There is no doubt that the UAE is home to some spectacular properties. From penthouse apartments to plush villas with sprawling gardens and incredible pools, it’s a real estate haven.
Each week, The National showcases some of the finest homes on offer in its Property of the Week. Here, we take a closer look at a spectacular villa in Dubai's Umm Suqeim neighbourhood.
The key details
This villa is a modern architectural marvel. With five spacious bedrooms and six bathrooms, it is on a built-up area of 19,000 square feet, on a 15,000-square-foot plot. The property boasts an 18-metre-long swimming pool, private cinema, gym, bar, billiards room and wine cellar. It is on the market for Dh40 million.
What's the story?
A Burj Al Arab terrace view is a selling point at plenty of bars and restaurants around Dubai, but for prospective buyers, enjoying vistas of the self-assigned seven-star property from this residence could be a deciding factor.
The property, known as the Pool House, was designed by prominent Lebanese-Venezuelan architect Chakib Richani. It has the feel of a modern, tranquil oasis. Long lines are a prominent theme throughout, from the lengthy swimming pool to the spacious corridors, framed entrance and shuttered windows, all of which add to the open and airy feel.
An entry courtyard welcomes you to the striking property, which is focused around the inviting 18-metre-long central swimming pool. Set over three floors, the contemporary villa is brimming with private leisure facilities.
There are spacious living areas on each floor, including a formal living and dining room on the ground floor. The palatial property boasts a full hotel-grade industrial kitchen, which is perfect for entertaining as you host guests in the garden, outdoor seating area or the expansive balcony with Burj Al Arab views.
With five en suite bedrooms, the property can accommodate large families looking to enjoy the Umm Sequim location, set two blocks back from the white sand of Jumeirah Beach, and with a great selection of dining outlets, boutique shops, malls, spas, salons and leisure venues within walking distance.
The property also has underground parking and staff quarters that can sleep up to 10.
What the broker says ...
How often does a villa of this standard come on to the market?
It is very rare for us to see a modern designed villa of such quality come to market. This is a very special villa, as it was constructed like a sculpture with precision, craftsmanship and incredible architectural design components, including the attention to detail, materials and space planning for a family to enjoy and entertain. The villa has an incredible zen-like feel once inside and architectural elements that are done to perfection. One of the rare things for a villa in this area is the underground car parking.
Are there any regulations on who can buy in Umm Suqeim?
Yes, as it is a non-freehold area, it is designated for GCC nationals only, or for purchase through a local company. Although, in the last year, we have been able to transact within the area for foreign nationals through a trust structure that is governed by the DIFC courts, thus allowing the foreign national to wholly own the property through this structure.
What inspired the interiors?
The interior and the design of the house was done by renowned architect Chakib Richani and the homeowner, who played an integral role in the design. The villa is called the Pool House, as it sits with an incredible pool that is showcased from all rooms; this creates an oasis within the outside courtyard area for lounging, relaxing and entertaining.
The villa is incredibly private, with a simply beautiful landscape design. On entering, you are transported from the busy world of Dubai into a stunning home complete with a design that allows for vast amounts of natural light and, in the evening, a setting that is captivating to enjoy while sitting outside.
There is always a natural breeze flowing throughout the yard, due to the details in architectural design. It is a villa for a family looking to own a home, with a modern flow of internal spaces and light to create a feeling of well-being. Also, the dining room is a special place to host a dinner; combined with the downstairs entertainment area, you have plenty of space to entertain.
Does a Burj Al Arab view add to a property's value?
The location is ideal, as it sits within an area that allows easy access to all major roads and amenities, and, yes, of course, with views of the Burj Al Arab, at night you are able to experience the glow of the hotel. For families, it is ideal to be able to join the gym and beach club at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. In addition to this, the terrace on the top is the perfect place to enjoy all of Dubai's incredible firework displays.
The property has a resort-like feel. Was that intentional?
Yes, the new homeowner will be able to relax around the large pool on modern style loungers, with a lush landscape of palm trees and tall trees to enjoy the blue skies of Dubai. Floating in the pool all day or using it for exercise are musts. There is a lounge area that feels like you are in your own five-star resort along with a fully functioning bulthaup kitchen that allows staff to serve an afternoon lunch or a private dinner to your guests. When entertaining in the evening, you can open the doors, light the candles and enjoy an evening of music with friends.
Responses are from Leigh Williamson, managing director of Luxhabitat Sotheby's International Realty, luxhabitat.ae
SPEC%20SHEET
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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.”
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Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
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Day 2
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Coal Black Mornings
Brett Anderson
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Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet