As we enter the ‘hot season’, this issue of Landscape Middle East Magazine brings into focus a subject that resonates more urgently than ever: the intersection of nature, community, and the evolving built environment. From global design visions to local planting strategies, each piece in our May edition contributes to a growing dialogue about how landscapes can do more than decorate, they can define how we live, gather, and grow.
We begin with a conversation on human-centred design in Designing for Nature and Community, featuring Diane Hoskins of Gensler on page 4. Her call to reimagine urban landscapes as places of belonging and environmental restoration could not be timelier, echoing the theme of this year’s Landscape Middle East Awards, “Nature and Community.”
On page 26, our feature Rooted in Resilience explores the elegant practicality of native planting and water-wise design in the UAE. As climate resilience becomes a defining imperative in landscape practice, these insights ground us in strategies that are both ecologically and culturally attuned.
Over in the UK, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show reminds us of the poetry possible in sculptural design. In Sculptural Simplicity Meets Classical Symmetry, British artist David Harber’s new pieces are set within a garden that offers not just aesthetic pleasure but contemplative calm, a vision as relevant to London as it is to the landscapes we shape here in the Middle East.
Closer to home, our piece Why Water Fountains Still Matter revisits the role of water in public life, not just as spectacle, but as a sensory and social connector. From cooling microclimates to ambient gathering points, fountains are finding renewed relevance in today’s urban vocabulary.
In Layers of Simplicity, Gin Wingfield’s reimagining of a private outdoor space showcases how restraint and refinement can coexist with biophilic intent. This modern oasis underscores how design can reflect lifestyle, not impose upon it.
Finally, our op-ed Rethinking Real Estate Development in Dubai challenges conventional success metrics in the region’s booming property sector. Thomas Wan of Refine makes a compelling case for a shift towards feasibility-driven, sustainabilityconscious development, one that places long-term livability at the heart of the city’s ambition.
We hope this issue inspires you to think beyond trends, beyond aesthetics, and to consider how every decision in landscape design, from plant palette to planning philosophy, contributes to something larger: our shared story of place, purpose, and progress for the region.
Managing Partner: Ziad Maarouf Amine
Copy Editor: John Hampton Phillip Higgins
Administrative Assistance: Sarry Gan
Art Director: Ramon Andaya
Contributors:
Anamaria Castillo, Carlos Pissara, Mark Laurence, Michelle DSouza , Natasha Smith, Nichelle Swanepoel, Sheffrin Ummer, Thomas Wan
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Protecting the night sky
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This integrated design thinking is particularly vital in the Middle East, where rapid development must coexist with environmental stewardship. Projects now go beyond aesthetics to prioritize walkability, biodiversity, sustainable water systems, and outdoor gathering spaces that foster vibrant, healthy communities.
The New Public Realm
One striking evolution Diane describes is the reinvention of traditional building programs to create more community centric spaces. Ground floors are no longer closed corporate lobbies they are being transformed into marketplaces, gardens, and cultural spaces open to the public. Rooftops, once wasted space, now host basketball courts, gardens, and communal amenities that turn vertical buildings into vertical communities.
This emphasis on “the public realm” whether at the building, neighborhood, or city scale underscores a larger shift: that community is not a byproduct of design but the purpose of design.
Presence, Connection, and Resilience
Diane’s reflections also underline a crucial lesson from recent history. “We learned a lot from the 2020 pandemic,” Diane reflects.
“The absence of physical places the chance to gather, connect, and be present showed us how deeply human beings need community. Virtual meetings and online experiences can support us, but they cannot replace the richness, vitality, and cognitive engagement that real, shared spaces create.”
Research has confirmed what many instinctively felt during that time: human connection thrives in environments where people can interact face-to-face. Presence fuels creativity, strengthens bonds, and stimulates deeper thought elements that digital substitutes, no matter how advanced, cannot fully replicate.
This renewed understanding has reinforced a vital mission for urban designers and landscape architects: to create spaces that are not just functional, but inspiring. Cities and landscapes must be designed as living ecosystems places where people feel rooted, connected, and part of a greater whole. Spaces that spark interaction, invite discovery, and support the well-being of entire communities. Places that are resilient to change, yet timeless in their ability to nourish life. Places where life doesn’t just continue it thrives.
