Elite Residence penthouse in Dubai with pool. Photo: Luxhabitat Sotheby's International Realty
Elite Residence penthouse in Dubai with pool. Photo: Luxhabitat Sotheby's International Realty
Elite Residence penthouse in Dubai with pool. Photo: Luxhabitat Sotheby's International Realty
Elite Residence penthouse in Dubai with pool. Photo: Luxhabitat Sotheby's International Realty

Best of UAE Property of the Week - which was your favourite in 2021?


Ian Oxborrow
  • English
  • Arabic

We like choosing them, and you like looking at them.

Each week The National selects a home that's on the market for its Property of the Week feature – and, whether it's located in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, they come in all different shapes and sizes.

From private islands to swimming pools in the lounge and cinemas in the basement, these haven't been your typical two-up, two down-style homes, or regular new build apartments of which there are plenty across the UAE.

Now it's your chance to have your say on which you liked best. So take a look at the options we've selected below and vote in the poll at the bottom.

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Dh125 million Bentley Palace on Dubai's Sweden Island

  • The Bentley Palace on Sweden Island located within the World Islands development in Dubai. All photos: Luxhabitat Sotheby's International Realty
    The Bentley Palace on Sweden Island located within the World Islands development in Dubai. All photos: Luxhabitat Sotheby's International Realty
  • The property comes with expansive views out across the ocean
    The property comes with expansive views out across the ocean
  • The house comes with Bentley-branded furnishings
    The house comes with Bentley-branded furnishings
  • The bathrooms are not fitted with your average bath tub
    The bathrooms are not fitted with your average bath tub
  • This bathtub is from a single piece of marble
    This bathtub is from a single piece of marble
  • The Bentley Palace villa has seven bedrooms
    The Bentley Palace villa has seven bedrooms
  • The property has a fully-quipped gymnasium
    The property has a fully-quipped gymnasium
  • The house comes fully furnished
    The house comes fully furnished
  • There are plenty of options for pampering with a spa at home
    There are plenty of options for pampering with a spa at home
  • The home has two kitchens, both with soft close cabinets, natural stone tops and Miele appliances
    The home has two kitchens, both with soft close cabinets, natural stone tops and Miele appliances
  • The home is spread across six storeys
    The home is spread across six storeys
  • It is the last of the nine villas on Sweden Island left to be sold
    It is the last of the nine villas on Sweden Island left to be sold
  • The property comes with a private beach
    The property comes with a private beach
  • The rooftop view looks over the Arabian Gulf
    The rooftop view looks over the Arabian Gulf
  • For those who prefer not to swim in the sea, there's also a large overflow infinity pool
    For those who prefer not to swim in the sea, there's also a large overflow infinity pool
  • Along wit the spa and sauna, there is a snow room for cold treatments
    Along wit the spa and sauna, there is a snow room for cold treatments
  • A bedroom with a jungle view
    A bedroom with a jungle view
  • There is 24-hour service that you can dial in from the neighbouring five-star hotels
    There is 24-hour service that you can dial in from the neighbouring five-star hotels
  • The sauna room
    The sauna room
  • The island is accessible via boat or helicopter
    The island is accessible via boat or helicopter

This seven-bedroom mansion is part of The Heart of Europe development at The World Islands off the coast of Dubai. It is one of nine villas on the Sweden Island, of which eight have been sold. The villa comes with eight bathrooms, has a built up area of 25,000 square feet and sits on a plot of 34,500 square feet.

The neighbours are made up of regional royalty, and a new buyer must be vetted by the authorities first, and then be approved by all the neighbours.

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Loft-style living for Dh4.5m in JBR

