The global construction market is projected to reach USD 16.11 trillion by 2030, with residential development remaining a major growth driver. Yet rework continues to be a significant hidden cost, accounting for up to 20% of total project expenses.

High-performance homes can help address this by prioritising energy efficiency, durability, indoor comfort and sustainability. In the UAE, where cooling demand and evolving buyer expectations shape residential design, these principles are increasingly important. In this context, Ibrahim Imam, CEO and Co-founder of PlanRadar, outlines four key benefits of building high-performance homes.

Designed to Reduce Energy Use

One of the biggest advantages of high-performance homes is improved energy efficiency. In the UAE, cooling demand plays a major role in residential building performance. Studies have shown that air conditioning can account for up to 80% of a building’s electricity demand in the UAE, particularly during hotter months. This makes design choices such as insulation, glazing, airtightness and efficient HVAC systems especially important.

High-performance homes address this through stronger building envelopes, advanced insulation, double or triple glazing, low-emissivity coatings and better-sealed façades. These elements help maintain more stable indoor temperatures and reduce pressure on cooling systems.

Building Stronger Long-Term Value for Homeowners

High-performance homes are built with better materials, more efficient systems and stronger attention to comfort and durability. In a competitive real estate market like the UAE, this can become a clear differentiator. Buyers and investors are increasingly looking beyond location and design to understand how a property will perform after completion. Homes that offer lower energy consumption, healthier indoor environments and stronger sustainability credentials are likely to stand out more clearly.

Regulation is also moving in this direction. Dubai’s Al Sa’fat Green Building System sets mandatory green building requirements for all new buildings to obtain the Silver Sa’fa. In Abu Dhabi, the Estidama Pearl Rating System has helped shape sustainability standards across the emirate. These frameworks show that high-performance construction is becoming closely linked to future market readiness.

Creating Healthier and More Comfortable Indoor Environments

Dubai’s Law No. 5 of 2025 concerning public health includes indoor air quality within the wider scope of environmental health, showing how occupant wellbeing is becoming a stronger regulatory priority. Poor indoor air can contribute to respiratory issues, allergies and other long-term health concerns, especially when dust, mould and volatile organic compounds (VOC) build up inside tightly sealed, heavily air-conditioned spaces. High-performance homes are designed to reduce these risks through better ventilation, advanced filtration, moisture control and safer material choices. Energy Recovery Ventilators can bring fresh air into the home, while HEPA filtration can help capture fine dust and other contaminants.

Material selection also matters. Low-VOC paints, adhesives, finishes and building materials help reduce harmful emissions inside the home. Moisture control is equally important, as poor humidity management can lead to mould growth and affect both air quality and building durability.

Built for Greater Durability and Long-Term Performance

By using stronger materials, better construction techniques and more careful quality control, high-performance homes can reduce the need for frequent repairs and lower long-term maintenance costs. In the UAE, buildings are consistently exposed to intense heat, humidity and dust. Therefore, if materials are not selected or installed properly, issues can appear after handover, affecting both residents and developers.

Externally, advanced framing, continuous insulation, durable façade systems, moisture-resistant finishes and high-quality roofing can all improve long-term performance. Internal finishes such as engineered flooring, tile or high-quality vinyl can also offer stronger resistance to wear and daily use.

Ultimately, high-performance homes are no longer only an environmental choice. In the UAE’s maturing residential market, they represent a commercial advantage. As buyers become more selective and regulations continue to evolve, the strongest homes will be those that are healthy and built for long-term living

A comforter is one of the few things in your home you interact with every single day, often for a third of your life. Yet it’s easy to treat it as an afterthought, something you buy once, forget about, and replace only when it looks worn out. The comforter you choose has an outsized effect on your sleep quality, your comfort night to night, and even your health. Here’s why getting it right matters more than most people think.

It Directly Affects Your Sleep Quality

Temperature regulation is one of the most overlooked factors in getting a good night’s sleep. If a comforter traps too much heat, you’ll wake up sweaty, kick off the covers, and cycle in and out of light sleep all night. If it’s too thin or breathable for a cold climate, you’ll wake up chilled and reaching for a second blanket. Either way, your sleep gets fragmented, and fragmented sleep affects everything from mood to memory to immune function the next day.

Modern bedding brands have leaned into this science. For example, Rest’s Evercool® comforter line was built specifically around fast heat absorption and release, and an independent SleepScore Labs study found that a majority of users experienced better temperature regulation and improved overall sleep quality compared to a standard comforter. That’s a good illustration of the broader point. The right comforter isn’t just a comfort upgrade, it’s a sleep-quality upgrade.

