From scented boyfriend sweaters to cocktails that cross continents, Murali, Co-founder of Jockamo Barnes, is turning Dubai’s cultural quirks and everyday observations into unexpected creative experiences.

In an industry where every brand wants to be culturally relevant, Murali, Co-founder of innovation studio Jockamo Barnes, is challenging the very idea of what that means. “Culture is one of the most abused words today, especially in marketing and advertising. Every agency claims it. Every brand sees it as a shortcut to relevance. But few truly understand what it means to be a part of it.”

For Murali, the answer lies in creating rather than chasing culture. At Jockamo Barnes, that translates into unconventional objects, brands and experiences rooted in human behaviour, often inspired by the contradictions of life in the UAE. ““Every project starts with a tension: two things that shouldn’t necessarily work together, but somehow do. The UAE produces them faster than anywhere I’ve lived,” he explains.

Take Boomerang, a playful inversion of hospitality inspired by a New Orleans cocktail tradition. Instead of visiting bars to be served, Murali travels with a drink to gift bartenders around the world, creating an unexpected connection between cocktail communities across continents.

Then there’s Pre-Worn Boyfriend Sweater, a tongue-in-cheek take on Dubai’s dating culture, built around the observation that “the best part of situationships are the clothes you steal; the worst part is the man.” Created with fragrance studio Oo La Lab Dubai, the scented sweaters capture three familiar dating archetypes: the Entrepreneur, the Gym Rat and the Desert Philosopher. Beyond the humour, the project explores how scent and touch can evoke memories in ways traditional advertising cannot.

A more poignant expression of this thinking is Bitter Meat, created with Aidan Frederick. Described as a love letter to the UAE’s expat experience, the project challenges the familiar narrative of Dubai as a temporary stopover. Its message, “for those who chose here,” speaks to residents who have made the country home by choice. “Reverence without romanticism. We love this place too much to put it on a postcard,” says Murali.

This creative philosophy also shapes the studio’s collaborations. The Away Kit, developed with Super Cellar for the 2026 World Cup, features more than 17 editorial posters pairing nations with culturally inspired cocktails. The insight is distinctly local: Dubai experiences the tournament as a city of away fans, where people passionately support countries they no longer live in.

For Murali, partnerships like these are about shared authorship rather than conventional sponsorship. “Super Cellar started as a client and became a co-author. That’s the model we want: invite a brand into something already in motion instead of shopping them a finished idea.”

Ultimately, Jockamo Barnes is interested in ideas that live beyond the fleeting attention of a campaign. “Advertising asks for attention. People watch it, skim past it. But it’s ignorable and avoidable. Objects earn a place in someone’s life. We’re more interested in the second.”

And perhaps that’s the studio’s most compelling proposition: culture isn’t something brands need to borrow relevance from. It’s something they can meaningfully contribute to.

Positioned on one of Dubai’s most prominent commercial corridors, AHS Twin Towers will introduce a new architectural identity for the property. The project has been designed by Gensler, an internationally recognised architecture and design firm, with interiors by AHS Atelier, the company’s in-house design studio, bringing a bespoke approach to materiality, detailing and craftsmanship throughout the development.

AHS Twin Towers will comprise ground floor plus 50. The development will offer flexible Grade A office environments supported by an integrated mix of business, wellness and lifestyle amenities. More than 30,000 sq. ft. will be dedicated to wellness and fitness, alongside over 12,000 sq. ft. of culinary experiences and more than 1,000 parking spaces. The wider offering will include an elevated dining destination, a private wellness sanctuary with a dedicated lap pool, executive business lounges and a landscaped rooftop sky garden.

Abbas Sajwani, Founder and CEO of AHS Properties, said: “AHS Twin Towers represents our next major step in Dubai’s commercial real estate market. Businesses in Dubai are expecting more from prime commercial real estate than ever before. Location will always remain fundamental, but today there is a much greater focus on design, amenities and the overall experience a building can offer. By transforming Shangri-La Dubai into AHS Twin Towers, we are bringing these elements together at one of Sheikh Zayed Road’s most established addresses. Our aim is to create a workplace that reflects how companies and their teams want to work today, and to set a new standard for the commercial assets Dubai’s next phase of growth will demand.”

AHS Twin Towers builds on the track record of AHS Tower, the company’s first Grade A commercial development, which sold out for more than USD 700 million during development.

