Aldar Properties has unveiled the launch of The Wilds, its third residential development in Dubai, in partnership with Dubai Holding.

Designed to integrate luxurious residences with pristine natural surroundings, The Wilds aims to offer a scenic retreat for families.

A first of its kind in Dubai, The Wilds will feature the largest and most diverse collection of wildlife within a residential community in the emirate.

The development will incorporate a variety of habitats, including ponds, lawns, and dry stream areas, with duck houses blending seamlessly into water streams.

The community will also host manmade bird nests, bee-keeping zones, and a variety of native plants, fostering a harmonious balance between residential living and nature.

“We are extremely excited to introduce The Wilds, our third residential community in Dubai, and one that will become the most sought-after green development in the emirate,” said Jonathan Emery, CEO of Aldar Development.

“A design masterpiece inspired by Mother Nature, The Wilds is a place where people and nature will live and grow together. It will nurture the health, wellbeing, and development of children while fostering a sense of responsibility for protecting the environment for future generations.”

The centrepiece of the development will be The Nest, a community pavilion designed to complement the natural environment. This visual landmark will serve as a gathering space for residents and include a wildlife observation and environmental learning area for children.

Key features of The Wilds

Located along Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, opposite Global Village, The Wilds has nearly 1,700 homes planned, including five- and six-bedroom mansions designed by renowned Lebanese architect Nabil Gholam.

The development will also feature three- to five-bedroom villas and one- to three-bedroom apartments, all surrounded by eco-corridors and green spaces offering privacy within nature.

The community will also include a premium international school with outdoor learning spaces, retail hubs, clubhouses, a nursery, a clinic, and two mosques. Emphasising inclusivity, The Wilds will offer adaptive play areas, including musical flowers and sensory retreats designed for people of determination.

For those with active lifestyles, the community will provide state-of-the-art fitness zones, tennis, padel, and basketball courts.

Relaxation options will include shaded wellness pavilions, meditation spaces, resort-style swimming pools, and cocoon hammocks. Walking and cycling trails will wind through the development, offering residents opportunities to explore and unwind.

The Wilds will also become the first community in the UAE to achieve the highest sustainability and wellness certifications, with LEED Platinum and Fitwel 3-star ratings. These accolades underscore Aldar’s commitment to promoting sustainable living and innovative building practices.

The launch follows the success of Aldar’s previous developments, Haven and Athlon, which sold out within hours of release, highlighting strong demand for wellness-focused, active living communities in Dubai.

The Wilds will officially launch for sale on February 27 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

Etihad Airways reported a solid financial performance for 2024, posting a profit after tax of Dhs1.7bn ($476m) driven by substantial increases in passenger and cargo revenues.

The airline’s total revenue surged 25 per cent year-on-year to Dhs25.3bn ($6.9bn), propelled by a 32 per cent rise in passenger numbers and a 24 per cent increase in cargo revenue.

The airline carried 18.5 million passengers in 2024, up from 14 million in 2023, reflecting sustained demand across its expanding network.

The passenger business alone generated Dhs20.8bn ($5.7bn), while cargo contributed Dhs4.2bn ($1.1bn).

Etihad’s performance also benefitted from a 28 per cent year-on-year increase in available seat kilometres (ASK) and an improved passenger load factor of 87 per cent, up from 86 per cent in 2023.

Etihad routes

The airline’s operational efficiency showed notable improvements, with increased flight frequencies on 25 routes and more than 20 new destinations added in 2024, including Boston, Jaipur, Bali, and Nairobi.

Over the next year, Etihad will launch additional destinations, including summer hotspots such as Antalya, Nice, and Santorini. The carrier’s fleet continued to grow with 12 new aircraft, including six A320 NEOs and the re-entry of its fifth A380.

Etihad also continued its commitment to sustainability, boasting one of the region’s youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets. The carrier has furthered its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals through these fleet improvements.

In a move to enhance customer service, Etihad introduced a dedicated premium call centre and upgraded its website and mobile app with over 200 enhancements.

The airline also approved a significant Dhs3bn retrofit programme, its largest ever, aimed at improving cabin comfort and inflight experience.

Etihad’s loyalty programme, Etihad Guest, also reached a milestone of 10 million members.

Industry awards recognised Etihad’s service excellence, including ‘Best Cabin Crew’ and ‘Best Customer Experience’. AirlineRatings.com also named Etihad Environmental Airline of the Year for the third consecutive year.

New hires and employee force

Etihad’s workforce grew to over 11,000 employees, with more than 2,000 new hires and over 1,500 promotions.

The airline also made strides in advancing UAE National Talent initiatives, with over 70 Emirati cadet pilots graduating in 2024.

