Shah Rukh Khan provides input for luxury homes aimed at UAE expats

“My contribution (to the project) was the wish that it should be affordable townhouses,” Shah Rukh Khan said at the launch of the Dh2.3billion Royal Estates project for which he is the brand ambassador. Antonie Robertson / The NationalShow less

DUBAI // Affordable luxury homes with the kitchen central to the design structure is the creative input from Bollywood movie star Shah Rukh Khan to a new gated community of villas and apartments in Dubai.

“My contribution was the wish that it should be affordable townhouses,” Khan said at the launch of the Dh2.3billion Royal Estates project for which he is the brand ambassador.

“When I was asked for my creative ideas I said I liked a home where the kitchen has space because most families have one meal together. When I cook in my home, my kids hang out in the kitchen around me.”

The development comprises apartments from Dh450,000 and townhouses starting at Dh1.6million alongside shops and a luxury hotel in the Dubai Investment Park area.

Khan assured investors the homes would be “warm and artistic” since his wife Gauri worked on the interiors.

The actor is in Dubai to speak about the project to 600 invitees from India, Pakistan, UK and Canada.

The project has been developed jointly by Aristocrat Real Estate Development, Pal Development and Pacific Ventures. It was earlier promoted in 2008 by Aristocrat but delayed due to the economic recession.

Khan, who owns a home in Palm Jumeirah, said he believed in the city as a business hub and tourist destination.

“I feel the energy when I come here, it’s the hub of business,” he said.

“I spend so much time here. I love spending time with my kids in the winter.”