Tatiana Tonu, CEO of Object 1, said: “Buyers place their trust in a developer long before handover, and we have a responsibility to earn that through every stage of construction. What our buyer data tells us is that we’re getting the fundamentals right, not just in one market, but everywhere we show up. Buyers in the UK, France, India or UAE are all responding to the same thing: the right product, at the right price, backed by a payment plan that makes sense for their investment strategy. 2026 is our Year of Delivery, and a buyer base this broad and engaged is exactly the foundation we need.”

Object 1’s sales analysis for 1 May-3 August 2026 shows that Indian purchasers accounted for almost 20% of recorded deals, making them the largest buyer nationality. Europe, Africa and the wider Middle East/MENA region each accounted for approximately a fifth of transactions, reflecting demand across several markets. France, the UK, Germany and Spain led European demand, while Turkey ranked among the top five buyer nationalities, alongside steady interest from Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Emirati buyers also contributed to demand alongside international customers, reflecting the brand’s growing local credibility.

The company has also held roadshows across Africa to connect with new prospective purchasers and better understand their expectations, with buyers from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Egypt, Mozambique and Morocco purchasing its properties.

Object 1 attributes the spread of demand to a deliberate focus on an underserved segment of the market: well-located, well-designed apartments at accessible entry price points, paired with payment plans structured around what international buyers, many of them first-time Dubai investors, can realistically commit to. Entry pricing across Object 1’s current portfolio starts from the high AED 700,000s to below AED 1 million on select units, with flexible plans including post-handover options.

Demand is also evident in the developer’s recent launch, SKY LEVEL 1 in Jumeirah Village Circle, which is already close to selling out.  Scheduled for handover in Q2 2029, the tower brings 420 one-bedroom residences to District 11. The strong buyer response supports Object 1’s continued JVC portfolio development.

2026 has been as much about handovers as new launches for Object 1. Two of the company’s projects, RA1N Residence and V1TER Residence, received their Building Completion Certificates in the first half of the year, with several more now preparing for handover; a track record the company is building on as it continues development in Dubai and expands into Abu Dhabi.

As Object 1 continues to expand its portfolio, the developer remains committed to creating well-designed homes that meet the evolving needs of the UAE’s growing communities.

For brokers selling Dubai real estate, the challenge is rarely a lack of interest. It is keeping up with it: answering questions on pricing, payment plans, availability and project details, accurately and quickly, across a growing number of developments. Rechitta was built to take that weight off the brokers. The AI-native platform, powered by verified developer data, gives brokers instant, accurate project information without waiting on a callback or searching through brochures.

Rechitta’s core idea has been simple from the start: instead of reading about a project, users can talk to Rechitta. Rechitta presents a development the way a well-briefed sales consultant would; with all the information directly from the developer, with data in real time. That model has now passed 100,000 minutes of real-world use by brokers exploring projects and asking questions, providing Rechitta with valuable insights into how brokers interact with project information, what they need to know, and where AI can reduce friction in the sales process.

Rechitta is now building on that with the launch of Rechitta V2, shaped by how people have actually used the platform. The update rebuilds and evolves the presentation experience and adds yet another way to use Rechitta: the chat mode. Brokers can now get the information they need in any situation, not only when they have the time and space for a spoken conversation.

“Crossing 100,000 minutes of usage is an important milestone for us because it represents real people spending real time with Rechitta,” said Aryaman Maheshwari, Co-Founder, Rechitta. “More importantly, those interactions have taught us how people actually want to explore, understand and question real estate projects. V2 is a direct evolution of the product based on that behaviour. We are moving from simply presenting information to creating a more intelligent and responsive way of experiencing it.”

In Presentation Mode, Rechitta leads a guided introduction to a project where users can scroll, explore, and ask questions at their own pace while interacting with live project details and visual assets. Complementing this, the new Chat Mode is built for moments when speaking isn’t practical, such as on a call with a client, at a busy sales event, or on the move, allowing brokers to quickly type a query and receive instant, verified answers on unit prices, payment plans, or handover dates.

Together, the two modes mean brokers are no longer limited by where they are: a full guided walkthrough when they have the time, and a fast answer by text when they don’t.

