< PreviousPOWER 150 98 JUNE 2025 CW_June2025_68-124_Developers (Power 150)_13613998.indd 9804/06/2025 19:46POWER 150 JUNE 2025 99 While many people have ideas, few have the determination to turn them into reality. For Ali Al Gebely, it started with a clear belief: there was an opportunity to do things diff erently in the UAE’s real estate market. He saw that the sector had settled into a pattern, with little push for innovation. Hence, he saw this as an opportunity not only to disrupt the status quo but to reinvent the very nature of urban living. From the outset, ONE Development was conceived as an antidote to this stagnation—a company born from the desire to push past convention and breathe life back into the real estate sector. Founded in 2024, ONE Development’s mission has always been simple: to go beyond traditional development practices and create spaces that genuinely make a diff erence in people’s lives. Central to this philosophy is the company’s guiding principle—‘Inspired by You’—which ensures that every project is rooted in the real and raw needs of the people who will call these places home. As ONE Development’s projects have evolved, so too has its vision. Today, the company is not just building homes; it is designing intelligent ecosystems that anticipate the future needs of residents. These spaces are more than just places to live—they are smarter, more connected and deeply integrated with technology and sustainability to enhance daily life. Al Gebely’s leadership has been pivotal in fostering a culture of creativity and fresh thinking. For him, innovation is not just about creating new processes or following trends—it’s about improving people’s lives through technology, thoughtful design and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This commitment has helped ONE Development carve a distinct niche in a competitive market crowded with well-established players. Under Al Gebely’s vision, the AED2.4 billion Laguna Residence in Dubailand reached a record- breaking milestone, breaking ground just 55 days after its launch, with Phase One selling out in record time. Building on this momentum, the company unveiled the fi rst development of DO Hotels on Dubai Islands on 28th May 2025, the region’s fi rst music-inspired hospitality brand, developed in collaboration with superstar Amr Diab. Integrating music, AI and wellness, the brand sets a new benchmark for lifestyle-driven hospitality on a global scale. Following the launch of a major project in New Cairo, Ali Al Gebely continues to lead bold expansion across key regional markets. His steadfast focus on innovation, sustainability and quality remains at the core of ONE Development’s vision, shaping a new era of intelligent, connected and human-centric communities. DO Hotels is the world’s fi rst music-inspired hospitality brand, in collaboration with Amr Diab—integrating music, AI and wellness” ALI AL GEBELY FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN, ONE DEVELOPMENT 34 CW_June2025_68-124_Developers (Power 150)_13613998.indd 9904/06/2025 22:23POWER 150 100 JUNE 2025 Michael Belton leads MERED with over 30 years of experience in real estate development across the US, Europe and the Middle East. Throughout his career, he has overseen projects with a combined value of over $5 billion, including civic buildings and large-scale mixed-use developments. Under Belton’s leadership, MERED has continued to grow its footprint in the UAE while offi cially expanding into Saudi Arabia. In Dubai, the company is developing ICONIC Residences Design by Pininfarina, a 290-metre residential tower in Dubai Internet City that will be the tallest in the district. Construction is underway, with the handover scheduled for 2027. In Abu Dhabi, MERED is developing two waterfront plots totaling 23,500m2 on Al Reem Island. The planned developments will include residential and retail elements designed by award-winning European architects, contributing to the growth of the ADGM district MERED has also focused on strengthening brand visibility and partnerships. A recent agreement with global sports agency HCM aligns the company with internationally recognised footballers such as Frenkie de Jong and Antonio Rüdiger. The company has also partnered with Padel Edition to bring active lifestyle off erings to its communities. MERED is also supporting talent development through its sponsorship of the Pininfarina Academy in Turin. Four young architects from the region will attend its summer program, which focuses on AI- assisted design and digital modelling. With a growing presence in key Gulf markets, MERED continues to prioritise well-executed, design-led developments guided by strategic leadership and long-term planning. MERED has strengthened its partner network to enhance both project delivery and broader brand engagement” MICHAEL