< PreviousAbbas Sajwani, Founder and CEO of AHS Group is breaking new grounds in the uber-luxury real estate sector, attracting the global elite. His lofty ambitions are creating fi rst-of-its-kind projects that present lucrative investment opportunities, and as he steps out in a light of his own; his eyes are set on the UAE’s ambitious trajectory as it welcomes top talents from around the world. “Our commitment transcends the mere development of real estate,” says the 23-year-old visionary who, like his father, Hussain Sajwani, CEO of DAMAC Group, adopted a forward-thinking approach to real estate back in the early 2000s. “We are dedicated to nurturing a milieu that seamlessly blends business with leisure, echoing the UAE’s progressive and visionary objectives.” He continues, “Our strategic vision is to remain at the forefront of the uber-luxury real estate market by steadfastly championing innovation and curating personalised experiences.” Ever since establishing AHS Properties under the AHS Group in 2021, he has been focusing on creating and delivering bespoke mansions and villas, with customised living spaces that are unique. Only recently, the sale of a 30,000 square-foot penthouse in One Canal for $50 million to the family offi ce of a European billionaire, cemented the company’s reputation for being a pioneer in the ultra-luxury real estate sector. Th e sale was dubbed as the most expensive penthouse purchase in Dubai. Developed in collaboration with Fendi Casa, the One Canal project, fi rst launched in November 2022, has ultra-big penthouses and sky villas, where every unit has a pool – something that Abbas says hasn’t been seen before. A private gym, steam room, sauna, exclusive rooftop garden and two additional private pools, dual parking spaces and soaring high ceilings, are just a few of the highlights. Similarly, another upcoming project launched earlier this year, is the One Crescent on the Palm Jumeirah. “Over the coming three to fi ve years, our engagement strategy with our clientele is built upon fundamental pillars: innovation and personalised experiences,” explains Abbas. By specialising in developing bespoke mansions and villas, his vision for AHS Properties extends beyond just the conventional realms of business. “O U R PR O P E R T I E S A R E N O T J U S T S T R U C T U R ES; TH E Y E M B O D Y AN E L I T E LI F E S T Y L E” A b ba s Sajw an i From top: Abbas Sajwani champions innovation and the curation of personalised experiences. Photo by Efraim Evidor; One Crescent Palm Jumeirah exudes architectural grace and centrality HBI_059_68-71_Features_ Abbas Sajwani_13107050.indd 7005/12/2023 11:1571 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 “I see our company as a comprehensive ecosystem designed for UHNWIs. With a keen understanding of the distinct necessities of this sophisticated clientele, AHS Group was conceived with three specialised verticals – ventures, investments, and properties,” he explains. Today, the company boasts a portfolio that is valued at around $1.65 billion, with self-fi nancing of its projects being one of its main strengths. Each property developed includes the latest technology, intelligent home systems, advanced security solutions, and environmentally conscious construction materials. “Our properties are not just structures; they embody an elite lifestyle meticulously curated to go on and transcend traditional development. We consistently aim to integrate innovation, functionality, and sustainability into the core of our projects, setting new benchmarks for luxury living that are sustainable, not just for the present but also for the future,” shares Abbas. Based on market insight, Abbas explains how Dubai’s luxury real estate sector is set to become the busiest super-luxury market globally, having surpassed $3.1 billion in sales during the fi rst half of the year. By the close of the year, the UAE expects to welcome an estimated 4,500 millionaires who would have located to Dubai, and AHS Properties is set to capture a niche spot amongst this audience. “In our ventures division, we curate exclusive investment opportunities that are at the forefront of emergent markets and innovations. Our investment arm optimises returns and safeguards against risks, ensuring alignment with our clients’ fi scal ambitions,” shares Abbas, emphasising how the properties vertical guarantees a smooth and enriching experience in both living, and doing business within Dubai. ahs-properties.com From left: Entertainment enriched by ultimate comfort; Veined motifs, curated curvature and a neutral palette amidst a grand space enliven organic and elevated aesthetics From top: Casa Canal’s master bedroom designs are imbued with refi ned craftsmanship and elegance; Bathrooms which truly harbour timeless tranquillity