Jumeirah Islands Club

Jumeirah Islands Club offers understated luxury for Dubai families—seamlessly blending fitness, dining, and community in a refined, low-key setting.

<p>In Dubai, the most rewarding luxuries aren't always the loudest. As the city builds more impressive amenities, one private club has quietly become the preferred choice for families who value substance over spectacle. Located within the Jumeirah Islands residential development, this venue has achieved what many places struggle with – creating environments where business naturally coexists with family life.</p> 
 
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<p><img src="https://146414699.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414699/Imported_Blog_Media/jumeirah%20islands%20club-Oct-12-2025-10-05-12-2776-AM.jpg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" alt="jumeirah islands club" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;"></p> 
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<h2>Substance Over Style</h2> 
<p>The main building has multiple dining establishments, including Isola Ristorante and Joe's Backyard, each with its own atmosphere. The thoughtful layout allows business meetings to proceed in one area as birthday celebrations unfold in another, <span style="color: #0e0e0e;">without either group feeling like they’re in the wrong place.</span></p> 
<p>The bar maintains steady activity throughout the day – morning coffee meetings before Dubai's heat intensifies, afternoon gatherings following tennis matches, evening sessions that extend well past sunset. The wine selection features bottles unavailable elsewhere in Dubai, suggesting curation by staff with genuine expertise instead of standard supplier relationships.</p> 
<p>The team anticipates preferences without being asked, which speaks to both member loyalty and employee retention. The service feels natural rather than rehearsed, the kind that develops when people work in the same environment for years rather than seasons.</p> 
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<p><span style="font-family: __BentonSans_2d01b9; font-weight: 400;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/souk-madinat-jumeirah/" rel="noopener">Madinat Jumeirah Souk</a></span></p> 
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<h2>Golf, Without the Clubhouse Ego</h2> 
<p>There’s no golf course on-site. Instead, members have access to nearby courses, including those at Jumeirah Golf Estates, a short drive away. It’s a smart arrangement: serious players can still get their rounds in, but the club isn’t dominated by golf talk or dress codes.</p> 
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<h2>Facilities That Fit into Daily Life</h2> 
<p>The gym gets regular use by people who treat fitness as part of the day. Machines are up to date. Trainers know their clients, many of whom have been coming for years. Group classes happen, but they’re easy to dip into and never feel like a show.</p> 
<p>The pool area handles two very different needs well – swimmers looking to stay in shape, and families who just want to enjoy the water. There are lap lanes for focused sessions, and family zones that keep the pace slower and more relaxed – both spaces coexisting without stepping on each other.</p> 
<p>The tennis courts see regular use during the cooler months – sometimes for lessons, often for casual matches between members. It's less about competition, more about rhythm and routine.</p> 
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<p><span style="font-family: __BentonSans_2d01b9; font-weight: 400;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/restaurants-in-jumeirah-islands/" rel="noopener">Jumeirah Islands Restaurants</a></span></p> 
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<h2>A Spa That Keeps Things Simple</h2> 
<p>The club's wellness facilities centre around practical upkeep rather than pampering. Chloe's ladies-only beauty salon covers weekly essentials like blow-drys, manicures, and facials, while the RAISE gym handles fitness and recovery with personal training and group classes. Members pop in for a massage after a workout or a quick facial before dinner, making wellness part of their routine rather than a treat.</p> 
<p>Booking is usually straightforward. Regulars have standing appointments. The staff know what works and pick up where they left off. It’s low-key, but effective.</p> 
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<p><span style="font-family: __BentonSans_2d01b9; font-weight: 400;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/jumeirah-golf-estate-gyms/" rel="noopener">Best Gyms in Jumeirah Golf Estates</a></span></p> 
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<h2>Membership Considerations</h2> 
<p>It’s not openly advertised how membership works, but it’s clearly about more than just paying.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>The crowd is mixed but settled – people in finance, tech, real estate – the kind of members who might’ve first arrived for work but have since made Dubai home. Connections happen naturally. There are no formal networking events or name tags. People meet through tennis, through their children, over shared routines.</p> 
<p>For families especially, the club offers more than just facilities. It gives younger ones the freedom to build friendships, and parents the chance to feel part of something – a place to rely on when everything else in Dubai moves fast.</p> 
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<p><span style="font-family: __BentonSans_2d01b9; font-weight: 400;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/school-in-jumeirah-golf-estate/" rel="noopener">Schools in Jumeirah Golf Estates</a></span></p> 
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<h2>Why It Matters for Residents</h2> 
<p>The club plays a real role in how people view the Jumeirah Islands community. Property agents often mention it as a reason buyers or tenants lean toward the area. It’s not just about square footage or pool views. It’s about knowing there’s a place next to home where you can meet neighbours and fill your weekend with quality time, without leaving the neighbourhood.</p> 
<p>The calendar isn't overloaded but includes enough – a few golf tournaments, seasonal dinners, wellness mornings, and children’s activities that reflect what members use and enjoy. It’s designed around participation, not promotion.</p> 
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<h2>The Underlying Success</h2> 
<p style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #000000;">Jumeirah Islands Club succeeds because it resists the temptation to be everything to everyone. For Dubai's international families, particularly those planning extended residency, the club provides a social foundation. In a city where rapid development can complicate community building, places like Jumeirah Islands Club </span><span style="color: #000000;">offer the kind of continuity that helps people put down real roots.</span></p> 
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<p>In Dubai, the most rewarding luxuries aren't always the loudest. As the city builds more impressive amenities, one private club has quietly become the preferred choice for families who value substance over spectacle. Located within the Jumeirah Islands residential development, this venue has achieved what many places struggle with – creating environments where business naturally coexists with family life.</p> 


A Sense of Stillness: The Landscape Architecture of Vladimir Djurovic

Discover the poetic, sensory landscapes of Vladimir Djurovic, from Toronto to Dubai, where nature, memory, and design quietly converge.

<p>What if a public square could feel like poetry, or a garden could carry the weight of memory?</p>

