• The rear view of the property. All images courtesy Knight Frank
    The rear view of the property. All images courtesy Knight Frank
  • The terrace and gardens feel like a rural retreat.
    The terrace and gardens feel like a rural retreat.
  • The living and dining room are sea facing.
    The living and dining room are sea facing.
  • The rooms are open and flowing downstairs.
    The rooms are open and flowing downstairs.
  • There are two receptions rooms.
    There are two receptions rooms.
  • The pool is a decent size and secluded.
    The pool is a decent size and secluded.
  • The kitchen comes with a sought-after island.
    The kitchen comes with a sought-after island.
  • The master bathroom has a Jacuzzi.
    The master bathroom has a Jacuzzi.
  • The front of the property.
    The front of the property.
  • The high-ceiling lobby area.
    The high-ceiling lobby area.
  • The upstairs terrace has sea views.
    The upstairs terrace has sea views.
  • The property comes with six bathrooms.
    The property comes with six bathrooms.
  • Downstairs dining with potential for watching TV while eating.
    Downstairs dining with potential for watching TV while eating.
  • A peaceful enclave for relaxation.
    A peaceful enclave for relaxation.
  • The interior design is far from overbearing.
    The interior design is far from overbearing.
  • The Royal Residences consist of 38 villas.
    The Royal Residences consist of 38 villas.
  • It also comes with a selection of art work.
    It also comes with a selection of art work.

Property of the Week: Dh22m Zabeel Saray villa brings Ottoman design to Dubai's Palm Jumeirah


Ian Oxborrow
  • English
  • Arabic

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.

Here, we take a look at a villa at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Royal Residences on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah.

The impressive front to the Palm Jumeirah villa. Courtesy Knight Frank
The impressive front to the Palm Jumeirah villa. Courtesy Knight Frank

The key details

The villa, spread across more than 4,400 square feet, comes with five bedrooms, four of which are on the first floor and are accessible by elevator or stairs, and six bathrooms.

It comes fully furnished and is on the market with Knight Frank for Dh22 million.

What's the story?

Palm Jumeirah is home to a vast selection of villas that come in all shapes and sizes; it really is a who's who of architects and interior designers.

But like with our last property of the week, at the The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, there is another way of living beyond the "build it, style it, curate it" concept that is extensive among the fronds.

Here, the owner gets to live within the grounds of one Dubai's finest hotels in what Jumeirah describes as "Turkish-inspired living in lush gardens".

And those gardens are indeed lush, providing secluded private island vibes with a fresh looking lawn and, what else on the Palm Jumeirah, but palm trees! The greenery provides a natural boundary between homes for added privacy.

Inside, there's a calming mix of soft purples, white walls and twinkling chandeliers. It's certainly in keeping with the level of opulence you'd expect at one of Dubai's most prestigious addresses.

The views from the property, meanwhile, are among the most sought-after in the city, with the Dubai Marina and Bluewaters Island in direct eye-line from the rear terrace and garden.

Residents can make the most of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray's facilities, including the fine-dining options, award-winning Talise Ottoman Spa and 59-metre infinity pool, if a larger pool than the one within the villa's boundaries is required.

The villa's grand hallway. Courtesy Knight Frank
The villa's grand hallway. Courtesy Knight Frank

What the brokers say ...

How does the ownership work given it is in the grounds of a Jumeirah hotel?

The property is 100 per cent freehold ownership with full property title deed.

How many Royal Residences are there? Are you living among hotel guests?

The Royal Residences is a collection of 38 villas divided into three different clusters: Seafront Royal Residence, Lagoon Royal Residence and Beach Royal Residence.

The Seafront Royal Residence villas face the Palm Jumeirah itself and the Arabian Gulf, the Beach Royal Residence homes look out towards the Dubai Marina and the Lagoon Royal Residence villas are clustered around a man-made lagoon at the centre of the development.

The interior has had a lot of attention ...

The finest Turkish marble, wood and ceramic imported from Western Anatolia have been used in the exterior and interior design of the villas, which feature sloping tiled roofs, tall columned entry arches and ornate staircases among other fine details.

Why would a buyer opt for the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray ahead of a more private residence on Palm Jumeirah or elsewhere?

This villa has been fully remodelled with high-end luxury furnishings.

Warmth is a signature element of the villas, which take their inspiration from the lavish guesthouses that Ottoman nobles provided their visitors. Rich ivory and gold finishes complement the finest silk fabrics and plush carpeting, along with beautiful chandeliers and accents that give the homes a sense of grandeur. All of the kitchens are fully equipped and there are private sun terraces where you can entertain guests while enjoying the spectacular view.

Anne Ogilvie, associate partner at Knight Frank

De De Pyaar De

Produced: Luv Films, YRF Films
Directed: Akiv Ali
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Rakul Preet Singh, Jimmy Sheirgill, Jaaved Jaffrey
Rating: 3.5/5 stars

THE BIO

Age: 33

Favourite quote: “If you’re going through hell, keep going” Winston Churchill

Favourite breed of dog: All of them. I can’t possibly pick a favourite.

Favourite place in the UAE: The Stray Dogs Centre in Umm Al Quwain. It sounds predictable, but it honestly is my favourite place to spend time. Surrounded by hundreds of dogs that love you - what could possibly be better than that?

Favourite colour: All the colours that dogs come in

While you're here
Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

Libya's Gold

UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves. 

The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.

Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.

Key findings of Jenkins report
  • Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
  • Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
  • Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
  • Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo

Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000

Engine: 5.6-litre V8

Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm

Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km

The Bio

Amal likes watching Japanese animation movies and Manga - her favourite is The Ancient Magus Bride

She is the eldest of 11 children, and has four brothers and six sisters.

Her dream is to meet with all of her friends online from around the world who supported her work throughout the years

Her favourite meal is pizza and stuffed vine leaves

She ams to improve her English and learn Japanese, which many animated programmes originate in