The FEATURES HBI_059_68-71_Features_ Abbas Sajwani_13107050.indd 7105/12/2023 11:15A masterful marriage of meaningful design and decor components dominates Mana’s home, refl ecting her Middle Eastern heritage HBI_059_72-75_Mana jallaian_13088178.indd 7205/12/2023 11:21Businesswoman and interior designer Mana Jalalian says art and culture are at the beating heart of truly good design SPACES WITH SOUL The FEATURES WORDS BY MANA JALALIAN, IMAGES COUR TESY OF MOISSONNIER HOME 73 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 The beauteous Louis XV chest by Moissonnier features bowed sides and intricate bronze accents HBI_059_72-75_Mana jallaian_13088178.indd 7305/12/2023 11:21 The FEATURES Art, design, and culture: these are three inseparable disciplines that shape not only our visual landscape but also our emotional experiences in daily life. Th eir symbiotic relationship has been the cornerstone of societies for centuries, surpassing geographical boundaries, as well as time. As an art collector, I’ve been strongly infl uenced by the power each holds in defi ning who I am and how I connect with the world. I’ve found that these domains have been instrumental in shaping my identity which naturally evolved into an intense affi nity for interior design; a fi eld where I fi nd pleasure in witnessing art and culture intersect in their most vivid forms. Have you ever walked into a room and felt a story come alive around you? It’s truly enchanting. Contrary to common belief, design isn’t just about meeting immediate functional needs. It’s about storytelling; far from rigid or limiting. When I curate an interior space, whether it’s the rich setting of a luxury villa or the sleek minimalism of a modern apartment, I view it as an experiential canvas. Fundamentally, design stands at the crossroads of art and culture – a guiding principle that has personally infl uenced how I designed each corner of my own home. Th is ethos came alive when I launched the Moissonnier fl agship showroom in Dubai earlier in 2023. Founded in France in 1899, Moissonnier has always been a standard- bearer for the French art de vivre. Introducing the brand to this region was my way of highlighting the profound yet understated bond between furniture, art pieces and cultural facets. Clockwise from left: The signature Louis XV chest features hand-painted Ming decoration; Soothing cool tones drape the bedroom; Mana’s living room melds modern and classic elements with fl air; Design resides in the details Mana believes culture imbues design with distinct character “ D E S I G N S T A N D S A T T H E C R O S S R O A D S O F A R T A N D C U L T U R E ” Ma n a Ja l a l i a n HBI_059_72-75_Mana jallaian_13088178.indd 7405/12/2023 11:2275 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 Clockwise from above: Moissonnier’s Dubai showroom celebrates the decorative spirit through its expertise in traditional cabinetmaking; Multiple silhouettes in Mana’s home add depth; An exterior view of Moissonnier. Bottom: Mana’s offi ce space is enlivened by a diverse collection of art and pops of yellow Rather than settling for a traditional furniture setup, my aim was to bring together Moissonnier’s bold, timeless furniture pieces and the ever-evolving art world. My aspiration was for visitors to stroll through the showroom and interact with each piece as a work of art, whether it’s our signature Louis XV chest of drawers adorned with exquisite hand-painted Ming decoration, or the museum-level works of art that complement it. I conceptualised and designed the showroom as a unique experiential retail space where visitors are invited to become part of an immersive environment centred on art, design and history. Culture also holds an undeniable infl uence over design. Th rough my experiences across various continents, I’ve come to better understand the relationship between these two entities; culture infuses the latter with a unique essence and character, anchoring it to a community’s legacy. It’s the incorporation of cultural elements that truly transform an interior from just a space, to a heartfelt and soulful environment. Upon stepping into my home, one of the fi rst observations would likely be this fusion: a blend of both modern and classic furnishings, paired with traditional and bold artworks, all while unmistakably highlighting my Middle Eastern heritage in each room. While art may be the soul, and culture the heart, design is the body that holds it all together. It is a tactile interface that makes art and culture accessible, enjoyable, and above all, liveable. So the next time you step into a well-designed space, take a moment to feel the stories in the woodwork, hear the colours speak, and see the culture dancing in each thoughtful arrangement. After all, design isn’t just about