A Call to Action
As the Landscape Middle East Awards celebrate innovation under the theme of Nature and Community, Diane Hoskins’ leadership offers a call to action: Design must go beyond structures to shape systems that regenerate the planet and nurture human bonds. This is the essence of true design leadership: creating places where nature is not something apart from us, but something we are part of and where community is not merely housed but truly cultivated.
At a time when the stakes are higher than ever, Gensler’s message remains clear: To design for the future, we must design for nature, for community, and each other.
DESIGNING SCHOOLS IN THE UAE FOR ECOLOGICAL AND EDUCATIONAL IMPACT
By: Anamaria Castillo Strategies Director of KALQ Studio
Sustainability today extends far beyond energy-efficient buildings or recycling programs. In regions like the UAE, it requires a broader, integrated approach; one that supports ecological responsibility, student well-being, and handson learning. Landscape architecture plays a crucial role in this transformation. By embedding sustainability into school design, from playgrounds and gardens to material selection and microclimates, schools can become living laboratories for a greener future.
Sustainability in educational environments can be incorporated in two main ways: by designing spaces that reflect curriculum goals or by allowing the design itself to inspire these goals. Ideally, these approaches complement each other. A well-designed landscape can reinforce sustainability lessons while offering immersive, hands-on
opportunities for students to engage with the environment. In the UAE, where climate extremes and rapid urbanization present unique challenges, schools are well-positioned to model sustainability. By transforming outdoor spaces into holistic, educational landscapes, schools can redefine what it means to be a “green” institution.
Native Plants: A Local Solution with Global Impact
Native plants are a cornerstone of sustainable landscape design. In the UAE’s arid climate, these plants are naturally adapted to the environment, requiring minimal irrigation, fertilizers, or maintenance. Beyond conserving water, native plants support local biodiversity by providing food and
Health concerns have also been raised about the materials used in artificial turf, particularly crumb rubber infill made from recycled tires. These infills may contain hazardous substances. In response, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEC) has implemented specific guidelines to regulate the use of crumb rubber infill, with a clear emphasis on student safety. Given these considerations, it is essential for each school to carefully assess the advantages and disadvantages of synthetic turf to determine the most appropriate and sustainable solution for their community.
Natural Playgrounds: Merging Imagination with Ecology
Modern sustainable playgrounds are moving away from plastic-based structures toward natural materials like timber, stone, and earth mounds. Timber, when responsibly sourced, provides a durable and biodegradable alternative to plastic. Natural play environments also support child development by encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and cooperative play. Access to green spaces has been shown to reduce aggression and improve social behaviours. These environments can also help regulate emotions more effectively. For educators, this creates a more harmonious learning environment.
Designing for Climate Comfort
In regions where summer temperatures regularly exceed 40°C, creating climate-responsive school landscapes is essential. Trees, acting as natural cooling systems, provide shade and reduce both surface and air temperatures. Strategically placed vegetation can cool play areas, walkways, and even indoor spaces by limiting heat absorption.
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This natural cooling also reduces energy consumption. Schools that incorporate green buffers and shade trees can lower their reliance on air conditioning, cutting utility costs and decreasing carbon emissions. In the UAE, where minimum shade regulations for schools exist, it is essential to recognize the added benefits of trees compared to artificial shade structures. Thoughtful planning should also take into account water availability to ensure sustainable maintenance of trees where they are most needed.
Thermal mass refers to the ability of materials to absorb, store, and slowly release heat. When used in school design, traditional materials like brick, timber, and rammed earth can help regulate temperatures, reducing the need for mechanical cooling systems, and providing an educational layer linked to heritage.
This passive cooling approach is particularly suited to the UAE’s climate, where cooler nighttime temperatures can offset daytime heat if managed properly. Thermal mass not only contributes to occupant comfort but also enhances energy efficiency. Innovations like clay and water-based passive cooling walls hold promise for future use, hopefully soon we can have valuable data on their performance in the region’s climate.