BELTON CEO, MERED 35 CW_June2025_68-124_Developers (Power 150)_13613998.indd 10004/06/2025 19:46POWER 150 JUNE 2025 101 With Vision 2030 reshaping Saudi Arabia’s urban and social fabric, Khalid Al Shamikh and his team at Design & Build Group are answering the call with a portfolio that’s as purposeful as it is progressive. From education and hospitality to cultural and religious landmarks, the fi rm’s recent work refl ects its expertise in building places that matter—to communities, to culture and to the country’s future. In the last year alone, the group has delivered next-generation schools designed for 21st-century learning, complete with integrated technology and inclusive spaces. A newly unveiled mosque, built using sustainable construction methods and steeped in cultural signifi cance, now serves as a centrepiece of community life. In hospitality, its eco- resorts and immersive retreats are contributing to Saudi Arabia’s reimagined tourism economy, blending local heritage with international appeal. Moreover, Design & Build Group has delivered dozens of projects over the past fi ve years that align closely with national goals: from smart infrastructure to quality housing and public spaces. Sustainability runs through every layer of the operation. Locally sourced materials, passive design strategies, and low-carbon construction methods are standard. These eff orts support the Saudi Green Initiative while keeping operational costs low. Looking ahead, the group is investing in high-density, mixed-use verticals and human- centric eco-developments, placing wellness and culture at the centre of urban life. Al Shamikh’s approach is simple: build for people, plan for impact, and design with intention. In doing so, Design & Build Group is helping shape a Saudi Arabia that’s inclusive, sustainable and unmistakably its own. Most of our projects align with Vision 2030, focusing on smart infrastructure, quality housing, and inclusive public spaces” KHALID AL SHAMIKH CEO, DESIGN & BUILD GROUP 36 CW_June2025_68-124_Developers (Power 150)_13613998.indd 10104/06/2025 22:23POWER 150 102 JUNE 2025 Over the past year, Madhav Dhar has led ZāZEN Properties through a phase of structured growth, focusing on timely project delivery, sustainable design, and building trust with buyers. In June 2024, ZāZEN handed over ZāZEN Gardens in Al Furjan, a 155-unit residential development spanning over 310,000ft2. of built- up area. The project integrates solar panels and energy-effi cient systems and was recently certifi ed as the UAE’s fi rst-ever LEED Gold residential building. The development refl ects Dhar’s focus on wellness, environmental performance, and community-oriented spaces. Shortly after, ZāZEN launched ZāZEN Ivy, also in Al Furjan. Fully sold out within four weeks of launch, the project is now 25% complete and includes 71 apartments, two retail spaces and a range of wellness-focused amenities. The building is pursuing LEED certifi cation, aligning with the company’s sustainability goals. The company’s third project, The Hub Residences by ZāZEN, launched in December 2024 followed a similar trajectory, with 90% of units sold at launch and full sell-out achieved within a month. ZāZEN recorded $134 million (AED495 million) in sales revenue in 2024, with a 2025 projection of $176 million (AED 650 million), supported by the upcoming projects. ZāZEN’s backlog includes one project under construction and another queued for development. On the CSR front, the company has embedded green design principles into its projects and is planning a UAE-wide mangrove reforestation initiative in line with national sustainability objectives. Hence, it would not be wrong to say that Dhar doesn’t just build communities but nurtures the environments they thrive in. ZāZEN Ivy and The Hub Residences in Al Furjan sold out within just four weeks of their launch” MADHAV DHAR CO-FOUNDER & COO, ZAZEN PROPERTIES 37 CW_June2025_68-124_Developers (Power 150)_13613998.indd 10204/06/2025 19:46POWER 150 JUNE 2025 103 The successful relocation of the group’s global headquarters to Dubai in 2023 positioned LEOS at the centre of a highly competitive market, fuelling a period of rapid expansion led by Rui Liu. In the past 12 months, LEOS launched a series of residential projects, including Knightsbridge, Kensington Gardens and Weybridge Gardens Phases 2, 3 and 4, alongside Cavendish Square. Combined, these developments contributed to a total value of completed projects exceeding $2 billion, with $1.7 billion worth currently under construction. Flagship projects like Weybridge Gardens 4 and Kensington Gardens refl ect the company’s focus on architecture, smart design and technology and sustainability. LEOS currently maintains a project backlog of over $953 million (AED3.5 billion), spanning nine residential developments across