<p>In the work of landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic, such suppositions are given structure through stone, water, and the quiet presence of plant life. Two of his most acclaimed works, Aga Khan Park and Samir Kassir Square, illustrate this philosophy with distinct cultural, climatic, and emotional identities. Each project draws from geography and centuries of landscape tradition, while Djurovic brought them into focus through a contemporary lens. That same philosophy was carried into the landscapes he’s shaped behind closed gates in the UAE.</p>
<p>Here is a closer look at the landscapes where Djurovic’s principles are most fully realised.</p>
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<p><img src="https://146414699.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414699/shutterstock_2334503047.jpg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" alt="A Sense of Stillness: The Landscape Architecture of Vladimir Djurovic" style="width: 1000px; height: auto; max-width: 100%;"></p>
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<h2>Aga Khan Park – Toronto</h2>
<p>Toronto is not known for silence, but just north of downtown, in a 17-acre cultural campus, lies a landscape defined by stillness. Commissioned alongside the Aga Khan Museum by Fumihiko Maki and the Ismaili Centre by Charles Correa, Djurovic’s Aga Khan Park links the two through a garden shaped by Islamic principles, grounded in Canadian soil.</p>
<p>Before designing, Djurovic travelled to the Alhambra, Humayun’s Tomb, and other historic gardens, not to replicate their geometry, but to understand their sensory logic: scent, shadow, sound, and water. “Recreate what you feel and smell and hear,” he said.</p>
<p>Then he started designing the northern section following the famous Persian garden layout known as “four gardens” or “chahar bagh” in Persian. At its centre, five granite reflecting pools form a structured grid, bordered by serviceberry trees selected for the way they mark time, blossoming in spring, fruiting in summer, turning deep orange in autumn, and standing bare in winter. Hedges and dense plantings frame the garden, buffering traffic from the Don Valley Parkway. No signage, nothing extra glowy, visitors move between stone and water, guided by the geometry of the space.</p>
<p>In 2016, the project received awards from the Architecture MasterPrize and was shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival. At its opening, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne called it “a true 21st-century space steeped in history but speaking to a modern vision of a global, inclusive, peaceful society.”</p>
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<h2>Samir Kassir Square – Beirut</h2>
<p>In Beirut, Djurovic’s Samir Kassir Square takes the opposite approach, quiet and compact, but shaped with the same thoughtfulness and creative sensitivity to the site’s original geography. On a plot of just 815 square metres, two mature ficus trees, survivors of the city’s war years, remain untouched. A shallow granite pool along one edge reflects their canopy. A timber deck and long bench provide a resting point. The rest is covered with low natal plum, evergreen, resilient, and unadorned.</p>
<p>There is no monument. Just a handful of materials: stone, water, wood, and shade. In 2007, the square received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in recognition of how it quietly restored public space, framed by memory.</p>
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<h2>The King Hussein Memorial –Amman</h2>
<p>When designing the King Hussein Memorial Garden, Vladimir Djurovic chose not to impose a vision, but to let the landscape speak through its own elements. Inspired by His Majesty King Hussein’s quiet strength and humility, Djurovic envisioned a garden where every Jordanian might feel a sense of belonging.</p>
<p>Instead of building above the land, he carved into it, moulding gentle contours that descend toward a central point of reflection. A dense ring of oak trees buffers the space from the city beyond, while deeper inside, olive and almond trees emerge among a carpet of wild thyme. The planting is rooted in Jordanian soil, generous with fruit, shade, and scent.</p>
<p>At the heart of the garden lies a circular water-harvesting pond. Around it, almond trees bloom each February, the month of the King’s passing, casting white petals onto the water in a quiet, annual remembrance.</p>
<p>The water pulses five times a day, mirroring the rhythm of daily prayer and the movement of the moon. It flows lightly over stone, catching sun and shadow.</p>
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<h2>Djurovic Interprets the Gulf Landscape</h2>
<p>In the UAE, Vladimir Djurovic’s landscape work moves quietly through a series of high-end private and resort projects. At Bait Al Sharq in Dubai, designed with Vincent Van Duysen, he structured the landscape around sculptural east–west stone walls to guide breeze and shadow, layering native Acacia, fruit trees, and gravel beds that lead into a secluded courtyard. Then comes his role in Aman Dubai, a collaboration with Kerry Hill Architects, which spanned phases II and III. Throughout the three phases, the focus was on spatial transitions, native planting, and sun-responsive design.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It is at <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/project/eden-house-zaabeel/"><span>Eden House Za’abeel</span></a> that the Gulf setting offered Djurovic another canvas to apply his design philosophy. This new residential tower, located at the threshold of DIFC and the Za’abeel district, carries much of his artisanal sensibility.</p>
<p>There, he crafted a series of green courtyards woven into the building’s podium, balancing privacy with openness. These green interludes offer natural pauses within the city’s tempo. His design focuses on capturing light, following a natural flow to encourage movement, and maintaining a sense of human intimacy: Hallmarks of Djurovic’s work.</p>
<p>As for One at Palm Jumeirah, his landscape design introduced water, planting, and wind movement as quiet, integral elements that define the overall harmony of the space.</p>
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<h3>Closing Thought</h3>
<p>In Toronto, Beirut, Amman, and the Gulf, Vladimir Djurovic’s work focuses on the same quiet principle, where he sees that a landscape doesn’t need to be loudly designed, only harmonised with its elements so that the place can evoke a sense of belonging and integration. One can walk beside a granite pool in a Canadian orchard, pause under the shade of war-surviving ficus in Beirut, smell the almond blossoms at the King Hussein Memorial, or move through courtyards shaped by breeze and light in Dubai. Djurovic's secret is his rare ability to turn abstract elements into tangible, rhythmic experiences.</p>{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

<p>What if a public square could feel like poetry, or a garden could carry the weight of memory?</p>


The World’s Most Expensive Islands: Sanctuaries Beyond Reach

Explore the world’s most exclusive private islands—where luxury, privacy, and legacy meet across Hawaii, the Maldives, Miami, and beyond.

<p>“Privacy is the new luxury.” That’s how Jeff Bezos reportedly described his purchase of a sprawling waterfront estate on Indian Creek Island, Miami’s famously discreet “billionaire bunker.” The comment captures a growing sentiment among the ultra-wealthy. Real value today lies not only in luxury finishes or grand architecture, but in the rare ability to disconnect completely in a place no one can reach unless invited.</p>

