The Astera: Dar Global, Aston Martin reveal what goes into the making of a star

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Dar Global, the London-listed luxury real estate developer, in collaboration with Aston Martin, the iconic British carmaker, unveiled “The Astera, Interiors by Aston Martin,” earlier this month. This new venture brings ultra-luxury branded beachfront residences to Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. 

This project marks Aston Martin’s first foray into real estate in the Middle East, building on the success of its luxury residences in Miami and similar partnerships in the US and Japan.

A landmark collaboration

The project, with a Gross Development Value of Dhs900m (approximately GBP200m), is set to be a landmark on the Arabian Sea.

Scheduled for completion by December 2028, The Astera will offer an exclusive blend of sophisticated design and high-performance precision craftsmanship, characteristic of Aston Martin’s brand.

Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global, emphasised the strategic significance of the project, saying, “The launch of The Astera, Interiors by Aston Martin, on Al Marjan Island, furthers our brand vision to curate breathtaking living experiences for our exclusive clientele. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to providing exceptional investment opportunities through luxury homes for global citizens.”

Stefano Saporetti, director of Brand Diversification at Aston Martin, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The Astera celebrates our partnership with Dar Global, bringing together two ultra-luxury lifestyle organisations with a shared passion for combining traditional craftsmanship with innovation and cutting-edge design. This is an exciting opportunity for our talented designers to shape the interiors of an unparalleled development in the region, further elevating Aston Martin’s brand in a beachfront lifestyle environment.”

Design and interiors: The Aston Martin signature

The Astera’s interiors will be infused with Aston Martin’s design philosophy, known for its elegance and craftsmanship.

The development will offer expansive one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom villas. Residents can expect Aston Martin’s distinctive use of materials such as premium leather, bespoke wood finishes, and intricate metal detailing, all echoing the brand’s luxurious automotive interiors.

Saporetti elaborated, “Our interiors will have a lot of crossover with the materials we use in our cars. You’ll see a nod to the leather, wood, and other bespoke elements, bringing a unique touch to these residences.”

Investment value

The investment structure for The Astera positions it as a premium offering in the UAE’s luxury real estate market. El Chaar detailed the financial benefits, noting, “When you buy into a branded real estate project, you’re essentially acquiring a limited edition of real estate. The value appreciates over time due to the limited supply and the prestigious association with a luxury brand. For instance, our prices start at Dhs1.8m for a one-bedroom unit, with the majority priced between Dhs4 to 5m.”

El Chaar also highlighted the strategic choice of Ras Al Khaimah as the location for this development. “Ras Al Khaimah, particularly Al Marjan Island, is an emerging luxury destination that offers a unique blend of seclusion and convenience, with Dubai just an hour’s drive away. This island’s low-density development, with a cap of 20 floors for buildings, ensures an exclusive and tranquil environment for our residents.”

El Chaar notes that branded residences often outperform non-branded properties in terms of value appreciation and rental yields. This project is designed to cater to discerning investors and homeowners who value exclusivity and long-term return on investment. 

Additionally, with the low-density planning of Al Marjan Island and its unique location, the development promises enduring value and limited supply—a critical factor in real estate investment.

Amenities and lifestyle

Positioned in a pristine beachfront location, The Astera promises the much-coveted water-front lifestyle experience. Residents will have access to a private beach, an infinity pool with stunning ocean views, a scenic walk track, and lush communal spaces.

Additional amenities include an indoor cinema, a fitness centre, a children’s play area, a spa, a yoga lawn, and a multipurpose hall.

El Chaar emphasised the uniqueness of the location, saying, “We could not find a beachfront property with similar attributes in Dubai, which makes Al Marjan Island an excellent choice for creating a low-density, premium development that stands out in the UAE market.”

Beyond real estate

The Astera is more than just a luxury development; it is part of a broader vision to elevate Ras Al Khaimah as a premier destination for ultra-luxury living.

The government of Ras Al Khaimah has shown strong support for the project, recognising its potential to attract global investors and enhance the emirate’s reputation as a burgeoning hub for high-end real estate, explains El Chaar.

Hence, the partnership between Dar Global and Aston Martin is more than just a real estate venture, “it represents a convergence of luxury, innovation, and strategic investment,” finishes the Dar Global CEO.

Saporetti concurs, “Projects like The Astera allow us to tell our brand story to a broader audience. Even if you’re not a car enthusiast, the sophisticated design and craftsmanship associated with Aston Martin set in a Dar Global development are universally appealing and extend beyond our core automotive business into a luxury lifestyle experience.”

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