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 finest homes on offer in its Property of the Week. Here, we take a closer look at a spectacular villa in Dubai's Umm Suqeim neighbourhood.
The key details
This villa is a modern architectural marvel. With five spacious bedrooms and six bathrooms, it is on a built-up area of 19,000 square feet, on a 15,000-square-foot plot. The property boasts an 18-metre-long swimming pool, private cinema, gym, bar, billiards room and wine cellar. It is on the market for Dh40 million.
What's the story?
A Burj Al Arab terrace view is a selling point at plenty of bars and restaurants around Dubai, but for prospective buyers, enjoying vistas of the self-assigned seven-star property from this residence could be a deciding factor.
The property, known as the Pool House, was designed by prominent Lebanese-Venezuelan architect Chakib Richani. It has the feel of a modern, tranquil oasis. Long lines are a prominent theme throughout, from the lengthy swimming pool to the spacious corridors, framed entrance and shuttered windows, all of which add to the open and airy feel.
An entry courtyard welcomes you to the striking property, which is focused around the inviting 18-metre-long central swimming pool. Set over three floors, the contemporary villa is brimming with private leisure facilities.
There are spacious living areas on each floor, including a formal living and dining room on the ground floor. The palatial property boasts a full hotel-grade industrial kitchen, which is perfect for entertaining as you host guests in the garden, outdoor seating area or the expansive balcony with Burj Al Arab views.
With five en suite bedrooms, the property can accommodate large families looking to enjoy the Umm Sequim location, set two blocks back from the white sand of Jumeirah Beach, and with a great selection of dining outlets, boutique shops, malls, spas, salons and leisure venues within walking distance.
The property also has underground parking and staff quarters that can sleep up to 10.
What the broker says ...
How often does a villa of this standard come on to the market?
It is very rare for us to see a modern designed villa of such quality come to market. This is a very special villa, as it was constructed like a sculpture with precision, craftsmanship and incredible architectural design components, including the attention to detail, materials and space planning for a family to enjoy and entertain. The villa has an incredible zen-like feel once inside and architectural elements that are done to perfection. One of the rare things for a villa in this area is the underground car parking.
Are there any regulations on who can buy in Umm Suqeim?
Yes, as it is a non-freehold area, it is designated for GCC nationals only, or for purchase through a local company. Although, in the last year, we have been able to transact within the area for foreign nationals through a trust structure that is governed by the DIFC courts, thus allowing the foreign national to wholly own the property through this structure.
What inspired the interiors?
The interior and the design of the house was done by renowned architect Chakib Richani and the homeowner, who played an integral role in the design. The villa is called the Pool House, as it sits with an incredible pool that is showcased from all rooms; this creates an oasis within the outside courtyard area for lounging, relaxing and entertaining.
The villa is incredibly private, with a simply beautiful landscape design. On entering, you are transported from the busy world of Dubai into a stunning home complete with a design that allows for vast amounts of natural light and, in the evening, a setting that is captivating to enjoy while sitting outside.
There is always a natural breeze flowing throughout the yard, due to the details in architectural design. It is a villa for a family looking to own a home, with a modern flow of internal spaces and light to create a feeling of well-being. Also, the dining room is a special place to host a dinner; combined with the downstairs entertainment area, you have plenty of space to entertain.
Does a Burj Al Arab view add to a property's value?
The location is ideal, as it sits within an area that allows easy access to all major roads and amenities, and, yes, of course, with views of the Burj Al Arab, at night you are able to experience the glow of the hotel. For families, it is ideal to be able to join the gym and beach club at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. In addition to this, the terrace on the top is the perfect place to enjoy all of Dubai's incredible firework displays.
The property has a resort-like feel. Was that intentional?
Yes, the new homeowner will be able to relax around the large pool on modern style loungers, with a lush landscape of palm trees and tall trees to enjoy the blue skies of Dubai. Floating in the pool all day or using it for exercise are musts. There is a lounge area that feels like you are in your own five-star resort along with a fully functioning bulthaup kitchen that allows staff to serve an afternoon lunch or a private dinner to your guests. When entertaining in the evening, you can open the doors, light the candles and enjoy an evening of music with friends.
Responses are from Leigh Williamson, managing director of Luxhabitat Sotheby's International Realty, luxhabitat.ae
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
JAPAN SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Masaaki Higashiguchi, Shuichi Gonda, Daniel Schmidt
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Tomoaki Makino, Maya Yoshida, Sho Sasaki, Hiroki Sakai, Sei Muroya, Genta Miura, Takehiro Tomiyasu
Midfielders: Toshihiro Aoyama, Genki Haraguchi, Gaku Shibasaki, Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Shoya Nakajima, Takumi Minamino, Hidemasa Morita, Ritsu Doan
Forwards: Yuya Osako, Takuma Asano, Koya Kitagawa
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
more from Janine di Giovanni
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
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Roll%20of%20Honour%2C%20men%E2%80%99s%20domestic%20rugby%20season
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWest%20Asia%20Premiership%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Tigers%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Bahrain%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20Premiership%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Jebel%20Ali%20Dragons%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Dubai%20Hurricanes%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20Division%201%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Sharks%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Harlequins%20II%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20Division%202%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Tigers%20III%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Dubai%20Sharks%20II%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDubai%20Sevens%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Tigers%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Dubai%20Hurricanes%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
Where to buy
Limited-edition art prints of The Sofa Series: Sultani can be acquired from Reem El Mutwalli at www.reemelmutwalli.com
TOURNAMENT INFO
Opening fixtures:
Friday, Oct 5
8pm: Kabul Zwanan v Paktia Panthers
Saturday, Oct 6
4pm: Nangarhar Leopards v Kandahar Knights
8pm: Kabul Zwanan v Balkh Legends
Tickets
Tickets can be bought online at https://www.q-tickets.com/apl/eventlist and at the ticket office at the stadium.
TV info
The tournament will be broadcast live in the UAE on OSN Sports.