<p>Private islands, whether carved into the volcanic cliffs of Hawaii or scattered across the turquoise atolls of the Maldives, have become some of the world’s most exclusive and sought-after assets, commanding prices well into nine figures. But unlike speculative assets, these islands hold something timeless –&nbsp; a piece of untouched Earth, shaped by nature, protected by water, and then, with a touch of luxury, they become an earthly Eden.</p>
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<p><img src="https://146414699.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414699/unnamed%20(53).jpg" width="1000" height="749" loading="lazy" alt="The worlds Most expensive islands" style="width: 1000px; height: auto; max-width: 100%;"></p>
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<h2>Lanai, Hawaii – The Billionaire’s Experiment</h2>
<p>Purchased by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison in 2012 for an estimated $300 million, Lanai is a vision in progress. Ellison owns 98% of its 90,000 acres, including two Four Seasons resorts, vast tracts of agricultural land, and the island’s core infrastructure.</p>
<p>But this isn’t just a trophy asset. Since the acquisition, Ellison has invested upwards of $450 million to turn Lanai into a sustainable utopia, what he calls his “Lanai Lab.” A smart grid, solar-powered desalination, organic farming initiatives, and wellness-forward hospitality aim to strike a balance between luxury and environmental integrity.</p>
<p>For Ellison, Lanai is both a sandbox for innovation and a deeply personal legacy project.</p>
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<p>Read Also : <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/most-expensive-private-jets/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">World Most Expensive Private Jet</a></p>
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<h2>Indian Creek Island, Miami – “The Bunker of Billionaires”</h2>
<p>You won’t find private beaches here, just a single road, 41 homes, and the most guarded residential security in the United States. Indian Creek is less an island and more a fortress of net worth. Residents include Jeff Bezos, Tom Brady, and Ivanka Trump.</p>
<p>In May 2025, a vacant 1.84-acre plot sold for a staggering $105 million, setting a new U.S. price-per-acre record. This wasn’t intended to be merely a beachfront; it’s controlled access with a private golf club, and a moat of confidentiality. Though every inch is thoughtfully luxurious, it is the silence around it that truly sells.</p>
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<p>Read Also : <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/most-expensive-labubu/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Most Expensive Labubu</a></p>
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<h2>Tarpon Island, Palm Beach – A Refuge for the Soul and Senses</h2>
<p>When financier Michael Dorrell purchased Tarpon Island for $150 million in 2024, he wasn’t just buying two acres of land. He was acquiring a 28,600 sq ft mansion with a wellness wing, tennis court, and docks, which were accessible through a private bridge.</p>
<p>Located in Palm Beach, this man-made island exemplifies the post-pandemic appetite for turnkey luxury, complete with home offices, fitness suites, and “quarantine-proof” layouts. It’s no surprise then that The Wall Street Journal described it as a fortress with wellness, security, and privacy built in, calling it “a turnkey private island experience”.</p>
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<h2>Cayo Norte, Puerto Rico – The Untouched Haven</h2>
<p style="font-size: 18px;">Cayo Norte’s uniqueness lies in what it doesn’t have: no resorts, no marinas, no guest villas. Bought quietly by Google co-founder Larry Page in 2018 for $32 million, the 300-acre island remains largely undeveloped. Its beaches are home to nesting sea turtles; its forests are untouched by concrete.</p>
<p>There are no plans, at least publicly, for large-scale development. Page’s strategy appears to follow a different philosophy: buy, preserve, wait. It’s less about ROI and more about having a personal refuge when the world feels increasingly loud.</p>
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<p>Read Also : <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/most-expensive-engagement-rings/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Most Expensive Engagement Ring</a></p>
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<h2>Skorpios, Greece – Greek Legacy</h2>
<p>Skorpios, which was once the Mediterranean playground of Aristotle Onassis, is now under the stewardship of Ekaterina Rybolovleva, daughter of Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev. Acquired in 2013 for approximately $153 million, the island is undergoing a €184 million transformation into a hyper-exclusive wellness retreat.</p>
<p>Development is carefully constrained, as only 5% of the island is permitted for construction, in line with EU environmental protections. It contains a small collection of villas, spa facilities, and organic farms set against the Ionian Sea, offering “luxury with a conscience,” in Ekaterina’s words.</p>
<p>Skorpios is a modern-day Olympus for the few, where the legends of old still echo between olive groves and Ionian shores, retelling a myth through a blend of old-world glamour and contemporary sustainability.</p>
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<p>Read Also : <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/most-expensive-suit-brands/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Most Expensive Suit Brands</a></p>
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<h2>Bell Island, Bahamas – The Statesman’s Escape</h2>
<p>In 2009, the Aga Khan IV acquired Bell Island in the Exumas for around $100 million. The 349-acre island features two main residences, guest cottages designed by top architects, and a heliport. Unlike most island properties, Bell Island isn’t leveraged commercially. It was meant to be a haven of serenity.</p>
<p>Surrounded by marine parks and protected ecosystems, the Aga Khan has long supported heritage conservation. Notably, after acquiring the island, he donated $1?million to the Bahamas National Trust, the very organisation responsible for managing the Exuma Cays Land &amp; Sea Park.</p>
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<p>Read Also : <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/most-expensive-rolex/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Most Expensive Rolex Watch</a></p>
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<h2>Vatuvara Islands, Fiji – Remote Eco-Exclusivity&nbsp;</h2>
<p>With an estimated value of $155 million, the Vatuvara island group in Fiji is among the largest and most untouched on the market. The main island, spanning over 1,200 acres, includes limestone cliffs, dense jungle, and coral reefs, along with a small eco-resort operating entirely off-grid.</p>
<p>Vatuvara is a model of conservation-led development. Freehold land in Fiji is rare, and the entire 4,000-acre portfolio, across multiple islands, caters to guests seeking absolute privacy with minimal footprint.</p>
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<p>Read Also : <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/most-expensive-resort-in-the-world/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Most Expensive Resort In The World</a></p>
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<h2>Musha Cay, Bahamas – Magic in Seaside Heaven&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Musha Cay and its surrounding islets, which are owned by the popular illusionist David Copperfield, span over 700 acres. Purchased for $150 million, the island now operates as a fully private resort that hosts just 24 guests at a time, at nightly rates exceeding $50,000.</p>
<p>There’s no reception desk, no booking portal. Guests are handpicked, and fireworks, themed treasure hunts, or private concerts on the beach form part of large-scale entertainment. Copperfield calls it “the most magical place on Earth,” and perhaps, for those who can afford it, it is.</p>
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<p>Read Also : <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/most-expensive-mercedes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Most Expensive Mercedes Benz</a></p>
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<h2>Honourable Mentions</h2>
<p>In 2023, Little St. James and its neighbouring Great St. James were acquired as a single holding by billionaire investor Stephen Deckoff for $60 million. The islands, once mired in notoriety, are now undergoing a quiet transformation into a high-end eco-resort, with an emphasis on sustainable design and discreet luxury.</p>
<p>Up the Atlantic coast, Hay Island in Connecticut offers a rare patch of private land just 90 minutes from Manhattan. Spanning 18 acres, it remains one of the few legacy estates on Long Island Sound still in family hands, recently brought to market with a $35 million asking price.</p>
<p>In the Maldives, Velaa Private Island was developed for $200 million by Czech entrepreneur Ji?í Šmejc. It features five private residences and a golf academy, operating at the highest end of the market. Room rates routinely exceed $3,000 per night, catering to a clientele drawn largely from Europe and the Gulf.</p>
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<p>Read Also : <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/most-expensive-yachts/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Most Expensive Yachts</a></p>
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<h2>Final Thought – The Scarcity and Feeling of Belonging</h2>
<p>While real estate markets rise and fall, the number of islands that offer accessibility, climate resilience, and secure title rights remains remarkably small. That scarcity drives both value and narrative.</p>
<p>A private island doesn’t just represent square footage or scenery; it’s for the global elite who not only travel first-class, they own the destination, and in time, begin to belong to it.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>“Privacy is the new luxury.” That’s how Jeff Bezos reportedly described his purchase of a sprawling waterfront estate on Indian Creek Island, Miami’s famously discreet “billionaire bunker.” The comment captures a growing sentiment among the ultra-wealthy. Real value today lies not only in luxury finishes or grand architecture, but in the rare ability to disconnect completely in a place no one can reach unless invited.</p>


Understanding American Banks in the UAE

Learn how American banks operate in the UAE—from Citibank’s retail access to J.P. Morgan’s private banking for high-net-worth individuals.

<p>Dubai and Abu Dhabi are global hubs for trade, capital and talent. With a strategic location, stable economy and internationally respected regulators like DIFC and ADGM, the UAE has become a natural base for many of the world’s biggest banking institutions, including several from the US. While retail options are limited (you won’t find a Chase branch on Sheikh Zayed Road or a Wells Fargo kiosk in Dubai Mall, for instance), there are a number of American banks in the UAE that make banking across the Atlantic easier. Whether you're an American living in the Emirates or simply looking for exposure to US investment tools, here’s what you need to know.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://146414699.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414699/Imported_Blog_Media/american%20banks%20in%20uae-Oct-12-2025-09-29-12-6286-AM.jpg" width="1000" height="666" loading="lazy" alt="american banks in uae" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>For Everyday Banking: Citibank</h2>
<p>If you’re seeking an American bank that lets you walk into a branch, open an account and speak to a banker, Citibank is the only real option. With locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, it’s the only US bank to offer personal banking services, such as debit accounts, credit cards, loans and investment tools. Citibank is also one of the longest-established, having operated here since 1964.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This bank is particularly useful if you’re managing money in both countries. Their Global Wallet lets users spend and hold multiple currencies without the usual foreign transaction fees, making transactions between the US and UAE faster (and often cheaper) than using a third-party service. Whether you're covering mortgage payments back in the US or simply keeping accounts balanced, the Global Wallet takes much of the friction out of cross-border banking.</p>
<p>For high-net-worth clients in the UAE, or those with more complex financial needs, Citibank has a number of more targeted experiences via Citigold and Citigold Private Client. These services come with a dedicated relationship manager and access to investment support across multiple markets. While the UAE branch doesn’t give you direct access to a US checking account (you’d still need a US address and documentation for that), it offers no-frills continuity. The key benefit is ultimately working with a bank that understands the regulatory quirks, paperwork and tax structures of both countries. Citibank is FATCA-compliant, meaning it can support American citizens with the admin-heavy process of reporting to the IRS while living abroad.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>For Private and Institutional Banking: J.P. Morgan and Others</h2>
<p>If Citibank handles everyday banking, J.P. Morgan operates at the other end of the financial spectrum. As one of the most powerful financial institutions in the world, its Dubai office in DIFC isn’t there for day-to-day account holders. It exists to serve serious capital: ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI), family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and multinational corporations. This is where regional Gulf money meets global markets with Wall Street firepower, often behind closed doors.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In DIFC, you’ll also find Goldman Sachs, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and Morgan Stanley, though most cater exclusively to institutional clients and UHNWIs. Like J.P. Morgan, these firms operate behind closed doors, with highly tailored, client-centric offerings. If you need help structuring a cross-border merger, issuing a bond or managing a $100M+ investment portfolio, this is the place.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>How American Banks Operate in the UAE, And Why It’s Different</h2>
<p>American banks have a strong presence in the UAE, but they don’t operate here in the way they do back in the States. There are no retail branches on every corner, no wide-net consumer offerings, and certainly no quick routes to opening a US checking account unless you already meet the documentation requirements. Relationships tend to matter more than walk-ins, and onboarding often takes longer, depending on what documents you hold and what kind of client you are. This is largely because these banks operate under stricter international and US compliance rules – especially for American citizens. What might be routine in the States will inevitably involve more paperwork and scrutiny in the UAE.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At the institutional level, access is even more defined. J.P. Morgan and others aren’t selling products, they’re building long-term advisory relationships with private clients and international firms. If you're coming in with capital to move or complex holdings to manage, you'll get the attention, but if not, the doors won’t exactly swing open.</p>
<p>For this reason, local accounts, such as Emirates NBD and First Abu Dhabi Bank, tend to be easier choices, even for US passport holders. All that is typically required is a valid Emirates ID and proof of address. The singular advantage of working with an American bank in the UAE is coherence and clarity, since they are built to handle cross-border reporting, US tax alignment, and compliance in a way that most local banks simply aren’t. In that sense, the real value is in coordination, rather than convenience.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