“Real estate has no shortage of information. The challenge is making that information useful at the moment someone needs it,” added said Atiksh Mittal, Co-Founder, Rechitta. “With V2, we are making Rechitta more responsive, more conversational and more intuitive, while keeping the broker at the centre of the experience. We position and build AI to make the real estate sales journey better, not make it less human.”

The development of V2 reflects a broader shift in how real estate information can be accessed and consumed, with a refreshed look. The update also introduces the Rechitta Orb, the visual identity of the AI assistant and a new signature element of the platform. The Orb provides a recognisable interface for users as they interact with Rechitta and reinforces the platform’s positioning as an AI-native experience rather than a traditional property information tool.

Traditional property experiences often require users to search across listings, brochures, presentations and multiple information points to find answers. Rechitta brings project intelligence into one single AI-powered environment, allowing users to move between guided discovery and direct questioning within the same experience.

Rechitta V2 is live now, with the company continuing to develop new AI capabilities designed specifically for the real estate ecosystem.

by Selva Kumar Rajulu, Managing Director & Senior Vice President – Middle East, Asia & Africa, Nolte FZE

A beautiful material can catch the eye, but it is the story behind it that increasingly captures a buyer’s attention. Customers today are more knowledgeable about their homes and increasingly interested in the finer details behind the products they choose. Where was the material sourced? How will it perform overtime? And what effect could it have on the people living around it?

For manufacturers and designers, this creates a responsibility to explain the thinking behind every material choice. Storytelling is becoming an important way to do that, connecting aesthetics with provenance, performance, sustainability, and wellbeing. And like any good story, this too begins with its origins.

Origin Is Adding New Value To Premium Interiors

A material’s origin tells us more than where it comes from. It can influence how sustainably it is produced, how well it performs, and the character it brings into a home.

Stone from a particular quarry, responsibly sourced timber, and traditionally woven textiles each carry a sense of place and craftsmanship. These qualities are particularly valuable in premium interiors, where homeowners are looking for substances beyond surface appearance. However, these stories also need to be supported by evidence. At Nolte Küchen, more than 99% of the wood we use meets our sustainable wood criteria, with FSC and PEFC certifications prioritized in procurement.

We are seeing this emphasis on transparency reflected in our work with UAE developers, where project briefs increasingly look beyond the appearance of kitchen materials to consider sourcing, durability, and consistency across multiple units. For manufacturers, responsibly sourcing materials, backed by recognized certifications and produced to consistent quality standards, will set them apart. It also allows customers to make more informed choices by showing where materials come from and how they are made.

Regional identity is influencing design trends

Beyond its origin, a material must also suit the region’s environment and culture. In the UAE, extreme heat, humidity, and strong sunlight make durability a key consideration. Material choices can also influence how much heat enters a building and, in turn, the energy needed for cooling.

A 2026 study of Dubai’s Al Fahidi district highlighted how traditional homes used coral-stone walls and wind towers to regulate indoor comfort naturally. Today, that same principle of environmental adaptation applies to modern interiors: cabinetry, adhesives, and surface finishes must be engineered to withstand the UAE’s coastal humidity, intense UV light through floor-to-ceiling windows, and constant exposure to indoor air conditioning without losing their structural integrity.

Cultural identity matters, too, with some homeowners looking for ways to reflect the region’s heritage in their spaces. For example, Al Sadu is a traditional Emirati weaving technique featuring geometric patterns inspired by grasslands, sand dunes, and the waves of the Arabian Gulf. These cultural influences can be incorporated into contemporary homes through traditional geometric detailing, sand-toned finishes, and textured stone.

From our experience, no single style defines the UAE market. With people from over 200 nationalities coming here to live, work, and build families, homes naturally reflect a wide range of cultures and personal tastes. This is especially evident in kitchen design, where some buyers prefer clean, minimalist European styles, while others are drawn to warmer wood finishes, earthy tones, and textured surfaces. We are also seeing growing interest in combining contrasting materials and finishes, such as natural wood textures with matt cabinetry or stone surfaces, to create more unique kitchens.

Sustainability is at the center of material choices

PWC found that more than half of Middle Eastern consumers surveyed are changing their purchasing habits by buying more sustainable products. This growing awareness is also influencing how people choose materials for their homes, with greater attention to what products contain, how they are made, and how long they will last.