JVC, Dubailand, Meydan District 11 and Greenwood. The company saw a record-breaking year in 2024, achieving over 90% sales across all projects with a revenue projection of $354 million (AED1.3 billion) in 2025, supported by continued sales momentum. Four major construction contracts were awarded in the past year, including for Hadley Heights, Cavendish Square, and Weybridge Gardens 1 & 2, with Transemirates appointed as main contractor for the latter in January 2024. CSR remains central to LEOS’ strategy. Under Liu’s leadership, the company has launched the LEOS Da Vinci Art Academy, prioritised wellness-focused amenities as well as partnered with local charities for Ramadan food drives, toy donations, blood donation campaigns, and future profi t pledges, while embedding sustainability into design, employee culture and community development. Looking ahead, LEOS Developments plans to launch Weybridge Gardens 5 and Hadley Heights 2 as part of its broader pipeline” RUI LIU FOUNDER & CEO, LEOS DEVELOPMENTS 38 CW_June2025_68-124_Developers (Power 150)_13613998.indd 10304/06/2025 19:46POWER 150 104 JUNE 2025 Mohammed Miqdadi, CEO of DURAR Group, has been instrumental in shaping the company’s steady growth in the UAE’s competitive real estate sector for more than 26 years. Over the past 12 months, DURAR has strengthened its position as a dynamic and forward-moving player, delivering high-profi le projects across Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and the broader UAE. One of the most signifi cant achievements this year has been the completion of Jasmine Lane Elie Saab Edition, a fully sold-out, gated luxury community in Jumeirah Golf Estates. This delivery marks a key milestone, showcasing DURAR’s expertise in high-end residential development. Under Miqdadi’s leadership, DURAR has also launched three major branded residential towers—Masa Residence featuring interiors by YOO inspired by Philippe Starck, Moonstone Interiors by Missoni and Trio Isle, a three- tower branded lifestyle project with interiors by Missoni. In Dubai, J One Tower stands as a defi ning landmark along the Dubai Canal, known for its striking deswign, premium fi nishes and architectural distinctiveness. DURAR’S backlog at the end of 2024 remains strong, with multi-phase branded and mixed- use projects across Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, and robust pre-sales driving momentum. Looking ahead, Miqdadi’s vision includes further expansion into Abu Dhabi and a continued focus on branded developments. DURAR has also strengthened its community impact by donating $2.72 million (AED10 million) to the Father’s Fund, promoting women in leadership roles, adopting green building practices and supporting multiple charitable causes, staying true to their values of giving back. The 2025 pipeline includes further regional expansion and branded developments, within Dubai, RAK and Abu Dhabi” MOHAMMED MIQDADI CEO, DURAR GROUP 39 CW_June2025_68-124_Developers (Power 150)_13613998.indd 10404/06/2025 19:46POWER 150 JUNE 2025 105 Under the leadership of Shahzad Saxena, Karma Developers has successfully sold out three key projects—Olivia, Trinity and Milos. Additionally, two joint venture projects have been completed, and the company’s upcoming project near the Dubai Sports City stadium is well underway. Saxena has not only led with a strong commercial vision but also ensured each development reflects landmark design without compromising on efficiency or functionality. The firm’s developments are well known for their thoughtfully curated, high-quality amenities rather than overwhelming quantity. With over 40 years of construction experience backing the brand, Karma exited 2024 with no project backlogs and all developments progressing on schedule. The company projects a robust pipeline of over $1.09 billion (AED4 billion) in sales. Committed to sustainability and innovation, Saxena has led initiatives such as paperless transactions, reduced paper usage in operations, efficient designs using less concrete and optimally lit, low-energy indoor spaces—paving the way for responsible development in the region. SHAHZAD SAXENA FOUNDER, KARMA DEVELOPERS 40 In a market traditionally defi ned by transactions and price per square foot, Vincitore Real Estate Development has redefi ned the metric of success with a more purposeful philosophy: “Wellness per square foot.” This boutique developer achieved a signifi cant milestone with the unveiling of Vincitore Benessere—Dubai’s fi rst wellness-focused residential landmark. Spanning over 100,000ft2 of resort-style amenities—including a Himalayan salt cave, swimmable lagoon pool, open-air jacuzzis and immersive biophilic spaces, Benessere is off ering residents a science-backed, unique lifestyle experience. Vincitore also introduced Vincitore Volare, a nature-inspired luxury