The groundbreaking follows the signing of the agreement with Wyndham and the unveiling of the project’s show apartment earlier this year.With enabling works complete and structural works now underway, the development has reached a key stage of construction.

Grovy Developers has appointed Jaseera Building Contracting LLC as the main contractor for the project. Established in 2018, the Dubai-based contractor has built a strong reputation for delivering residential, commercial, and industrial developments across the UAE, with expertise spanning civil, structural, MEP, and fit-out works. Its portfolio includes a range of landmark projects across the UAE, alongside several ongoing developments in Dubai and the wider region. Drawing on its multidisciplinary team and end-to-end construction capabilities, Jaseera will oversee the development through to completion, ensuring it is delivered to the specifications and quality standards agreed with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

Abhishek Jalan, CEO of Grovy Developers, said “Breaking ground is the point at which commitments become physical. When we signed with Wyndham, we committed to delivering the project to a high standard, and today, the development is progressing well against that commitment. Appointing Jaseera Building Contracting LLC gives us a delivery partner with the capacity and the site experience to hold that schedule, and we will be measuring progress against it every month.

Grovy has built its reputation in the UAE since 2015 on delivering what we commit to, and our completed projects in Jumeirah Village Circle are the evidence of that. We are applying the same discipline to Ramada Residences. Our ambition is to create homes that deliver value beyond the physical asset. By bringing a globally recognised hospitality brand like Ramada into the development, we are adding an established layer of brand credibility, exceptional service standards, and hospitality expertise that strengthens the overall proposition for both residents and investors. This partnership is designed not only to elevate the living experience but also to enhance the asset’s long-term appeal, marketability, and value.”

Ramada Residences by Wyndham at Dubai Islands comprises a collection of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, along with four-bedroom penthouses, all delivered fully furnished. Residents will benefit from hotel-grade services and operations underpinned by Wyndham’s quality assurance, alongside more than 20 leisure amenities including an aqua gym, golf simulator, open theatre, and a temperature-controlled infinity pool. The development is among a select number of residences approved for short-term leasing on Dubai Islands, giving owners additional flexibility and income-generating potential.

The development is located within Dubai Islands, a master-planned waterfront destination designed to offer a blend of residential, hospitality, leisure and retail experiences, with beaches, green spaces and connectivity to key destinations across Dubai.

ABOUT KIRSTEN – THE EXPERIENCES THAT SHAPED KIRSTEN’S APPROACH TO SUPPORTING WOMEN

Kirsten Jenna Michaels didn’t set out to build another networking group. Founder and CEO of FEMPOWERMENT, a women’s empowerment movement established in 2025 and based in Dubai, Michaels developed the platform around an observation she encountered repeatedly throughout her life: talented, ambitious women weren’t short on ability, but on access.

Today, the platform brings together a podcast, monthly seminars, networking events, workshops and certifications, coaching and business support, with its Women’s Business Launchpad and Convention forming part of its wider ecosystem.

HER STORY

For Kirsten Jenna Michaels, the origins of FEMPOWERMENT can be traced back to a question she carried through much of her life: “Why do I have to keep going through this?”

There were periods in her life when she faced circumstances that left her without stability, support or a clear sense of what came next. She describes some of those chapters as experiences that were “designed to break me” — years in which she had to navigate difficult circumstances largely on her own. Looking back, however, Michaels says the deeper impact of surviving difficult experiences was not simply what happened, but what those experiences taught her to expect from life.

“It is not the event. It is what the event teaches you to expect.”

For five years, she describes herself as being effectively removed from society. There was “no circle, no room to walk into, nobody who knew what was happening or who would have said the thing I needed to hear.”

Michaels believes that having a strong group of women around her could have helped her find the confidence to make different choices sooner. Not because they would have rescued her, she says, but because she would have been able to “see what normal looked like and understood that I was allowed to want it.”

What she needed was not simply advice, but an example of another possibility.

“What I needed more than advice was a woman standing on a stage in front of me, telling me I did not have to settle for the life I had been handed.”

That realisation would later become part of the thinking behind FEMPOWERMENT.

Michaels co-founded FEMPOWERMENT in 2025 with its structures, programmes and mission mapped out, but without funding. The breakthrough came unexpectedly during a job interview.

The man across the table noticed the FEMPOWERMENT logo on Michaels’ notebook, a logo she had designed herself in Canva. He asked what it was. Instead of offering her the role, the investor offered a 50-50 partnership, access to funding and his network.

But for Michaels, the significance went beyond the opportunity itself. It was the experience of having someone believe in the idea before there was proof.

