Home Integrator
Elevate & Ennismore Partner to Bring $500 Million Mondrian Beachfront Residence to Al Marjan Island
ELEVATE, the visionary lifestyle real estate brand launched in the UAE by global development firm One Group and Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle and leisure hospitality company, has signed an agreement to introduce the region’s first-ever beachfront Mondrian residences in the UAE. The landmark $500 million project will be situated on the rapidly growing Al Marjan Island, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of branded living experiences on the island and in the region. The grand opening is anticipated to be in Q4 2028.
The signing took place between Zeeshan Shah, Founder & Chairman, ELEVATE and Louis Abboud, Regional Head of Lifestyle Collective IMEAT, Ennismore, in the presence of Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO of Marjan.
This partnership unites the strengths of two globally respected leaders, collaborating to champion bold design, authentic community experiences, and purposeful living. ELEVATE is setting new benchmarks for intentional and design-forward living, rooted in the UAE with a deep understanding of the region’s evolving cultural and lifestyle ambitions. It offers the perfect counterpart: local insight, real estate expertise, and a vision for redefining modern luxury. Ennismore is a powerhouse in luxury lifestyle hospitality, comprising a collective of 16 globally celebrated brands and two F&B groups—including Delano, SLS, 25hours Hotels, SO/, and Rikas—as well as over 500 restaurants and bars. Together, the two are set to create transformative destinations that resonate far beyond the traditional hospitality model.
Commenting on the signing, Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO of Marjan said: “We are delighted to welcome the Mondrian Residences to Al Marjan Island as part of our ongoing commitment to elevating Marjan’s global stature, which is increasingly being famed as a lifestyle-led development. This collaboration between ELEVATE and Ennismore adds a new layer of depth and creativity to our growing portfolio of branded residences on the island. We are proud to welcome Mondrian Beach Residences to Al Marjan Island, which is slated to mark a global expansion for the hospitality giant, showcasing the draw and relevance of Marjan today”.
With this landmark project, ELEVATE reaffirms its long-term commitment to the UAE, supported by a $1 billion development pipeline scheduled for the next 12 months. As the newly launched lifestyle real estate brand from One Group, ELEVATE is setting out to redefine luxury living with its philosophy of living centered around five core pillars of Health, Wellness, Tribe, Purpose and Flowthat resonate with both modern residents and global investors.
Speaking on the collaboration, Zeeshaan Shah, Chairman of One Group and Founder & CEO of ELEVATE, shared his enthusiasm: “We’re very proud to be bringing the first-ever beachfront Mondrian residences to the UAE in collaboration with Ennismore. We carefully selected Mondrian for this location as the brand is the epitome of what Marjan Island is becoming. Renowned for being at the forefront of lifestyle, art and culture, Mondrian’s are icon’s in every city they’re in whether it’s Los Angeles, Cannes or Ibiza and this will undoubtedly be the icon of Marjan Island”.
The Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences will deliver a five star hospitality-infused residential experience, featuring private beach access, signature design elements, wellness-centric amenities, and curated cultural programming. Residents can expect hotel-grade services with the privacy and ownership benefits of a home, making it a compelling investment for both lifestyle buyers and discerning investors.
Known for its avant-garde design and cultural relevance, Mondrian is one of Ennismore’s most iconic brands, celebrated for its progressive edge in art, fashion, and urban living. With flagship properties in cities such as Los Angeles, Mexico, Ibiza, Doha, Singapore, and Seoul, Mondrian’s branded residential arrival in the UAE signals a new era for luxury beachfront living.
Louis Abboud, Regional Head of Lifestyle Collective IMEAT at Ennismore, said, “We are excited to introduce this new and exciting Mondrian residential project to the UAE in collaboration with ELEVATE. Mondrian is a symbol of creative expression, and Al Marjan Island provides the perfect canvas. This development will bring our signature energy to a thriving new destination and redefine what modern beachfront living can feel like.”
