• The elevation at the Reem Hills community can be seen in this rendering. All photos: Q Properties
    The elevation at the Reem Hills community can be seen in this rendering. All photos: Q Properties
  • Views across Reem Hills and beyond.
    Views across Reem Hills and beyond.
  • An overhead view of the development. The first phase of the project is due for completion in December 2024.
    An overhead view of the development. The first phase of the project is due for completion in December 2024.
  • The project will come with beach access.
    The project will come with beach access.
  • Parkland will provide a serene setting for residents.
    Parkland will provide a serene setting for residents.
  • Different villa styles have been presented in the renderings.
    Different villa styles have been presented in the renderings.
  • Three-storey villas are in contrast to Reem Island's tall apartment towers.
    Three-storey villas are in contrast to Reem Island's tall apartment towers.
  • The villas are set to be surrounded by greenery.
    The villas are set to be surrounded by greenery.
  • The interiors are filled with natural light.
    The interiors are filled with natural light.
  • Another style of villa.
    Another style of villa.
  • The living areas are spacious.
    The living areas are spacious.
  • The featured interiors are modern and should appeal to a broad section of buyers.
    The featured interiors are modern and should appeal to a broad section of buyers.
  • Private swimming pools are included in the renderings.
    Private swimming pools are included in the renderings.
  • Reem Hills is among a number of villa projects announced in Abu Dhabi this year.
    Reem Hills is among a number of villa projects announced in Abu Dhabi this year.
  • Reem Island is a popular location for Abu Dhabi residents and is considered a good area in which to buy and rent.
    Reem Island is a popular location for Abu Dhabi residents and is considered a good area in which to buy and rent.
  • Pathways and grass should provide a pleasant experience for residents.
    Pathways and grass should provide a pleasant experience for residents.
  • There is currently only one villa development on Reem Island.
    There is currently only one villa development on Reem Island.
  • The villa will provide room for all the family.
    The villa will provide room for all the family.

Business

Property

Reem Hills: first look at new $2.1bn villa development in Abu Dhabi

Project renders show the man-made hill that will feature on Reem Island

Ian Oxborrow
Ian Oxborrow

April 27, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Property hunters on Abu Dhabi's Reem Island would be hard pressed to find any villas.

The island, a popular location for expatriates in the capital, is dominated by high-rise towers containing hundreds of apartments, plus a cluster of only 42 villas in a development called Nalaya Villas, which opened in 2016.

But that is set to change after Q Properties recently announced Reem Hills, a Dh8 billion ($2.1bn) gated development covering an area of 1.8 million square metres on Reem Island.

The development has a gradation of levels, with the higher-most hill offering "360 degree views", from "greenery to sea", the developer says on its website.

While the number of residential units have not yet been disclosed, the development will feature a park, schools, community centre and retail outlets.

Newly obtained images show a variety of villa styles, with houses surrounded by dense foliage.

Floor-to-ceiling windows feature throughout, with interiors filled with natural light, while private swimming pools also appear to be available at the units.

Properties on an elevation can also be seen, providing views across the island and beyond.

Q Properties last week appointed Abu Dhabi-based Royal Development Company to manage Reem Hills.

A rendering of a villa at Reem Hills. Photo: Q Holding
A rendering of a villa at Reem Hills. Photo: Q Holding

RDC, the property management unit of business conglomerate Emirates Stallions Group, will manage the entire project, from planning to implementation, including the design management and supervision of all contractors, ESG said in a statement.

The first phase of the project is due for completion in December 2024, said ESG, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Company.

Reem Hills is one of many property projects announced in Abu Dhabi this year.

There is Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences by Aldar, while Bloom Holding is also tapping into the gated community model with its Dh9bn Bloom Living project, near Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Aldar also announced the acquisition of 6.2 million square metres of land on Saadiyat Island to develop a Dh15bn mega mixed-use project.

Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences - in pictures

  • Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences by Aldar is expected to have a handover in 2025. All renderings: Aldar
    Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences by Aldar is expected to have a handover in 2025. All renderings: Aldar
  • The view from a balcony that overlooks Louvre Abu Dhabi.
    The view from a balcony that overlooks Louvre Abu Dhabi.
  • Another rendering shows a view of the museum from the development.
    Another rendering shows a view of the museum from the development.
  • An illustration of a typical bedroom at Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences by Aldar.
    An illustration of a typical bedroom at Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences by Aldar.
  • The lobby will contain artwork selected in close consultation with Louvre Abu Dhabi.
    The lobby will contain artwork selected in close consultation with Louvre Abu Dhabi.
  • The cafe will also offer a view of the museum.
    The cafe will also offer a view of the museum.
  • A rendering of the living room with floor-to-ceiling windows.
    A rendering of the living room with floor-to-ceiling windows.
  • Another rendering of the lobby shows water features and sculpture.
    Another rendering of the lobby shows water features and sculpture.
  • The pool will have views of Louvre Abu Dhabi.
    The pool will have views of Louvre Abu Dhabi.
  • Residents will have their own private 12-seat cinema.
    Residents will have their own private 12-seat cinema.
  • They can also ask the concierge service to provide a private chef.
    They can also ask the concierge service to provide a private chef.
  • There are special concierge services on offer for residents, such as pet sitting and dog walking.
    There are special concierge services on offer for residents, such as pet sitting and dog walking.
  • A rendering of the Creativite Room, which includes a play area.
    A rendering of the Creativite Room, which includes a play area.
Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

