OMNIYAT, Dubai’s leading ultra-luxury developer, marks its 20th anniversary this year with the launch of a celebration marking two decades of visionary design and architectural excellence.

At the heart of the celebration is a personal message from Founder and Executive Chairman Mahdi Amjad, reflecting on OMNIYAT’s journey from an ambitious idea in 2005 to one of the most influential forces shaping Dubai’s skyline. The video anchors a wider anniversary campaign that honours OMNIYAT’s legacy and culminates in a commemorative event in January 2026.

“This milestone is one of pride and humility,” said Mahdi Amjad. “It encapsulates twenty years of life achievements that brought us here. Over these two decades, we have transformed the industry, the city, and the people we’ve served, and I am humbled by the opportunity to have touched so many lives in such a unique way. This moment is both a reflection and a renewal, a consolidation of energy that drives us toward new possibilities in a city where the impossible naturally becomes possible.”

Since its inception, OMNIYAT has delivered some of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, including The Opus by OMNIYAT, One at Palm Jumeirah, and The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai. Each development has redefined the boundaries of design, blending art, architecture, and hospitality to create experiences that reflect Dubai’s evolution as a global hub.

The company’s journey to date boasts an impressive set of milestones, from smashing records for sales value with penthouses in One at Palm Jumeirah and The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai, to raising over USD900 million dollars through the issuance of two Sukuks in 2025, and becoming the market leader in Dubai in USD10 million-plus segment of ultra-luxury real estate in H1 2025.

“From the very beginning, our ambition was to contribute to Dubai’s extraordinary vision to create places that reflect its spirit of innovation and its commitment to elevating the human experience,” Amjad continued. “We saw it as a responsibility to inspire; to design spaces that bring families together, foster wellness, and empower people to rise to their full potential. We asked ourselves how architecture itself could become a source of inspiration, not only for those who live and work within our spaces, but even for those who simply pass by. That belief has guided every decision we’ve made for the past two decades.”

As OMNIYAT steps into its next chapter, the two-decade anniversary marks the beginning of a new era of expansion and creativity. Central to this vision is Marasi Bay, a fully curated waterfront destination that will bring together ultra-luxury residences, hospitality, wellness, and lifestyle experiences within one seamless ecosystem of elevated living.

In addition, OMNIYAT’s next masterpiece, AVA at Palm Jumeirah, which boasts a breathtaking sky palace with a private 360-degree swimming pool at its peak, is on track for handover in Q2 2026.

OMNIYAT’s 20-year legacy has not only defined the UAE’s high-end real estate landscape but also established new benchmarks in global design and craftsmanship. As it looks ahead, the developer remains committed to its founding philosophy, The Art of Elevation, and creating spaces that transcend function to become timeless works of art.

Exclusive Interview with Philip Yousef, Chief Sales Officer, Major Developments.

What is driving property buying and selling in the region?

The Ras Al Khaimah market is being driven by a perfect convergence of fundamentals, tourism growth, infrastructure readiness, and yield resilience. In just the first half of 2025, RAK welcomed over 654,000 visitor arrivals, marking a 6% year-on-year surge, with tourism revenues climbing 9%, according to the RAKTDA. 

On the capital markets side, residential values have surged 18% year-on-year as per CBRE, with average apartment prices now reaching AED 1,947 per sq ft. Al Marjan Island has been a standout performer, recording an astonishing 71% annual increase in sales prices. Off-plan activity is also exceptionally strong, with 1,760 units sold in H1 2025 alone and Q2 sales reaching AED 3.6 billion, up from AED 2.5 billion in Q1. These aren’t speculative surges; they reflect the depth and maturity of the market, particularly as RAK Central nears full activation as the emirate’s business and commercial hub.

From my lens, what’s fuelling this activity is not just sentiment, it’s structure. Fitch Ratings continues to affirm RAK at A+ with a Stable outlook, while projecting UAE GDP to grow 5.1% in 2025 and RAK-specific GDP to average 6.1% over 2025-26. For us at Major Developments, this stability is the foundation upon which projects like Manta Bay on Al Marjan and Colibri Views in RAK Central are thriving, they’re built at the intersection of high-velocity tourism and long-term economic activity.

What changes are you seeing in buyer preferences – for example, are people prioritizing location, size, or lifestyle amenities differently than before?