  • A loft is an open plan style of living. All images courtesy Luxhabitat Sotheby's International Realty
    A loft is an open plan style of living. All images courtesy Luxhabitat Sotheby's International Realty
  • The custom-designed kitchen has built in appliances.
    The custom-designed kitchen has built in appliances.
  • The living area. The property comes nicely furnished.
    The living area. The property comes nicely furnished.
  • A pool table comes with the property - perfect for socialising.
    A pool table comes with the property - perfect for socialising.
  • The view out over Palm Jumeirah.
    The view out over Palm Jumeirah.
  • It is spacious and airy - comfortable for a couple to reside with a child.
    It is spacious and airy - comfortable for a couple to reside with a child.
  • The high ceilings provide character.
    The high ceilings provide character.
  • There are two bedrooms.
    There are two bedrooms.
  • Some interesting furnishings are dotted about.
    Some interesting furnishings are dotted about.
  • The kitchen comes with views out the window.
    The kitchen comes with views out the window.
  • The bedrooms are not overloaded with furniture.
    The bedrooms are not overloaded with furniture.
  • The loft is located in the Sadaf 6 development.
    The loft is located in the Sadaf 6 development.
  • It has undergone extensive renovations.
    It has undergone extensive renovations.
  • The mirrored glass gives a sense of extra space.
    The mirrored glass gives a sense of extra space.
  • The master bedroom comes with a Jacuzzi.
    The master bedroom comes with a Jacuzzi.
  • The floor to ceiling room divider is a pleasant addition.
    The floor to ceiling room divider is a pleasant addition.
  • The view out towards Ain Dubai.
    The view out towards Ain Dubai.
  • The apartment is ready to move in.
    The apartment is ready to move in.

Just because the price tag isn't in the dozens of millions doesn't mean it can't be super cool. This loft, located on a high floor in the Sadaf 6 development in JBR, is made for a young (or old) hipster with its high ceilings and open plan layout.

The extensive upgrades and refurbishment cost approximately Dh500,000.

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Dh10.6m Abu Dhabi villa with a 'one-of-a-kind' view

  • The privacy of your own pool in a community development. All images courtesy Henry Wiltshire International
    The privacy of your own pool in a community development. All images courtesy Henry Wiltshire International
  • The main lounge is airy with its double-height ceiling.
    The main lounge is airy with its double-height ceiling.
  • The view over Al Zeina towards Yas Island.
    The view over Al Zeina towards Yas Island.
  • A choice of view from the comfort of your bed.
    A choice of view from the comfort of your bed.
  • The lounge opens out on to the terrace.
    The lounge opens out on to the terrace.
  • The kitchen has fully integrated appliances by Miele and Quooker.
    The kitchen has fully integrated appliances by Miele and Quooker.
  • The dining room overlooks the pool - and the sea.
    The dining room overlooks the pool - and the sea.
  • The lounge runs through to the kitchen-diner.
    The lounge runs through to the kitchen-diner.
  • Diners can sit at the kitchen island for less formal eating.
    Diners can sit at the kitchen island for less formal eating.
  • The upstairs entertainment room.
    The upstairs entertainment room.
  • The villa has seven bathrooms.
    The villa has seven bathrooms.
  • With six bedrooms, there is space for all the family.
    With six bedrooms, there is space for all the family.
  • More outdoor space.
    More outdoor space.
  • The community of Al Zeina includes a nursery and retail outlets.
    The community of Al Zeina includes a nursery and retail outlets.
  • Remote-controlled blinds can keep the sunlight out.
    Remote-controlled blinds can keep the sunlight out.
  • There is a private beach for residents.
    There is a private beach for residents.
  • There's still room for the new owner to bring in more furniture.
    There's still room for the new owner to bring in more furniture.
  • The bedrooms are of a decent size and shape.
    The bedrooms are of a decent size and shape.
  • The dining room. The property also comes with a maid's room and two parking spaces.
    The dining room. The property also comes with a maid's room and two parking spaces.
  • The villa is on the market for Dh10.6 million.
    The villa is on the market for Dh10.6 million.
  • Toasters, blenders, pressure cookers - they'll all fit in this kitchen.
    Toasters, blenders, pressure cookers - they'll all fit in this kitchen.
  • His and hers showers are accompanied by a high-sided bath.
    His and hers showers are accompanied by a high-sided bath.

Again, not the most expensive, or the biggest, but has so much going for it. This villa set in the sought-after Al Zeina community at Al Raha Beach has the privacy of a penthouse apartment, plus the views, but still has its own outdoor space.

The design is tasteful, there's something for all of the family and the community has its own beach for residents.