To ensure every detail of the project reflects its exceptional vision, a world-class team of consultants has been carefully curated. Leading the architectural narrative is Gensler – the world’s largest architecture and design firm, headquartered in San Francisco – bringing global expertise and innovative design-thinking to the forefront. Complementing this is the acclaimed London-based Bergman Interiors, celebrated for their award-winning work across luxury hospitality, branded residences, and superyachts, adding a layer of bespoke sophistication to the interiors. Together, they infuse the development with a level of design excellence rarely seen in the region.
Backed by a global real estate transaction record exceeding $2.5 billion, One Group’s expansion into the UAE via ELEVATE is not just strategic – it’s personal. Shah, who began his career in the UAE nearly two decades ago, sees the country as a natural extension of the Group’s lifestyle-driven ethos. For ELEVATE, this launch is only the beginning of the UAE chapter. With several projects in the pipeline across the UAE, the brand is poised to redefine success and luxury, not by excess, but through purposeful design, community, and well-being.
Concluding, Shah said, “This partnership marks our development debut in the region, and we are proud to start by setting a new benchmark in branded beachfront living. I’m deeply grateful to the trusted partners and supporters who stood by this vision from the start – your belief and commitment have been paramount in bringing it to life.”
Ennismore’s branded residential properties, including Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences, are supported by Accor One Living, an industry-first 360º platform focused on developing, designing, and operating mixed-use projects and branded homeowner communities. Through Accor One Living, homeowners, guests, and partners are connected to Accor’s diverse ecosystem of brands, expertise, and solutions, creating a constant flow of new opportunities to live, work, and play.
Home Integrator
RECHITTA SURPASSES 100,000 MINUTES OF REAL-WORLD USE AS IT LAUNCHES NEXT-GENERATION V2 PLATFORM

For brokers selling Dubai real estate, the challenge is rarely a lack of interest. It is keeping up with it: answering questions on pricing, payment plans, availability and project details, accurately and quickly, across a growing number of developments. Rechitta was built to take that weight off the brokers. The AI-native platform, powered by verified developer data, gives brokers instant, accurate project information without waiting on a callback or searching through brochures.
Rechitta’s core idea has been simple from the start: instead of reading about a project, users can talk to Rechitta. Rechitta presents a development the way a well-briefed sales consultant would; with all the information directly from the developer, with data in real time. That model has now passed 100,000 minutes of real-world use by brokers exploring projects and asking questions, providing Rechitta with valuable insights into how brokers interact with project information, what they need to know, and where AI can reduce friction in the sales process.
Rechitta is now building on that with the launch of Rechitta V2, shaped by how people have actually used the platform. The update rebuilds and evolves the presentation experience and adds yet another way to use Rechitta: the chat mode. Brokers can now get the information they need in any situation, not only when they have the time and space for a spoken conversation.
“Crossing 100,000 minutes of usage is an important milestone for us because it represents real people spending real time with Rechitta,” said Aryaman Maheshwari, Co-Founder, Rechitta. “More importantly, those interactions have taught us how people actually want to explore, understand and question real estate projects. V2 is a direct evolution of the product based on that behaviour. We are moving from simply presenting information to creating a more intelligent and responsive way of experiencing it.”
In Presentation Mode, Rechitta leads a guided introduction to a project where users can scroll, explore, and ask questions at their own pace while interacting with live project details and visual assets. Complementing this, the new Chat Mode is built for moments when speaking isn’t practical, such as on a call with a client, at a busy sales event, or on the move, allowing brokers to quickly type a query and receive instant, verified answers on unit prices, payment plans, or handover dates.
Together, the two modes mean brokers are no longer limited by where they are: a full guided walkthrough when they have the time, and a fast answer by text when they don’t.
“Real estate has no shortage of information. The challenge is making that information useful at the moment someone needs it,” added said Atiksh Mittal, Co-Founder, Rechitta. “With V2, we are making Rechitta more responsive, more conversational and more intuitive, while keeping the broker at the centre of the experience. We position and build AI to make the real estate sales journey better, not make it less human.”