Buyer behaviour in RAK has evolved significantly in the past 18 months. Location remains paramount, but the definition of a “prime” location has bifurcated. On one end are leisure-focused buyers who are driving demand on Al Marjan Island, where the +71% price surge underlines the premium for branded, beachfront, short-let-ready homes. On the other end, we see growing demand for urban convenience in RAK Central, where mixed-use infrastructure, offices, and parks are creating a modern business core. Colibri Views is a direct response to this shift, designed to serve the growing executive and corporate workforce that prefers to live at the centre of activity while staying minutes from the leisure coast.

We’ve also noticed that buyers are increasingly seeking fully furnished, turnkey residences. They want to activate their investment from day one, without the friction of setup and fit-outs. That’s why all our homes at Manta Bay and Colibri Views come fully furnished with integrated European interiors and modular layouts.

Most critically, amenities are no longer seen as decorative, they are decisive. This is where innovation is reshaping buyer expectations. At Manta Bay, we’re delivering the world’s first Sky Beach, a fully functional sandy beach suspended several feet above the shoreline, designed as a year-round leisure space. At Colibri Views, we’ve built the world’s first and only Rooftop Footbot experience in collaboration with international football legend Patrice Evra, combining AI-driven wellness with sport and community engagement. These are not vanity add-ons. They’re lifestyle infrastructure, and increasingly, buyers benchmark projects on the depth and uniqueness of their amenity ecosystem.

We’ve also seen a shift from sheer size to specification quality. Today’s buyers prefer slightly more compact homes if it means better views, better design, and better services. This is exactly why our planning philosophy prioritises layout efficiency and convertible spaces over excess square footage.

To what extent are digital platforms, proptech solutions, and virtual property tours influencing how buyers and sellers engage in the market today?

Digital walkthrough solutions and VR-based tools are redefining how potential buyers experience real estate, taking project understanding to an entirely new level. We see a diverse mix of preferences among our clients, some continue to value traditional purchase journeys, while others find greater clarity and satisfaction when engaging through the latest tech solutions.

We remain committed to exploring emerging proptech trends and integrating the most effective innovations to deliver an informed, seamless, and future-ready experience to our clients.

Are you noticing a shift in the profile of investors entering the market – for example, more overseas buyers, first-time homeowners, or institutional investors?

Absolutely. The profile has diversified significantly. European interest is at an all-time high, with the RAKTDA recording the strongest tourism growth from Central and Eastern Europe, Romania up 65% and Poland up 56% in the first half of this year. That correlates directly with what we’re seeing on the ground: more first-time European buyers entering the market, often purchasing for hybrid use – personal holidays and short-let income.

We’re also seeing more first-time regional buyers, particularly younger GCC and expat professionals, entering through fully furnished, ready-to-rent stock. And notably, institutional investors and regional developers are circling RAK, with CBRE data confirming a surge of interest in acquiring or partnering on new branded residential projects on Al Marjan.

Our two projects reflect these buyer personas clearly: Manta Bay caters to yield-driven investors seeking high-visibility leisure stock near the Wynn Resort, while Colibri Views attracts business-adjacent residents and investors who value RAK Central’s emerging ecosystem of offices, retail, and parks. Together, they capture the two strongest growth corridors in the emirate.

Looking ahead, what trends will drive property transactions over the next 12–18 months?

There are four clear forces set to shape the next cycle of property transactions in Ras Al Khaimah. The most immediate catalyst is the Wynn Resort on Al Marjan Island, which is on track to open in early 2027. Each construction milestone has continued to re-rate the value of surrounding real estate, anchoring Al Marjan as the epicentre of leisure-driven investment.

At the same time, RAK Central is transitioning from concept to reality; its land plots are fully sold out, infrastructure is now complete, and commercial tenants are beginning to activate the district. This momentum positions Colibri Views to serve as the residential benchmark of RAK Central, capturing demand from both regional executives and international investors seeking a foothold in the emirate’s emerging business hub.

The tourism base is also compounding at record levels. In H1 2025, visitor arrivals reached 654,000 (+6% year-on-year) and revenues rose 9%, while ancillary segments like MICE and weddings grew +36%. This sustained inflow will directly fuel demand for short-stay-ready residences, especially those with resort-led appeal like Manta Bay.