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Dh100m Palm Jumeirah beachfront mansion

  • This Palm Jumeirah property is on the market for Dh100 million. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    This Palm Jumeirah property is on the market for Dh100 million. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • The property is spread across 14,420 square feet on a 14,451 sqft plot. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    The property is spread across 14,420 square feet on a 14,451 sqft plot. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • The home cinema room. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    The home cinema room. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • Open-plan living on the ground floor. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    Open-plan living on the ground floor. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • A spacious family kitchen. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    A spacious family kitchen. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • The property is being sold fully furnished. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    The property is being sold fully furnished. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • It is located on a private 67-metre stretch of beach. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    It is located on a private 67-metre stretch of beach. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • The sleek and modern outdoor barbecue area. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    The sleek and modern outdoor barbecue area. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • The inviting entrance to the home. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    The inviting entrance to the home. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • An informal, family dining area. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    An informal, family dining area. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • Dubai Marina views from the second-floor terrace. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    Dubai Marina views from the second-floor terrace. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • The interiors have been designed to maximise light. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    The interiors have been designed to maximise light. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • Light and bright interiors throughout. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    Light and bright interiors throughout. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • A home office, located on the second floor. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    A home office, located on the second floor. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • The property is finished with Italian marble throughout. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    The property is finished with Italian marble throughout. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • The master dressing room. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    The master dressing room. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • A 20-metre infinity pool. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    A 20-metre infinity pool. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • Plenty of private spaces to relax in. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    Plenty of private spaces to relax in. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • The property boasts floor-to-ceiling windows throughout. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    The property boasts floor-to-ceiling windows throughout. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • One of six spacious en-suite bedrooms. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    One of six spacious en-suite bedrooms. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • A generously sized driveway. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    A generously sized driveway. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • Ample seating areas outside the home. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    Ample seating areas outside the home. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • The entrance to Villa Aurum. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    The entrance to Villa Aurum. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • The property boasts a number of water features. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    The property boasts a number of water features. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • A formal living area. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    A formal living area. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • The infinity pool looks out over Dubai Marina. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    The infinity pool looks out over Dubai Marina. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • A relaxed garden seating area. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    A relaxed garden seating area. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • A generously sized terrace. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    A generously sized terrace. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • Each of the six bedrooms are en-suite. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    Each of the six bedrooms are en-suite. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
  • A view of the private stretch of beach from the top floor. Courtesy BlackBrick Property
    A view of the private stretch of beach from the top floor. Courtesy BlackBrick Property

High-end living at its finest. This six-bedroom, six-bathroom Palm Jumeirah property has a gym, sauna, spa, cinema, infinity pool and 67 metres of private white, sandy beach.

The owner will be only one of 16 who own a property at the very frond tip of one of the world's largest manmade archipelagos.

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Dh4m Parisian palace in the heart of Dubai

  • Stepping into this villa, located in Dubai's Green Community, transports you to a 19-century Parisian home. Courtesy Luxury Property
    Stepping into this villa, located in Dubai's Green Community, transports you to a 19-century Parisian home. Courtesy Luxury Property
  • The grand three-bedroom villa has been renovated in a period stye from top to bottom. Courtesy Luxury Property
    The grand three-bedroom villa has been renovated in a period stye from top to bottom. Courtesy Luxury Property
  • Artwork, fabrics and wallpapers were sourced directly from Europe, predominantly from France. Courtesy Luxury Property
    Artwork, fabrics and wallpapers were sourced directly from Europe, predominantly from France. Courtesy Luxury Property
  • A classic clawfoot bathtub in a very spacious bathroom. Courtesy Luxury Property
    A classic clawfoot bathtub in a very spacious bathroom. Courtesy Luxury Property
  • A classic country-style kitchen in the heart of the home. Courtesy Luxury Property
    A classic country-style kitchen in the heart of the home. Courtesy Luxury Property
  • A far-cry from muted fitted wardrobes more often seen in Dubai properties. Courtesy Luxury Property
    A far-cry from muted fitted wardrobes more often seen in Dubai properties. Courtesy Luxury Property
  • You can imagine a waltz or two taking place in this formal living room. Courtesy Luxury Property
    You can imagine a waltz or two taking place in this formal living room. Courtesy Luxury Property
  • A television is the only telltale sign that you're in the 21st century. Courtesy Luxury Property
    A television is the only telltale sign that you're in the 21st century. Courtesy Luxury Property
  • A snug and traditional living room. Courtesy Luxury Property
    A snug and traditional living room. Courtesy Luxury Property
  • A calm office area, with period furniture and artwork. Courtesy Luxury Property
    A calm office area, with period furniture and artwork. Courtesy Luxury Property
  • From the outside, the villa is a classic UAE property. Courtesy Luxury Property
    From the outside, the villa is a classic UAE property. Courtesy Luxury Property
  • A spacious garden in the 10,000 sq ft plot. Courtesy Luxury Property
    A spacious garden in the 10,000 sq ft plot. Courtesy Luxury Property
  • Boundary walls have been covered to look like a classic garden maze. Courtesy Luxury Property
    Boundary walls have been covered to look like a classic garden maze. Courtesy Luxury Property
  • An outdoor seating area. Courtesy Luxury Property
    An outdoor seating area. Courtesy Luxury Property

This unusual renovated three-bedroom property decorated in 19th-century Parisian style is located in the Green Community West, in the outskirts of the city in Dubai Investments Park.

