London Gate, UAE’s premium real estate developer, and Swiss luxury watchmaker Franck Muller have reached major construction progress across their branded residences portfolio, marking another chapter of success in their expanding strategic partnership.

Their debut project, Aeternitas, which sold out within three months, is now making impressive headway, having reached the 75^th floor. The substructure for the world’s tallest residential tower is 100% complete, and the superstructure is over 70% finished. The project is on track for handover in Q4 2027, setting a new benchmark for precision, craftsmanship, and luxury in Dubai’s branded real estate landscape.

Vanguard, the second collaboration between London Gate and Franck Muller, has also sold out and is making steady progress toward its Q3 2027 handover. Construction has already reached the 18th floor. Located in the heart of Dubai Marina, The Vanguard showcases the distinctive design and timeless sophistication that both brands are known for.

Building on this success, London Gate and Franck Muller are finalising details for their third branded tower. The upcoming project, set to be officially unveiled soon, represents the growing synergy in their partnership and their shared vision to redefine luxury living through innovative design and architectural excellence.

Eman Taha, CEO of London Gate, said: “Our partnership with Franck Muller grows stronger with every project. These construction milestones reflect our shared commitment to excellence. From Aeternitas reaching its 75^th floor to Vanguard’s steady progress, we’re equally excited about our upcoming announcement. Together, we’re creating a legacy of branded residences that blend Swiss precision with Dubai’s dynamic skyline and shaping the future of luxury living.”

Erol Baliyan, Managing Director of Franck Muller, added: “When we first entered the real estate world, it was an exciting venture into uncharted territory. Now, it’s become a core part of Franck Muller’s long-term vision, thanks to our partnership with London Gate. The progress we’re seeing on both projects goes beyond construction timelines — it reflects how well our values align around craftsmanship, innovation, and creating something timeless. Dubai has proven to be the ideal setting for this collaboration to grow and push boundaries.”

Every Franck Muller-branded residence represents a unique fusion of two distinct legacies coming together. London Gate brings its expertise in transforming Dubai’s skyline with architectural innovation and design excellence, while Franck Muller contributes over three decades of horological mastery and Swiss precision. Together, they’re creating something entirely new — luxury towers that aren’t just buildings but living expressions of craftsmanship and artistry.

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.

By Sara Hoteit, Regional Sales Lead, Backbase Middle East

For decades, white-glove banking in the Middle East relied on personal trust. High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and family offices turned to relationship managers (RMs) for access, expertise, and discretion. However, today’s digital-first generation of clients is inheriting wealth, and they expect faster, more transparent, and more personalised service than traditional models can deliver.

Why are younger clients walking away?

Recent surveys show a dramatic shift. Capgemini reports that 81% of affluent heirs plan to change their wealth managers. The reason is not a lack of expertise, but dissatisfaction with slow, opaque, and disconnected experiences.

Traditional private banking often resembles a black box: clients see limited transparency, receive quarterly reports, and rely on infrequent meetings. In contrast, new generations want data, control, and insights at their fingertips. EY research confirms this gap, noting that only 7% of Gen Z trust bank advisers for financial guidance. Digital-first wealth platforms like Sarwa and StashAway are stepping in to meet these demands.

The human role in private banking

Despite this shift, the human element remains essential. Relationship managers still play a critical role in building trust and offering tailored advice. However, many spend most of their time on administrative tasks rather than client-facing work. McKinsey estimates up to 70% of RM time goes to back-office processes.

For banks, the solution lies in rethinking the role of advisers and empowering them with technology that eliminates inefficiencies while elevating client engagement.

Digital tools that elevate wealth management

Digitisation should enhance, not replace, personal service. Clients now expect customisable dashboards that reflect estate planning, performance analytics, or ESG-focused investments. Both advisers and clients benefit when these tools deliver real-time insights that support collaboration.

In addition, clients want flexible access to their advisers. EY notes that 85% still value personal advice, but they prefer it delivered on their terms—through secure chat, video calls, or collaborative digital platforms.

How AI empowers relationship managers

Technology can give RMs the edge they need. AI tools identify risks, recommend diversification, and flag liquidity needs. When embedded in RM workspaces, these insights keep advice timely and proactive.

Automation further reduces administrative work, allowing advisers to spend more time building meaningful client relationships. This shift restores the core value of wealth management: trust, loyalty, and personalised advice.

From products to financial journeys

Wealthy clients no longer want just products; they want holistic support. They expect advisers to guide them through succession planning, family governance, philanthropy, and alternative investments. Global disruptors like Robinhood proved how fast expectations can change, and regional players such as Baraka are echoing this trend.

Reinventing the white-glove model

Private banking is not obsolete, but it must adapt. Banks that reinvent white-glove banking for digital-first clients will combine AI-driven efficiency with human empathy. By empowering advisers, streamlining processes, and blending digital convenience with trust, banks can keep this premium model relevant.

In the end, successful institutions will prove that strong relationships, enhanced by smart technology, remain the most valuable currency in wealth management.

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