“All it takes is one person to change the trajectory of your entire life.”

That thinking now shapes the platform’s programmes. The Business Launchpad is intended to support women with potential but without the resources to execute on it and is currently listed as “coming soon” by FEMPOWERMENT. Its monthly seminars reflect the woman Michaels once wished she could have seen on stage. Networking events draw from the five years she spent without a support circle, while coaching is designed around the recognition that sometimes what a woman needs is not another curriculum, but “an hour with someone who will tell her the truth.”

ABOUT FEMPOWERMENT

When asked to define FEMPOWERMENT’s core mission, Michaels positions the organisation around creating greater access to opportunities and resources, rather than inspiration alone.

FEMPOWERMENT describes itself as a purpose-driven movement built around community, education and philanthropy, with its work spanning coaching, events, business support, content and networking. Its stated mission is to build a global movement that connects, uplifts and celebrates women of all backgrounds.

Michaels sees FEMPOWERMENT as a platform with ambitions beyond the UAE, built around creating space for women to pursue their potential. As she puts it, “I built FEMPOWERMENT for every woman who was told she was too much — you are exactly enough, and this is your space to rise.”

THE FOUNDATIONS AND MOVEMENT BEHIND FEMPOWERMENT

“Empathy, first,” she says. “Knowledge, second,” followed by hope.

For Michaels, these are not abstract principles. They are informed by experience — by understanding what it means to feel unable to leave, what it takes to start again with nothing, and how difficult it can be to believe that circumstances can change until someone who has lived through them shows you that they can.

It is this understanding of what women need, rather than simply what they are told they need, that now shapes the work behind FEMPOWERMENT.

Her focus now is clear: to create opportunities for women, help them build success and, ultimately, find peace — something she considers “by far the harder of the two.” Looking back at the experiences she once believed were meant to break her, Michaels has arrived at an answer to the question she carried for so long.

“Everything that happened to me was meant to break me. It built this instead.” FEMPOWERMENT describes itself as a purpose-driven movement connecting, uplifting and celebrating women of all backgrounds, with the aim of helping women reclaim their voices, build their futures and rise together.

Today, her focus is on creating opportunities for women, helping them build success and helping them find peace — “which, in my experience, is by far the harder of the two.”

THE IMPACT OF BEING SEEN AND HEARD

Beyond the founder, mentor and CEO, the people around Kirsten describe a woman who makes others feel seen, supported and capable of more.

“Kirsten isn’t just a CEO; she has become a very dear friend to me. She came into my life at a time when I really needed someone genuine, caring, and supportive, and I feel incredibly grateful that our paths crossed.

She is one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met and will always go above and beyond for the people around her, often putting everyone else before herself. Professionally, she constantly pushes me to do better, step outside my comfort zone, and believe in what I’m capable of, while always making sure I know that she has my back. She supports me in every way she can and genuinely wants to see the people around her succeed.

But what makes Kirsten so special to me is that our relationship goes beyond work. She has become someone I can trust, laugh with, learn from, and genuinely call a friend. She has this incredible energy that lights up every room she walks into, and her warmth makes people feel comfortable and valued almost instantly.

I’m so grateful to have Kirsten in my life, both as my boss and, more importantly, as a friend. She has had such a positive impact on me, and I honestly couldn’t ask for a better person to work alongside and have in my corner.”

— Rachel Cawley, head of brand and community

“Working with Kirsten has been such a valuable experience for me. As my boss, she has pushed me to think bigger, be more confident, and take ownership of my work. I genuinely respect her not just for what she has achieved, but for the way she carries herself and the impact she has on the people around her. I’m grateful that I got to work closely with her and that I can take so much from the experience, both professionally and personally.”

— Ayesha Ahmad

“At first, I was honestly a little intimidated by her, but once you get to know Kirsten, you realise just how bubbly, warm, and genuine she really is. She has this incredible way of making everyone around her feel seen, supported, and capable of more than they thought they could be. Having her as my mentor has completely changed the way I look at life, work, and even myself. She has challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, believe in myself, and see possibilities I may not have noticed before. I’m forever grateful to have crossed paths with her and to have someone like Kirsten guiding, inspiring, and believing in me along the way.”

— Ayesha Mustafa

“Honestly, I see Kirsten as someone who has genuinely had a meaningful impact on the person I have become, both personally and professionally.

I’ve always experienced Kirsten as a warm, ambitious, and genuinely kind-hearted person. She has a unique ability to recognise potential in people, sometimes even before they see it in themselves. She challenged me, encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, and continuously inspired me to grow and become more confident in my abilities.