Chairman Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa praised the airline’s success, stating, “Our commitment to offering best-in-class service has strengthened our operations, boosted efficiency, and helped deliver remarkable results. As we expand our network and enhance our offerings, we continue to support Abu Dhabi’s tourism ambitions and position ourselves as the airline everyone wants to fly.”

The airline’s CEO Antonoaldo Neves expressed confidence in the airline’s future growth, highlighting the continued success in profitability and customer satisfaction. “These results demonstrate the dedication of our people, who have driven both sustainable growth and extraordinary customer experiences.”

The airline’s financial performance was further bolstered by a decrease in operating costs, with both CASK (cost per available seat kilometre) and CASK ex-fuel down by 3 per cent and 4 per cent, respectively.

Etihad’s EBITDA grew 32 per cent to Dhs4.7bn ($1.3bn), reflecting the success of its cost-efficiency measures.

Etihad’s strong financial and operational results have been recognised by credit rating agency Fitch, which upgraded the airline’s credit rating to A+ in July 2024, citing a stronger credit profile and improved financial performance.

The UAE has become the leading recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Middle East, capturing nearly half, 45.4 per cent, of all flows, worth as much as $67.6 bn, according to the latest available figures in UNCTAD’s World Investment Report. The UAE was also the best FDI performer in the world relative to the size of its economy.

This is not surprising given how much importance federal and local governments have been giving FDI in the context of its economic ambitions. As well as ensuring the basics are in place, like safety and security, the country has worked hard to enhance policies and regulations.

Public-private collaboration

NextGenFDI is another initiative encouraging entrepreneurship and collaboration between the public and private sectors. FDI growth has come across a variety of sectors, including real estate.

Dubai’s property prices are expected to grow by 9.9 per cent in 2025 (Savills), having swelled by 19.9 per cent last year (Knight Frank), thanks to the continuing influx of wealthy foreign buyers from the UK, Europe and Asia. These are attracted by new, more liberal regulations such as residency permits for retirees, as well as greater job opportunities, and lifestyle considerations.

Nearly a fifth of all homes are already valued at $1m. According to Knight Frank’s estimates, 5 per cent growth in the prime residential segment is expected this year, and 300,000 new homes are due to come onto the market from now until 2029.

Alternative investment managers have been instrumental in structuring capital-intensive deals like build-to-rent portfolios, which continue to attract institutional investors. More importantly, alternative investment managers themselves act as FDI enablers, helping channel institutional capital into the market.

One recent development is the Central Bank of the UAE’s directive for banks to exclude the Dubai Land Department registration fees and broker fees from mortgage deals. Buyers now need a larger down payment with an additional 6 per cent, approximately, on top of the 20 per cent of the property value.

We welcome this move as it is the sign of a mature real estate market attracting quality buyers who are more financially prepared, reducing the risks of default or foreclosure. For a property worth Dhs4m, for example, the new rules mean an additional Dhs240,000 which adds strain, making a case for quality buyers entering the secondary market. It brings the UAE in line with international practice (international banks have never offered this facility), where financing systems play a stabilising role.

Prime real estate to see continuing growth

I also do not believe that it will affect the luxury segment much as it is a relatively small amount of the total costs. I expect the luxury and ultra-luxury segments to enjoy continued growth for several reasons.

Firstly, several developers have been working with luxury partners on non-water-based sites, to upgrade the design and specifications, and ensure good amenities and transport connectivity. Property value here can be increased by 15-20 per cent.

The second factor is that compared with New York, London or Singapore, prices for luxury homes are lower, meaning investors can derive more value here. And the average plot size is bigger in Dubai, for both the floor (livable) and the open area (garden, terrace).

A third driver is the stable and growing build-to-rent market and the higher annual yields obtainable in the UAE — typically 7-8 per cent compared with only 3 per cent in Europe. Although buyers include high-net-worth individuals and companies, most of our international investors, about 70-80 per cent, are made up of foreign pension funds and feeder funds.

Once a player has invested in the property, which takes about three years to build, and when the rent has stabilised over four years (when 90 per cent of the property is rented), they can sell it to an institutional investor.

The GCC-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement, which is nearing completion, should also provide a further fillip to real estate FDI in the UAE. Of course, there are no guarantees in investments, but I see plenty of upside in this market yet, for relatively low risk.

Read: Why RAK’s Al Marjan is set for a big ‘Wynn’

The writer is a managing partner at Global Partners, a DFSA-regulated alternative investment manager.

In a dazzling celebration of ambition and innovation, Dubai’s skyline is about to welcome a new giant.

Azizi Developments, one of the city’s leading private real estate developers, unveiled the spectacular Burj Azizi, the world’s second-tallest tower, at 725 meters.

The highly anticipated project, which represents a historic milestone for the company and its founder and chairman, Mirwais Azizi, was revealed at a glittering event at the Coca-Cola Arena on February 18.

The launch event attracted over 15,000 guests from various sectors, including government officials, investors, business leaders, and international media.