A Living Example: Fairgreen International School
Fairgreen International School, nestled in Dubai’s Sustainable City, exemplifies how sustainability and education can intertwine. The campus integrates solar energy, biofuel, composting, and organic farming into
daily school life. Its vegetable garden and hydroponic towers are more than just green features, they’re part of the curriculum. Older students mentor younger ones on sustainability-focused projects, blending environmental awareness with entrepreneurship.
This kind of peer-led, hands-on learning exemplifies how landscape and curriculum can come together to support not just academic success, but also real world problem solving and leadership skills. Fairgreen’s evolving facilities show that sustainability is not a fixed goal but a dynamic journey. By adapting to space constraints and climate conditions, the school continuously seeks innovative ways to live up to its values.
Schools as Seeds for a Sustainable Future
Redefining sustainability in schools, particularly in the UAE, requires a shift from reactive design to proactive, purposedriven planning. It’s not just about saving energy or reducing waste, it’s about creating environments that benefit schools, their communities, and the planet.
Through landscape architecture, schools can become models of ecological responsibility, centers for experiential learning, and catalysts for community-wide change. By embracing native plants, green farms, natural playgrounds, biophilic design, and climate-responsive strategies, UAE schools can lead the way toward a more sustainable future. The next generation of leaders is growing up in these spaces, let’s ensure they learn not only from textbooks and screens, but from the world around them.
HOW TO DELIVER URBAN NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS
HOW TO DELIVER URBAN NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS
By: Mark Laurence MSGLD, MCIHort, ISA certified Arborist
There’s a growing opportunity for landscape and urban design to play a more meaningful role in environmental resilience through Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). Whether we’re designing city parks, commercial landscapes, or streetscapes, the aim should be to evolve these spaces into functioning ‘ecosystem communities’, places that deliver ecological benefits while enriching everyday life. The good news? Many of these changes don’t require complex overhauls. Provided NBS principles are embedded early in the design brief, landscapes can be created, or even retrofitted, to provide real environmental value.
What Are Nature-Based Solutions?
The UN Environment Assembly defines NBS as “actions to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use and manage natural or modified ecosystems to address social, economic and environmental challenges effectively and adaptively.” These actions support human wellbeing, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and resilience. Put simply, in urban environments, NBS means working with nature, not against it, to solve problems. This includes using green infrastructure to manage stormwater, planting to cool cities, or supporting pollinators and biodiversity in the places we live and work.
Designing for NBS means moving beyond a linear way of thinking and embracing the interconnections between soil, plants, water, and climate. By recognising landscapes as living systems, we can design for multiple outcomes, not just visual appeal.
Micro-Ecosystems in the Urban Landscape
In practice, this starts with planting design. Urban NBS often involves building micro-ecosystems, using trees, shrubs, groundcovers and soil communities that work together. These plant guilds not only create more comfortable microclimates but can also influence broader climatic effects, especially when adopted at scale.
Healthy plant communities should support, and be supported by, the surrounding ecology, insects, birds, fungi, microbes, and even unseen soil life. While wild landscapes include browsing animals like goats or camels, urban settings can replicate some of these effects through maintenance techniques such as pruning, pollarding and fertilisation.
This shift in mindset allows us to see aesthetics as one of many design considerations, rather than the sole driver. It also places greater importance on the foundational layers we don’t always see, particularly soil.
Soil, The Hidden Infrastructure
Soil is too often overlooked in landscape design. Yet it’s the base layer on which every other element depends. More life happens below ground than above it, and without planning for this, even the most beautiful designs may struggle to thrive.
Urban landscapes frequently suffer from inadequate soil volumes, especially in narrow planters. Trees are often isolated when they could instead be connected via underground ribbon planting systems and structural soils. Creating these connections allows roots, fungi, microbes, and other soil life to communicate and share resources, enabling healthier, more resilient plant communities.
Fungi in Ecosystem. Fungi occur in soil as mycorrhizae and in trees as essential decay/recycling mechanisms
Layered_Planting.
This planting has layers, even if not designed with that ethos in mind
Soil should be alive, yet many imported soils are sterile, especially when blended with composts that lack microbial diversity. We need to kick-start living soils through inoculation, mulch, and careful species selection.