The biog

Siblings: five brothers and one sister

Education: Bachelors in Political Science at the University of Minnesota

Interests: Swimming, tennis and the gym

Favourite place: UAE

Favourite packet food on the trip: pasta primavera

What he did to pass the time during the trip: listen to audio books

Allardyce's management career

Clubs (10) - Limerick (1991-1992), Perston North End (1992), Blackpool (1994-1996), Notts County (1997-1999), Bolton Wanderers (1999-2007), Newcastle United (2007-2008), Blackburn Rovers (2008-2010), West Ham United (2011-2015), Sunderland (2016), Crystal Palace (2016-2017)

Countries (1) - England (2016)

Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

BRIEF SCORES

England 353 and 313-8 dec
(B Stokes 112, A Cook 88; M Morkel 3-70, K Rabada 3-85)  
(J Bairstow 63, T Westley 59, J Root 50; K Maharaj 3-50)
South Africa 175 and 252
(T Bavuma 52; T Roland-Jones 5-57, J Anderson 3-25)
(D Elgar 136; M Ali 4-45, T Roland-Jones 3-72)

Result: England won by 239 runs
England lead four-match series 2-1

Dr Graham's three goals

Short term

Establish logistics and systems needed to globally deploy vaccines


Intermediate term

Build biomedical workforces in low- and middle-income nations


Long term

A prototype pathogen approach for pandemic preparedness  

While you're here
UK’s AI plan
  • AI ambassadors such as MIT economist Simon Johnson, Monzo cofounder Tom Blomfield and Google DeepMind’s Raia Hadsell
  • £10bn AI growth zone in South Wales to create 5,000 jobs
  • £100m of government support for startups building AI hardware products
  • £250m to train new AI models
Winners

Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)

Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)

Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)

Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)

Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)

Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)

Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)

Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)

How the bonus system works

The two riders are among several riders in the UAE to receive the top payment of £10,000 under the Thank You Fund of £16 million (Dh80m), which was announced in conjunction with Deliveroo's £8 billion (Dh40bn) stock market listing earlier this year.

The £10,000 (Dh50,000) payment is made to those riders who have completed the highest number of orders in each market.

There are also riders who will receive payments of £1,000 (Dh5,000) and £500 (Dh2,500).

All riders who have worked with Deliveroo for at least one year and completed 2,000 orders will receive £200 (Dh1,000), the company said when it announced the scheme.

Expert advice

“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”

Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles

“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”

Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre 

“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”

Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
 

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%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20loss%20of%20sodium%20chloride%20in%20our%20sweat%20can%20lead%20to%20confusion%20and%20an%20altered%20mental%20status%20and%20slurred%20speech%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EBody%20temperature%20above%2039%C2%B0C%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHot%2C%20dry%20and%20red%20or%20damp%20skin%20can%20indicate%20heatstroke%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EA%20faster%20pulse%20than%20usual%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EDizziness%2C%20nausea%20and%20headaches%20are%20also%20signs%20of%20overheating%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EIn%20extreme%20cases%2C%20victims%20can%20lose%20consciousness%20and%20require%20immediate%20medical%20attention%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A

The Disaster Artist

Director: James Franco

Starring: James Franco, Dave Franco, Seth Rogan

Four stars

How Sputnik V works
No more lice

Defining head lice

Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.

Identifying lice

Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.

Treating lice at home

Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.

Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

Golden Shoe top five (as of March 1):

Harry Kane, Tottenham, Premier League, 24 goals, 48 points
Edinson Cavani, PSG, Ligue 1, 24 goals, 48 points
Ciro Immobile, Lazio, Serie A, 23 goals, 46 points
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool, Premier League, 23 goals, 46 points
Lionel Messi, Barcelona, La Liga, 22 goals, 44 points

Race%20card
%3Cp%3E6pm%3A%20Al%20Maktoum%20Challenge%20Round%201%20%E2%80%93%20Group%201%20(PA)%20%2450%2C000%20(Dirt)%201%2C600m%3Cbr%3E6.35pm%3A%20Dubai%20Racing%20Club%20Classic%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20%24100%2C000%20(D)%202%2C410m%3Cbr%3E7.10pm%3A%20Dubawi%20Stakes%20%E2%80%93%20Group%203%20(TB)%20%24150%2C000%20(D)%201%2C200m%3Cbr%3E7.45pm%3A%20Jumeirah%20Classic%20Trial%20%E2%80%93%20Conditions%20(TB)%20%24150%2C000%20(Turf)%201%2C400m%3Cbr%3E8.20pm%3A%20Al%20Maktoum%20Challenge%20Round%201%20%E2%80%93%20Group%202%20(TB)%20%24250%2C000%20(D)%201%2C600m%3Cbr%3E8.55pm%3A%20Al%20Fahidi%20Fort%20%E2%80%93%20Group%202%20(TB)%20%24180%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%3Cbr%3E9.30pm%3A%20Ertijaal%20Dubai%20Dash%20%E2%80%93%20Listed%20(TB)%20%24100%2C000%20(T)%201%2C000m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Updated: April 27, 2022, 4:30 AM
PropertyAbu DhabiReem Island