• 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.

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


Ian Oxborrow
  • 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.
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPAD%20(2022)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2010.9-inch%20Liquid%20Retina%20IPS%20LCD%2C%202%2C360%20x%201%2C640%2C%20264ppi%2C%20wide%20colour%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20Apple%20Pencil%201%20support%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EChip%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20A14%20Bionic%2C%206-core%20CPU%2C%204-core%20GPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2064GB%2F256GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20iPadOS%2016%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012-megapixel%20wide%2C%20f%2F1.8%2C%205x%20digital%2C%20Smart%20HDR%203%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204K%20%40%2024%2F25%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20full%20HD%20%40%2025%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20slo-mo%20%40%20120%2F240fps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012MP%20ultra-wide%2C%20f%2F2.4%2C%202x%2C%20Smart%20HDR%203%2C%20Centre%20Stage%3B%20full%20HD%20%40%2025%2F30%2F60fps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAudio%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Stereo%20speakers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBiometrics%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Touch%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20USB-C%2C%20smart%20connector%20(for%20folio%2Fkeyboard)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Up%20to%2010%20hours%20on%20Wi-Fi%3B%20up%20to%209%20hours%20on%20cellular%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFinish%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Blue%2C%20pink%2C%20silver%2C%20yellow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20iPad%2C%20USB-C-to-USB-C%20cable%2C%2020W%20power%20adapter%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%20%E2%80%94%20Dh1%2C849%20(64GB)%20%2F%20Dh2%2C449%20(256GB)%3B%20cellular%20%E2%80%94%20Dh2%2C449%20(64GB)%20%2F%20Dh3%2C049%20(256GB)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
  • Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000 
  • Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000 
  • HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000 
  • Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000 
  • Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000 
  • Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000 
  • Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000 
  • Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
  • Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
  • Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

MATCH INFO

Argentina 47 (Tries: Sanchez, Tuculet (2), Mallia (2), De La Fuente, Bertranou; Cons: Sanchez 5, Urdapilleta)

United States 17 (Tries: Scully (2), Lasike; Cons: MacGinty)

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E680hp%20at%206%2C000rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E800Nm%20at%202%2C750-6%2C000rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERear-mounted%20eight-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E13.6L%2F100km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Orderbook%20open%3B%20deliveries%20start%20end%20of%20year%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh970%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
'The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window'

Director:Michael Lehmann

Stars:Kristen Bell

Rating: 1/5

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

Our legal columnist

Name: Yousef Al Bahar

Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994

Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers

How will Gen Alpha invest?

Mark Chahwan, co-founder and chief executive of robo-advisory firm Sarwa, forecasts that Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) will start investing in their teenage years and therefore benefit from compound interest.

“Technology and education should be the main drivers to make this happen, whether it’s investing in a few clicks or their schools/parents stepping up their personal finance education skills,” he adds.

Mr Chahwan says younger generations have a higher capacity to take on risk, but for some their appetite can be more cautious because they are investing for the first time. “Schools still do not teach personal finance and stock market investing, so a lot of the learning journey can feel daunting and intimidating,” he says.

He advises millennials to not always start with an aggressive portfolio even if they can afford to take risks. “We always advise to work your way up to your risk capacity, that way you experience volatility and get used to it. Given the higher risk capacity for the younger generations, stocks are a favourite,” says Mr Chahwan.

Highlighting the role technology has played in encouraging millennials and Gen Z to invest, he says: “They were often excluded, but with lower account minimums ... a customer with $1,000 [Dh3,672] in their account has their money working for them just as hard as the portfolio of a high get-worth individual.”

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

Duminy's Test career in numbers

Tests 46; Runs 2,103; Best 166; Average 32.85; 100s 6; 50s 8; Wickets 42; Best 4-47

Our legal consultants

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

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

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.0%20twin-turbo%20inline%20six-cylinder%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eeight-speed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E503hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E600Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efrom%20Dh400%2C000%20(estimate)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm

Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto

Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km

Price: From Dh796,600

On sale: now

What went into the film

25 visual effects (VFX) studios

2,150 VFX shots in a film with 2,500 shots

1,000 VFX artists

3,000 technicians

10 Concept artists, 25 3D designers

New sound technology, named 4D SRL

 

The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300 Cabriolet

Price, base / as tested: Dh275,250 / Dh328,465

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder

Power: 245hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque: 370Nm @ 1,300rpm

Transmission: Nine-speed automatic

Fuel consumption, combined: 7.0L / 100km

Updated: April 27, 2022, 4:30 AM