Understanding Place, Environment and Function
Designing with NBS also means understanding the conditions of the site, not just what’s desirable, but what will actually work. Light, wind, salt exposure, soil depth, water availability, and seasonal fluctuations all shape what plants will succeed.
Designs that incorporate function can also manage water better. Well-positioned planting beds can slow or store stormwater. Some species can even help purify soil and water through phytoremediation. In hot climates, tree canopies significantly reduce heat, lowering pavement temperatures and improving comfort. Windbreaks, shade, and stormwater management aren’t new ideas, but approaching them from an ecological perspective adds longevity and value.
Planting by Layer, Not Just Style
Ecological planting isn’t about using more species, it’s about choosing the right combinations and creating effective layers. From emergent trees and canopy species to shrubs, perennials and ground covers, each layer should support the next.
Sun-loving plants, for example, should never be used as understory species. Such mismatches are common and
Natural Regeneration.
When natural regeneration occurs, natives and non-natives form hybrid ecosystems
reduce the long-term success of a scheme. Flowering plants should be selected to bloom across the seasons, supporting pollinators and extending interest. Simple, open flowers are better for insects than complex double blooms.
Mulch plays a critical role, acting as both insulation and nutrient source. Fallen leaves are often removed for tidiness but should be retained, with organic mulch added yearly to sustain the soil ecosystem. Mineral mulch, while neat, adds no value to soil health.
Beyond Aesthetics, Designing with Purpose
Many of us are used to focusing on how a landscape looks. But monocultures, large areas of a single species, rarely offer ecological benefits. Mixed or matrix-style planting is not only more resilient but also more adaptable over time. This doesn’t mean overly complex schemes. Simpler plant communities, when composed of compatible species in sufficient density, can create systems that sustain themselves.
Nature Based Solutions. A layered planting design to maximise human input and Nature based Solutions
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Umm_al_Emarat.
Landscapes That Evolve
The final, and often forgotten, design layer is time. Landscapes are not static. Trees grow and die. Conditions shift. Water availability changes. Too often, we maintain gardens in a fixed state. But dynamic change is natural, and necessary.
In the wild, animals shape plant behaviour by browsing. In urban landscapes, we must take on this role through thoughtful pruning and cyclical maintenance. Techniques like pollarding and coppicing open up light, stimulate regeneration, and allow different layers to thrive. With climate change accelerating, landscapes must be ready for an uncertain future. The question isn’t what a site needs today, but how it can adapt to what’s coming.
A Different Approach, Not a Higher Cost
Nature-Based Solutions aren’t just good for the planet, they’re practical. When done well, they don’t necessarily cost more to install or maintain. But they do require a shift in approach and mindset. If we want our landscapes to give more, we must design with purpose. Living, biodiverse, responsive spaces are not just good design, they’re essential infrastructure. Now is the time to ask more of our landscapes, and more of ourselves as designers, planners, and stewards of place. www.marklaurence.com
This planting in Umm al Emarat Park, AD creates an effective layered ecosystem
Savannah_Plant_Guild
This planting on Al Maryah Island AD echoes a savannah ecosystem og grass and scattered trees
Traditional_Landscape.
In this traditional planting there is little ecosystem generation evident
In the field of landscape architecture, much of the discourse revolves around the design phase, and for good reason. Ambitious visions, dramatic transformations, and expressive materiality are at the heart of compelling landscapes. Yet, the ultimate measure of a landscape’s success is not how it looks on opening day, but how it endures over time.
What is beautiful once must be made beautiful always. Maintenance, often underestimated, is the invisible framework that upholds a landscape’s aesthetic, ecological, and financial value. While design draws attention, it is maintenance that retains it. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Middle East, where arid climates, high-profile developments, and long-term sustainability ambitions place extraordinary demands on landscape performance.
Landscapes Are Living Systems, Not Static Features
A well-designed landscape is dynamic. It grows, changes, and reacts to its environment. Maintaining its integrity requires more than irrigation alone. Turf health, soil biology, water efficiency, pest control, and plant vitality all need to be monitored and managed with precision.