The evening ended with a performance by global music icon Jennifer Lopez. The pop superstar brought the house down with a medley of her biggest hits, delivering a high-energy dance performance that had the audience on their feet.

Global sales launch in major cities worldwide

The event, which marked the official celebration of Burj Azizi’s launch, marks the start of global sales from February 19, across several major cities worldwide.

Locations for the sales launch include Dubai (Conrad Hotel), Hong Kong (The Peninsula), London (The Dorchester), Mumbai (JW Marriott Juhu), Singapore (Marina Bay Sands), Sydney (Four Seasons Hotel), and Tokyo (Palace Hotel).

Sales will also be available online.

Azizi expressed his immense pride, saying, “In cities like Dubai, new projects emerge regularly. But a project like Burj Azizi is a once-in-a-generation achievement. I am beyond thrilled to announce that this dream, which has been years in the making, is now on its way to becoming a reality.”

Azizi also expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support from Dubai’s leadership, stating, “Burj Azizi is not just a building; it is a tribute to Dubai’s remarkable growth on the world stage. We are honoured to contribute to the city’s legacy, and I am deeply thankful for the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as well as the support of the Dubai authorities.”

Burj Azizi to be completed in 2028

Set to be completed by 2028, Burj Azizi will stand as a stunning architectural feat, offering a mix of residential, hotel, retail, and entertainment spaces.

The tower will feature an ultra-luxury shopping mall, home to leading high-end fashion brands, and luxurious one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.

Each of the residential floors will have dedicated amenity floors, offering state-of-the-art facilities such as swimming pools, a spa, a games room, a business centre, a cinema, a restaurant, and even a supermarket.

At the tower’s pinnacle will sit a world-class seven-star hotel, offering rooms and restaurants themed around Arabic, Chinese, Persian, Indian, Turkish, French, and Russian cultures. The hotel will also include a luxury ballroom and beach club, making it a significant addition to Dubai’s hospitality landscape.

The tower’s many records include the highest observation deck on level 130, the highest hotel lobby on level 111, the highest nightclub on level 126, and the highest restaurant on level 122, among others.

At the very top, a special museum will showcase the evolution of the building, with multimedia exhibits recognising key figures involved in its creation.

Dilmah Tea, a global tea company founded by Merrill J Fernando, has been a pioneer in the tea industry for decades.

In an exclusive interview, his son and now Dilmah chairman Dilhan C Fernando shares insights into the company’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.

Fernando discusses the challenges and opportunities in the evolving tea market, the importance of ethical sourcing, and the company’s efforts to promote tea culture globally. He also sheds light on Dilmah’s unique approach to tea production, its focus on sustainability, and its plans for the future.

The global tea market has seen significant changes in recent years. How has Dilmah adapted to evolving consumer preferences, particularly regarding sustainability and ethical sourcing?

My father – Dilmah Founder, Merrill J Fernando – set out in 1985 to make the world a better tea. He devoted his life to tea and, wishing to make Dilmah a business that is also a matter of human service, he formed our family company on a foundation of quality and integrity, with a heart of kindness.

He passed away last year at the age of 93, although we honour the inspiring legacy of kindness he leaves, with a minimum of 15 per cent of the pretax profits used to build schools, and hospitals, fund scholarships and vocational training for the less fortunate, nutrition, welfare, healthcare and housing for plantation workers.

A further 5 per cent is used by our Dilmah Conservation for biodiversity conservation and restoration, environmental education and awareness, and climate action. That emphasis on kindness to people and nature is our greatest resilience today.

With the rise of speciality teas and artisanal blends, how does Dilmah maintain its position in the premium tea segment while staying true to its Ceylon roots?

We are tea growers, driven by a passion for tea. Maintaining the perspective of a tea grower in a tea category corroded by discounts and compromise is difficult, but we believe that where quality – taste and goodness – are concerned, we must always focus on doing what is right, and not what is profitable. When we do that, the profit will find us, because quality will always triumph.

Having our tea gardens, amongst our greatest joys is the expression of the art of teamaking, and our Uva Seasonal Flush is an example of that.

Each month we produce single estate teas in our luxury collection, including our 85 Reserve, t-Series Designer Gourmet Teas, and others.

Dilmah Tea hosted an exclusive event in Dubai in November last year, featuring the Uva Seasonal Flush tea. Could you elaborate on what makes this particular tea unique and why it was chosen for this event?

Ceylon Tea acquired its desirability as a result of our emphasis on high-quality teas made in the traditional, orthodox way, blessed with significant natural diversity of aroma and taste. From among the seven tea-growing regions of Ceylon, teas grown in the remote Uva region were known for their pleasantly mellow character.