The development of V2 reflects a broader shift in how real estate information can be accessed and consumed, with a refreshed look. The update also introduces the Rechitta Orb, the visual identity of the AI assistant and a new signature element of the platform. The Orb provides a recognisable interface for users as they interact with Rechitta and reinforces the platform’s positioning as an AI-native experience rather than a traditional property information tool.
Traditional property experiences often require users to search across listings, brochures, presentations and multiple information points to find answers. Rechitta brings project intelligence into one single AI-powered environment, allowing users to move between guided discovery and direct questioning within the same experience.
Rechitta V2 is live now, with the company continuing to develop new AI capabilities designed specifically for the real estate ecosystem.
Home Feature
THE STORIES BEHIND THE MATERIALS SHAPING UAE INTERIORS

by Selva Kumar Rajulu, Managing Director & Senior Vice President – Middle East, Asia & Africa, Nolte FZE
A beautiful material can catch the eye, but it is the story behind it that increasingly captures a buyer’s attention. Customers today are more knowledgeable about their homes and increasingly interested in the finer details behind the products they choose. Where was the material sourced? How will it perform overtime? And what effect could it have on the people living around it?
For manufacturers and designers, this creates a responsibility to explain the thinking behind every material choice. Storytelling is becoming an important way to do that, connecting aesthetics with provenance, performance, sustainability, and wellbeing. And like any good story, this too begins with its origins.
Origin Is Adding New Value To Premium Interiors
A material’s origin tells us more than where it comes from. It can influence how sustainably it is produced, how well it performs, and the character it brings into a home.
Stone from a particular quarry, responsibly sourced timber, and traditionally woven textiles each carry a sense of place and craftsmanship. These qualities are particularly valuable in premium interiors, where homeowners are looking for substances beyond surface appearance. However, these stories also need to be supported by evidence. At Nolte Küchen, more than 99% of the wood we use meets our sustainable wood criteria, with FSC and PEFC certifications prioritized in procurement.
We are seeing this emphasis on transparency reflected in our work with UAE developers, where project briefs increasingly look beyond the appearance of kitchen materials to consider sourcing, durability, and consistency across multiple units. For manufacturers, responsibly sourcing materials, backed by recognized certifications and produced to consistent quality standards, will set them apart. It also allows customers to make more informed choices by showing where materials come from and how they are made.
Regional identity is influencing design trends
Beyond its origin, a material must also suit the region’s environment and culture. In the UAE, extreme heat, humidity, and strong sunlight make durability a key consideration. Material choices can also influence how much heat enters a building and, in turn, the energy needed for cooling.
A 2026 study of Dubai’s Al Fahidi district highlighted how traditional homes used coral-stone walls and wind towers to regulate indoor comfort naturally. Today, that same principle of environmental adaptation applies to modern interiors: cabinetry, adhesives, and surface finishes must be engineered to withstand the UAE’s coastal humidity, intense UV light through floor-to-ceiling windows, and constant exposure to indoor air conditioning without losing their structural integrity.
Cultural identity matters, too, with some homeowners looking for ways to reflect the region’s heritage in their spaces. For example, Al Sadu is a traditional Emirati weaving technique featuring geometric patterns inspired by grasslands, sand dunes, and the waves of the Arabian Gulf. These cultural influences can be incorporated into contemporary homes through traditional geometric detailing, sand-toned finishes, and textured stone.
From our experience, no single style defines the UAE market. With people from over 200 nationalities coming here to live, work, and build families, homes naturally reflect a wide range of cultures and personal tastes. This is especially evident in kitchen design, where some buyers prefer clean, minimalist European styles, while others are drawn to warmer wood finishes, earthy tones, and textured surfaces. We are also seeing growing interest in combining contrasting materials and finishes, such as natural wood textures with matt cabinetry or stone surfaces, to create more unique kitchens.