Whether it’s a luxury coastal resort, a civic plaza, or a private enclave, the maintenance brief can be as complex as the original build. Imported plant species, microclimates created by surrounding architecture, heavy footfall, and operational limitations intersect. Without a proactive, well-informed strategy, even the most iconic landscapes risk degradation.
From Preservation to Performance
When executed properly, landscape maintenance does not simply preserve a space—it enhances it. A well-maintained lawn remains lush through seasonal shifts. Irrigation systems adjust intelligently in response to climate fluctuations. Trees are pruned for long-term structure, not just appearance. Flowering cycles are choreographed for visual rhythm. Pest and disease outbreaks are prevented, not just treated.
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These are the results of a maintenance culture that values foresight, technical skill, and ecological sensitivity. And the effect is cumulative. A site that is impeccably maintained five years in is a testament to both the original design and the care it has received since.
Quiet Excellence Behind Complex Projects
Increasingly, developers and designers are embedding long-term maintenance strategies into the early stages of project planning. They recognise that stewardship, not just installation, defines a landscape’s legacy.
At Dubai’s Museum of the Future, where innovative landscape integration enhances one of the world’s most iconic buildings, an equally forward-thinking maintenance approach ensures lasting performance. At Marsa Al Arab, a mixed-use waterfront destination, coastal conditions and aesthetic expectations demand year-round horticultural precision. In Emirates Hills, one of the UAE’s most prestigious residential communities, routine maintenance contributes directly to property value and community identity.
All of these projects are maintained by Desert Turfcare. As the dedicated maintenance division of Desert Group,
Desert Turfcare has established itself as a trusted partner for many of the region’s most complex and high-profile environments. Their remit goes far beyond routine care, encompassing everything from irrigation diagnostics and soil science to plant health forecasting and adaptive scheduling.
A Smarter, More Sustainable Standard
Modern landscape maintenance must align with broader environmental goals and urban planning frameworks. In the UAE, initiatives such as the 2040 Urban Master Plan and the national Net Zero commitment are reframing how landscapes are designed—and how they are maintained.
Smart irrigation systems responsive to live environmental data.
Battery-powered equipment that reduces noise and emissions.
Integrated pest management strategies that reduce chemical use.
Soil health programmes that build resilience from the ground up.
These approaches are not optional extras. In today’s climate-conscious world, they are essential for compliance, reputation, and long-term viability.
The Right Partner, The Right Outcome
While many firms offer landscaping services, few specialise in high-performance, post-installation care for premium developments. What sets experienced maintenance providers apart is their ability to interpret a landscape—not just mow it.
This involves an understanding of plant physiology, irrigation analytics, and the spatial intent behind the original design.
Desert Turfcare has made this expertise their cornerstone. With decades of regional experience, their teams uphold design intent while allowing landscapes to evolve naturally. The result is a built environment that matures with grace, without losing its vitality or coherence.
More Than Green—A Lasting Value
In competitive property markets, a well-maintained landscape is more than an aesthetic benefit. It reflects brand integrity, influences user perception, and contributes to real estate
value. Yet, when budgets tighten, landscape maintenance is often among the first areas to face cuts.
This is a short-sighted strategy. Shifting from a cost-based approach to a value-based mindset is overdue. Long-term maintenance is not an operational expense. It is an investment in performance, sustainability, and public perception.
A Future Worth Maintaining
The Middle East has become a stage for some of the most ambitious landscape architecture in the world. But its next chapter will not be written through more development. It will be written through better stewardship.
That means not just planting trees, but ensuring they flourish. Not just building plazas, but keeping them welcoming, functional, and resilient through every season and challenge. Because a landscape’s story does not end at completion. It begins the day after.
If you’re managing a property that deserves world-class care—reach out to the team that keeps iconic landscapes thriving. Explore tailored maintenance solutions with Desert Turfcare.
The design approach was rooted in simplicity, but with subtle complexity introduced through changes in level. This technique adds depth and spatial interest without visual clutter.
One of the first decisions was to replace the outdated kidney-shaped pool with a rectangular version featuring crisp lines and a seamless fit into the restructured garden. Framed with a mix of natural stone and smooth concrete, the new pool sets the tone for the overall aesthetic: minimal, considered, and in harmony with its setting.