A significant part of who I am professionally today has been shaped by the opportunities, guidance, and challenges she has given me. Working with her has taught me responsibility, confidence, resilience, and the importance of thinking beyond what feels comfortable and believing in a bigger vision.

What I particularly admire about Kirsten is her passion for what she is building and her commitment to bringing the people around her along on that journey. She sets high standards because she believes in the potential of those she works with, and that has encouraged me to raise my own standards and continuously strive to do better.

I’m genuinely grateful for the experience of working with her. She didn’t simply give me a professional opportunity; she encouraged me to believe in myself, grow into my capabilities, and become a stronger and more confident version of myself.”

— Nilofar Shareef, Operation Manager | FEMPOWERMENT

Every home tells a story, and so does every hand that shapes it. This Emirati Women’s Day, Home Centre is celebrating six Emirati women whose craft, creativity and quiet determination are shaping the UAE’s design landscape today, through ‘Made By Her’, a campaign spotlighting their work in-store, alongside Home Centre’s own collections.

For a brand built on the belief that people should Love Where They Live, these six founders were a natural fit, women whose work reflects the same design-led, deeply personal spirit Home Centre champions in every home it helps create. From mosaic art shaped by heritage to ceramics born of fire and instinct, each of their stories speaks to something Home Centre has always stood for: that where we live should reflect who we are.

Made By Her brings their craftsmanship into Home Centre’s stores, displayed alongside the brand’s own collections in a beautifully styled showcase. It is a rare kind of moment, where handmade work finds its place inside spaces visited by thousands of customers every day, celebrated purely for the stories and skill behind it, giving these women’s stories room to be seen, felt and remembered.

Retail spaces can hold more than product, they can hold purpose too. It’s a belief that runs through everything Home Centre does, whether that’s celebrating homegrown talent through the Home Centre Collective, collaborating with local designers, or giving a platform to Emirati women shaping the UAE’s creative identity.

“This Emirati Women’s Day, we wanted to open our stores to celebrate the women shaping the UAE’s creative landscape,” said Arja Taaveniku, CEO, Home Centre. “There’s so much talent around us, quiet, brilliant work that doesn’t always get the audience it deserves. Made By Her is simply our way of giving it the spotlight, and giving our customers the chance to discover it too.”

MEET THE MAKERS

Safeya AlHebsi | Mosaic X

Safeya AlHebsi is the founder of a licensed Mubdia project specialising in handcrafted mosaic art inspired by nature, geometry and fine arts. Working with ceramics, glass, stone and recycled materials, each piece she creates celebrates sustainability, craftsmanship and the heritage of mosaic art.
Naila Alremeithi | Soapbar

Naila Alremeithi is the founder of Soapbar, specialising in handmade soaps, skincare and body care products crafted using high-quality ingredients and close attention to detail. Her products combine natural care and quality, offering a self-care experience suited to different skin types.

Huda Alraisi | Huda Ceramic Art

Huda Alraisi is an Emirati ceramic artist who uses clay to explore the balance between heritage and contemporary expression. Specialising in the Raku technique, her work reflects a dialogue between fire and material, with each piece shaped by fire and smoke to create a one-of-a-kind visual and emotional experience rooted in cultural identity and traditional craftsmanship.
Aisha Alkhyeli | Aisha Art Studio

Aisha Alkhyeli creates handcrafted artworks inspired by nature, texture and emotion. Each piece is thoughtfully designed to bring warmth, beauty and a touch of individuality into the home.
Mona Alqubaisi I Mona Al Qubaisi Art

Mona Alqubaisi is a crochet portrait artist whose work spans wall art, bags and accessories, turning crochet into detailed, expressive pieces for the home and beyond.
Mouza Al Kaabi | Mouza Al Kaabi Art

Mouza Al Kaabi is the UAE’s youngest Emirati artist, known for her paintings and as the founder of Charms Asap and AVS UAE.

“Love Where You Live as a motto has always meant more to us than just the home, it is about loving the country we call home,” said Siddarth Sivaprakash, Head of Marketing & Brand, Home Centre. “And what better way to show our love for the UAE than by celebrating the talent that makes it what it is. Made By Her, alongside initiatives like Collective and our local designer collaborations, is our way of paying tribute to that, bringing Emirati creativity into the stores our customers walk through every day.”

For each of these women, Made By Her is a chance to have their story and craft celebrated by a national audience this Emirati Women’s Day. The campaign continues throughout August and September, with the founders’ work on display at participating Home Centre stores in Reem Mall, Abu Dhabi and Mirdif City Centre, Dubai, giving customers the chance to interact with and experience their work up close.