<p>Dubai and Abu Dhabi are global hubs for trade, capital and talent. With a strategic location, stable economy and internationally respected regulators like DIFC and ADGM, the UAE has become a natural base for many of the world’s biggest banking institutions, including several from the US. While retail options are limited (you won’t find a Chase branch on Sheikh Zayed Road or a Wells Fargo kiosk in Dubai Mall, for instance), there are a number of American banks in the UAE that make banking across the Atlantic easier. Whether you're an American living in the Emirates or simply looking for exposure to US investment tools, here’s what you need to know.</p>


Spas in Palm Jumeirah

Discover why South West London is the pinnacle of luxury living—from royal parks and elite schools to riverside homes and world-class amenities.

<p style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #000000;">Most people come to Palm Jumeirah for the obvious reasons – the views, the exclusivity, the address. But Palm Jumeirah's spa scene now competes with destinations like Bali and the Swiss Alps. That comparison wouldn't have made sense some years ago. Today, it's simply accurate.</span></p> 
 
<p>This matters whether you're staying for a weekend or considering longer-term plans. Quality wellness facilities of this calibre aren't as common as you'd expect, even in Dubai's luxury market.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<p><img src="https://146414699.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414699/Imported_Blog_Media/Spas%20in%20Palm%20Jumeirah-Oct-12-2025-09-45-16-2846-AM.jpg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" alt="Spas in Palm Jumeirah" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;"></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Atlantis The Spa</h2> 
<p>Atlantis might be known for waterparks and families, but that's precisely why the spa often gets overlooked – and that's what makes it so appealing. The Gulf-facing treatment rooms are remarkably peaceful, with nothing but ocean views and the gentle sound of waves.</p> 
<p>The Pearl Ritual works well if you want something regionally inspired without feeling contrived. The couples suites are where Atlantis really invested – floor-to-ceiling sea views with soft light filtering through drapes, champagne service to secluded terraces. You can disappear for an entire afternoon.</p> 
<p>One of the longest treatments is the Royal Journey. The four-hour experience includes a series of signature treatments and private terrace access. It may sound excessive, but once you’re inside, the hours pass effortlessly – and the privacy alone makes it worthwhile.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<p><span style="font-family: __BentonSans_2d01b9; font-weight: 400;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/the-view-palm-jumeirah/" rel="noopener">Palm Jumeirah View Tower</a></span></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>ShuiQi Spa</h2> 
<p>While many spas incorporate Eastern wellness elements into their treatments, ShuiQi at One&amp;Only is built around authentic traditional Chinese medicine. The consultation takes longer than many full treatments elsewhere because they're assessing your constitution properly, not just asking about pressure preferences.</p> 
<p>The Five Elements series requires multiple visits. Yes, it sounds like a sales strategy, but the approach follows actual TCM principles. The results are clearly evident.</p> 
<p>Their couples pavilion sits separately from the main spa, connected by walkways over reflecting pools. Individual steam room, outdoor shower, meals brought directly to you. It's the kind of space that makes you understand why people choose the Palm in the first place.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<p><span style="font-family: __BentonSans_2d01b9; font-weight: 400;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/palm-jumeirah-facts/" rel="noopener">Palm Jumeirah Facts</a></span></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Waldorf Astoria Spa</h2> 
<p>The Waldorf focuses on results rather than relaxation, which appeals to those who view spa treatments as health maintenance. Each treatment room functions as an individual suite with outdoor terraces and butler service that coordinates everything without being intrusive.</p> 
<p>Their Hydrafacial uses medical-grade equipment. The cryotherapy sessions have attracted <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/community-guides/dubai/palm-jumeirah/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Palm Jumeirah</a>'s fitness-focused residents, including golfers, tennis players, and individuals who require actual recovery.</p> 
<p>They combine treatments intelligently: facial followed by beach yoga, massage paired with nutrition consultation. This approach works for anyone who wants their wellness to serve a purpose beyond just feeling good.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<p><span style="font-family: __BentonSans_2d01b9; font-weight: 400;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/palm-jumeirah-mall/" rel="noopener">Palm Jumeirah Shopping Mall</a></span></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Talise Ottoman Spa</h2> 
<p>Mosaic domes, carved marble, hushed corridors – Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray feels more like a palace than a spa.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>What draws most visitors is the Turkish hammam. The treatment follows authentic Turkish technique – heated marble slabs, thorough exfoliation, generous bubbles. It's more energising than most spa treatments, but that intensity is what makes it work.</p> 
<p>The space itself becomes the experience. You move between snow rooms, thalassotherapy pools, and relaxation lounges in near silence. It's less about booking a single treatment and more about how differently time passes when you're exploring these interconnected spaces. The effect builds gradually rather than all at once.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<p><span style="font-family: __BentonSans_2d01b9; font-weight: 400;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/places-to-visit-in-palm-jumeirah/" rel="noopener">Palm Jumeirah Places to Visit</a></span></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Cinq Mondes at Emerald Palace Kempinski</h2> 
<p>Emerald Palace Kempinski has grand, palatial interiors, but Cinq Mondes inside takes a different approach entirely. This spa focuses on treatments that have worked for centuries – Japanese Ko Bi Do facials, Moroccan hammams that emphasise aromatic ritual over intensity, and Ayurvedic warm oil ceremonies from India.</p> 
<p>The contrast is striking. Walking through the resort's grand corridors into tranquil treatment suites with vaulted ceilings and candlelit passages feels cinematic without being theatrical. The hammam here reflects a deep understanding of the traditional ritual.</p> 
<p>Cinq Mondes appeals to those who prefer depth over novelty. The treatments take time, the aromatic elements are carefully sourced, and the approach feels more ceremonial than clinical.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<p><span style="font-family: __BentonSans_2d01b9; font-weight: 400;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/gyms-in-palm-jumeirah/" rel="noopener">Gyms in Palm Jumeirah</a></span></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2><span style="font-family: FreightBig; font-weight: 400;">Anantara Spa at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort</span></h2> 
<p>Anantara’s spa features overwater treatment rooms connected by wooden walkways, and almost feels like you’ve stepped out of the city entirely. Thai therapists lead most of the signature treatments, including a stress-release massage that combines rhythmic pressure with gentle stretching to recalibrate the body.</p> 
<p>Facilities include a hammam, crystal steam room, and an open-air massage pavilion that sits directly above the lagoon. The couples’ suites are particularly well suited to weekend escapes: frangipani-scented foot rituals, dual massage beds, and private access to either a garden or the water.</p> 
<p>This is a spa built around the senses – warm wood interiors, floral oils, and the sound of water everywhere you sit. It’s simply a place where your mind stops racing, and time disappears without effort.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>A Wellness Destination</h2> 
<p>The spa evolution mirrors Palm Jumeirah’s growth. Five years ago, these would’ve been considered luxurious hotel extras. Today, they’re world-class wellness facilities in one&nbsp; location – an authentic destination for residents, guests, and those who come to The Palm for more than just the view.</p> 
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<p style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #000000;">Most people come to Palm Jumeirah for the obvious reasons – the views, the exclusivity, the address. But Palm Jumeirah's spa scene now competes with destinations like Bali and the Swiss Alps. That comparison wouldn't have made sense some years ago. Today, it's simply accurate.</span></p> 


The Best Third Wave Coffee Brands In The UAE

Discover the UAE’s best third-wave coffee brands – six local roasters blending heritage, ethics, and science into every perfect cup.