living; it’s about living artfully. HBI_059_72-75_Mana jallaian_13088178.indd 7505/12/2023 11:22This mantle arrangement by Lavender Green Flowers featuring blue pine based with Amaryllis, Ilex berries, hellebores and more, brings winter festivities to the fore 76 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 HBI_059_76-79_FEATURES_Floral Arrangments_13088175.indd 7605/12/2023 11:23This season beckons blooming beauty; it’s the perfect time to give the home a floral update PETALS OF JOY Words by MAALIKA KAZIA Delicate rose petals sway to welcome guests into your abode. A scent of lavender wafts gently through the air as one is ushered into the foyer. Bursts of colour are evident as sunfl owers shimmy in the gentle breeze passing through. Sights and scents of fl oral arrangements bring organic grace – and placing them in your home stirs visual delight with a dose of positivity. Here’s how the experts do it with fl air. When considering where to begin, the season provides perfect rhyme and reason. “Flowers are hugely important in creating a feel inside the home, and that changes with the seasons,” says Whitney Bromberg Hawkings, CEO and co-founder of FLOWERBX. “I love watching how fl owers change for the season, as summer brights evolve into autumn’s richer jewel tones of burgundy, rust, sage and plum.” As seasons shift, diff erent celebrations roll around and fl owers are the perfect medium for commemoration. “Nothing looks worse than an out-of-season design, at any time of year!” echoes Sue Barnes, Creative Director of Lavender Green Flowers. “When Christmas rears its celebratory head, we pop the corks with statement bold, architectural-shaped fl owers and foliage in vibrant shades of mulled wine and spiced orange. Or, we go all tastefully muted – frosted tones with grey-green foliage.” Th e positioning of the fl oral formation lends itself to the design plan as well. “Th ink about the perspective from which your arrangement will be viewed – front-facing or all around,” advises Cheryl Cox, Head Florist at Maison Des Fleurs. “Th e shape sets the mood and style. Its height and width should be in harmony with where it's placed.” A variety of blooms carry unique attributes and melding them together heightens visual interest. “Bring the outdoor landscape inside, then add the dramatic fl oral high notes. Add some textural seed heads too, this helps in creating an interesting, unusual design,” says Sue. “Incorporate fl owers and foliage with unique fragrances to freshen the air.” Playing with possibilities is especially encouraged, as fl oral pieces make wonderful presents. “As we move into the gifting season, sometimes you really need to nail that ‘wow’ moment,” enthuses Whitney. The FEATURES IMAGES COUR TESY OF RESPECTIVE BRANDS 77 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 HBI_059_76-79_FEATURES_Floral Arrangments_13088175.indd 7705/12/2023 11:24“ F L O RA L A R RA N G E M E N T S O F F E R A B O U Q U E T OF H E A L TH A N D MO OD - E N H A N C I NG BE NE F I T S ” Ch er y l Cox Beyond aesthetic appeal, multiple studies over the years nod towards positive results of having plants in the home. “Floral arrangements off er a bouquet of health and mood-enhancing benefi ts – even colour choice can evoke diff erent emotions and atmospheres,” advises Cheryl. Recent research from the Tongji University in Shanghai, China drew conclusions that three minutes of observing or meditating upon red or yellow fl owers, prompted a strong immediate positive impact on the wellbeing of participants. Yellow fl owers in particular were found to heighten feelings of relaxation. Whether it’s a colour-matched aesthetic, seasonal delight, or a favourite bloom you choose to base your arrangement off of, the craft is wide-ranging. “Th e art of fl ower arrangement is not merely about arranging fl owers,” reminds Cheryl. “It's about creating an atmosphere, enhancing wellbeing, and spreading joy.” Right: A cacophony of soft pastels from Darcey Flowers imbues the surroundings with joy From top: Lavender Green Flowers’ Hedsor house arrangement captures the season with dried hydrangea, Eucalyptus and rose hips; Wax fl owers, Vittoria Eucalyptus and olive adorn the table Below: Beautiful blues by FLOWERBX make a distinct statement achieved in a simple way 78 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Winter 2023 HBI_059_76-79_FEATURES_Floral Arrangments_13088175.indd 7805/12/2023 11:24 The FEATURES Contrasting textures elevate the energy of the piece and generate visual interest. Arrangement by Darcey Flowers From left: Hydrangea arrangement from Maison Des Fleurs brightens up the room with artful pale hues; The divine match of orange and pine by Lavender Green Flowers HBI_059_76-79_FEATURES_Floral Arrangments_13088175.indd 7905/12/2023 11:25Next >