Dubai Holding, one of the emirate’s most influential investment entities, and Select Group, a leading private property developer, have announced a groundbreaking strategic alliance. The partnership aims to redevelop two of Dubai’s most prestigious locations: Palm Jebel Ali and Dubai Design District (d3).

This deal is especially notable as it marks Dubai Holding’s first-ever strategic land sale to a third-party developer in Palm Jebel Ali.

Joint Vision: What the Deal Entails

• Palm Jebel Ali: Select Group plans to deliver high-end residential and hospitality offerings, creating a luxury waterfront lifestyle destination.

• Dubai Design District (d3): The d3 project is envisioned as a “vibrant mixed-use community” that will combine design, innovation, culture, and modern urban living.

• The collaboration is backed by Emirates Strategic Investments Company (ESIC), adding depth and long-term commitment to the venture.

Why This Partnership Is a Big Deal

1. Strategic Land Unlocking

   • For Dubai Holding, this sale represents a major move to unlock value in its master-planned developments.

   • For Select Group, it’s an opportunity to work on large-scale, high-impact projects in two of Dubai’s most future-focused locations.

2. Raising the Bar for Waterfront Living

   • Palm Jebel Ali’s redevelopment is expected to set new benchmarks in luxury residential and hospitality offerings, contributing to Dubai’s reputation as a world-class waterfront city.

   • The design-forward approach and upscale positioning mean the new development could become a magnet for both global and local investors.

3. Creative & Urban Hub Reinvention

   • d3 (Dubai Design District) already has a reputation as Dubai’s creative and design-focused district. This development could amplify that identity with more lifestyle, cultural, and residential components.

   • The mixed-use nature – combining work, living, and creative spaces – aligns with global trends of “live-work-play” communities.

4. Sustainability & Infrastructure Integration

   • As part of the broader development strategy, initiatives like district cooling for Palm Jebel Ali are already in motion.

   • Such infrastructure planning supports long-term sustainability and aligns with Dubai’s future growth models.

Investor Implications

• Long-Term Value Potential: With prime locations and high-quality development, these projects are likely to deliver strong capital appreciation over time.

• Diverse Investment Profiles: Investors can potentially choose from luxury residences on the waterfront, mixed-use units, or hospitality assets.

• Global & Design-Oriented Appeal: The d3 project could be particularly attractive to creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and international buyers who value design and innovation.

• Infrastructure Edge: Well-planned infrastructure – including district cooling – boosts the viability and desirability of the Palm Jebel Ali project.

Challenges to Consider

• Execution Risk: Large-scale, design-intensive projects often face cost, regulatory, or delivery challenges.

• Market Competition: Other waterfront and luxury developers will compete aggressively; differentiation will matter.

• Timing: As these are major developments, timelines may stretch, and investor patience will be needed.

• Sustainability Costs: While infrastructure like district cooling is a plus, it also requires significant upfront investment and planning.

Conclusion

This partnership between Dubai Holding and Select Group marks a significant chapter in Dubai’s real estate future. By targeting Palm Jebel Ali and d3, the collaboration brings together waterfront luxury and creative urban living in two of the city’s most high-potential zones. For investors, homeowners, and the city alike, these developments promise innovation, prestige, and long-term value.

The Al Ghurair family, a cornerstone of Emirati business history, is now making a bold push into Dubai’s ultra-luxury real estate market. Known for diversifying across manufacturing, finance, and retail, the group is leveraging its deep roots and long-term vision to redefine what high-end living means in the UAE.

A New Chapter: Al Ghurair Collection & Wedyan

Their new super-prime residential line, Al Ghurair Collection, makes its debut with Wedyan, a landmark waterfront residence along the Dubai Canal.

• Designed by Kengo Kuma, the globally acclaimed Japanese architect, Wedyan blends architectural elegance with natural inspiration: its façade is inspired by the rhythm of water and sand.

• The tower spans 46 storeys and offers 149 residences, including 3–5 bedroom units, full-floor penthouses, and a three-storey sky villa.

• Some units even feature Japanese teahouse–inspired pavilions — a serene architectural touch rarely seen in Dubai.

• Luxury amenities include wellness areas, Pilates studio, sky gardens, and private treatment spaces.

Beyond Wedyan: Expanding Real Estate Ambitions

• To spearhead its growth, Al Ghurair launched P.O.B1 Properties, a new development arm under Saif Al Ghurair Real Estate (SAGRE).

• Their first project under this division is Serenova, a community-driven mid-rise development in Dubai Silicon Oasis.

• The group is also developing 4-bedroom luxury villas in Al Barsha, reflecting their commitment to high-quality design, open layouts, and family-oriented living.

What This Means for Dubai’s Luxury Real Estate

• New Benchmark for Super-Prime Living: Al Ghurair Collection is positioned as “the most exclusive expression” of the family’s legacy, targeting discerning buyers who value design, heritage, and craftsmanship.

