When we think of luxury properties in London, Paris, or New York, a specific image comes to mind, one shaped by centuries of history. Dubai as we know it today is comparatively ‘new’, resulting in a rich and varied architectural landscape unrestricted by the past. This freedom has produced some of the most ambitious and experimental buildings in the world, including the Burj Khalifa and the Museum of the Future. The real estate market reflects this same spirit: super-prime villas range from Emirati-style villas with striking geometric glass domes to serene residences drenched in rich colours, displaying a dazzling blend of tradition and innovation. Here are some of the best custom-designed villas on the market right now
1. A Moroccan Escape in Umm Al Sheif
One of the most unique villas in Dubai, this terracotta custom-designed home is a graceful embodiment of Middle Eastern architectural ideals. Designed by award-winning Emirati architect Abdalla Al Mulla, the home celebrates colour and light, reflecting the creativity of a trail-blazing local talent. The villa's exterior is washed in sumptuous shades of purple terracotta, a rare find in modern homes.
This rich colour extends throughout the interiors, including the ceilings, creating a truly transportative and cavernous living space.
The most imposing feature of this home is the Colosseum-style arches that lead out onto the private courtyard, evoking a time long forgotten—a time when leisure and home mingled more freely. With its curved ceilings, symmetrical arches, and superbly balanced finishes, this Umm Al Sheif villa beautifully captures the principles of feng shui, where calm is attained through balance and harmony.
A planted atrium, spacious majlis, and private pool are just a few of the standout features of this artistic home. High-end finishes include bespoke joinery, honed glass doors, Patagonia marble, and book match onyx chandeliers.
Located in Umm Al Sheif, a small, affluent residential neighbourhood near Al Manara, this exquisite Dubai villa enjoys sublime quiet and safety with close proximity to beaches and key business hubs.
An Artistic Sanctuary On Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah is a sandy, man-made island on the Arabian Gulf, and it’s one of the most exclusive addresses in the world. Baobab trees, ancient olive trees, and rare flowers may not be the first thing we associate with the landscape of a desert island, but this exceptional villa on Frond K has nurtured a beautiful botanical oasis within its confines. An expansive home with depth and substance, the first thing you’ll notice when entering this home is the two stunning baobab trees at the entrance, surrounded by sun-drenched Mexican fan palms.
Designed by ISAASI Design, this intelligently renovated villa has a vast open-plan living area with Italian marble floors and dazzling views of the sea. On its walls hangs revered artwork complementing the natural surrounding beauty, including rare Cubist Picasso pieces, sculptures, and other gripping works of abstract art.
The amenities of this home reveal a space designed for high living, not just admiring. This Palm Jumeirah villa boasts a sauna, steam room, gym, jacuzzi, and a large seafront heated pool overlooking the sea, striking a sublime balance between indoor and outdoor living.
A Home Of The Future In Umm Al Sheif
This Umm Al Sheif villa is a quintessential example of postmodern architecture. Otherworldly and forward-thinking, the striking, undulating facade creates an aesthetic that blurs time, where the present bleeds effortlessly into the future. In the double-height living area, a stunning cylindrical staircase takes centre stage, and travertine marble and Javeline Oak wood floorings run throughout.
A standout feature of this futuristic villa is the kitchen, which boasts a seemingly physics-defying floating island and built-in Gaggenau appliances.
In the garden, the residence offers a more familiar and traditionally opulent setting. Olive trees line a large private pool, complemented by a lovely sunbathing deck perfect for moments of private relaxation. Located in Umm Al Sheif, this custom villa enjoys a safe and quiet suburban setting with excellent city access.
A Contemporary Jewel In Jumeirah
A home guaranteed to turn heads, this custom-built villa is a feat of imagination. This Jumeirah villa blends traditional Emirati-style architecture with a striking geometric glass central facade, reflecting a bold yet balanced blend of heritage with experimental modernity. Upon entering, you will hear the soothing sound of the indoor waterfall, which is at the foot of a sweeping spiral staircase that leads to all floors.
The location and size of this home make it suitable for family living, but it has an indulgent selection of amenities that will appeal to the most passionate hedonists. Leisure reigns supreme on the lower floor: there’s a nightclub, a choice of swimming pools, a deluxe spa, a gym, and a billiard room.
This modern home is adapted to suit the needs of a digital generation, with an intelligent smart home automation system for touch-and-go living. On the rooftop of this ten-bedroom opulent villa, residents can enjoy two jacuzzis with panoramic 360° views over the Dubai skyline.
Final take
In Dubai, the only limit is your imagination. Driven by a proactive and buoyant real estate market, homes in the emirate continue to push boundaries and set new standards for architectural innovation, opening doors to lucrative freehold investment opportunities for discerning buyers. These homes exude character and individuality, and over time, many are likely to become textbook examples of the postmodern architectural era—an era that Dubai has nearly single-handedly dominated.
