Ultra-luxury living is not just about associating with top-tier brands. It’s about weaving their essence into everything your project stands for and aspires to be. More importantly, it’s about giving your customers the pinnacle of what a seven-star lifestyle in Dubai can offer.
Economy Middle East speaks to Mahdi Amjad, founder and executive chairman at OMNIYAT, on what sets their projects apart from other luxury offerings in the market. Amjad also talks about the importance of choosing the right partners and the inspiration behind OMNIYAT’s latest projects.
How does OMNIYAT approach integrating global trends in design, lifestyle, architecture and F&B into its projects to ensure they stay ahead in the luxury space?
From the outset, our strategy has been to work with fellow visionaries to create masterpieces that are truly unique in the market. This is why we work with partners who will elevate our properties into exceptional living experiences, rather than just using brand partnerships to elevate our brand. We identify the absolute best of the best in each field and invite them to work with us to set new benchmarks in the real estate industry, always seeking to explore the boundaries of where art, design, architecture, and lifestyle intersect to bring something new to the market.
We have already seen this with The Lana and The Lana Residences, Dorchester Collection Dubai, VELA and VELA VIENTO, which will become another manifestation of OMNIYAT’s dedication to continuously reimagining ultra-luxury living. These properties not only feature architectural brilliance and the elegance of French interior design from renowned partners like Foster + Partners and Parisian design duo Gilles & Boissier but also include fine dining courtesy of Michelin-starred chefs.
The Lana, our first hospitality project in partnership with Dorchester Collection, offers the finest in five-star dining, facilities, and breathtaking venues, along with the region’s first Dior Spa.
An example I am particularly proud of is The Opus, which is now an iconic landmark in Dubai’s Business Bay district. Our first collaboration with the immensely talented Dame Zaha Hadid, one of the world’s most renowned and visionary architects, the building was completed in 2019. It is the only Zaha Hadid building in the UAE, the only hotel where she designed both the architecture and the interiors, and one of only two landmarks in the UAE to be designed by her personally, the other being Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi.
I’m also proud of our projects on Palm Jumeirah, which boast some of the largest and most valuable penthouses in the UAE by square footage. These properties, such as AVA at Palm Jumeirah, and The Alba and Alba Residences, Dorchester Collection, Dubai, take exclusive living to new heights by placing wellness at the core of their design, aiming to meet the highest level of WELL CertificationTM from the WELL Building Standard®.
Could you share a little about the inspiration behind The ALBA and how it has raised the bar for ultra-luxury real estate in Dubai?
The Alba, an ultra-luxury project launched by OMNIYAT in partnership with Zaha Hadid Architects, encapsulates our vision of reimagined coastal luxury. This development, managed by Dorchester Collection, is a retreat by the sea on the eastern crescent of Palm Jumeirah, uniquely crafted to balance nature, art, and innovation.
This design integrates organic, maritime-inspired architecture, reminiscent of an opulent yacht, standing in harmony with its natural surroundings. Our aim is to create an environment where residents can connect with nature. Collaborating with Zaha Hadid Architects, we focused on spatial inventiveness and elegance, delivering not only aesthetic appeal but also the well-being of residents through outdoor terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and seamless integration with Dubai’s coastal environment.
Our collaboration with Dorchester Collection ensures that The Alba offers an unparalleled level of service.
Where The Alba truly shines is in its commitment to wellness: a holistic concept that surpasses the conventional luxury amenities. The project promises Dubai’s most expansive wellness center to date, offering residents an exclusive sanctuary that includes everything from private pools and outdoor Jacuzzis to panoramic terraces. The serene landscape, meticulously curated by award-winning landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic, features tropical gardens, cascading waterfalls and shaded walkways.
As OMNIYAT continues to pioneer in the ultra-luxury sector, can you give us a glimpse into the innovative features we might see in your upcoming projects?
It has always been essential for us to create properties that lead the way not only in design and craftsmanship but also in the daily living experience.
However, it’s also essential for us that luxury goes hand in hand with sustainability. For example, with The Alba, we have aimed to meet the highest standards of WELL Certification™ from the WELL Building Standard. This aligns with OMNIYAT’s broader vision to craft environments that not only look beautiful but also promote ecological stewardship.
Our properties are managed by the most cutting-edge smart building management systems with an aspiration to achieve the UAE’s highest possible LEED certifications for sustainable development.
We are also committed to ensuring that our buildings meet the highest standards of technology and connectivity to ensure the most seamless and convenient experience for residents.
With features like automatic number plate recognition and automated environmental controls managing lighting and air-conditioning, all complemented by exceptional levels of security, our upcoming properties have achieved Platinum WiredScore Pre-Certification, the global standard for digitally connected buildings, as well as a Platinum SmartScore Pre-Certification for technologically advanced smart buildings.
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OMNIYAT acquired Marasi Bay Marina. How does this align with OMNIYAT’s broader strategy and philosophy of merging ultra-luxury with curated living?
Once our grand vision for Marasi Bay is complete, you won’t ever wish to leave it! The unique characteristics of the location will allow us to craft an exclusive, conceptual lifestyle destination unseen in Dubai.Â
We’re reimagining the area, with a vision to create an incomparable ecosystem for global citizens seeking an uber-luxurious way of living, featuring restaurants led by Michelin-starred chefs, the region’s first Dior Spa, an exclusive yacht club at Marasi Bay Marina, and more.Â
Situated in the Burj Khalifa district, all the residences at our projects in Marasi Bay, including Vela and Vela Viento, as well as the Lana and Lana Residences nearby, will boast spectacular views of Dubai’s Downtown district and the Burj Khalifa. Residents of all our Marasi Bay properties will enjoy access to the Lana, Dorchester Collection Dubai’s world-class amenities, in addition to their own.Â
Marasi Bay is also ideally located next to the Downtown, Business Bay and DIFC business districts, and a short distance away from Dubai Design District, with direct connections to Al Khail Road and Sheikh Zayed Road, the two main arterial roads through the city.Â
There is also direct access to Marasi Bay Marina, which can connect you by water to anywhere along Dubai Creek and canal or the city’s coastal areas.Â
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