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BUILDING A SPACE BRICK BY BRICK

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Professional woman in white turtleneck with long dark hair smiling at camera in bright minimalist office setting.

Article attributed by: Sara Aji, Managing Partner of Alma Developments

Beyond The Skyline

In recent years, the Dubai real estate market has dazzled with headlines about record-breaking penthouses, ultra-luxury investments, and international capital flows. But behind the glitter, there’s a quieter story unfolding, one that I believe is equally, if not more, important to the future of the city.

Dubai is home to families, working professionals, teachers, entrepreneurs, and healthcare workers, who are looking not for a speculative asset but for a well-designed and enduring place to live. And therefore, our built environment must reflect this reality.

Wisdom In Design

As someone who’s spent the past two decades in the design and interiors space through my family business, Al Meera, I’ve seen firsthand how good design can change the way people live. But I’ve also watched with concern as investors are drawn into the return-on-investment (ROI) trap, buying off-plan homes at inflated premiums, only to discover after handover that they require significant refurbishments, lack basic storage, or aren’t fit for long-term family living. It’s a cycle that erodes value, especially for seasoned buyers who expect more from their investment.

The Real In Real Estate

When Alma Developments was launched, it wasn’t to compete in the luxury arena; it was to help fill a widening gap in the mid-market segment. Homes that are liveable from day one, thoughtfully designed, and built with long-term residents in mind are surprisingly rare in a city as advanced as Dubai. With our debut project, Alma Gardens, in Liwan, we wanted to create something different, homes that you don’t just own, but truly live in.

That starts with getting the basics right. Take storage, for example. Most Dubai apartments aren’t designed with families in mind. We’ve changed that by delivering apartments that offer up to 75% more dedicated storage space than comparable units. That’s not a gimmick; it’s a necessity, especially for families with children or multigenerational households where space matters.

From Cement To Sentiment

Layout is another area where too many developers cut corners. A one-bedroom apartment with a study can be the difference between chaos and calm for a couple working from home. Two- and three-bedroom apartments with dedicated laundry rooms and maids’ quarters provide functional zoning that allows for privacy, routine, and organisation. At Alma Gardens, these are standard, not optional extras.

But beyond design specs, the wider question we’ve been asking is, who are we really building for? There’s a growing cohort of end-users in Dubai who don’t fit the typical investor profile. They are women, they are parents, they are long-term residents who want quality without complication. These buyers aren’t interested in trophy assets; they want homes that are built to last, don’t require immediate fixes, and provide a real sense of belonging.

Local design thinking, rooted in the real needs of Dubai residents, is finally starting to shape this new wave of development. For example, at Alma Gardens, we’ve integrated rooftop wellness spaces, multipurpose fitness studios, and communal zones that foster interaction. It’s not just about amenities, it’s about lifestyle. We’ve also taken a hands-on approach to quality control. By managing the entire construction and fit-out process in-house through Al Meera, we’ve ensured that the homes we deliver are truly turnkey, with no need for post-handover patch-ups or costly upgrades. Importantly, our commitment to liveability doesn’t come at the expense of luxury; it redefines it.

Luxury In Living

We’ve selected premium materials, elegant finishes, and custom-crafted joinery that rival, and in many cases exceed, the so-called ‘luxury’ offerings that dominate the market today. For us, true luxury is not marble floors and glossy brochures; it’s about thoughtful craftsmanship, durability, and refined simplicity that make daily living feel effortless and beautiful. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to.

In parallel, infrastructure upgrades such as the upcoming Dubai Metro Blue Line extension are opening up previously overlooked areas like Liwan to residents who want better value without sacrificing connectivity. It’s a pivotal moment for smart, mid-market development in the city, and one we’re proud to be part of.

Ultimately, the conversation about real estate in Dubai needs to evolve. Luxury and high yields will always have their place. But we also need to celebrate the projects that deliver genuine value, sustainability, and liveability. As developers, we have a responsibility to stop treating housing like a commodity and start designing it like a service. Because at the end of the day, homes should be for living, not flipping. That belief, that housing is a service, not just an asset, is what will define the next chapter of Dubai’s property market.

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CELEBRATE THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN WITH AN UNFORGETTABLE ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT IFTAR AT PINCODE BY CHEF KUNAL 

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Cheese platter at Pincode featuring assorted cheeses, green grapes, crackers, olives, and strawberries on a black slate, with plated Indian desserts and a decorative lantern in the background.

Dubai & Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – This Ramadan, Pincode, the modern Indian dining destination by celebrity chef Kunal Kapur, invites you to slow down, gather close, and break your fast with a thoughtfully curated Iftar inspired by the timeless culinary traditions of India.

From the first moon sighting until 18th March, the all-you-can-eat buffet will be available throughout the holy month at Dubai Hills Mall and The Galleria, Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. The experience blends comfort, culture, and generosity, served the way Ramadan meals are meant to be enjoyed. Priced at AED 179.

