This page was produced by The National in partnership with Vakson Properties.
UAE developer Vakson has made a major mark on the Dubai skyline for more than 50 years and is reaching new heights with its latest dynamic project.
RIVA Residence, where every apartment has a majestic marine view, is the stylish heart of the emerging Dubai Maritime City community – and will deliver a prime waterfront address that appeals to investors and owner-occupiers.
Vakson chief executive Abbas Vakil says the development is one of the largest the family company has undertaken and “further solidifies the developer’s legacy in the region”. The concept of RIVA Residence centres on providing a premium, modern lifestyle with an emphasis on luxury, comfort and convenience, the company says.
“Designed for discerning individuals and families, it caters to those who value high-end living, privacy, and community-orientated amenities,“ Mr Vakil tells The National. “Key features include contemporary architecture, high-quality finishes, and arrangement of facilities such as fitness and wellness centres, temperature-controlled swimming pools, landscaped gardens, clubhouse spaces, 24/7 security, concierge services, and parking and valet options. Serene sea views further enhance the living experience.
“The project is a fitting sequel to some of Vakson’s key projects across its many years of delivering sought-after real estate and other services to a growing city."
Mr Vakil singles out Emirates Crown and Marina Crown – two luxury developments by Vakson at Dubai Marina – as having represented a significant achievement at the time of their construction and delivery.
“These projects have set their own benchmarks in luxury living,“ says the chief executive. “While Emirates Crown and Marina Crown were equally impressive during their respective launches, offering premium living spaces and a prime address, RIVA Residence, with its exceptional quality and prime location, has redefined standards in the newest waterfront destination of Dubai.
“And as part of Dubai Maritime City, the home-grown company’s latest appealing address offers an equally diverse mix of unit types, including one-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom apartments, and three-bedroom apartments, all generously sized, and including maid’s quarters and a study, to ensure maximum comfort and convenience."
And Mr Vakil also confirms RIVA Residence is no longer an “off-plan project”.
“As of now, 55 per cent of the construction is complete, and we are on track to deliver by December 2025, God willing, “ he says. “This progress provides buyers and investors with the confidence of purchasing a property where significant progress is already visible above ground.
“And, at a time when Dubai and the broader UAE are experiencing an unprecedented real estate boom, not least in the off-plan segment, that can be an important factor for people considering an investment in Dubai or looking to make the city their home."
Mr Vakil describes investing in RIVA Residence as a “smart choice”.
“Situated directly on the waterfront, it is poised to become one of the most sought-after destinations in the coming years,“ the Vakson chief executive explains. “With new infrastructure, including improved roads and bridges, Dubai Maritime City will be easily accessible from any location, further enhancing its appeal.
“Amid the broader revitalisation of Mina Rashid, Dubai Maritime City is now emerging as an address for premium waterfront residential property, of which RIVA Residence is a centrepiece that reflects our strategic commitment to shaping Dubai’s modern real estate landscape.
“With a rich history of transformative developments, Vakson continues to strengthen its legacy by participating in projects that redefine urban living and contribute to Dubai’s evolution.
“Certainly, at a time when there is so much activity in the Dubai real estate landscape, RIVA Residence is emerging as a prime project in a desirable district that offers both historical value and huge future potential. And that many of those purchasing units in this latest landmark on Vakson’s development journey are end users is a sure sign the company is again offering something that stands out as a home and an investment opportunity.
“We take pride in the progress of RIVA Residence, which is moving ahead as scheduled, with completion and handover planned for 2025,“ adds Mohammad Vakil, chairman of Vakson, a company that offers a diversified portfolio of real estate industry activities and services.
He concludes: “While most of our clients are homeowners seeking to reside in RIVA Residence, the project also offers an impressive return on investment potential of up to 30 per cent, making it a highly attractive option for investors.”
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
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Company profile
Name: Dukkantek
Started: January 2021
Founders: Sanad Yaghi, Ali Al Sayegh and Shadi Joulani
Based: UAE
Number of employees: 140
Sector: B2B Vertical SaaS(software as a service)
Investment: $5.2 million
Funding stage: Seed round
Investors: Global Founders Capital, Colle Capital Partners, Wamda Capital, Plug and Play, Comma Capital, Nowais Capital, Annex Investments and AMK Investment Office
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Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
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Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
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Recent winners
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2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
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