<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 18px;">Explore six local roasters that promise love at first sip.&nbsp;</p> 
 
<p>In the UAE, coffee has always been much more than a pick-me-up. Both gesture and ritual, it’s been part of the cultural fabric for centuries – so revered, in fact, that the dallah is stamped onto the dirham. Today’s local coffee scene is shaped by a new generation of purists, for whom a frothy cappuccino or instant Nescafé simply won’t do. While Millennials and Gen Z may speak the language of flat whites and anaerobic lots, their approach echoes that of their forebears: sourcing ethically, roasting in small batches, and serving with meaning. From warehouse roasters in Al Quoz to lab-like cafés in Sharjah, these are six of the UAE’s most exciting third-wave coffee brands, where source and story come first.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<p><img src="https://146414699.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414699/Imported_Blog_Media/best%20coffee%20brands%20in%20uae-Oct-12-2025-09-49-31-3439-AM.jpg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" alt="best coffee brands in uae" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;"></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>RAW Coffee Company</h2> 
<p>Founded back in 2007, RAW is where Dubai’s specialty coffee scene first found its footing – not in a slick retail space, but in a working warehouse in Al Quoz. As a member of the non-profit Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), this café and roastery takes a serious, near-academic approach to coffee. Behind the bar, you’ll find everything from velvety flat whites made with the house Wicked Blend (Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala) to rotating single-origin pour-overs from Peru, Ethiopia and beyond. Beans are roasted fresh on-site, with a retail wall stocked with cold brew, compostable pods, grinders and gear. RAW also runs SCA-accredited coffee courses, whether you’re a home barista honing your craft or a pro chasing that perfect swan pour. All beans are ethically sourced through direct trade relationships with farms across Latin America, Africa and beyond.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Archers</h2> 
<p>If RAW helped birth the UAE’s specialty coffee scene, Sharjah-based Archers is quietly refining it. Founded by two Emiratis with a passion for coffee science, this local coffee brand is loved for its minimalist restraint and meticulous seasonal sourcing. The roastery specialises in limited micro-lots, with an emphasis on rare and experimental processes: think anaerobic naturals from El Salvador, washed geishas from Ethiopia. Everything here is small-batch, single-origin and roasted in-house.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>The café itself is clean-lined and calm – more of a tasting lab than a hangout spot. Archers supplies a number of fantastic coffee shops across the country, including Hoof – an equestrian-themed café with outposts in Dubai Mall, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah. Also a member of the SCA, the brand offers workshops and tasting sessions for those looking to deepen their understanding of coffee science.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Nightjar Coffee Roasters<span style="font-size: 16px;"></span></h2> 
<p>If there’s one UAE roastery that doesn’t play it safe, it’s Nightjar. Now a fixture in Alserkal Avenue, this moody café channels the feel of a North London speakeasy – all bold colours, live DJ sets, and a full draft bar stocked with cold brews that pour with a Guinness-like head. Nightjar sources its beans globally, from the highlands of Papua New Guinea to the farms of southern Mexico, with a focus on traceability and character-driven profiles. Its most popular blends include Gonzo, a light-to-medium roast with notes of chocolate and stone fruit, and Candyman, which has a sweeter profile with hints of ripe marmalade. While this Al Quoz roastery is certainly louder than its counterparts, behind the noise is a team that takes its craft seriously – and isn’t afraid to have some fun doing so.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Boon<span style="font-size: 16px;"></span></h2> 
<p>One for those who love an origin story, Boon is a UAE-based coffee brand founded by Ethiopian entrepreneur Orit Mohammed. Frustrated by the lack of fairly sourced Ethiopian coffee in Dubai (and the way global chains offer it with zero context), she began sourcing beans from her family’s farms in Sidamo and Harar – two of Ethiopia’s most storied high-altitude regions. What began as a gesture for friends and family has since grown into one of the UAE’s most recognisable boutique coffee brands, with cafés across the city and a roster of high-profile stockists, including Galeries Lafayette.</p> 
<p>The name itself nods to the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, and that sense of ritual runs through everything Boon does. Roasting is done in-house, with a focus on single-origin beans and flavour profiles that range from floral and citrusy to deep and jammy. Boon stands apart for its authenticity, female-led ethos and deep connection to Harar – the region that first domesticated the coffee plant. Ten per cent of all profits from Boon go to an education NGO in Ethiopia.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Three Coffee<span style="font-size: 16px;"></span></h2> 
<p>Three Coffee is one of the UAE’s most technically driven roasteries. Founded in 2019, this local brand is built around transparency, direct trade and science-led sourcing, with a strong focus on education and lab-style precision. It’s one of the few roasters to offer premium Robusta beans, alongside a more experimental lineup of Panama washed geisha and Colombian ‘lemon candy’ co-ferment. Coffee beans aside, you’ll find some of Dubai’s most accomplished baristas here. Co-founder and Head of Coffee, Karthikeyan Rajendran, is a Q-Grader and former World Ibrik Champion, who won over judges in Budapest in 2017 with his blend of cocoa reduction, balsamic vinegar and vanilla raspberry tea. Like many of Dubai’s coffee heavyweights, the roastery is based in Al Quoz, with a pared-back café and an extensive online coffee library for home brewers.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Gold Box Coffee<span style="font-size: 16px;"></span></h2> 
<p>Gold Box is a purple-hued pause in the maze Al Quoz. This UK-born coffee roastery was founded in Newcastle in 2012 by Barbara Croce, a licensed Q-Grader and green coffee buyer. The space itself is unmistakable, with glowing violet lights, a signature purple La Marzocco GS3, and a long brew bar lined with Hario gear. It’s part roastery, part café, and part hangout for regulars who come for both the beans and the conversation. The menu favours clean, regional profiles from the likes of Ethiopia and Colombia, alongside more experimental small-batch microlots from South America. The team here has racked up accolades over the years: Head Roaster Emmanuel Velora won the Middle East Roasting Championship, and their baristas are a steady fixture on the UAE competition circuit. Come for a flat white, stay for a signature pour-over – and don’t be surprised if Barbara herself is the one talking you through the tasting notes.</p> 
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<p>&nbsp;</p>{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 18px;">Explore six local roasters that promise love at first sip.&nbsp;</p> 


Most Expensive Porsche Cars Ever Sold Globally

Discover the most expensive Porsche cars ever sold—from Le Mans legends to rare prototypes—fetching up to $14M for collectors worldwide.