For manufacturers, this means supporting sustainability claims with evidence. Using recycled wood in particle boards, sourcing certified timber, and reducing waste during production are some ways the industry is responding. However, sustainability goes beyond material sourcing. Durability and repairability are equally important to reduce the need for frequent replacements.

In kitchens, these considerations are particularly important. With frequent everyday use, buyers increasingly look for materials that can withstand wear and tear while retaining their appearance over time. This is why advancements in surface engineering—such as anti-fingerprint matt lacquers, UV-resistant laminates, and highly durable stone reproductions—have become central to the sustainability conversation.

What lies ahead for 2027

As homeowners pay closer attention to materials, trends such as natural wood finishes, statement stone surfaces, and textured cabinetry are gaining ground across the UAE.

More importantly, the kitchen is no longer treated as an isolated workspace. Heading into 2027, we are seeing a decisive shift toward integrated living ecosystems, where identical material stories, warm timber cabinetry, layered textures, full-height stone backsplashes, and earthy colors extend seamlessly from the kitchen into dining and living areas, paired with fully integrated built-in appliances.

This has made customisation increasingly important, as customers want cohesive colours, textures, and layouts that reflect their personal identity across the entire home. As buyers increasingly seek to experience these materials first-hand, showrooms are becoming an important part of the decision-making process, letting them see and feel differences in texture, finish, and quality. Beyond appearance, however, sustainability and provenance will become essential considerations in material selection, with customers expecting greater transparency around responsible sourcing, durability, environmental impact and long-term value.

Scents of Autumn 

Autumn starts with the little details that set the mood, and scent is an easy place to begin. Fill your home with the comforting aromas of natural coconut wax melts in scents of Dark Honey & Tobacco, Cinnamon, Frankincense & Cedarwood, or Fireside & Wild Berrier, gently warmed in a tea light or electric burner. Or perhaps create the atmosphere with the glass jar candle, where vanilla, and sage meet soft woody sandalwood fragrance. For a little everyday indulgence, the coffee and cocoa massage soap bar brings a mini spa moment to your shower, with its textured surface gently exfoliating and massaging the skin while its rich, warm fragrance adds a comforting touch to your winter routine.

Living Room Essentials 

In the living room, a simple change in colour and texture can instantly give the space a more seasonal feel. A maroon checkered throw in soft, neutral tones adds warmth and sophistication while making the room feel a little cosier. For a more contemporary touch, switch up your cushions with an abstract colourful striped cover, bringing playful colour and pattern into the space without overpowering the room.

A Touch of Halloween

As Halloween draws closer, let a little magic find its way into the home. From playful fidget toys to playdough sets, these little touches can spark imagination and make the season feel that much more magical. For an afternoon of fun, the spooky figures painting kit lets little ones add their own splash of colour and personality, making it a lovely activity to enjoy at home.

All the products mentioned in this guide are available through MINT Market Online, which brings together a selection of independent, homegrown brands.

Smart homes are moving beyond individual connected devices towards more integrated living experiences. How is Hisense approaching this shift, and what role do you see the brand playing in the evolution of connected homes across the Middle East?

At Hisense, we recognized early that the future of the smart home isn’t simply about connecting devices, it’s about creating intelligent companions that understand and anticipate how families live. Our vision has evolved from “connected life” to “smart connection powered by AI,” where every device in the home becomes part of an intelligent, communicative ecosystem.

This is the foundation of our ConnectLife platform, which unifies Hisense refrigerators, washing machines, TVs, dishwashers, and air conditioners into one seamless ecosystem. But connectivity alone is no longer enough. Our global vision is to transform home appliances into AI companions, moving toward what we call Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) in the home, where devices don’t just respond to commands but actively partner with consumers to enhance their daily lives.

At IFA Berlin, we showcased this AI companionship philosophy across our product range. Our smart refrigerators, powered by AI and voice control, manage food inventory and suggest recipes. Our air conditioners intelligently adapt to preferences and environmental conditions. The award-winning X-zone Master washer dryer, which claimed the CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award, uses AI Assist to detect fabric types and optimize cycles automatically. These are household companions that learn, adapt, and improve over time.

The Middle East, with its strong appetite for premium technology and its culture centred on family gatherings and hospitality, is ideally positioned to lead this evolution. Hisense is committed to shaping the connected home experience across the region, not by adding more devices, but by transforming them into intelligent companions that enhance how families live together.

