, fitness facilities, family-friendly gardens, and a yoga pavilion. The community will also be home to Majid Al Futtaim’s signature multi-purpose hub, Distrikt, which features a curated selection of retail and farm-to-table dining experiences.