<p>Though the 911 is Porsche’s most famous model, it was notably absent from many of the brand’s highest-grossing auctions. Indeed, only one 911 appears among Porsche’s ten most expensive sales. It proves that value, rarity, race pedigree, and provenance often outweigh name recognition.</p>

<p>Back in the 1930s, before Porsche became known for its race winners, Ferdinand Porsche played a key role in shaping what would become one of the most iconic cars of the 20th century: the Volkswagen Beetle. But Porsche as a brand didn’t truly emerge until after World War II, when his son Ferry Porsche took over and introduced the company’s first official model, the 356. From that point forward, Porsche focused its most prized efforts on prototype builds and rally-spec machines, which are designed to meet race regulations and dominate the podium.</p>
<p>Interestingly, many of these models were produced in just a handful of units, sometimes only a few dozen, and carry decades of motorsport heritage. Today, they fetch millions, being irreplaceable. Below are the most expensive Porsches ever sold at auction, not just in Stuttgart’s history, but in automotive history altogether.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://146414699.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414699/Imported_Blog_Media/most%20expensive%20porsche-Oct-12-2025-09-55-50-7328-AM.jpg" width="1000" height="629" loading="lazy" alt="most expensive porsche" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>1970 Porsche 917K – $14,080,000</h2>
<p>The undisputed king of Porsche auctions, the 1970 Porsche 917K, changed everything for the brand. Sold at Pebble Beach in 2017, this particular car, chassis 917-024, not only represented Porsche’s first Le Mans-winning platform but also featured in Steve McQueen’s film Le Mans. Originally owned by Swiss racing driver Jo Siffert, the car’s movie role and impeccable provenance made it a dream piece for collectors. Its 4.9L flat-12 engine, revolutionary aerodynamics, and iconic Gulf livery enshrined this model’s place in history. This sale remains the highest price ever paid for a Porsche at public auction.<span style="font-size: 11px;"></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-family: __BentonSans_2d01b9; font-weight: 400;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/rarest-car-in-the-world/" rel="noopener">Most Rare Car In The World</a></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>1982 Porsche 956 – $10,120,000</h2>
<p>The Porsche 956, built for Group C endurance racing, became one of the most successful race cars ever developed. Chassis 956-003, sold in 2015, finished second at Le Mans in 1982 and won outright in 1983. Driven by racing legends like Jochen Mass and Hurley Haywood, its legacy was already written in gold. As one of only ten and the first Porsche to break the $10M mark, it remains a favorite among motorsport historians and investors.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>1997 Porsche 911 GT1 Rennversion – $7,045,000</h2>
<p>&nbsp;A street-legal version of a true Le Mans contender, the 911 GT1 Rennversion was a technological marvel. Just nine customer cars were built, and the example sold in 2024 had a genuine racing bloodline and proven success on track, having competed in both the FIA GT and IMSA series. Its mid-engine layout and 3.2L twin-turbocharged flat-six engine made it a rare blend of racing aggression and road-going capability.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion – $5,665,000</h2>
<p>Ever wondered what it’s like to drive a Le Mans winner on public roads? That’s exactly what the GT1 Strassenversion offered. As the road-going counterpart to the Rennversion, with only 20 examples built, it stands as one of the rarest homologation models ever created. One pristine example, with fewer than 8,000 kilometres, sold in 2017 and included original documentation and tools. Its design, performance, and exclusivity make it one of the ultimate Porsche collectibles.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-family: __BentonSans_2d01b9; font-weight: 400;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/best-luxury-electric-cars/" rel="noopener">Luxury Electric Cars</a></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>1985 Porsche 959 Paris–Dakar Prototype – $5,945,000</h2>
<p>This isn’t your typical 959. The Paris–Dakar prototype was a development car used in one of the world’s toughest off-road races. Only seven of these rally-prepped monsters were ever built, and this one was driven by Dakar winner René Metge. Although it didn’t finish the 1985 rally, the car’s rarity, engineering, and motorsport significance made it a collector’s holy grail. Its sale in 2018 underscored how much demand exists for Porsche’s most daring creations.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>1972 Porsche 917/10 Spyder – $5,830,000</h2>
<p><span style="font-size: 11px;">&nbsp;</span>Porsche’s answer to North America’s Can-Am series came in the form of the 917/10 Spyder: a fire-breathing, 900-hp turbocharged monster. The car sold in 2012 was driven by George Follmer and contributed to Porsche’s dominance in the 1972 season. As one of just 11 built, and one that broke McLaren’s winning streak, it’s a significant part of Porsche’s turbocharged racing legacy.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>2007 Porsche RS Spyder Evo – $5,615,000</h2>
<p>A modern prototype that helped Porsche conquer the American Le Mans Series, the RS Spyder Evo was developed in collaboration with Penske Racing. The car sold in 2022 played a critical role in multiple championship wins and is now regarded as one of the most successful Porsche prototypes ever built. With just 17 produced, it’s an ideal collector’s item for those focused on 21st-century motorsport dominance.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-family: __BentonSans_2d01b9; font-weight: 400;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/most-expensive-ferrari/" rel="noopener">Most Valuable Ferrari</a></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>1960 Porsche RS60 Spyder – $5,400,000</h2>
<p>Only four RS60s were built by the factory, and the example sold in 2015 had perhaps the most illustrious history. Raced by legends like Stirling Moss and Dan Gurney, it competed at Le Mans, Sebring, and Targa Florio. Its documented success and unrepeatable provenance secured its multi-million-dollar sale.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>1955 Porsche 550 Spyder – $5,335,000</h2>
<p>Best known for its connection to James Dean, the 550 Spyder was Porsche’s first purpose-built racecar. The car sold in 2016 was a blue Wendler-bodied version with just over 10,000 miles, completely unrestored and from the collection of comedian and Porsche aficionado Jerry Seinfeld. Its originality and celebrity ownership drove intense interest.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>1958 Porsche 550A Spyder – $5,170,000</h2>
<p>Built with a lightweight tubular space frame, the 550A improved upon its predecessor with class wins at Le Mans and Nürburgring. The car sold in 2018 had been campaigned by Carel de Beaufort and was one of just 40 built. Highly regarded for its engineering purity and rarity.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-family: __BentonSans_2d01b9; font-weight: 400;">Also Read: <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/most-expensive-lamborghini/" rel="noopener">Lamborghini Most Expensive Car</a></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>2018 Porsche 911 “Sally Special” – $3,600,000</h2>
<p>One of Porsche’s most heartwarming sales, the Sally Special, was a one-off 911 built in partnership with Pixar to resemble Sally Carrera from Cars. Sold for charity in 2022, it fetched a staggering $3.6 million – the highest price ever paid for a new Porsche. While not a racing legend, it highlighted Porsche’s cultural reach and philanthropic power.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>Porsche’s most valuable cars are the ones with the deepest stories. Many were produced in tiny numbers. Some never saw full-scale production at all. As Ferry Porsche once put it, “In the beginning I looked around and could not find quite the car I dreamed of, so I decided to build it myself.” That founding impulse, to build what didn’t yet exist, is what gives these machines their enduring appeal.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Today, these cars hold cultural and financial value far beyond the showroom. Celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld and Steve McQueen built collections around them. High-net-worth collectors in cities like Dubai, London, and Los Angeles bid aggressively for the rarest examples. As one auction executive recently said, “The Porsche buyer doesn’t just want a car. They want a moment in history that can still be driven.” Especially in the GCC, where there is a large and active community of classic car enthusiasts, the appetite shows in events like the DSF Auto Season at Dubai Hills Mall and the Grand Picnic Classic Cars Festival at Safa Park, featuring over a thousand vintage vehicles.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Though the 911 is Porsche’s most famous model, it was notably absent from many of the brand’s highest-grossing auctions. Indeed, only one 911 appears among Porsche’s ten most expensive sales. It proves that value, rarity, race pedigree, and provenance often outweigh name recognition.</p>


Six Places Worth Visiting This Summer in Dubai

From hidden museums to snowy slopes, discover six curated spots to explore in Dubai this summer—perfect for culture, calm, and creative escapes.