UAE consumers are increasingly looking for homes that combine convenience, energy efficiency, entertainment, and intelligent technology. How are these changing expectations influencing Hisense’s product development and regional strategy?

The UAE stands as the most digitally advanced market in the region, with consumers who are early adopters of technology and innovation. The fast-paced lifestyle here means UAE consumers actively seek products powered by AI that simplify their lives while delivering premium experiences. This market insight directly shapes our regional strategy and product development.

Convenience through intelligent technology: UAE consumers don’t have time for manual adjustments. Our ConnectLife ecosystem and AI-powered automation address this, whether it’s a washing machine that intelligently selects the optimal cycle or an air conditioner that anticipates comfort needs before you even think about it. AI transforms everyday tasks into seamless, automated experiences.

Energy efficiency as intelligent innovation: Sustainability matters to UAE consumers, but not at the expense of performance. Our U8 air conditioner, recognised with a Red Dot Award, exemplifies how AI can optimise energy consumption while maintaining exceptional comfort. The X-zone Master washer dryer uses heat pump technology for gentle, low-temperature drying at 50°C, protecting fabrics while significantly reducing energy use, intelligence that benefits both households and the environment.

Entertainment reimagined: This is where Hisense has established clear leadership. As the originator of RGB MiniLED technology, our flagship displays deliver cinema-grade experiences that discerning UAE consumers demand. The UR9 Series achieves 100% BT.2020 colour coverage, while our laser display portfolio redefines home entertainment possibilities.

Intelligent technology is the thread connecting all three pillars. Our localised R&D centre in Dubai ensures products are tailored to regional requirements, while our manufacturing facilities across the region demonstrate our commitment to serving this market with agility and precision.

Interoperability remains a key challenge in smart-home adoption, with consumers often managing devices across different platforms and ecosystems. How is Hisense addressing this challenge to make connected living more practical and accessible?

Interoperability is one of the greatest barriers to smart home adoption, and addressing it has been central to our strategic vision for the connected home. ConnectLife is Hisense’s answer to ecosystem fragmentation, but we’ve designed it to go far beyond simple device management. It serves as a unified platform where our full range of products don’t just connect, they communicate, analyze, and optimize experiences together. Refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, dishwashers, and air conditioners become nodes in an intelligent network that understands household patterns and preferences.

The PureFlat Smart Series refrigerator exemplifies this vision. Through ConnectLife, it transforms from a kitchen appliance into a connected hub for household life, enabling meal planning, content sharing, and family communication. The X-zone Master washer dryer integrates seamlessly, with AI Assist optimizing every cycle based on real-time data from across the ecosystem.

What distinguishes our approach is the shift from devices you control to devices that learn from each other. When our appliances analyze your patterns, your preferred temperatures, your viewing habits, your food consumption, they collectively optimize energy usage, suggest improvements, and anticipate needs. The home becomes an intelligent environment that adapts to how each family actually lives.

Rather than locking consumers into proprietary systems, we focus on creating seamless experiences that feel natural. When a large-format display delivers cinema-grade visuals, an air conditioner maintains the ideal viewing environment, and a refrigerator keeps refreshments ready, all coordinated intelligently, the home truly becomes greater than the sum of its parts.

Artificial intelligence is becoming a defining feature of next-generation home appliances and entertainment systems. Where do you see AI delivering the most meaningful improvements to everyday living, beyond simply adding more features to connected devices?

The meaningful impact of AI lies in transforming appliances from devices you control into intelligent companions that understand you. This represents a shift, from smart appliances that respond to commands to AI-powered systems that connect with each other, communicate, analyze patterns, and proactively optimize your home experience.

In home entertainment, our Hi-View AI Engine RGB processor works in real time, analyzing content to optimize color accuracy, contrast, and motion handling. It learns your viewing preferences and adapts, sport, film, and gaming are each rendered with the precision they deserve, without requiring manual adjustment.

In laundry care, the X-zone Master’s AI Assist represents a leap forward in intelligent companionship. The system doesn’t just follow instructions, it detects fabric types, analyses soil levels, and optimizes washing and drying parameters automatically. It learns from each cycle to deliver better garment care with less effort over time.