During the autumnal, southwest monsoon, however, they are transformed for a brief moment – dry and desiccating winds barrel through the mountainous region, causing a natural seasonal, wintergreen character in the teas. This rare and exotic seasonal character expresses the fingerprint of nature in teas — handpicked and handmade in the artisanal, orthodox style.

A changing climate meant that we haven’t had a Uva Seasonal Flush Tea for five years, and that makes this one very special. Bright, with complex minty, eucalyptus merging with floral notes and soft astringency – it’s an exceptional tea.

As the parent company of Resplendent Ceylon, which operates luxury resorts in Sri Lanka, how does Dilmah integrate its tea heritage into the guest experience at these properties?

Tea is hospitality in Sri Lanka, and as a boutique, luxury resort company our Relais & Chateaux resorts are imbued with tea inspiration. Ceylon Tea Trails was the first of our resorts, where tea-inspired cuisine is complemented by fine teas, in the extraordinary setting of Ceylon’s most historic tea-growing region.

Adding to the allure of our Cape Weligama and Wild Coast resorts is a tea experience where the taste of the goodness of nature’s healing herb is presented in its purest form as well as in tea-inspired gastronomy and mixology.

Tea is elegant, and natural serenity, and that is what we invite our guests to experience.

Dilmah has been a pioneer in promoting tea and food pairings. Could you share insights into how this concept has been received globally and its impact on tea appreciation?

Tea has a very special relationship with food, in that it can dignify food by pushing and pulling flavour and texture, unlike any other beverage.

In partnership with fine food, chefs can deliver inspiring gastronomic experiences by using well-paired teas to highlight the texture of perfectly roasted Chilean Seabass, or the flavour in Ecuadorian cacao, even illuminating something as mundane as a salad Nicoise. It is a complex relationship, although with expertise, fine food pairs perfectly with fine tea.

We have shared the concept in Masterclasses from Santiago to Sydney and with over 6,000 hospitality professionals at our Dilmah School of Tea, and the appreciation of the combination has been phenomenal. That is accelerating now, with the global no-low trend for non-alcoholic or low-alcohol experiences. Tea offers the elegance of fine beverages, with beautiful stories behind each artisanal tea.

The Middle East, especially Dubai, is a significant market for luxury brands. What strategies has Dilmah employed to cater to the tastes and preferences of consumers in this region?

We recently celebrated a relationship of 33 years with Emirates Airlines, where our collaboration has produced exceptional inflight and lounge tea experiences designed to complement Emirates’ hospitality. In the same way, the work we have done with ICCA (International Centre for Culinary Arts) has helped us to share our passion for tea, framed in the unique perspective of tea growers.

We work with some of Dubai’s finest hospitality operators to offer tea-inspired experiences, tea gastronomy, and tea mixology, extending to signature, single estate, and seasonal teas. Our focus is on sharing our passion for tea, and that starts with education. We have educated thousands of hospitality professionals in the region and building on that we offer teas that are picked, perfected, and packed garden fresh at source. Where tea is concerned, freshness delivers better flavour and natural antioxidant goodness.

Beyond traditional tea offerings, how is Dilmah innovating in areas like wellness teas or functional beverages to meet contemporary health trends?

Tea is uniquely rich in natural, antioxidant goodness. The herb was first discovered as a medicine, and modern science has proven the ancient wisdom shared by Lu Yu, who first discovered tea. Adding the cognitive health benefits of L-theanine, tea is said to offer wellness ranging from reduced risk of heart disease, and stroke, protection from cancer, reduction of the impact of stress, reduced risk of dementia, improved gut health, and a host of other benefits.

Having expanded our offering to include tea extract — our Elixir of Ceylon Tea — and Iced Tea, we also offer ayurveda infusions, linked to the 3,000-year tradition of holistic health that is inspired by Sri Lanka’s extraordinary biodiversity. We grow many of the herbs and spices that are prized for their health benefits, and in addition to our Uva Seasonal Flush, also present our Dilmah Finest Ceylon Cinnamon.

True Ceylon Cinnamon is said to have potent health benefits including the effect of cinnamaldehyde in preventing the initiating and development of cancers and protecting from type 2 diabetes and dementia.

Looking ahead, what are Dilmah’s plans for expanding its global footprint, and how does the company envision the future of tea culture worldwide?

For many years, the tea category was commoditised by the discount culture in mainstream retail. We have a new generation of consumers – Gen Z – that are conscious consumers, mindful of the welfare of people and nature in making their choices, motivated by natural wellness, and desiring taste adventure framed in nature and heritage.

Tea offers all that, and so our vision for the future is a fresh perspective on the past. Loose-leaf tea, artisanal and single estate teas, high-quality iced teas, and quality linked to ethics and wellness.

This bodes well for artisans, and as tea growers these trends are validation of the uncompromising focus we maintained on the mission my father embarked upon in 1950 — to offer the world better tea.