Freshly featured in the MICHELIN Guide 2025, Pincode brings its signature warmth and depth of flavour to the season. Inspired by the bustling Iftar bazaars of Old Delhi and Hyderabad, the menu is curated by Chef Kunal Kapur, current judge of MasterChef India, and it features slow-cooked favourites, aromatic biryanis, flavourful grills, and classic Indian desserts, offering a balanced, nourishing, and deeply satisfying experience after a day of fasting.

What sets this Iftar apart is its thoughtful rhythm: while the buffet offers a generous spread, select dishes are served hot at the table, freshly prepared, creating moments of pause and care during the meal. The menu also changes daily, encouraging repeat visits and reflecting the evolving spirit of Ramadan evenings.

Pincode provides a welcoming space to honour the holy month, where guests can share in the warmth, flavours, and traditions that make Ramadan truly special.

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AARK DEVELOPERS APPOINT ONE BROKER GROUP AS EXCLUSIVE SALES PARTNER FOR KARL LAGERFELD BEACH RESIDENCES IN AL MARJAN ISLAND

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Signing ceremony between AARK DEVELOPERS and One Broker Group for Karl Lagerfeld Beach Residences, with representatives shaking hands and holding signed documents in front of branded backdrop.

One Broker Group (OBG), the UAE’s leading master brokerage and exclusive sales partner, has officially been appointed as the Exclusive Sales Partner in the UAE for AARK Developers’ latest landmark residential project on Al Marjan Island, branded by the globally renowned KARL LAGERFELD fashion house.

The signing ceremony marks a significant milestone for all three parties and reinforces Al Marjan Island’s growing position as a global destination for branded, lifestyle driven real estate investments.

Expressions of Interest are now open, with strong anticipated demand from regional and international buyers seeking design-led residences, lifestyle differentiation, and long-term value in one of the UAE’s fastest growing waterfront destinations.

While Al Marjan Island has previously welcomed branded residential developments, this project distinguishes itself as the first fully managed fashion-house-branded residence on the island, the project sets a new benchmark for professionally managed, design-led living, combining architectural integrity, operational excellence, and long-term investment value.

Strategically positioned with views toward the upcoming Wynn Resort, the development valued at over USD 1.4 billion, offers direct beach access, close proximity to the resort, and more than 50 lifestyle amenities. Anchored by the globally recognized KARL LAGERFELD brand and a curated residential experience, the project benefits from Al Marjan Island’s rapid growth, supporting strong long-term investment potential. Comprising over 600 sea-facing residences, the development represents a landmark waterfront investment of significant scale.

“This project represents an important evolution of KARL LAGERFELD’s residential portfolio in the region,” said Pier Paolo Righi, CEO, KARL LAGERFELD. “It reflects our commitment to translating Karl’s visionary design language into a breathtaking large-scale residential experience.”

Speaking on the partnership, Rahul Kumar Gupta, Chairman of AARK Developers commented: “This project represents a defining moment for Al Marjan Island. Partnering with the KARL LAGERFELD brand allows us to introduce a fully managed, fashion-house-branded residential concept that elevates both the lifestyle offering and investment proposition. Appointing One Broker Group as our exclusive sales partner ensures the project is positioned and executed with the level of market expertise and international reach this development deserves.”

Umar Bin Farooq, Founder & CEO, One Broker Group also expressed strong confidence in the project’s potential: “We are extremely proud to be appointed as the exclusive sales partner for this landmark development. The KARL LAGERFELD brings global credibility and lifestyle appeal, and together with Al Marjan Island’s evolution and proximity to Wynn Resort, this represents a highly compelling investment opportunity for both end-users and investors.

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SUHOOR AT AL HALLAB: MIDNIGHT BITES AND GAME NIGHTS 

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Open Lebanese lahme baajine pastries filled with spiced minced meat, served on a wooden board with lemon, olive oil and fresh salad at AL HALLAB.

Ramadan nights are meant to be unhurried, a time to gather, reconnect, and create memories. This holy month, Al Hallab invites guests to spend their suhoor doing just that, bringing together traditional games, shisha, and comforting Lebanese food in a setting designed for friends and family to linger long into the night.

From 8 pm onwards throughout Ramadan, guests can head to Al Hallab Garhoud, where backgammon boards, jakaru, and cards set the scene for friendly competition, laughter, and shared moments. Whether it’s a close-knit family gathering or a late-night catch-up with friends, the experience encourages guests to slow down, play together, and enjoy Ramadan nights the traditional way.

Food plays a central role in the suhoor experience, with a menu rooted in Lebanese classics and freshly baked favourites. Guests can share plates of hummus, foul, labneh, halloumi, and eggs, alongside beloved dishes such as Lahme Baajine Traboulsi and Mfaraket Batata with eggs. Freshly prepared manakeesh are perfect for sharing around the table, while Al Hallab’s iconic Kunafa adds a sweet ending to the night.

Game Nights are available exclusively at Al Hallab Garhoud, while the suhoor menu can be enjoyed across all Al Hallab locations throughout Ramadan.

More than just a meal, Al Hallab’s suhoor is about spending meaningful time together playing, eating, talking, and making Ramadan memories that last beyond the month. 

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