Sustainability is at the center of material choices
PWC found that more than half of Middle Eastern consumers surveyed are changing their purchasing habits by buying more sustainable products. This growing awareness is also influencing how people choose materials for their homes, with greater attention to what products contain, how they are made, and how long they will last.
For manufacturers, this means supporting sustainability claims with evidence. Using recycled wood in particle boards, sourcing certified timber, and reducing waste during production are some ways the industry is responding. However, sustainability goes beyond material sourcing. Durability and repairability are equally important to reduce the need for frequent replacements.
In kitchens, these considerations are particularly important. With frequent everyday use, buyers increasingly look for materials that can withstand wear and tear while retaining their appearance over time. This is why advancements in surface engineering—such as anti-fingerprint matt lacquers, UV-resistant laminates, and highly durable stone reproductions—have become central to the sustainability conversation.
What lies ahead for 2027
As homeowners pay closer attention to materials, trends such as natural wood finishes, statement stone surfaces, and textured cabinetry are gaining ground across the UAE.
More importantly, the kitchen is no longer treated as an isolated workspace. Heading into 2027, we are seeing a decisive shift toward integrated living ecosystems, where identical material stories, warm timber cabinetry, layered textures, full-height stone backsplashes, and earthy colors extend seamlessly from the kitchen into dining and living areas, paired with fully integrated built-in appliances.
This has made customisation increasingly important, as customers want cohesive colours, textures, and layouts that reflect their personal identity across the entire home. As buyers increasingly seek to experience these materials first-hand, showrooms are becoming an important part of the decision-making process, letting them see and feel differences in texture, finish, and quality. Beyond appearance, however, sustainability and provenance will become essential considerations in material selection, with customers expecting greater transparency around responsible sourcing, durability, environmental impact and long-term value.
Home Integrator
From Cozy Corners to Autumn Details: How to Style Your Home for the New Season
As the season changes, there’s something comforting about making the home feel a little warmer and more inviting. Autumn brings an opportunity to slow things down, create cosier spaces and add small touches that reflect the mood of the season. Whether it’s a candle glowing in the evening or a warmer colour palette around the living room, a few small changes can make a familiar space feel fresh. To embrace the season, MINT Market, a UAE-born curated online and offline marketplace, has rounded up pieces from its unique homegrown brands to help bring a little autumn warmth into everyday spaces, with inspiration for cozy gatherings, relaxed evenings and a subtle nod to Halloween.
Scents of Autumn
Autumn starts with the little details that set the mood, and scent is an easy place to begin. Fill your home with the comforting aromas of natural coconut wax melts in scents of Dark Honey & Tobacco, Cinnamon, Frankincense & Cedarwood, or Fireside & Wild Berrier, gently warmed in a tea light or electric burner. Or perhaps create the atmosphere with the glass jar candle, where vanilla, and sage meet soft woody sandalwood fragrance. For a little everyday indulgence, the coffee and cocoa massage soap bar brings a mini spa moment to your shower, with its textured surface gently exfoliating and massaging the skin while its rich, warm fragrance adds a comforting touch to your winter routine.
Living Room Essentials

In the living room, a simple change in colour and texture can instantly give the space a more seasonal feel. A maroon checkered throw in soft, neutral tones adds warmth and sophistication while making the room feel a little cosier. For a more contemporary touch, switch up your cushions with an abstract colourful striped cover, bringing playful colour and pattern into the space without overpowering the room.
A Touch of Halloween


As Halloween draws closer, let a little magic find its way into the home. From playful fidget toys to playdough sets, these little touches can spark imagination and make the season feel that much more magical. For an afternoon of fun, the spooky figures painting kit lets little ones add their own splash of colour and personality, making it a lovely activity to enjoy at home.
All the products mentioned in this guide are available through MINT Market Online, which brings together a selection of independent, homegrown brands.
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