Material Matters More Than Aesthetics

It’s tempting to shop for a comforter based on color or pattern alone, but the material underneath the cover is what actually determines how it performs:

• Down offers excellent warmth-to-weight ratio but can trap heat and isn’t ideal for hot sleepers or allergy sufferers unless it’s properly treated.
• Down alternative (synthetic fill) is often hypoallergenic and easier to care for, though quality varies widely.
• Cooling fabrics (like those engineered to have a high rating) are designed to feel cool to the touch and wick moisture. This matters a lot for people who sleep hot or deal with night sweats.
• Cotton and linen breathe well but may not insulate enough for colder climates.

Choosing based on how a comforter performs for your body and your bedroom environment, not just how it looks in photos, is the difference between a comforter you love and one you tolerate.

It Impacts Health, Not Just Comfort

For people with allergies or sensitive skin, comforter material is a health consideration, not just a comfort one. Certifications indicate a product has been tested for harmful substances, and hypoallergenic fill can reduce dust mite and allergen buildup. If a comforter doesn’t wick moisture effectively, it can also become a breeding ground for bacteria and odor over time. That’s another reason “does it feel nice” isn’t the only question worth asking.

Seasonal Versatility Saves Money and Space

A well-designed comforter can work year-round rather than requiring a seasonal swap. Fabrics that regulate temperature (cooling in summer, retaining warmth in winter) let you avoid buying and storing multiple comforters. This is both a practical and financial win: fewer purchases, less closet space dedicated to bedding, and one high-quality item instead of several mediocre ones.

It Sets the Tone for Your Bedroom

Beyond function, your comforter is often the visual centerpiece of your bedroom. It’s the largest textile in the room and the first thing most people notice. A comforter that fits your space well, in color, texture, and weight, pulls the whole room together in a way a mismatched or worn-out comforter simply can’t.

Choosing the right comforter isn’t a trivial decision. It’s a decision that touches your sleep quality, your health, your budget, and the feel of your home. Investing a bit more thought (and research) into this one purchase can pay off every single night for years. Whether that means prioritizing cooling technology for hot sleepers, hypoallergenic materials for sensitive skin, or simply a well-made, versatile option for year-round comfort, the right comforter is one of the highest-impact upgrades you can make to your home.

Newby Teas, in collaboration with Lunarossa, hosted Tea Voyage: An Exclusive Tea Blending Experience, an immersive evening that brought together the craft of fine tea, creativity, and Italian hospitality aboard the elegant Lunarossa houseboat.

Setting sail from Business Bay Marina towards the World Islands, guests embarked on a unique sensory journey surrounded by Dubai’s breathtaking views, a golden sunset, and the calming rhythm of the sea. The intimate setting of the Lunarossa houseboat provided the perfect backdrop for an evening dedicated to discovery, connection, and the art of tea.

The Tea Voyage experience began with an introduction to the fascinating world of tea, exploring its rich history, origins, and the characteristics that distinguish each type of tea. Guests also discovered how tea cultivation, harvesting techniques, and leaf selection influence not only flavour and aroma, but also naturally occurring compounds such as fluoride, reinforcing Newby’s commitment to quality from leaf to cup.

Guests were then invited to discover the art of tea blending through an interactive sensory experience. Beginning with four carefully selected base teas, participants explored each tea individually, engaging their senses to understand the distinctive aromas, flavours, and personalities of each blend. They were then introduced to supporting and top notes, experimenting with an array of ingredients ranging from vibrant strawberry and mango, to delicate raspberry and peach, as well as calming chamomile and rose. Experiencing tea from leaf to cup, demonstrated the patience and precision behind every carefully crafted blend.

Adding a culinary element to the evening, guests were given a unique palate teaser, challenging them to identify the flavours behind a specially created rooibos infusion inspired by the flavours of tiramisu. Combining cocoa nibs, cocoa powder, and creamy notes, the creation captured the indulgent essence of the classic Italian dessert in a refined tea format.

As part of the Tea Voyage experience, guests became tea blenders themselves, carefully weighing and blending their chosen ingredients to craft their own signature teas. Each participant brewed their personal creation and shared the inspiration behind their blend, giving it a unique name and transforming the simple ritual of tea into a personal expression of creativity.

The collaboration with Lunarossa brought together two worlds built around craftsmanship and memorable experiences. Meaning “Red Moon” in Italian, Lunarossa is a Business Bay-based Italian restaurant known for its authentic Italian cuisine and warm hospitality. Its beautifully designed houseboat, featuring serene blue interiors and elegant details, created an atmosphere of tranquillity and sophistication throughout the evening.

Despite the warmth of the July evening, the gentle sea breeze, open skies, and stunning sunset views created the ideal environment for guests to relax, connect, and immerse themselves in the world of tea.

Through Tea Voyage, Newby Teas continues to redefine the tea experience, transforming every cup into a journey of flavour, creativity, and discovery.