Exclusive interview with Tauseef Khan, Founder and Chairman, Dugasta Properties

You entered the UAE real estate market in 1991, at a time when Dubai’s property landscape looked very different from what it does today. What have three decades of watching people buy, rent, invest and build their lives here taught you about what truly makes a home valuable?

When I entered the UAE real estate market in 1990, Dubai was very different from what we see today. Over the years, watching families buy, rent and invest has reinforced something I have always believed. Real estate is ultimately about people, the communities they build and the future they are creating.

Those values have always been at the core of how I built Dugasta. The UAE gave me the safety and security to build my business, and I wanted to give back by creating homes built on trust, safety and a sense of security. My belief has always been that when someone invests their hard-earned money in a home, they should feel confident about the decision and secure about their future.

Home is where people put down roots, build relationships and create memories. That is why I believe development should always put people first. When we create comfortable, high-quality spaces, remain transparent and deliver on our commitments, we build lasting trust. And when people feel confident in their home, commercial success follows naturally.

Dugasta has built much of its positioning around value-for-money housing without compromising on quality. How do you define “value” today beyond simply offering a competitive price?

Value, for us, has always been about keeping a promise. And, in real estate, it means creating a home that offers comfort, an investment that provides financial security and a developer that stands behind its commitments.

As more people choose to build their lives in Dubai, these fundamentals matter. Whether someone is buying a studio or investing in an entire building, they deserve the same level of attention, respect and accountability. Value starts with protecting people’s hard-earned money and giving them confidence in what they are investing in.

That thinking led us to our 10 on 10 formula, offering a 10% ROI for 10 years, while also focusing on homes that work for everyday life, with practical layouts, reliable services, family friendly spaces and quality that continues to serve people as their needs change. That is what makes an investment valuable in the long term.

Dugasta’s portfolio has expanded across developments including Al Haseen Residences, Moonsa Residences, Terra Tower and Dugasta Paradise. What common design philosophy connects these projects despite their different locations and positioning?

The common thread across our projects is a simple design philosophy. Good design should make everyday life more comfortable without adding unnecessary complexity. Our investments focus on features that offer real utility, comfort and lasting value.

Across Al Haseen Residences, Moonsa Residences, Terra Tower and Dugasta Paradise, we maintain a focus on clean lines, well-planned interiors, natural light, practical layouts and thoughtful amenities. At the same time, each development is designed around its location, community and buyer profile.

Every element that we build has a purpose and reflects how people actually live. That balance between aesthetics and functionality gives each project its own identity while keeping the quality and design standards consistent across our portfolio. In the end, we want to create homes that people enjoy living in today and continue to value for years to come.

Are today’s buyers increasingly purchasing a lifestyle rather than simply square footage and an address?

We are seeing expatriate professionals, families, entrepreneurs and long-term residents evaluate a home through the lens of community, connectivity, convenience and everyday quality of life. They want access to schools, healthcare, retail, transport and well-planned amenities, alongside a home with practical layouts and reliable services. Premium finishes remain relevant, but buyers are becoming more discerning about how a development fits into their daily routine and how well it can support different stages of life.

 This shift is closely aligned with our philosophy at Dugasta. We see a home as an environment where people build their lives, relationships and sense of belonging, so our focus is on creating spaces that provide lasting comfort and functional value.

The company’s distinctive 10-on-10 proposition, a guaranteed ROI proposition marketed around 10% annually for 10 years, alongside other buyer benefits, gives you a strong route into the psychology of today’s UAE homebuyer and investor?

Through our conversations with buyers, one thing is clear. They want confidence in the developer, the quality of the asset and the support they will receive after handover. As developers, it is our responsibility to protect their hard-earned capital and give them clarity on the value they can expect from their property.

Security, predictability and trust are central to these decisions. Buyers today are well informed and are looking at property with a long-term view, considering both the quality of the home and the financial outcome of their investment. Our guaranteed 10% ROI for 10 years is designed to give them greater certainty and confidence in that investment. It also reflects our commitment to being transparent, accountable, and clear about the value we promise to deliver.

 What does “global ambition” mean for Dugasta, geographic expansion, a broader customer base, a different product mix, or all of the above?

Our ambition is to take the principles of trust, safety and security that have shaped Dugasta’s growth in Dubai into international markets. We are building relationships with investors across the GCC, South Asia, Africa and Europe who see strong potential in Dubai’s property market and are looking for clarity and long-term value. As we enter these markets, we want to carry the same approach that has guided us in Dubai and give investors confidence in their decisions.

