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BUILDING A SPACE BRICK BY BRICK
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.
This Eid, Sage Appliances elevates gifting with high-performance coffee machines that combine precision, innovation, and refined design. Created for home hosts and coffee enthusiasts alike, each machine delivers barista-level results with ease, making it a gift that’s enjoyed well beyond the festive season.
Engineered around true duality, this machine empowers coffee lovers to seamlessly switch between intelligent automation and full manual control. Whether you prefer the ease of an automated workflow or the satisfaction of hands-on espresso craftsmanship, the Dual Boiler adapts to your style, delivering uncompromising performance, precision and flexibility in every cup.
Sage Barista Touch Impress Brass
Available in a striking limited-edition brass colourway, with limited stock available, this statement machine brings refined design to the forefront of the home coffee experience. The Barista Touch Impress blends intuitive automation with the freedom of hands-on control, making it effortless to craft café-quality favourites like flat whites, cappuccinos, and lattes with confidence and style.
This sleek, state-of-the-art machine delivers café-quality results with complete versatility from delicate pour-overs and bold filter coffee to smooth, flavour-rich cold brews. Featuring adjustable brew styles, temperature control and intuitive settings, it empowers users to take full control of their coffee, hot or cold.
Special Ramadan offer
Sage Appliance Accessories
For those who already own a Sage machine, accessories make a thoughtful gift this Eid, designed to enhance everyday use.
An automatically activated suction cup creates a rapid vacuum which quietly releases the espresso coffee puck from the portafilter in one swift action.
Thespring-loaded mechanism delivers consistent pressure between 7 kg and 10 kg, ensuring an even tamp every time. A variableforce gauge with marked indicators allows you to select your preferred tamp pressure to suit the grind. Available in 54 mm and 58 mm sizes.
The 2-in-1 distribution tool helps break up clumps and evenly spread coffee grounds. With three angled blades, it creates a level surface for consistent and precise tamping. Available in 54 mm and 58 mm.
Visually diagnose and troubleshoot your extraction to achieve the perfect pour every time with The Naked Porterfilter. Crafted from stainless steel with a walnut handle, it adds an elegant touch to your espresso setup while allowing you to monitor flow and consistency with precision. Available in both 54mm and 58mm sizes.
Handleless design and heat-resistant silicone sleeve gives full control, with a pro spout to create more precise latte art. Angled opening provides a better view when steaming milk.
This Ramadan, Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail, and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia invites communities across the UAE to come together for a month filled with meaningful moments, exciting rewards, immersive activations and exclusive shopping offers all under one roof.
From grand prize draws and SHARE rewards to soulful Majlis evenings and community-led giving initiatives, here’s everything you won’t want to miss across Majid Al Futtaim malls this season.
SHARE the Rewards This Ramadan
Across all City Centre malls, customers using the SHARE App can enjoy generous points multipliers throughout the season. Whether you’re updating your wardrobe or gathering loved ones over iftar, every visit comes with more reasons to celebrate:
- Ramadan Offer: 10X points on F&B (Until 18 March)
- Eid Offer: 10X points on Fashion (12 to 22 March)
Letters of Giving (رسائل العطاء) at City Centre Mirdif and City and Mall of the Emirates
This Ramadan, Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif invite shoppers to take part in the Letters of Giving (رسائل العطاء) pop-up, a heartfelt initiative in partnership with Emirates Red Crescent dedicated to making children in need’s wishes come true.
Until 7 March at City Centre Mirdif and 9 March to 3 April at Mall of the Emirates, visitors are invited to pause, explore a display of children’s wishes, and choose one that speaks to them. They can then fulfil the wish by purchasing the item which will be gifted to the children in need. Each contribution will be accompanied by a personalized message typed on a traditional typewriter, turning every act of giving into a lasting gesture of kindness.
The Ramadan Experience at City Centre Mirdif and Mall of the Emirates
Until 7 March at City Centre Mirdif and 9 March to 3 April at Mall of the Emirates, the Majid Al Futtaim malls are blending art, generosity, and community, this pop-up offers an immersive and soulful experience. Guests can enjoy live harp, qanun, and cello performances featuring soft, Ramadan-inspired melodies, and visit interactive stations to personalize mirrors, bookmarks, or crafted coffee cups with a minimum mall spend of AED 150 (excluding Carrefour). Complementary juices, coffee, and mini bites invite visitors to connect and embrace the true spirit of Ramadan.
To elevate the experience, City Centre Mirdif is collaborating with Fatima Al Kaabi, an Emirati Entrepreneur to integrate AI‑powered displays showcasing traditional Emirati cultural quotes, adding a sense of heritage to the space.
Shop & Win: Ramadan at Mall of the Emirates (9 March to 3April)
This Ramadan, Mall of the Emirates introduces its very own “Shop & Win” reward. Guests who spend AED 300 or more at any of their favourite stores will automatically enter a special draw for a chance to win an exceptional grand prize of 500,000 SHARE points with one dedicated winner selected exclusively from Mall of the Emirates.
From exciting prizes and SHARE rewards to soulful gatherings and meaningful community initiatives, Ramadan at Majid Al Futtaim malls is all about creating moments that matter for everyone, every day.
This Ramadan, The Big Chill Café at Dubai Hills Mall invites guests to slow down, gather, and break their fast with a specially curated Iftar menu that blends comforting classics with generous portions and familiar flavours.
Designed for families, friends, and casual Ramadan catch-ups, the Iftar offering reflects The Big Chill Café’s signature style – wholesome, indulgent, and feel good – served in a relaxed café setting.
Guests can begin their meal with a selection of starters such as Minestrone Soup, Mediterranean Mezze with Hummus and Muhammara, Crispy Calamari, Chicken Tenders, or Panko-crumbed Prawns. The menu then moves into hearty mains, featuring crowd favourites including Penne Primavera, Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta, Saffron Risotto with Prawns, Hand-tossed Pizzas, and flavourful grill options.
For those looking to elevate their Iftar, the grill selection includes Grilled Chicken Breast, Slow-cooked Lamb Shank, Flame-grilled Steak with Cowboy Butter, and Tuscan-style Salmon, available with a small supplement.
To finish, The Big Chill Café turns up the indulgence with a dessert selection made for lingering over conversations. Guests can dive into the signature Molten Dubai Lava Cake with its rich and flowing centre, enjoy the comforting sweetness of Banoffee Pie, or opt for the fragrant Saffron Tres Leches Cake. Lighter yet nostalgic options like Date Ice Cream and crowd-favourite Biscoff Ice Cream round off the experience, offering something for every kind of sweet craving after Iftar.
Whether it’s a relaxed weekday Iftar or a long catch-up after prayers, The Big Chill Café’s Ramadan menu offers a warm and satisfying way to come together this holy month.
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