development that witnessed remarkable success, achieving a complete sell-out within weeks of its launch. Building on this momentum, the developer unveiled Aqua Flora, a visionary project featuring seven experiential gardens, signature water elements and luxury lifestyle amenities. Meanwhile, the company’s construction pipeline remains robust, with active development underway on Vincitore Volare, Vincitore Aqua Dimore, Vincitore Dolce Vita Residences and Vincitore Aqua Flora. Each of these projects continues to embody Vincitore’s vision. VEER DOSHI CEO & MD, VINCITORE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT 41 We introduced Vincitore Volare, a nature- inspired luxury development that witnessed remarkable success” The fi rm’s developments are known for their thoughtfully curated, high-quality amenities rather than overwhelming quantity” CW_June2025_68-124_Developers (Power 150)_13613998.indd 10504/06/2025 19:47POWER 150 106 JUNE 2025 With a strategic vision rooted in long- term value creation and innovation, Egor Maslennikov has transformed Object 1 into a formidable player in the emirate’s competitive property market within a remarkably short period. In 2024 alone, Object 1 recorded a 913% year- on-year increase in sales value and a 1,059% surge in sales volume, driven by the launch of 13 residential projects representing over 2,200 units valued at $586.7 million (AED2.15 billion). Under Maslennikov’s leadership, the company has grown its total development volume by 55 times, cementing its reputation for rapid, yet sustainable, expansion. In 2024, Object 1 expanded its development pipeline with a series of residential launches, including Ozone1, THE F1FTH, W1NNER, LUM1NAR, V1VID, EVERGR1N, V1STARA and ESSENL1FE. These collectively span 3.5 million sq ft currently under development, with deferred revenue alone reaching $183 million (AED673 million) in 2024. The company’s backlog includes nine actively developing projects and 13 projects already launched for sale across key Dubai districts such as JVC, JVT, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Garden City, Sports City and Dubai Land Residence Complex. In addition to development success, Object 1 expanded its physical footprint with two dedicated sales galleries in Downtown Dubai and announced plans to enter the Abu Dhabi market in 2025. Beyond growth metrics, Maslennikov has led Object 1 with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. Projects like EVERGR1N House refl ect his commitment to integrating wellness, smart systems and eco-conscious design. Looking ahead, Object 1 is preparing for continued growth and innovation in 2025. In 2024, Object 1 recorded a 913% YoY increase in sales value and a 1,059% surge in sales volume” EGOR MASLENNIKOV FOUNDER, OBJECT 1 42 CW_June2025_68-124_Developers (Power 150)_13613998.indd 10604/06/2025 22:23POWER 150 JUNE 2025 107 Adil Taqi is the visionary CEO of BEYOND Developments, who is driven by a passion for redefi ning how people engage with their environments. He is committed to pushing the boundaries of design to create spaces that inspire, elevate and enhance the human experience. Under his leadership, BEYOND is shaping one of Dubai’s most strategically positioned waterfront masterplans, an eight-million-square-foot coastal development within Dubai Maritime City. Designed as an integrated luxury living destination, the project seamlessly blends residential, retail, and wellness off erings into a cohesive, future-ready community that refl ects Dubai’s global vision. It is set to establish a new benchmark for waterfront urbanism, delivering a lifestyle of curated elegance and purpose. Taqi’s strategic direction is rooted in the belief that real estate must go beyond the physical structure to foster emotional connections, aesthetic value and meaningful experiences. According to him, BEYOND was never built to follow the market, it was created to shape what comes next. His leadership approach combines vision, trust, and collaboration, empowering his team to innovate and thrive while delivering projects that are architecturally refi ned and emotionally resonant. With BEYOND’s ambitious growth strategy, plans are underway to expand into other strategic locations across the UAE, extending its design-led philosophy and commitment to luxury living into new communities. Taqi’s bold yet grounded approach to development champions purposeful design, timeless elegance, and the evolving aspirations of modern living. His work is a testament to his unwavering commitment to creating spaces that elevate not just how we live—but how we feel. Great developments are built by great teams. My role is to create the vision and empower others to exceed it” ADIL TAQI CEO, BEYOND DEVELOPMENTS 43 CW_June2025_68-124_Developers (Power 150)_13613998.indd 10704/06/2025 22:23Next >