It is hard to grow accustomed to the construction wonders in Dubai. There is The World just off the coast. That’s right, a replica of the atlas is being assembled, continent by continent, island by island, as part of Dubai’s objective to have it all. There is also the world’s tallest building, Burj Dubai. Don’t forget the world’s tallest hotel the 7-star hotel Burj Al Arab. Of course there are also the three mammoth palm shaped islands, the indoor ski resorts, the golf courses, the huge malls, the Emirati Disneyland called Dubailand. The list can go on and on.
But a relatively new phenomenon is the designer property. No longer are the world’s most famous fashion designers interested in dressing the female silhouette. Rather their sites are firmly set on Emirati real estate. Bvlgari may have gotten the ball rolling with their hotel opening in Milan in 2004 but Dubai is apparently now the place to be.
Recently, Elie Saab and, real estate developers, Tatweer shook hands, sealing the deal of a multi-million dollar project in Tiger Woods Dubai. So let’s back up a bit. Indeed, Tiger Woods has lent his name to a private residential community and resort that features a vast golf course designed by his truly. And Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab will be building residences and a hotel within the complex that will hopefully command the same jaw-dropping admiration as his gowns.
A convenient merger of brands? Perhaps, but the product is an exciting one. Saab’s boutique hotel will comprise of 8 suites and 14 bungalows that vary in size but all of which overlook Woods’ first ever golf course. Naturally one the project’s more notable features is an exquisite spa that should have no rival. Elie Saab is known for his passion in creating designs that fuse modernity and luxury so this project will surely not fall short. Saab is quoted to have said that the project, when complete will have a “dreamlike ambience.”
Of course, the first designer to venture into Dubai’s real estate was Giorgio Armani. He chose the world’s tallest building, being developed by Emaar, to position his first luxury residences that complement a boutique hotel. Floors 9 to 16 of Burj Dubai will be transformed by Armani into discriminatingly elegant living quarters à la Armani.
Armani lent his unique touch to each dwelling, using sophisticated colours and fabrics, with a single-mindedness on creating an authentic feeling of privacy. The one and two-bedroom residences that range from 99 square metres to 208 square metres will of course be furnished with pieces from Armani/Casa. The project, when complete, is set to fuse different materials such as stone, zebrawood, plaster and fabrics. Occupants of the Armani Residences will also be able to benefit from the offerings of the nearby Armani Hotel, such as the concierge, 24-hour room service, housekeeping, a swimming pool, spa and library.
Naturally the moment the cat was out of the bag on those two iconic projects a snow ball effect began. Most recently emerged the announcement that Karl Lagerfeld has joined forces with Dubai Infinity Holdings. Together, the artistic director of Chanel and the UAE investment company will build the first island of fashion: Isla Moda, on one of the Globe Islands. Lagerfield is convinced that the island will raise the bar in living elegance. Hotel Moda will have about 250 rooms, as well as villas with breathtaking views, creative studios and shops. Most recently of all was the talk of Christian Lacroix designing his own piece of the Dubai sky line, yet nothing has been officially declared.
Actor Brad Pitt is also contributing to the mushrooming of buildings in Dubai. Already the owner of a house on Palm Jumeirah, Pitt decided that he should leave a permanent mark in the Emirate. He has undertaken an eco-friendly project that has yet to secure a proper location. What is certain though is that a piece of dry desert will eventually serve as the foundation to an 800-room five-star luxury hotel. Hopes are set at having this venue host glamorous events and award ceremonies. Sceptics are still questioning how ‘green’ a ‘five-star luxury resort’ can be but Zabeel properties is evidently pleased with the ‘conservational’ status of this hotel. LA-based architectural firm, GRAFT and Pitt are working closely to bring the project to life. Surprisingly though, design is not a new field for this Hollywood star, apparently his passion for sketching surroundings was an early pastime.
Designer hotels and abodes have only just gotten their grand debut in Dubai, and you can be sure that this is only the beginning. Let’s just hope we don’t ever hear of a Salvation Army tower.