In climate control, AI enables our air conditioners to become environmental companions. They learn household patterns, analyze preferences, and adjust temperature proactively, maintaining comfort without constant input, particularly valuable in the Gulf region’s demanding climate.

In kitchen appliances, AI-powered refrigerators track food inventory, analyze consumption patterns, suggest recipes based on available ingredients, and even optimize energy usage based on household routines.

The transformative element is when these AI companions work together, sharing data, analyzing collective patterns, and optimizing the entire home environment. This is the vision Hisense is building: homes where AI doesn’t just add features, but genuinely understands and enhances how families live.

Hisense has recorded significant growth in the Middle East and Africa under your leadership. Which shifts in consumer behaviour, distribution, or product demand have contributed most to this momentum, and how are these insights shaping the brand’s next phase of growth?

Our growth across this diverse region is driven by a combination of key factors: a strong and innovative product portfolio, deep understanding of local market dynamics and consumer preferences, strategic partnerships, and our ability to deliver tailored solutions that meet evolving needs across different markets.

Strong product innovation: Our leadership in RGB MiniLED technology and large-format displays, Hisense ranks No. 1 globally in the 100-inch and over TV segment according to Omdia (2023-Q3 2025), reflects our commitment to genuinely differentiated products. The recognition of our X-zone Master at CES 2026 and IFA Berlin validates our approach to scenario-based innovation. Euromonitor International has certified Hisense as the fastest-growing brand among the world’s top 10 washing machine manufacturers over the past five years, momentum we’re building across all categories.

Deep market understanding: Consumer behavior across the region has shifted decisively toward premium, integrated solutions. Families want ecosystems that work together intelligently. In the GCC, the cultural emphasis on hospitality and shared experiences aligns naturally with our whole-home technology philosophy. We’ve invested in understanding what each market needs and tailoring our approach accordingly.

Strategic partnerships and localization: Our partnerships across retail and distribution channels have been crucial in reaching consumers effectively. Our manufacturing facilities in South Africa and Algeria, with a major facility under development in Egypt, bring production closer to consumers and demonstrate long-term regional commitment. Our R&D centre in Dubai ensures products address local requirements.

Looking ahead, these insights shape a strategy focused on deepening ecosystem connectivity, expanding our premium portfolio, and leveraging our position as official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to strengthen brand resonance with families across the region.

Hisense has expanded its television portfolio with technologies such as Mini-LED and larger-screen displays. How are these innovations shaping the brand’s premium home entertainment strategy in the UAE, and what can consumers expect next?

Display technology is at the heart of our premium entertainment strategy, and RGB MiniLED represents the future of television, a future Hisense originated and continues to lead.

We developed RGB MiniLED technology with three fundamental advantages that give us a clear edge over competition:

True colours: Unlike conventional displays that use blue LEDs with colour filters, RGB MiniLED uses dedicated red, green, and blue LEDs for the purest, most accurate colour reproduction possible. Our UR9 Series achieves 100% BT.2020 colour coverage, delivering what the content creators actually intended.

Eye protection: The natural light spectrum produced by RGB technology is gentler on eyes, reducing strain during extended viewing, particularly important for families in the UAE who value premium entertainment experiences at home.

Energy efficiency: RGB MiniLED delivers superior brightness and colour with lower power consumption than traditional technologies, intelligent innovation that doesn’t compromise on performance.

We’ve deployed this technology across our flagship lineup, the UX, UR9, and UR8 Series, paired with our Hi-View AI Engine RGB processor and native 180Hz refresh rates for exceptional precision in sport, gaming, and fast-paced content.

According to Omdia, Hisense ranks No. 1 globally in the 100-inch and over TV segment (2023-Q3 2025), reflecting both consumer demand for immersive screens and our ability to deliver at scale.

Our laser display portfolio extends this vision further. The L9Q Laser TV delivers cinema-grade screens up to 200 inches, while the Laser Projector XR10 offers 6,000 lumens brightness, 60,000:1 contrast ratio, and projection capability up to 300 inches, fundamentally dissolving the distinction between television and home cinema.

UAE consumers can expect continued innovation at the intersection of display technology and AI, screens that not only deliver exceptional picture quality but adapt intelligently to content, lighting conditions, and preferences. Combined with premium audio partnerships like our collaboration with Devialet, we’re building complete entertainment experiences, not simply selling screens.