<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 18px;">From shaded heritage houses to concept stores tucked inside old Jumeirah villas, discover Dubai at its most curated and considered.</p> 

<p>Summer has arrived, and with it comes a familiar shift in pace: life moves indoors, the streets grow quiet, and residents slip away to cooler climes. For those who stay, the summer months can be an excellent time to rediscover the city without the usual flocks of tourists and commuters. Galleries feel more spacious, malls less frenetic, and once-busy cafés take on a slower, more local rhythm. Whether you’re seeking culture, calm or just a well-designed space with strong coffee and excellent air-conditioning, here are some of the best places to visit in Dubai this summer.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<p><img src="https://146414699.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414699/Imported_Blog_Media/places%20to%20visit%20in%20dubai%20in%20summer-Oct-12-2025-09-30-22-0177-AM.jpg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" alt="places to visit in dubai in summer" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;"></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Alserkal Avenue</h2> 
<p>A former industrial compound turned cultural district, Alserkal Avenue is a place that feels cool in both senses of the word. Along its winding, warehouse-lined alleyways, you’ll find independent galleries, arthouse cinema, locally roasted coffee, and concept spaces that defy easy categorisation. Some visit Alserkal to shop – whether for rare books, niche fragrances, or handmade jewellery – while others come to linger long over lunch or coffee. It’s one of the few places in Dubai where you can wander from venue to venue, not quite knowing what you’ll stumble upon next. While the avenues themselves are not air-conditioned, most spaces are either indoors or naturally shaded. Plan in advance to book season-specific shows or events, such as The Greatest Showman in The Junction, or a screening of Mickey 17 in Cinema Akil. For a summer afternoon that doesn’t involve a shopping mall, this is the place.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Al Shindagha Museum, Dubai Creek</h2> 
<p>On the Creek waterfront, Al Shindagha Museum is the place to visit for a slow, enriching summer afternoon. This beautifully restored museum is set within a series of heritage houses, each dedicated to different facets of Emirati life: not the glitter seen on postcards today, but the old way – when the air was cooled by wind towers, and spoken poetry filled the room instead of TikTok and television. Visitors can explore everything from traditional medicine to ancient navigation techniques, presented through various forms of media. A standout here is The Perfume House, which traces the role of scent in Emirati culture and its place along historic trade routes. While the summer brings the heat, it’s arguably the best time to visit – to experience firsthand how previous generations lived (and thrived) in the region without reaching for the AC.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates</h2> 
<p>Ski Dubai is one of those places that never quite stops feeling improbable: a full alpine-style slope, mid-mall, in the middle of the desert. Inside, it’s minus two degrees with real snow, working chairlifts, and a steady loop of skiers navigating the runs. Younger visitors can explore the Snow Park, complete with ice slides and toboggans, while more confident skiers can test the slope or sign up for a private lesson. For some Dubai residents, the experience is less of a novelty and more of a seasonal escape – an active way to swap 45°C for crisp icy air. It’s also a great destination for those wanting to practice before hitting the real slopes in the winter season. A trip to Ski Dubai would be incomplete without a marshmallow-topped hot chocolate from Avalanche Café, and if you’re lucky, you might just spot a huddle of Gentoo penguins waddling past.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Theatre of Digital Art (ToDA), Souk Madinat Jumeirah</h2> 
<p>Digital art gets the full cinematic treatment at Madinat Jumeirah’s Theatre of Digital Art (ToDA). Housed in a repurposed IMAX theatre, the walls, floors and ceilings come alive with sound and colour, celebrating both contemporary and classical works. Unlike a traditional gallery, there’s no single frame to stare at. Instead, entire rooms pulse with projections: Van Gogh’s sunflowers bloom in slow motion, Japanese ink paintings ripple to ambient soundscapes, and AI-generated dream worlds unfold in hypnotic loops. What sets ToDA apart from other digital spaces in Dubai is its focus on the old masters, showcasing work by Paul Cézanne, Claude Monet, Wassily Kandinsky and more.&nbsp;</p> 
<p>Beyond visual art, ToDA has a busy schedule of events this summer, from restorative sound healing to live jazz performances. Upcoming highlights on the roster include “Dreams of Rumi” – an evening of Sufi music and poetry – and a film night scored by the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra. Something of a hidden gem, it’s visually arresting and utterly affecting.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Comptoir 102, Jumeirah</h2> 
<p>Much smaller in scale than the likes of Alserkal, Comptoir 102 is part concept store, part café. This sun-dappled space is tucked inside a 1970s villa just off Jumeirah Beach Road, and it’s absolutely worth a visit this summer. The boutique leans toward high-end minimalism: think French ceramics, organic skincare, woven throws, and sculptural jewellery curated with a bohemian eye. It’s the kind of place where the simplest wardrobe staples – a white linen shirt, a tote bag – are carefully considered and sustainably sourced.</p> 
<p>As for the café, the coffee is excellent, but it’s the food that stands out. Designed with health-conscious foodies in mind, each plate is colourful and plant-based, with age-old techniques like pre-soaking and fermentation woven into every dish. A lifestyle destination unto itself, Comptoir 102 also hosts exhibitions and expert-led talks on wellness, nutrition and sustainable living.</p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p> 
<h2>Dubai Mall</h2> 
<p>Dubai Mall is such an expansive retail monolith that for many locals, its sheer scale can be intimidating. In the blazing summer months however, it becomes something of an indoor city in the best sense – a place to browse, dine and escape the heat without feeling confined. Beyond shopping, there’s an Olympic-sized ice rink, an indoor aquarium, and the digital art space Infinity des Lumières, where floor-to-ceiling projections bring everything from Gaudí’s architecture to Japanese brushwork to life. Even the cinema – a 26-screen multiplex – feels like a destination in its own right, with specialised screenings, plush seating and a full à la carte menu.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> 
<p><br><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #000000;">For a slower pace, the cafés along Fashion Avenue offer some of the best people-watching scenes in the city, with patisseries that rival the likes of Paris. The nearby </span>Museum of the Future<span style="color: #000000;"> – with its looping calligraphy-carved steel façade and forward-looking exhibits – makes an easy and worthwhile addition to a day in Dubai Mall. </span></span></p> 
<p>&nbsp;</p>{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 18px;">From shaded heritage houses to concept stores tucked inside old Jumeirah villas, discover Dubai at its most curated and considered.</p> 


How to Buy Property in Dubai From UK: A Brief Overview

Discover how to buy property in Dubai from the UK, with expert insights on legal steps, visa options, fees, and investment tips for UK-based buyers.

<p>With a record number of British nationals relocating to Dubai, the city is now home to around 240,000 UK expats. Year-round sunshine, modern architecture, as well as attractive tax laws mean many are here for the long haul, with the UK representing the highest percentage of foreign property investors outside the Indian market. Other British nationals recognise the opportunity of owning an investment property in Dubai.</p>