Our product portfolio is expanding beyond our core focus on middle-income residential housing to include residential, commercial and mixed-use developments, giving us a chance to serve different buyer and investor profiles. This international growth means taking a proven approach to value and buyer care into new markets while adapting our projects and offerings to the needs of each market.

This Emirati Women’s Day, celebrate yourself with a little well-deserved time out, from skin-boosting treatments and restorative wellness experiences to moments designed simply to make you feel good.

Being an Emirati woman today means wearing many hats. You may be building a career, running a business, raising a family, creating, leading, supporting those around you and somehow still finding time to keep everything moving. But between the meetings, family commitments, social calendar and everyday responsibilities, one thing can easily get pushed to the bottom of the list: you.

This year, forget the pressure to do more. Instead, take a moment to pause, switch off and pamper yourself. Whether that means refreshing your skin, booking a wellness day or simply giving yourself permission to enjoy a few hours without a schedule, self-care can be the celebration.

Start With Your Skin

Summer in the UAE can be unforgiving on the skin. Heat, humidity and long days of sun exposure can leave it feeling dehydrated, tired and in need of some extra attention.

A visit to Aesthetics by King’s College Hospital London – Dubai Marina Clinic could be the perfect place to start your reset. This August, the clinic is offering 25% off non-surgical aesthetic treatments, alongside 3 + 1 packages on selected treatments and a 4 + 2 offer on laser hair removal.

The clinic offers a range of aesthetic and wellness treatments, including facial rejuvenation, regenerative skin therapies, laser treatments, body contouring, hair restoration and intimate wellness. Whether it is a skin refresh, a treatment you have been meaning to try or simply some time dedicated to yourself, it is an opportunity to make self-care part of your Emirati Women’s Day celebration.

Take a Day for Yourself

If your idea of pampering goes beyond a single treatment, Well Cube day pass offers a chance to step away from the usual routine and dedicate a full day to wellness.

Located at Tranquil Wellness Tower in Dubai, the experience brings together wellness, recovery, movement and relaxation, allowing you to spend the day focusing on yourself without committing to an overnight stay.

It is the kind of experience that suits an Emirati Women’s Day reset: leave the schedule behind, take your time, and choose the experiences that make you feel restored. Whether you want to unwind, recharge or simply enjoy a day where the only person on your to-do list is you, a wellness day can be the perfect excuse to pause.

Make Wellness Part of Your Routine

For those looking to take a more personalised approach to health and wellbeing, Blue Ocean Health offers another perspective on self-care, with a focus on personalised wellness, longevity and proactive health.

Rather than waiting until something feels wrong, the approach centres on understanding your individual health needs and making informed choices that support wellbeing over time. From personalised health programmes to wellness and longevity-focused solutions, it reflects a growing shift towards treating self-care as an investment rather than an occasional indulgence.

And perhaps that is the perfect message for Emirati Women’s Day: pampering yourself does not have to be earned.

Whether it is an afternoon at the clinic, a day dedicated to wellness or taking a more proactive approach to your health, this is your reminder to put yourself first even if just for a day.

OMNIYAT, a leading ultra-luxury real estate developer, continues to lead the way in off-plan sales above AED 20 million on Palm Jumeirah, ranking first across three key measures in H1 2026: transaction volume, highest-value transaction and highest price per square foot.

During the first half of 2026, OMNIYAT recorded 14 qualifying transactions valued at AED 20 million and above.

Within the segment, Palm Jumeirah’s highest-value residential transaction was recorded at The Alba Residences achieving AED 225.965 million, while OMNIYAT also secured the highest price per square foot at AED 11,227.

The positive results highlight sustained demand from high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking architecturally distinctive residences that combine exceptional design, craftsmanship, privacy and curated lifestyle experiences in one of the world’s most prestigious waterfront destinations.

Peter Stephenson, Co-Managing Director of OMNIYAT, said: “These results reflect the strength of our approach on Palm Jumeirah and the consistent demand we are seeing across our developments. Our focus is on delivering distinctive residences with exceptional quality and a highly considered living experience, while maintaining the standards of execution and detail that define OMNIYAT.”

Palm Jumeirah remains one of Dubai’s most desirable residential destinations, with sustained international demand continuing to drive activity across the ultra-luxury segment. Buyers are increasingly seeking distinctive homes that offer exceptional quality, privacy and long-term investment value in globally recognised locations.

OMNIYAT’s H1 2026 performance reflects continued demand for its Palm Jumeirah developments, including The Alba Residences, ORLA and ORLA Infinity. Together, these projects shape a new expression of private resort living, reinforcing OMNIYAT’s position as a leading curator of bespoke ultra-luxury destinations.