• Architectural Innovation: Collaborating with Kengo Kuma puts Al Ghurair right at the intersection of global design and local prestige.

• Strategic Growth: Through P.O.B1 Properties, Al Ghurair is diversifying its real estate footprint — not just ultra luxury, but also smart urban living in upcoming neighborhoods. Al Ghurair Group

• Sustainability & Value: Their real estate strategy emphasizes socially responsible development, energy-efficient design, and long-term value.

Challenges & Considerations

• Luxury Pricing Risk: Upscale projects like Wedyan must maintain exceptional quality to justify high price tags.

• Market Competition: Dubai’s luxury market is crowded with many world-class developers — Al Ghurair must differentiate through design and heritage.

• Execution Risk: Delivering architecturally ambitious projects (like those by Kengo Kuma) requires precision, cost control, and long-term commitment.

Conclusion

The Al Ghurair family’s entry into Dubai’s luxury real estate arena is more than a business move — it’s a legacy statement. With Wedyan as their flagship and expansion through P.O.B1 Properties on the horizon, they are combining decades of experience with fresh innovation. For buyers and investors, this marks a new opportunity: super-prime design, architectural authenticity, and a long-term value proposition rooted in one of Dubai’s most respected names.

The United Arab Emirates has taken a significant step in strengthening the support system for its long-term residents. At the 2025 GITEX Global 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in partnership with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), announced a comprehensive “consular services package” designed exclusively for Golden Visa holders and their dependents.

This is the first time such services — previously reserved for UAE nationals — are being extended to long-term resident visa holders. It underscores the UAE’s ambition to not only attract global talent and investment, but to retain and protect them.

What’s Included in the New Services

Here are the key features of the package:

• Electronic return document: If a Golden Visa holder loses or damages their passport abroad, they can now apply for a return document to re-enter the UAE. This document is reportedly issued within about 30 minutes.

• 24/7 dedicated hotline & support: A dedicated number is available to Golden Visa holders traveling abroad, allowing direct access to consular assistance, emergency response, evacuation plans, and crisis coordination.

• Inclusion in emergency/crisis evacuation plans: Golden Visa holders are now included in the UAE’s official emergency and evacuation support framework (in cases of natural disasters, conflict zones, health emergencies abroad).

• Repatriation & burial support: In tragic circumstances where a Golden Visa holder passes away abroad, the services cover repatriation of remains to the UAE, coordination with local and UAE missions, and support for bereaved families.

• Family member coverage: The services extend to registered dependents of the Golden Visa holder (spouse, children) as long as they hold valid residence permits under the Golden Visa scheme.

Why This Matters

• Increased Assurance & Security: For residents holding the Golden Visa, these services provide a sense of trust and protection — especially for those who travel frequently or live abroad part of the year.

• Global Competitiveness: By offering consular support similar to that offered to citizens, the UAE strengthens its positioning as a global destination for investors, professionals, and families.

• Encourages Long-Term Residency: The Golden Visa is designed to attract people who will live, invest and participate in the UAE’s economy. Enhanced support mechanisms make the commitment more attractive.

• Positive Signal for Investors: For real estate investors (many of whom secure Golden Visas through property investment), these services add an extra layer of confidence when buying property and living part-time abroad.

• Strengthening Community Theme: The launch aligns with the UAE’s 2025 national theme of the “Year of Community – Hand in Hand”, reflecting the leadership’s focus on belonging, support, and social cohesion.

Important Things to Know & Consider

• Eligibility: Services apply to valid Golden Visa holders and their registered dependents. Ensure your visa and residence permit are active.

• Scope: The return document is for direct travel back to UAE (usually one-entry, short validity) and may not cover transit via third countries.

• Cost: Most of the new services (like the return document) are noted to be issued quickly and at no extra cost beyond standard procedures.

• Documentation & Process: If you need to access these services, you’ll likely need to use UAE Pass or official app/website of MoFA/ICP, submit required details, and await confirmation.

• For Families: If you’re an investor or property purchaser who holds a Golden Visa, it’s good to register dependents and understand their covered status under these consular services.

• Travel & Residence Strategy: If you travel frequently or maintain investment abroad, knowing you have this support means you can consider more flexible lifestyles without compromising on support.

Conclusion

The introduction of dedicated consular services for Golden Visa holders is a landmark update in the UAE’s residency landscape. It sends a powerful message: the UAE is not just granting long-term residency, it is caring for and protecting those who choose to call the country home — even when they are abroad.

For investors, professionals, and families holding or considering the Golden Visa, this initiative offers added peace of mind and further strengthens the UAE’s appeal as a base for global talent and capital.

If you’d like guidance on how to align your property investment or residency strategy with the Golden Visa — feel free to ask!