< PreviousCO-BRANDED COLLECTIONS 40MARCH 2024 amenities, all meticulously designed and furnished by Armani/Casa. Spanning over 90,000 square feet, these luxurious facilities off er residents a refi ned lifestyle like no other. From the exclusive residents-only spa to the versatile function room, cosy cigar lounge, intimate movie theatre, fun children’s playroom, and serene landscaped deck area to the private beach access, every detail has been carefully curated to enhance your living experience. The magnifi cent elevated entry experience sets the tone, providing residents with extravagant ocean views from a range of angles. Throughout the building, the interplay of light and shadow amplifi es a series of stylish design elements, including the overhanging arch and the many water features and pools. With prices starting from $5.67 million (AED 21 million), every sumptuously appointed home at Armani Beach Residences at Palm Jumeirah is defi ned by a desire to bring extravagant ocean and skyline views into the interior. This has been achieved by providing a wide range of confi gurations, including 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-bedroom residences, penthouses and two presidential suites, all of which off er unrestrained access to the exterior view. Giorgio Armani, President and Chief Executive Offi cer of the Armani Group, elaborates, “I believe this partnership with Tadao Ando and Arada will result in an exceptional and elevated living experience, complemented by superb Each custom-designed home comes with luxurious fi xtures and fi ttings from Armani/ Casa for the living spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens” 40MARCH 2024CO-BRANDED COLLECTIONS 41MARCH 2024 Left: 5BR living room; Arch view of Armani Beach Residences Right: 3BR dining room; 5BR foyer; View from rooftop pool of presidential suite architecture and refi ned, contemporary design.” Each custom-designed home comes with luxurious fi xtures and fi ttings from Armani/Casa for the living spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens. You’ll fi nd fl oor- to-ceiling glass windows, a unique circular or linear foyer inspired by Armani’s signature style, spacious terraces, and perfectly proportioned ceiling heights. Buyers will also be able to choose between a light and dark palette for the interior design of their residence. The presidential suites provide a new defi nition of ultra-luxury, combining numerous diff erent internal function areas—including a contemplative courtyard space with a refl ective pool, a personalised gym, libraries, a private cinema, and a private parking lounge with space for seven cars—with an opulent mega-terrace featuring an infi nity pool. Buyers of penthouses and presidential suites will have the opportunity to work directly with Armani/Casa to deliver a truly bespoke interior scheme for their homes. HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, Vice Chairman of Arada, further mentions, “Armani Beach Residences at Palm Jumeirah represents a new standard for the high-end Dubai real estate market, helping to redefi ne the concept of ultra- luxury living in one of the world’s most coveted neighbourhoods. Brought together by Arada, this is the fi rst and only time that Giorgio Armani and Tadao Ando have collaborated on a residential off ering.” Armani Beach Residences at Palm Jumeirah is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. COVER STORY 42MARCH 2024 DEFYING BUILDING How women are reshaping the real estate industry in the Arab world, breaking barriers, fostering innovation, and leading the way towards a more inclusive future COVER STORY 42 Words by Shehzin Shaikh MARCH 2024COVER STORY 43MARCH 2024 NORMS AND LEGACIES COVER STORY 43MARCH 2024COVER STORY 44MARCH 2024 In the Arab world, where gender equality is still a work in progress, there are inspiring women who have defi ed societal norms and refused to let anything hold them back. Especially in the competitive real estate industry, which has typically been male- dominated, women are stepping up and making a positive impact. Take the late Zaha Hadid, also known as the “Queen of Curve”, whose infl uence on the UAE’s ever-changing skyline is still felt today. She broke boundaries in the design world, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. Images supplied by:Saniya K antawala Design/Shutterstock/Unsplash COVER STORY MARCH 202444COVER STORY 45MARCH 2024 Meanwhile, in the Kingdom, Sarah AlSuhaimi is breaking barriers as the fi rst Saudi woman to chair the Saudi Tadawul Group, the largest stock market in the Middle East. She is connecting Saudi capital markets globally, in line with Vision 2030, to boost real estate development and investment in Saudi Arabia. Then there’s Sheikha Hanadi Nasser bin Khaled al-Thani, a powerhouse from Qatar who is responsible for the launch of Al-Waab City, a multibillion-dollar real estate project on Salwa Road in