Joshua Oliver – Luxury Advisor & Founder, Joshua Oliver Concierge

For decades, luxury was easy to define. It was the highest price tag, the rarest handbag, the largest home or the most extravagant holiday. Wealth was displayed through possessions, and exclusivity was measured by what something cost.

In 2026, that definition has fundamentally changed.

Working with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients around the world, I’ve witnessed a clear shift in purchasing behaviour. The world’s wealthiest individuals are still spending significant amounts of money, but increasingly, price is no longer the deciding factor. Instead, they’re investing in something far more valuable: privacy, time, authenticity, access and individuality.

The new status symbol isn’t simply owning something expensive. It’s owning or experiencing, something that very few people can.

One of the biggest misconceptions about luxury is that it revolves around brands. Heritage houses such as Hermès, Loro Piana and Brunello Cucinelli continue to thrive, but clients are becoming far more selective. They no longer buy products simply because they’re trending on social media or because everyone else is carrying them.

Instead, they’re searching for craftsmanship, personality, collectability and longevity. Luxury is becoming increasingly personal. Clients want pieces that reflect who they are, not what the algorithm tells them to buy. Personal confidence has replaced obvious logos.

This shift extends well beyond fashion.

In travel, clients increasingly prioritise privacy and personalisation over scale. The world’s most famous hotels are no longer necessarily the most desirable. Rather than asking for the hotel everyone else is booking, clients now ask me where they should stay based on their personality, interests and travel style. They would rather discover a remarkable independent property than simply tick off another famous brand.

Technology has accelerated this evolution. Social media has made luxury more accessible than ever before, introducing extraordinary hotels, restaurants and brands to millions of people. While that’s undoubtedly positive, it has also diminished the sense of discovery. When everyone knows where the “best” place is, it inevitably loses some of its exclusivity.

I’ve even made a conscious decision to share fewer ultra-rare Hermès bags and exceptional watches across my own social media channels. Part of what makes these pieces so desirable is their rarity. Constant exposure inevitably erodes that sense of exclusivity. Luxury should still retain an element of mystery.

As a result, affluent consumers are increasingly moving beyond the algorithm. They value trusted recommendations, genuine expertise and personal relationships over viral popularity. They’re looking for people they trust, rather than content with the highest number of views.

This is where the role of a modern concierge has changed dramatically.

Years ago, concierge services were largely transactional. Book a hotel. Reserve a restaurant. Arrange an airport transfer. Today, clients are looking for a trusted advisor, one person who understands their lifestyle, anticipates their preferences and becomes a genuine extension of their daily life.

More importantly, they want someone to save them time.

I often find myself advising clients against the most expensive option. Sometimes the most luxurious hotel isn’t the one charging £5,000 a night, but the boutique property where the General Manager greets guests by name. It isn’t always the beach club with the highest minimum spend, but the quieter one where service is flawless and the atmosphere feels effortlessly relaxed.

Luxury has become less about consumption and far more about discernment.

Perhaps the greatest luxury of all, however, is time.

Time is the one asset that can never be replenished, and affluent individuals increasingly value services that remove friction from their lives. Whether that’s sourcing an impossible-to-find item, planning a seamless itinerary across multiple countries or simply knowing someone trustworthy is handling every detail, convenience has become one of luxury’s most valuable currencies.

Ultimately, luxury in 2026 is becoming more personal than ever before.

It’s no longer about impressing strangers. It’s about improving your own quality of life.

It’s choosing time, privacy, craftsmanship, expertise and individuality.

Price will always have a place within the luxury market, but it is no longer the defining characteristic. The most exclusive things in the world today often cannot simply be purchased. They require trust, expertise, relationships and access.

Perhaps that’s exactly how luxury should be defined: not by what it costs, but by how difficult it is to replicate.

Real estate in the UAE continues to show strong momentum, with recent data from the Dubai Land Department recording AED 4.5 billion in real estate transactions in May 2026.  As the market moves into the second half of the year, what sets a development apart is no longer just design or location. Increasingly, it comes down to the digital systems built into a property and how clearly investors can track their assets over time.

According to Amaal, four technology trends are expected to transform how residents live, how developers operate, and how investors engage with property across the UAE in H2 2026.

