AVENEW Development, a Dubai-based company, has announced plans to develop The Ritz-Carlton Residences Dubai, The World Islands. This project is the latest addition to the company's portfolio of landmark properties and represents the second collaboration with Marriott International.
The project embodies AVENEW's core principles: thoughtful design, selection of a unique location, and timeless quality. The World Islands are an archipelago consisting of approximately 260 artificial islands located four kilometers from the Jumeirah coastline.
Due to the developer's increased confidence, significant hospitality commitments, and a fixed offering, this area has become a recognized growth zone and one of the most attractive long-term investment opportunities in the region.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences will be situated in the Hawaii Islands cluster on The World Islands. The master plan includes a range of villas and low-rise residences with two and three bedrooms, designed as a private sanctuary for those seeking an exceptional lifestyle.
The partnership with Marriott will ensure that each residence benefits from the legendary service philosophy of The Ritz-Carlton, exquisite hospitality, and global reputation, creating a living experience that combines outstanding design with recognized service and unforgettable personalized moments.
Rasha Hassan, Managing Partner of AVENEW Development, noted that The World Islands offer a truly rare opportunity in real estate. She emphasized that by choosing to debut on this island, they believe in its long-term potential and the ability to create a place that aligns with AVENEW's mission. According to her, together with The Ritz-Carlton Residences, they are shaping the future of ownership on The World Islands.
Javed Meneses, Regional Vice President of Mixed-Use Development in EMEA at Marriott International, expressed pleasure at the renewed collaboration with the AVENEW team. He stated that these exclusive branded coastal homes set a standard for a rare and luxurious island lifestyle, strengthening the archipelago's status as an unparalleled destination in Dubai's evolving luxury real estate market.
Sales of the project are planned to commence in 2027, with more detailed information to be disclosed prior to the sales launch.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has announced the launch of the 'A Dubai Invite' program, which will run from July 20 to October 31, 2026. This initiative allows residents of the emirate to access various offers, including hotel stays, dining discounts, and visits to attractions costing over 3000 dirhams.
To participate, residents must apply through the program's online form, providing details of the invited family members or friends and their expected arrival date. Although an unlimited number of nominations can be submitted, a maximum of five applications can be submitted simultaneously.
Once the invited guest arrives in Dubai between July 20 and October 31, 2026, their visit will be automatically verified. Residents will then receive an email with a package of benefits and instructions on how to use the offers. Unless otherwise stated, the bonuses are valid until December 31, 2026. The program is open to UAE citizens and residents holding a valid Emirates ID.
Invited guests must be non-residents of the UAE and enter Dubai using a valid tourist or visit visa during the campaign period. Guests are responsible for arranging flights, visas, accommodation, and all travel expenses themselves. Registration for residents closes on September 30, 2026, although guests can arrive until October 31, 2026, to meet the requirements.
The program is designed to encourage Dubai residents to share their experiences of the city with friends and family while providing visitors with additional incentives to explore the emirate.
The benefits package includes special offers from a range of Dubai hotels and attractions. It is important to note that participating hotels, attractions, and offers are subject to availability and may change during the campaign.
Specifically, Melia Desert Palm offers a 45% discount on rooms, suites, and villas. Additionally, guests receive vouchers for spa treatments and dining worth 100 dirhams per person and per stay, respectively. At ME Dubai by Meliá, guests can benefit from a 35% discount on best available rates, as well as a complimentary room upgrade, with children under 12 staying free. A 35% discount is also provided for the daytime restaurant, room service, spa, and laundry. At the Mina Seyahi group of hotels (Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, W Dubai - Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi), guests receive a refund for the room cost, which they can use at various high-end restaurants and for relaxation at spa centers.
Guests can take advantage of an IHG offer allowing them to pay for two nights and receive the third free at participating properties. The hotel group also provides discounts on restaurants of up to 30%. The verification process is carried out by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) through authorized government systems after the guest's arrival. Bonuses are provided only after DET confirms that the invited guest meets the selection criteria and has arrived during the campaign period.
The real estate market on Dubai's waterfront has established itself as one of the most successful stories in the emirate's property sector. The growing gap between supply and demand is pushing prices to record levels, strengthening the appeal of sea-side living as both a lifestyle and a long-term investment, according to a study.
According to the report 'The Future of Seafront Being,' prepared by White Paper Media Consulting for Shamal Holding, waterfront housing in Dubai cost 90 percent more in 2021 than comparable properties inland. This difference increased to 128 percent by the first quarter of 2026, as buyers competed for the limited number of coastal homes. The report also notes that prime waterfront real estate in the emirate has grown by over 140 percent in the last five years, significantly outpacing the overall housing market.
The main reason for this premium pricing is a classic supply and demand imbalance. As developable coastal land becomes increasingly scarce, a sharp reduction in the number of elite waterfront homes is expected: from 4,261 units in 2026 to only 848 by 2031, according to the White Paper Media study. Meanwhile, demand continues to rise due to population growth, the influx of wealthy individuals, and Dubai's growing reputation as a global hub for wealth and investment.
