KNOWN FOR ITS FORWARD-LOOKING, HUMAN-CENTRIC APPROACH, A.R.M. HOLDING IS A PRIVATE INVESTMENT FIRM GENERATING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC VALUE ACROSS THE UAE.
From Vision to Vitality
PROJECT MANAGED BY: DAVID HAYVIS
Though it is listed as a private investment firm, A.R.M. Holding is far more than that. Based in the UAE, the organization creates value and drives positive change for people across the country. It is a company showcasing the ability of investment firms to generate tangible, long-term progress.
For A.R.M. Holding, the mission starts with people.
In taking a clear, personcentered approach to its work, the company has delivered a meaningful impact on people’s lives through projects in numerous industries, including real estate, hospitality, and health.
“We don’t just fund buildings,” says Chief Development Officer Alain Kallas. “We construct communities and developments designed to foster social interaction and connection. It’s not about architectural plans, but long-term value for residents and visitors – every project is rooted in real human needs.”
INCLUSIVE & FUTURE-READY
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Alain Kallas, Chief Development Officer, A.R.M. Holding.
While A.R.M. Holding was formally established in 2019, its roots go back decades through Dubai Real Estate Centre (DREC), which has been shaping communities since the 1980s. Building on this legacy, A.R.M. Holding continues to transform
and uplift communities, foster innovation, and pave the way for a more resilient future.”
“Our investments are designed to shape the UAE for decades to come,” Alain states. “They reflect a balance of cultural identity and global relevance, enabling growth that is both inclusive and futureready.”
Strategically, A.R.M. Holding operates across three brands: HUNA (premium residential and commercial real estate), Dubai Real Estate Centre (a legacy real estate brand focusing on building communities), and Hive Coliv (an expanding co-living brand that began with Dubai’s Jumeirah Village Circle).
“Across the portfolio, we are proud to have some beautiful architecture that stands out from the rest,” Alain points out. “There’s always an element of elegance in what we do. We focus heavily on art, including sculptures and cultural pieces, as well as communal green spaces and parks.”
Some of the best examples of A.R.M. Holding’s people-centric approach can be found under the HUNA brand. One notable project is The Fold – an awardnominated community of 28 contemporary villas in the heart of Jumeirah. It blends elegant architecture with intimate, sustainable, and modern living.
CONNECTED LIVING
More recently, A.R.M. Holding added a new project to its premium offering in the shape of H Residence. Centered around a community park, the residential space merges architecture, culture, and nature across a collection of 37 Jumeirah duplexes. Highlights include shaded balconies, a sky bridge with an infinity pool, and a secret garden.
“H Residence exemplifies our vision for connected living,” Alain explains. “The idea is that residents can make use of communal spaces near to their homes where they can come together and socialize, or just enjoy some time outside with a book. We have also installed a Residents’ Lounge, as well as a rooftop pool, and various integrated food and beverage outlets for residents and their visitors to enjoy.”
H Residence is evidence of how A.R.M. Holding is transforming local communities and improving people’s lives as a result. Having set the bar so high though with projects like H Residence, the company is now determined to remain innovative and purposeful in every one of its projects.
“We want to avoid the cookie cutter approach that you see in many other developments,” Alain notes. “Delivering something genuinely unique is not easy, so we do a lot of research to identify gaps in the market, tailoring our approach to every district.
“We start by asking ourselves ‘what is really needed?’ before exploring how we can deliver that requirement, whilst making it stand out architecturally. We always try to bring something new to the table – projects that will fuel the evolution of Dubai and the UAE.”
In order to bring its bold vision to life, A.R.M. Holding works closely with a wide range of partners. In May 2025, for example, the company announced that it would be teaming with BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group to reimagine Dubai’s historic Jebel Ali Racecourse.
“BIG is one of the world’s most respected, forward-thinking architecture firms,” Alain declares. “They are the kind of like-minded partner with whom we enjoy working. BIG understands our vision, but also brings relevance and fresh ideas to a project.”
PRESERVING A LEGACY
The new mega-development will be one of A.R.M. Holding’s largest and most ambitious projects to date. The masterplan will cover 5 square kilometers, centered around the historic Jebel Ali Racecourse, in the heart of Dubai. Surrounding this space will be a variety of mixed-use neighborhoods characterized by public plazas and shaded streets.
Focusing on accessibility and sustainability, all services and green space will be within a fiveminute walk for residents of the racecourse development. The project will also preserve the memory of the racetrack, with the themes of sport and equestrianism present throughout.
“Today, people want to be active and they want to
enjoy nature, so the Jebel Ali Racecourse project will reflect this,” Alain affirms. “The park at the center of the development will be 1.5 square kilometers in size –as large as London’s Hyde Park. Wellbeing, active living, and social connections are all key themes for the project, with a particular emphasis on quality outdoor spaces, which can sometimes be hard to come by in Dubai.
“While the development will be highly walkable, we’re also embracing smart, sustainable mobility solutions to support lowimpact, efficient transport. From e-mobility and shared services to dedicated cycling tracks and strong links to Dubai’s transit network, connectivity is central to the masterplan. Our investment in micro-mobility, including bike-
sharing and safe cycling routes that connect seamlessly to the original Jumeirah–Al Qudra bike path, ensures getting around is easy, enjoyable, and environmentally friendly.”
With construction set to begin in 2026, Jebel Ali Racecourse heads up A.R.M. Holding’s future plans. Just as the company will preserve the legacy of the racecourse while transforming the area into something new, so A.R.M. Holding hopes to embrace and encourage progress while staying true to its community-focused values.
“As we move forward, building on our legacy, we want to continue adding long-term value to people’s lives,” Alain says in summary. “Alongside the racecourse, we are already working on restoring the glory
of another Dubai landmark, the Beach Centre, as well as developing various hotels, luxury villas, residential communities, and food and beverage offerings across Dubai.”
In true A.R.M. Holding spirit, the driving force behind the company’s future will be its people. Human experience and interaction are an ever-present thread that unites the company and its work.
“Success starts from within,” Alain says with conviction. “We’ve built a powerhouse of a team that lives and breathes our values. Each person brings a unique strength, and together, we truly understand the people and communities we serve. This isn’t just about business, it’s about shaping a better future, together.”