The collaboration brings together EYWA, a longevity-led luxury residential brand, and Longevium, a network of clinics specializing in metabolic health, preventive care, and data-driven medicine.

Through the partnership, EYWA residents will receive preferential rates on Longevium’s health programs, with access to ongoing support tailored to their individual needs. Depending on the program, services may include advanced diagnostics, biological-age assessments, and personalized health protocols, with medical interventions provided under physician guidance.

To make longevity support seamless, EYWA’s Health and Longevity concierge will coordinate residents’ access to Longevium’s programs, helping them turn health priorities into action and stay on track with their long-term wellness goals. Access to Longevium’s packages and offers will also be extended to members of the EYWA Membership Club.

The partnership reflects a simple idea: longevity is shaped by medical care and also by the environments and habits that make up everyday life. Sleep, movement, nutrition, metabolic health, and emotional wellbeing are all connected, making the home an important part of healthier living.

Connecting the Home with Personal Health

EYWA sees the home as an active part of wellbeing, bringing together biophilic design, neuroarchitecture, and advanced technology. Across its residential developments, attention to air and water quality, natural light, connection to nature, and low-EMF bedrooms helps create an environment designed to support healthier everyday living.

This approach also reflects a wider shift in the UAE toward making wellbeing part of everyday life. The country’s National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 aims to position the UAE as a global leader in quality of life, with priorities including healthier lifestyles, mental wellbeing, and a more integrated approach to health across individuals and communities.

The partnership with Longevium builds on this approach by connecting the residential environment with personalized medical expertise. While the home can support healthier habits, medical guidance can help residents better understand their individual health needs and make informed choices over time.

“Longevity buildings are not just about luxury — because ‘just luxury’ and impressive interiors have become yesterday’s benchmark. Today, true luxury is grounded in what matters most to people: health and wellbeing, supported in a way that simplifies daily life,” said Alex Zagrebelny, Founder and CEO of EYWA by R.Evolution. “That means making daily routines easier, strengthening family and social interaction, and creating environments that support continuous connection and recovery — within the building itself. As visionary regenerative longevity real estate, EYWA is designed to turn longevity into a lived experience every day, and partnerships like this bring the scientific credibility and human performance insight to make that promise real.”

Bringing Medical Expertise into the Longevity Ecosystem

Founded by Dr. Ksenia Butova, a longevity physician and vascular specialist with 14 years of clinical experience, Longevium operates three clinics in Dubai and has a team of more than 100 professionals. Its work focuses on extending healthspan through data-driven medicine and biomedical innovation, with expertise in preventive healthcare, metabolic health, and human performance.

Longevium complements EYWA’s focus on the living environment by adding a more personal understanding of health. Through medical assessments and long-term tracking, residents can gain a clearer picture of their individual needs and how their health changes over time.

“Health is shaped by both our choices and the environments in which we live,” said Dr. Ksenia Butova, Founder and CEO of Longevium. “EYWA recognizes the role that thoughtful design can play in supporting vitality, while Longevium brings the medical perspective needed to understand individual health needs and track progress over time. By bringing these two perspectives together, we can offer residents a more informed and practical approach to long-term wellbeing.”

Building a Wider Longevity Network

The partnership comes as Dubai places growing emphasis on longevity, preventive healthcare, and healthspan. The establishment of the Dubai Longevity Authority in June 2026 reflects the emirate’s ambition to advance healthcare and longevity science.

For EYWA, Longevium is part of a broader strategy to build a network of specialized partners and create a more comprehensive residential experience that goes beyond architecture and design. By bringing together architecture, science, nature, and medical expertise, EYWA aims to offer residents greater access to the knowledge and support that can help them live healthier lives, while strengthening its position in the growing longevity-led real estate market.

Originally from Windsor in the UK, Burton has spent the past eight years developing her career in the UAE, building extensive experience in the country’s real estate, sales, marketing and client-service sectors. 

In her new role, Sheryl will lead Crompton Partners’ developer sales activity, covering new project launches and available developer inventory. Her responsibilities include strengthening relationships with developers, ensuring the company’s sales team has up-to-date knowledge of forthcoming launches and available stock, and providing training and hands-on support to agents. 