The strength of the market was evident in 2025, when a record 68 homes valued over $25 million were sold in Dubai. The total value of transactions in the luxury segment reached $9.05 billion, which is 27.7 percent more than in 2024. Four out of the city's five most successful districts in the fourth quarter of 2025 were coastal communities, accounting for 79 transactions, and 55.6 percent of all homes in Dubai sold during the period for over $10 million were located in coastal areas.
The appeal of living by the water goes far beyond simple capital appreciation. A YouGov survey showed that 82 percent of UAE residents are considering moving to a sea or marina-side home within the next two to three years, and 93 percent stated they are willing to pay a premium for waterfront living. Almost all respondents—99 percent—believe that proximity to water increases the long-term value of real estate.
The concept is also transforming in the eyes of developers. Abdullah Bin Habtoor, CEO of Shamal Holding, noted that Dubai's connection to the sea extends beyond location and ownership, encompassing daily well-being and community building. He stated: 'We believe that Seafront Being is an evolution of waterfront living, from simply residing by the water to experiencing the waterfront as an integral part of daily life, work, recreation, well-being, and belonging.' He added: 'At Shamal, we view this as a design responsibility, not just a locational advantage.'
Survey results indicate that buyers are increasingly viewing waterfront homes as an investment in a lifestyle, rather than merely a luxury item. Among those surveyed, 96 percent stated that proximity to water influences their daily decisions, from exercise to choosing leisure spots, while 88 percent believe that living near the sea improves both mental and physical health.
Shehzad Jamal, Strategy and Consulting Partner at Knight Frank Mena, believes that this appeal reflects broader shifts in the demands of affluent buyers. He noted: 'Demand for coastal property has sharply increased.' Buyers are increasingly seeking complete lifestyle ecosystems, not just individual residences. Jamal emphasized: 'Affluent buyers are no longer just buying a house by the water; they are buying a lifestyle.'
Jamal also reported that the market for prime waterfront real estate in Dubai continues to command a significant premium, with top-tier waterfront properties attracting an average premium of about 68 percent. He predicts: 'The next phase of growth will be defined not so much by volume, but by quality, differentiation, and experience.' Buyers, he said, are increasingly prioritizing privacy, direct beach access, wellness amenities, and low-rise development, rather than just scale.
Urban planning expert Dr. Houla Al Kaabi from the UAE University believes that waterfront properties play a unique role in urban development strategies. She noted that 'waterfronts often function as high-value anchors for real estate and tourism.' However, she warned that the success of such areas depends on much more than just elite homes, insisting that 'connectivity relies on public access to the shore, integrated transport links, and active ground-floor use.'
The aspect of well-being is becoming as important a driver of sector growth. The White Paper Media report found that 91 percent of UAE residents feel noticeably relaxed near the water, and a third described the emotional impact as profound. Sunset walks, visits to marinas, and dining by the sea have been listed among the most valuable experiences associated with coastal living, which respondents linked to stress reduction, strengthening community ties, and improving quality of life.
For architect Stephen Denier, Director of Global Design Practice at U+A, the appeal is rooted in humanity's age-old connection to coastal areas. He argues that successful projects must create a meaningful interaction with the coast, not just offer views. Denier stressed that the waterfront is a natural public resource that can be utilized, and that coastal communities should encourage interaction, recreation, and a sense of belonging.
Landscape architect Duncan Denley, founder of Desert INK, believes the industry is gradually shifting from landmark projects to more people-centric places. He asserts: 'Belonging, not buildings, defines successful coastal communities.' Denley highlighted that daily interaction with the coast is often more important than the view, pointing to the role of beaches, trails, and waterfront amenities in creating livable communities.
From an architectural perspective, Dr. George Kachami from the American University of Dubai believes that successful coastal design harmonizes with nature. He posits that buildings should enhance the sensory experience of water, wind, light, and open space to support well-being and emotional balance, rather than competing with the sea.
Binhabtoor believes these trends will become even more important as coastal land becomes scarcer. The study found that 48 percent of respondents now consider proximity to the sea the most important sign of modern luxury, surpassing prestige and design trends. As Dubai expands its beaches, marinas, parks, and public promenades, access to the sea is increasingly viewed not just as a premium amenity, but as a cornerstone of quality of life and long-term value, making waterfront property one of Dubai's most sought-after assets.
Villa Riviera Golf Residence / Atelier130 was conceived as a family residence located in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The project was planned with a focus on movement, outdoor life, and the daily routines of its residents.
Located on a sloping plot, the house was adapted to the tropical characteristics of the area. To achieve this, a volume was adopted that, although compact, possesses great expressiveness. The internal organization revolves around a living room featuring a double height ceiling and utilizing natural ventilation.
This central space functions as the social and environmental core of the development. It serves to attract natural light into the interior of the house while establishing visual and physical connections between the various floors of the residence.