It is unlike any you'll find elsewhere in the UAE and is like something straight out of the Netflix series Bridgerton.

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Dubai Marina penthouse with a swimming pool in the living room

  • The Elite Residence six-bedroom penthouse with an indoor pool in the living room. All photos: Luxhabitat Sotheby's International Realty
    The Elite Residence six-bedroom penthouse with an indoor pool in the living room. All photos: Luxhabitat Sotheby's International Realty
  • A modern open-plan kitchen with integrated appliances
    A modern open-plan kitchen with integrated appliances
  • One of the two spacious living areas
    One of the two spacious living areas
  • The penthouse apartment has six en-suite bedrooms
    The penthouse apartment has six en-suite bedrooms
  • Palm Jumeirah views from the bar area of the Elite Residence penthouse
    Palm Jumeirah views from the bar area of the Elite Residence penthouse
  • A home office area in the penthouse
    A home office area in the penthouse
  • The private indoor pool spans a portion of the living room
    The private indoor pool spans a portion of the living room
  • A cosy spot to relax
    A cosy spot to relax
  • The dining room
    The dining room
  • Ample space for entertaining
    Ample space for entertaining
  • The property has a bright and spacious open-plan set-up
    The property has a bright and spacious open-plan set-up
  • There is a modern lighting feature throughout the penthouse
    There is a modern lighting feature throughout the penthouse
  • The property has ample sea views
    The property has ample sea views
  • A private indoor swimming pool in an apartment is a rarity even in Dubai
    A private indoor swimming pool in an apartment is a rarity even in Dubai
  • One of eight spacious bathrooms in the property
    One of eight spacious bathrooms in the property

This six-bedroom, eight-bathroom penthouse property in Elite Residence in Dubai Marina was on the market for between Dh33m and Dh35m.

Properties that come with their own swimming pool are no rarity in the UAE – however, apartments with a swimming pool inside the living room are not common.

It also comes with plenty of other benefits such as 360° views.

Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

The biog

Favourite hobby: I love to sing but I don’t get to sing as much nowadays sadly.

Favourite book: Anything by Sidney Sheldon.

Favourite movie: The Exorcist 2. It is a big thing in our family to sit around together and watch horror movies, I love watching them.

Favourite holiday destination: The favourite place I have been to is Florence, it is a beautiful city. My dream though has always been to visit Cyprus, I really want to go there.

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

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

How to wear a kandura

Dos

  • Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion 
  • Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
  • Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work 
  • Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester

Don’ts 

  • Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal 
  • Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Zakat definitions

Zakat: an Arabic word meaning ‘to cleanse’ or ‘purification’.

Nisab: the minimum amount that a Muslim must have before being obliged to pay zakat. Traditionally, the nisab threshold was 87.48 grams of gold, or 612.36 grams of silver. The monetary value of the nisab therefore varies by current prices and currencies.

Zakat Al Mal: the ‘cleansing’ of wealth, as one of the five pillars of Islam; a spiritual duty for all Muslims meeting the ‘nisab’ wealth criteria in a lunar year, to pay 2.5 per cent of their wealth in alms to the deserving and needy.

Zakat Al Fitr: a donation to charity given during Ramadan, before Eid Al Fitr, in the form of food. Every adult Muslim who possesses food in excess of the needs of themselves and their family must pay two qadahs (an old measure just over 2 kilograms) of flour, wheat, barley or rice from each person in a household, as a minimum.

Why it pays to compare

A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.

Route 1: bank transfer

The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.

Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount

Total received: €4,670.30 

Route 2: online platform

The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.

Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction

Total received: €4,756

The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.

The bio

Studied up to grade 12 in Vatanappally, a village in India’s southern Thrissur district

Was a middle distance state athletics champion in school

Enjoys driving to Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah with family

His dream is to continue working as a social worker and help people

Has seven diaries in which he has jotted down notes about his work and money he earned

Keeps the diaries in his car to remember his journey in the Emirates

Updated: January 11, 2022, 8:43 AM