She will also play a key role in developing Crompton Partners’ international investor business, helping overseas buyers understand Abu Dhabi’s expanding portfolio of off-plan communities and developments, as well as access the information they need to make informed property decisions. 

Burton joins Crompton Partners after more than two years with Nationwide Middle East Properties, where she progressed from sales to become Manager of International Sales within her first year. She subsequently managed and developed a 15-person international sales team and represented the company on business development initiatives and roadshows in Singapore, Belgium and London. 

During her time with the company, she ranked among its leading sales performers, placing in the top three for sales during Q1 and Q2 2025 and the top six during Q2 2026. She was also recognised as a Bayut Super Agent and True Broker for 2025–2026. 

Ben Crompton, Managing Partner of Crompton Partners, said: “Developer sales are becoming an increasingly important part of Abu Dhabi’s property market, with a growing range of projects giving both local and international buyers considerably more choice.”

“Sheryl brings a strong combination of sales leadership, international client experience and detailed knowledge of the Abu Dhabi market. Her appointment will help us deepen our relationships with developers, strengthen the support we give our sales team and, most importantly, ensure our clients have access to the right information and opportunities as the market continues to develop.”

The appointment comes as activity within Abu Dhabi’s off-plan market continues to broaden. Crompton Partners’ latest Q2 2026 research recorded 883 off-plan secondary transactions across 25,422 active off-plan units, representing an increase of approximately 56 per cent from the first quarter. 

Burton’s role will include maintaining and developing relationships with developers, supporting agents during new project launches, monitoring emerging market trends and opportunities, mentoring agents specialising in off-plan sales and contributing to the company’s sales and marketing strategy. 

Sheryl D Burton said: “Abu Dhabi is an incredibly exciting market to be working in, with new communities and projects creating opportunities for buyers from the UAE and internationally.”

“I’m looking forward to building on Crompton Partners’ strong position in the market, working closely with developers and the wider sales team, and helping clients navigate the growing range of opportunities available across the emirate. For international buyers in particular, good advice, detailed project knowledge and strong developer relationships makes a real difference.”

Crompton Partners publishes detailed quarterly research covering Abu Dhabi’s property market, providing buyers, investors, sellers and landlords with community and project-level information on transaction activity, pricing, turnover and resale liquidity.

The growth follows a major shift in Nolte’s UAE strategy in 2025, with the company transitioning from a dealership model to direct market operations through Nolte Kitchens LLC, a subsidiary of Nolte Küchen Germany. In its first year of trading, the UAE entity established fully integrated local operations to support large-scale project delivery and long-term retail growth. With this structurein place, Nolte expects annual growth of at least 25% in the coming years.

The company’s next focus is retail, with its flagship showroomopening on Sheikh Zayed Road on 30 October 2026. As the onlyshowroom in the UAE operated directly by the brand, it will give customers Nolte’s complete product catalogue, technical expertise and world-class service in one dedicated space.

Selva Kumar, Managing Director & Senior Vice President – Middle East, Asia & Africa at Nolte FZE, said: “Nolte Küchen has built nearly seven decades of expertise in Germany, and international expansion is an important part of our growth strategy, with the UAE at the centre of that ambition. Dubai recorded AED 252 billion in real estate transactions in the first quarter of 2026, up 31% year on year, showing that demand and investment continue to grow despite wider regional challenges.

“Our commitment to the market remains strong, and a key part of our approach is building long-term partnerships and providing our partners with the strongest possible support based on the needs of each market. At the same time, we are focused on strengthening Nolte’s regional position and working toward our goal of becoming the region’s number one kitchen brand. The opening of our flagship showroom is an important next step in that journey.”

The UAE real estate market continues to expand, with strong momentum in the premium and luxury segments where Nolte is positioned. According to Knight Frank, Dubai recorded 296 residential transactions valued above USD 10 million in the first half of 2026, totaling USD 5.1 billion, up 14% year on year. Amid this growth, Nolte has strengthened its business and successfully secured major projects with leading developers across the UAE.

Alongside its project and geographic expansion, Nolte continues to invest in product innovation. The company has developed its own range of Nolte-branded appliances, significantly expanding its kitchen offering and marking a key product innovation for 2027.

Looking ahead, the company plans to further grow both its retail and project presence across the UAE. Following the launch of its flagship Dubai showroom, Nolte intends to expand into Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates through partnerships with local entities and dealer networks.