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 best homes on offer in its Property of the Week. This week, we take a look at a palatial mansion located in The Grove, Dubai Hills.
The key details
The nine-bedroom property is located in the newly developed Dubai Hills. It is spread across three floors and 24,000 square feet. If it sells for the Dh78 million asking price, it will be the most expensive villa sold in the emirate this year, as per the Dubai Land Department.
What's the story?
This modern Mediterranean-style mansion is perhaps best described as an estate, rather than a home. Easy to mistake as a boutique hotel rather than a private residence, the new owner will be able to make the most of the generous outdoor space and vast indoor living area.
The 24,000-square-foot home is set within a 33,000-square-foot plot, offering views of the Dubai Hills Golf Club from over its generous multilevel pool.
The double-height entrance opens out to a courtyard. This property is made for outdoor living; pool aside, it has manicured gardens; an air-conditioned pool house cabana, with changing rooms and a Jacuzzi; and an outdoor dining area with a bar, kitchen and plenty of seating.
On the ground floor, you'll find formal and informal living rooms, a family room, dining room and kitchen, as well as three of the guest bedrooms and staff quarters.
The property is built over three storeys, all of which are connected with a lift. When it comes to entertaining, the basement stands out, offering as it does a private cinema, games room, cigar lounge and bar. It also has a spa, gym, powder room and library, as well as underground parking for six cars.
The first floor houses the family accommodation. The master bedroom comes with terrace access, and his and hers walk-in-closets. This level also has four more bedrooms and a family room.
What the brokers say ...
What about Dubai Hills appeals to a high-end buyer?
Dubai Hills is one of the most prestigious communities for an ultra high-net-worth individual to purchase a property. As a new neighbourhood, it has a very modern feel. It is a very peaceful, private, family-friendly community, with plenty of green spaces, a world-class golf course and club, and you have homes of this nature that match a truly opulent lifestyle.
What about this home, and its price point, makes it stand out?
So far, the most expensive villa sold this year was a Dubai Hills mansion for Dh75m. There are other villas at a more expensive price point. However, this Dubai Hills mansion with its high-end finishing and attention to detail is considered well priced for a turn-key villa.
How long has this property been on the market?
The property was on the market earlier this year, but was removed during the initial outbreak of the pandemic. We have only gone back to market last month.
This villa feels almost like a boutique resort. Is that something that appeals to buyers?
With the ongoing pandemic, we have observed that many potential home buyers are looking for larger spaces to cater to their needs, with families requiring bigger home offices, a gym, cinema and entertainment rooms. Many high-end buyers have realised that they need a turn-key home that offers them the best of luxury and space. This home fits the bill, it has plenty of different areas, for work, relaxation and entertainment.
Which of the home's modern features stand out to buyers the most?
Each potential buyer has their own requirements. There's a lot of kudos to be given to the owner and designer to have thought through and designed it so meticulously. It's versatile enough in style to appeal to almost any high-end buyer. The ideal buyer would be someone with a love for Mediterranean architecture, the finer things in life and an appreciation for work-life balance. It's a very well-rounded villa.
Leigh Borg, Managing Director at Luxhabitat Sotheby's International Realty
Pearls on a Branch: Oral Tales
Najlaa Khoury, Archipelago Books
Ahmed Raza
UAE cricket captain
Age: 31
Born: Sharjah
Role: Left-arm spinner
One-day internationals: 31 matches, 35 wickets, average 31.4, economy rate 3.95
T20 internationals: 41 matches, 29 wickets, average 30.3, economy rate 6.28
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying or online bullying could take many forms such as sending unkind or rude messages to someone, socially isolating people from groups, sharing embarrassing pictures of them, or spreading rumors about them.
Cyberbullying can take place on various platforms such as messages, on social media, on group chats, or games.
Parents should watch out for behavioural changes in their children.
When children are being bullied they they may be feel embarrassed and isolated, so parents should watch out for signs of signs of depression and anxiety
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
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Results
5pm: Warsan Lake – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 2,200m; Winner: Dhaw Al Reef, Sam Hitchcott (jockey), Abdallah Al Hammadi (trainer)
5.30pm: Al Quadra Lake – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Mrouwah Al Gharbia, Sando Paiva, Abubakar Daud
6pm: Hatta Lake – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: AF Yatroq, George Buckell, Ernst Oertel
6.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Ashton Tourettes, Adries de Vries, Ibrahim Aseel
7pm: Abu Dhabi Championship – Listed (PA) Dh180,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Bahar Muscat, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7.30pm: Zakher Lake – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Alfareeq, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Tottenham v Ajax, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE).
Second leg
Ajax v Tottenham, Wednesday, May 8, 11pm
Games on BeIN Sports
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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