Real estate tokenisation is widening access to property investment

Property investment models in the UAE are moving toward blockchain-enabled fractional ownership, where high-value real estate is divided into digital units to expand access and improve liquidity. Through tokenisation, investors can participate in luxury and large-scale developments without requiring full asset ownership, creating a more flexible and globally accessible investment structure. This shift is also aligned with the Dubai Land Department’s initiative to digitise up to 7 percent of property transactions, equivalent to approximately $16 billion by 2033. In Dubai, this transition is already being implemented through collaborations such as Amaal’s partnership with IOPn, which is developing tokenised property solutions for residential projects to make investment more accessible to a wider investor base.

Agentic AI is becoming embedded across the property ecosystem

AI in real estate is moving from assistants and chatbots into autonomous systems that execute operational work across leasing, property management, compliance, and investment functions. Realty is structurally complex, with constant coordination between tenants, buyers, brokers, and service providers, making it a strong environment for AI workforce deployment. For instance, in leasing, an ‘AI employee’ qualifies leads, responds to enquiries, schedules viewings, follows up with prospects, and generates contracts. On the investment side, AI systems analyse portfolio performance, forecast rental yields, simulate pricing scenarios, and identify underperforming assets in real time. Industry research, including McKinsey estimates, suggests AI could unlock up to $550 billion in value across the real estate value chain, highlighting the scale of transformation underway.

Digital investor platforms are increasing transparency in off-plan sales

As off-plan developments continue to dominate large segments of the UAE market, developers are placing greater emphasis on financial transparency throughout the ownership journey. Digital investor dashboards are becoming increasingly common across new projects, giving buyers real-time visibility into payment schedules, escrow updates, construction milestones, and ownership documentation. Rather than relying on fragmented communication channels or static instalment schedules, investors increasingly expect a centralised platform where they can monitor project progress and manage multiple investments in one place. This shift is helping strengthen confidence in off-plan purchasing while reducing administrative friction for both developers and buyers.

Real-time air quality monitoring is entering residential buildings

Indoor air quality has become a growing consideration for premium developers as buyer awareness around health and wellness increases. Purification technology has improved significantly, with active systems that break down pollutants at a molecular level rather than simply filtering them, targeting pathogens, allergens, and volatile organic compounds released by interior materials. What is newer is the monitoring layer are sensors embedded in units and common areas that track pollutant levels, humidity and ventilation performance in real time, feeding data into building management systems and resident-facing apps. As lifestyle becomes a bigger part of the buying decision, air quality is a meaningful part of the premium residential offer.

Following the launch of EYWA Tree of Life and EYWA Way of Water in Dubai, and of EYWA Bac de Roda and EYWA 22 Palms in Barcelona, the company is establishing EYWA as a platform that can be applied across residential, commercial, and future hospitality developments in multiple international markets.

“The global luxury real estate market is evolving. Buyers are no longer interested only in architecture, square footage, and location. They are increasingly looking for homes that support healthier, longer, and more fulfilling lives,” says Igor Karpikov, Chief Commercial Officer at R.Evolution, “Wellness real estate is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global wellness economy and is forecast to reach $1.8 trillion by 2030. Our Dubai developments demonstrate how the EYWA philosophy translates into exceptional real estate, aligning with the emirate’s focus on quality of life, sustainability, and wellbeing.”

Homes as Wellbeing Ecosystems. Research suggests that genetics account for around 50% of the factors influencing lifespan. The remaining half is shaped by environment and lifestyle. Since people spend around 90% of their time indoors, the buildings they live in play a significant role in supporting health and wellbeing.

Inspired by the vision of R.Evolution founder Alex Zagrebelny, EYWA – short for Energy, Youthfulness, Wellbeing, and Ancient Knowledge – introduces the concept of regenerative real estate – an approach that views buildings as living ecosystems. It combines thoughtful spatial design, modern technology, natural elements, and ancestral wisdom to support everyday living and health.

Building a Broader Longevity Ecosystem. As EYWA continues to expand, R.Evolution is developing strategic collaborations with leading players across the wellness and longevity ecosystem. These collaborations span health and longevity programming, nature-focused initiatives, educational programs, next-generation sustainable technologies, and premium lifestyle offerings.

Together, these partnerships extend the EYWA experience beyond the physical building, creating a broader ecosystem centered on wellbeing that supports residents in their daily lives.

The Next Chapter. EYWA’s expansion into hospitality in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations marks the next phase of the brand’s evolution, with additional initiatives in the longevity and wellbeing space also in progress.

R.Evolution will share details of new projects, partnerships, and locations as they reach the appropriate stage of development.

The GCC’s combination of extreme heat, humidity, frequent transitions between outdoor heat and air-conditioned environments, dust exposure, and prolonged sunscreen and makeup use creates a unique set of skincare challenges. With acne and pimple concerns already affecting more than 65% of the GCC population, these seasonal conditions have renewed interest in one time-tested ingredient: Neem.