Doha, covering an area of more than 1.2 million square metres. Hence, it’s fair to say that women in the real estate industry, consistently demonstrate resilience, creativity, and unmatched dedication to their work. But how exactly do women impact the real estate sector? What hurdles are still in their way? And how can we create a more inclusive environment Left: A warm toned interiors; Women architect using technology to design a home Right: Green philosophy and natural stone–a sustainable oasis; Ilnara Muzafyarova, CEO of Colife that encourages more women to join the fi eld? Keep reading to discover the answers. WHAT DOES ‘SHE’ BRING TO THE TABLE? Women hold an innate ability to connect and understand people in more ways than one. “Women stakeholders bring a unique perspective and skill set to the real estate sector, contributing to innovation, creativity, and inclusivity. Their presence fosters a more collaborative and holistic approach to projects, often leading to more thoughtful and user-centric designs,” says Saniya Kantawala, principal designer and founder of Saniya Kantawala Design (SKD). “Their ability to think creatively, manage complex projects, and build strong teams has proven invaluable in delivering successful developments. At our organisation, we have over COVER STORY 46MARCH 2024 60% of top agents who are female, demonstrating their expertise, professionalism, and dedication to excellence,” elaborates Abdullah Alajaji, founder and Managing Director of Driven Properties. Moreover, the real estate world has evolved beyond just building structures. It now plays a signifi cant role in the economy, thanks to ESG commitments, green solutions, innovation, and workplace design. Female experts are making a big impact in these areas as well, bringing valuable expertise and shaping the industry. OPPORTUNITIES STILL ABOUND While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to achieve true equality in the industry. For instance, there is still a lack of gender balance at a leadership level, with only 29% of women holding leadership positions globally. Women also point out that desiring fl exibility is a common source of criticism from peers of both genders. The pursuit of work/life balance can be wrongly interpreted as a lack of ambition, commitment, or even ability. “Women in the construction industry face challenges such as poor infrastructure and lack of amenities at project sites, hindering their ability to advance in their careers. Gender bias and a patriarchal mindset also contribute to women not receiving the roles they deserve, as their strengths and capabilities are often underestimated. It is assumed that women will prioritise Left: Wood fi nishes dominate the living space Right: An architectural marvel by Zaha Hadid Female stakeholders bring a unique perspective and skill set to the real estate sector, contributing to innovation, creativity, and inclusivity”COVER STORY 47MARCH 2024 COVER STORY 47MARCH 2024COVER STORY 48MARCH 2024 their homes over work, perpetuating outdated notions that must be changed for women to succeed in the industry and beyond,” explains Sankey Prasad, Chairman & Managing Director, of India & Middle East Project Leaders, Colliers. Gender bias, unequal opportunities for advancement, and lack of access to networks and mentorship programs remain other notable hindrances for women in real estate. “As a woman in the real estate sector myself, it’s not been easy to navigate that voice and make sure it goes beyond the boardrooms. Hence, there is great value in bringing together experienced and aspiring women in real estate through industry initiatives,” says Sevgi Gur, Chief Marketing Offi cer, Property Finder. She further goes on to add, “Mentorship and advisory play a crucial role in achieving success, and having women in leadership positions promotes inclusivity and diversity. Including more women in advisory councils can lead to a more promising future for the industry by providing diverse perspectives and better catering to female property seekers. Leveraging industry connections and COVER STORY 49MARCH 2024 supporting the growth of women in real estate through mentorship programmes can help women share their experiences and navigate industry challenges more eff ectively.” LOOKING AHEAD Research shows that a broad range of experiences and perspectives in decision-making builds a strong foundation for any business, driving better performance with less risk and volatility. In the fast-paced environment of today’s real estate industry, expanding the diversity of ideas is especially important, driving the greater innovation necessary to navigate Left: Saniya Kantawala, principal designer and founder of Saniya Kantawala Design (SKD); Skyline of Doha Right: Textured fabric for upholstery It’s fair to say that women in the real estate industry, consistently demonstrate resilience, creativity, and unmatched dedication to their work”Next >