<p>This guide outlines the key steps to owning property in Dubai, whilst remaining fully compliant with the laws of the land.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://146414699.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414699/Imported_Blog_Media/how%20to%20buy%20property%20in%20dubai%20from%20uk-Oct-12-2025-09-34-02-4782-AM.jpg" width="1000" height="621" loading="lazy" alt="how to buy property in dubai from uk" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;"></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Initial Considerations</h2>
<p>When buying a property in Dubai from the UK, proper representation is paramount. High-net-worth individuals need to know where they stand from a legal perspective, and they must understand the difference between buying as a resident and a non-resident. Whilst both groups are legally entitled to buy property in Dubai, there are a couple of minor differences.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Non-residents should be sure to have local management in place if they’re abroad for a large part of the year. There is also a benefit in the case of buying property worth AED 750,000 or more. This allows investors to apply for a renewable 2-year property investor visa. Should you happen to buy a property worth more than AED 2 million, then you can qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa. Whilst there is no property tax in the UAE, <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/buying-property-in-dubai/" rel="noopener">buying property in Dubai</a> may have some implications on your UK tax status, which is worth considering.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Identifying Your Property - Investments</h2>
<p>Buying investment property comes with a few key factors. Arguably, some of the most important are mapping out the ROI, rental yields and property maintenance costs. Other considerations, including expected <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/capital-appreciation-in-dubai-real-estate/" rel="noopener">capital appreciation</a>, as well as vacancy periods, will also have an effect on the property you wish to invest in.</p>
<p>When buying in the city, you should also consider the speed at which properties are transacted. If you find something you like, it’s a good idea to move fast, as the market is extremely fluid. It’s also important to distinguish between off-plan and resale. Off-plan (under construction) can offer a more competitive price, but resale properties can offer good value, especially if they have been on the market for a while.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Identifying Your Property - Homes</h2>
<p>Working with a trusted property consultant, who also operates as a wealth advisor, to factor in budget logistics is a smart move. Careful consideration needs to then be given to choosing the right area for you: Do you value neighbourhoods with good restaurants? Are you looking for excellent education for children? Are you somebody who needs plenty of space? These reflections can make or break a neighbourhood for some, and you need to make sure you fully understand the pros and cons of each area.</p>
<p>Once you have identified your asset, with the help of a local real estate agent with in-depth knowledge of the property and also the infrastructure surrounding it, it’s time to arrange a viewing. One thing to understand about Dubai is that it is vital to have proper representation by a trusted property consultant.</p>
<p>Just like buying an investment property, it’s a good idea to move fast once you’ve identified the plot you wish to acquire, as the Dubai property market can be extremely fluid.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Researching the Market</h2>
<p>Before making an offer, you need some key information from your broker, who should have already been properly researching prices in the surrounding area and have a good understanding of market trends – agents have access to some key data sources and a good one will be able to advise you properly. These are all part of the process leading to securing a good asset. <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/cost-of-buying-property-in-dubai/" rel="noopener">Dubai property prices</a> can be affected by various factors such as the economy, as well as supply and demand. Are you looking during a buyer’s or seller’s market? Are you buying during a seller’s or buyer’s market cycle?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Budget and Costs</h2>
<p>Deciding on a budget is also key. Buyers should also take into consideration things such as <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/how-to-get-a-mortgage-in-dubai/" rel="noopener">securing a mortgage</a> (if needed), which will take into consideration you financial status. Should you find you need a mortgage, you need to factor in the loan-to-value ratio, which in the UAE is 80% for properties below AED 5 million and 70% for properties above the same figure.</p>
<p>You should then factor in the 4% fee paid to the Dubai Land Department (DLD) – the government branch responsible for documenting property transactions – and the 2% broker’s commission. In a nutshell, this means there are extra liquidity requirements to the tune of 6%. Taking all this into account will help you further down the road, without forgetting to make allowances for things like agent commissions, registration and transfer fees and other things you might be unaware of, such as maintenance fees.</p>
<p>Making an informed initial offer can make negotiations smoother and give you a better sense of the market. Being adept at managing your expectations will benefit you, so listening to your real estate agent can also increase your chances of having your offer accepted. These are the real experts, so be sure to take their advice on board.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)</h2>
<p>Once your offer has been accepted, the next step is to pay the deposit and then sign the MOU. A well-drafted MOU (or Form F) – known as a sales contract in the UK – which will be prepared by the buyer’s realtor, is key to minimising any potential problems at a later date. If you happen to be buying an off-plan property, you would sign a Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA), as opposed to an MOU.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What the MOU Should Include</h2>
<p>Key elements of the MOU include clear identification of the parties involved – names and personal details of the buyer and seller, as well as details of any third parties involved, such as agents or brokers, should also be included. A detailed description of the property would also need to be noted, outlining basics such as address and size, as well as any unique details about the property.</p>
<p>Other important things to record would be details of the deposit – a minimum of 10% must be provided by the buyer as security – the agreed upon price (and any conditions that might entail), details of any instalments and due dates, as well as deadline details (the expected date of property transfer, for example). Contingencies must also be included – for example, if financing approval is required, as well as any agreed-upon obligations or responsibilities either party wishes to include in the transaction.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Finalising the MOU</h2>
<p>Once everything has been outlined, the MOU then needs to be signed and dated by all of the involved parties. This indicates their legal agreement to the terms and conditions outlined in the document. Some other things to consider regarding the MOU are that it must be legally created in both Arabic and English, and all figures must be quoted in UAE Dirhams.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Completing the Transfer – Obtaining the No Objection Certificate (NOC)</h2>
<p>Completing the transfer happens across several distinct steps. Once the MOU (or SPA) has been signed, your seller must then provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which is obtained from the property’s developer in order to ascertain that the property has no outstanding fees or <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/service-charge-index/" rel="noopener">service charges</a> and that that the developer has no objection to the property being transferred.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Property Valuation by the Dubai Land Department (DLD)</h2>
<p>The Dubai Land Department (DLD) also has regulations in place to make sure the property is being sold at fair market value, so after the NOC has been issued, a DLD-approved valuer will visit the property to make their official valuation. This will help to protect both buyer and seller and ensure that proper market conditions are being met.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Transfer of Ownership and Registration with the Dubai Land Department</h2>
<p>Assuming the property ownership process goes smoothly, the Transfer of Ownership is then allowed to go ahead. An approved property registration trustee must be used, which both parties must visit at the same time, which is when the buyer pays the purchase price. The DLD can then update its records to reflect the change of ownership and is now in a position to provide the buyer with the title deed, which is the official receipt or legal proof of ownership. The <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/what-is-title-deed-in-dubai/" rel="noopener">title deed</a>&nbsp;contains details of the property such as location, size and previous owners.</p>
<p>However, the property still isn’t legally transferred until the sale has been registered with the DLD. Failure to register the sale could result in problems in the future.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Further Considerations for Foreign Investors</h2>
<p>For investors who might not be based in Dubai, there are a couple of other things that should be considered. Whilst Dubai is famous for attracting foreign investment, there are still some restrictions on foreign ownership in certain locations. Investors must make sure the property they are buying is located in a specified <a href="https://sothebysrealty.ae/the-journal/freehold-areas-in-dubai/" rel="noopener">freehold area</a>. If they are unable to be present throughout the transfer process, then a power of attorney must be designated. This will allow someone to act on behalf of the absentee investor.</p>
<p>Lastly, it is important to understand currency exchange rules. Dubai operates in the local currency, UAE Dirhams, so it is imperative to be aware of the exchange rate and any other fees to minimise any surprises during the transfer.</p>
<p><br><br></p>
<p>Buying property in Dubai offers a significant ROI should you wish to invest, and an exclusive lifestyle should you decide to move to the city. With property prices across the Emirates, driven by high levels of demand, showing no signs of slowing down, capital appreciation offers another opportunity for investors and end users alike to take advantage of the Dubai property market.</p>
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<p>With a record number of British nationals relocating to Dubai, the city is now home to around 240,000 UK expats. Year-round sunshine, modern architecture, as well as attractive tax laws mean many are here for the long haul, with the UK representing the highest percentage of foreign property investors outside the Indian market. Other British nationals recognise the opportunity of owning an investment property in Dubai.</p>


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Emirates Hills is among the most affluent neighbourhoods in Dubai. This magnificent development realized by Emaar Properties PJSC is commonly called the "Beverly Hills of Dubai".

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With 16 distinct communities overlooking the Earth and Fire golf courses, this gated community is a great choice for families looking for a blend of luxury and nature.

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Developed by Al Barari Developers, this gated community unfolds across two masterful phases, offering a unique blend of opulent villas and apartments.

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Dubai Creek is an essential part of Dubai’s history and was at the heart of the city’s commercial activity in its early days. Back then, the vibrant metropolis we know today was a pearl diving village heavily involved in maritime trade with the Creek serving as a key port.

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