The Science Behind a Timeless Ingredient

For generations, Himalaya Wellness Company has harnessed the power of Neem through its expertise in herbal science, developing skincare solutions trusted by consumers across generations. Today, the brand continues to build on that legacy by combining its herbal heritage with modern formulation science to create gentle and effective skincare tailored to the evolving needs of consumers across the Middle East.

The enduring appeal of Neem lies in its proven skincare benefits. Widely recognised for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Neem is supported by a growing body of scientific research, with dermatologists continuing to highlight its effectiveness in skincare. Its popularity also extends beyond the laboratory, with Neem continuing to be embraced by beauty enthusiasts, influencers, and celebrities as a trusted ingredient for maintaining balanced, healthy-looking, pimple-free skin.

Inside Himalaya’s Global Research Centre

That approach was recently on display at Himalaya’s exclusive ‘Powered by Nature, Perfected by Science’ Experience, hosted at its Global Research Centre in Dubai Science Park, which measures 55,000 square feet. The gathering invited several of GCC’s digital beauty creators and storytellers into the brand’s formulation labs, where they explored the science behind Neem skincare through molecular experiments and learned about the research and testing behind Himalaya’s formulations. The facility brings together more than 50 scientists, formulators, and researchers from 12 nationalities who study regional skin needs and develop product innovation solutions suited to Middle Eastern climates.

“The Middle East continues to be a strategically important market, with consumers seeking solutions that are tailored to their specific skin needs and supported by scientific research,” said Sajeev Kaura, Business Director (CPD), Himalaya METAP region. “Through our work in the UAE and the GCC region, we continue to invest in understanding regional requirements and developing skincare solutions that bring together herbal expertise, innovation, and efficacy.”

Consumers across the GCC are increasingly seeking natural skincare products that combine herbal ingredients with proven scientific performance. This reflects a shift toward formulations that are effective, gentle on the skin, and suitable for everyday use in hot, humid climates. Neem, one of Himalaya’s most recognised ingredients, sits at the centre of that shift. Through extensive research and advanced authentication methods, the brand continues to refine the ingredient’s potential and ensure consistency and quality across every formulation.

“Developing effective skincare solutions requires a deep understanding of the specific concerns consumers face in different environments, ingredients and formulation science,” added Abhishek Ashat, Marketing Head (CPD), Himalaya MENA region. “Our research approach combines herbal expertise with advanced scientific methods to create formulations that deliver targeted benefits while supporting the skin’s natural balance. Initiatives like the ‘Powered by Nature, Perfected by Science’ Experience allow us to share the science behind our formulations and bring consumers closer to the research that shapes our products.”

A Complete ‘Pimple Cycle’ Regime Tailored to GCC Skin Needs

That research has been translated into Himalaya’s Purifying Neem range, a complete routine designed to address blemish concerns in high humidity climates.

Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash is trusted by millions of girls worldwide as the best solution for pimples and makes Himalaya the No.1 Face Wash brand in GCC. It is a soap-free, pH-friendly cleanser designed to help clear pimples and prevent pimple marks, and it remains one of Himalaya’s most recognised products across the GCC. The Purifying Neem Scrub and the clay infused Purifying Neem Mask support regular routines by helping remove environmental impurities and maintain clearer looking skin. For more targeted care, the Purifying Neem Serum was recently developed by Himalaya’s Dubai Science Park R&D team. It is a perfect blend of natural ingredients and scientific actives, combining 10% pure Neem extract with 2% Natural Salicylic Acid and CICA. Himalaya Purifying Neem Serum is suitable for day and night use, and is clinically proven to reduce pimples and blemishes within one week, while helping maintain healthier looking, more radiant skin.

A Commitment Beyond Skincare

Beyond clinical performance, the modern GCC beauty consumer is also asking where ingredients come from. Himalaya addresses that directly through its commitment to regenerative sourcing. Over 98% of the herbal ingredients used across its product ranges are harvested from renewable plant parts, with plans to reach 100% by 2030 to support biodiversity preservation. Through initiatives like Project Sampoorna, the brand also works directly with local farming communities, providing structured capacity building and agricultural support. This approach helps preserve organic soil health while tying every product back to a broader commitment to responsible sourcing. To ensure quality, safety and consistency, they apply stringent authentication methods, including DNA barcode testing, to verify herbal identity at the molecular level.

As beauty consumers across the region become more informed about ingredients, climate impact, and skin health, the future of skincare is shifting toward solutions designed around real environments and real needs. For the Middle East climate, that increasingly starts with neem.