And underpinning it all is a highly supportive macroeconomic climate. Ras Al Khaimah continues to hold an A+ (Stable) rating from Fitch, and the UAE is forecast to achieve 5.1% GDP growth this year, creating a favourable environment for capital inflows and real estate liquidity.

Looking ahead, I see the market being shaped by distinctive, experience-led projects in catalytic locations. At Major Developments, we’ve already partnered with global football icons like Francesco Totti and Patrice Evra, whose involvement has reinforced buyer confidence and amplified our international visibility. Building on this success, we intend to forge more such high-profile partnerships while also expanding our portfolio into the Beach District, further strengthening our footprint across Ras Al Khaimah’s most future-ready corridors.

Mantra Properties’ latest ultra-luxury development, Jacob & Co Residences, in collaboration with the iconic watch and jewelry brand Jacob & Co, has achieved a record-breaking milestone, registering over AED 300 million in sales within just 12 hours of its launch. The remarkable response marks a historic moment for Al Marjan Island, setting a new benchmark as the fastest-selling project on the island to date.

The exclusive AED 400 million branded development witnessed an overwhelming demand from investors and high-net-worth individuals, underscoring the UAE’s continued dominance as a hub for branded luxury living. Over 80% of investors’ interest came from expatriate residents and international buyers, highlighting the region’s global appeal for high-end real estate investments.

Speaking at the launch, Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, Group CEO of Marjan, commented, “I would like to congratulate the teams at Mantra Properties and Jacob & Co for such a successful launch of the Jacob&Co Residences on Al Marjan Island. A project of this stature truly reflects our vision to bring the best of global luxury brands into Ras Al Khaimah’s thriving lifestyle landscape. This project will not only elevate the island’s appeal but also redefine what modern luxury living means in this region and we wish all stakeholders continued success in Al Marjan Island and beyond.”

Commenting on the milestone, Ankit Gupta, Managing Director of Mantra Properties, added, “This milestone represents the culmination of Mantra’s two-decade legacy of design excellence and innovation. Jacob & Co Residences is not merely a development, it’s a statement of craftsmanship, ambition, and vision. The unprecedented response we’ve received reinforces the demand for curated luxury experiences that combine artistry, architecture, and aspiration. We’re proud to deliver a project that redefines luxury living in Ras Al Khaimah.”

Designed as a symbol of elegance and artistry, Jacob & Co Residences will comprise 223 limited-edition residences featuring a curated selection of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, with prices starting from AED 1.01 million. The project is slated for handover in Q4 2027, and promises an exclusive lifestyle that merges high design, wellness, and experiential luxury.

Set against the scenic waterfront of Al Marjan Island, Jacob & Co Residences embodies the spirit of “an address for life’s finest hours” through its meticulously designed spaces and exceptional J&Co  branded amenities that include:

• The Wellness Club @ J&Co – featuring a rooftop fitness club, yoga deck, sauna, and zen garden for holistic well-being.
• The Pool Club @ J&Co – an elegant sanctuary with an infinity pool, pool bar, and in-pool cabanas overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
• The Observatory @ J&Co – a sophisticated rooftop retreat offering a viewing deck, residents’ lounge, golf simulator, and outdoor cucina.
• Family Zone – featuring a kids’ pool, lazy pool, and glass boom pool designed for leisure and connection.
• 24/7 concierge, security, and Wi-Fi-enabled common areas, ensuring comfort, convenience, and privacy for every resident.

Building on that sentiment, Mr. Jacob Arabo, Founder & Chairman of Jacob & Co, said,”Just as each Jacob & Co timepiece tells a unique story of artistry and innovation, Jacob & Co Residences on Al Marjan Island will narrate a new chapter in luxury living. We have infused this project with the same dedication to perfection that defines our watches and jewelry. Each of these 223 residences are a masterpiece in its own right, where every resident will experience the Jacob & Co philosophy of turning beauty and craftsmanship into reality.”

This launch represents a continuation of both brands’ regional vision. For Mantra Properties, it reinforces its strategic expansion across the UAE, with five upcoming projects planned over the next three years expected to bring a portfolio of AED 1.3 billion to market. For Jacob & Co, it marks another milestone in the brand’s growing portfolio of residential developments, following successful ventures in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.