A Sunken Lounge with a Sense of Escape
A key feature of the design is the sunken lounge. Recessed into the landscape, it forms a private, cocoonlike area that invites conversation and relaxation. Although partially enclosed, it maintains strong visual and physical links to the rest of the garden and pool. The space is
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defined by clean lines and neutral tones, mirroring the home’s interior and creating a consistent, understated elegance. The result is a lounge that feels exclusive yet informal, a balance between architectural expression and natural retreat.
A Purposeful Planting Scheme
The planting palette was selected to provide both visual contrast and ecological benefit. Tall Washingtonia palms
offer vertical drama and movement, while Portulacaria’s rounded, water-wise foliage softens the ground layer. Additional structure and greenery are provided by species such as Yucca rostrata, Murraya (Orange Jasmine), and Ehretia microphylla (Blueberry Ash). Silver Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus ‘Sev’) contributes layered depth with its dense leaves, and Pomogamia introduces a subtle aromatic element. This selection supports a landscape that is resilient, textured, and visually balanced.
Connecting Texture, Light, and Function
Material choices and surface textures play a significant role in unifying the space. The transition between smooth decking, soft seating, and lush planting creates a tactile journey throughout the garden. The muted tones of the plants reflect and complement the architectural materials, tying the natural and built elements together. The garden also includes a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, dining area, a modern pergola, and integrated lighting — transforming it from a purely decorative space into one that is highly functional and versatile.
A Thoughtful Transformation
Previously, the property featured an outdated layout and styling, most notably the kidney-shaped pool. The brief was to replace this with a cleaner, more modern setting suited to contemporary family life.
Gin Wingfield Designs delivered a result that demonstrates how minimalism, when layered thoughtfully with planting, levels and texture, can achieve sophistication without sterility. The new garden is not only elegant and practical, but also emotionally resonant, a space where the clients can gather, entertain, or retreat in peace.
This is more than a renovation; it’s a quiet redefinition of how outdoor spaces can serve modern living, where form meets function, and design works hand-in-hand with nature.
As cities expand and green spaces become more integral to everyday urban life, there’s a growing opportunity to align landscaping with long-term environmental responsibility. Choosing native plants and adopting water-wise gardening practices isn’t just sensible, it’s a practical response to the region’s climate and context. This article explores how combining UAEnative species with carefully selected droughttolerant plants can help create landscapes that are both resilient and rich in character.
Why Native Plants Make Sense
Native plants form the backbone of local ecosystems. Over thousands of years, they’ve adapted to survive in the UAE’s extreme conditions—high temperatures, saline soils, and limited rainfall. As a result, they require less maintenance, less water, and tend to thrive where other plants might struggle.
Here are a few native species we often incorporate into projects:
Aerva javanica (Desert Cotton)
A soft, woolly shrub with pink-white flowers that helps stabilise sandy soils. Ideal for naturalistic gardens and pollinator-friendly planting schemes.
Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Markh)
An upright, green shrub with few leaves, often seen in dune landscapes. It has an architectural form, low water needs, and is naturally fire-resistant.
The UAE’s national tree. Deep-rooted and highly drought-tolerant, it provides shade, habitat, and a strong cultural link to the land.
Working with Water-Wise Principles
Water-wise landscaping—or xeriscaping— focuses on reducing water use while still allowing for attractive, functional outdoor spaces. Key strategies include:
Using drought-tolerant species
Grouping plants according to their water needs (known as hydrozoning).
Installing efficient irrigation systems that minimise waste.
These principles are particularly relevant in the Gulf, where climate and water availability are critical factors in landscape design.
Native Plants and Adaptive Companions
While native plants provide a sustainable foundation, they can be complemented with carefully chosen non-native species that are well adapted to arid environments. These ‘adaptive allies’ bring texture, colour, and seasonal variety without compromising on water efficiency.
Prosopis cineraria (Ghaf Tree)
by @nateleecocks
By Thomas Wan Managing Partner at Refine
Dubai’s skyline symbolises ambition, with residential landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Ciel Dubai, Burj Binghatti, and Palm Jumeirah showcasing the city’s penchant for groundbreaking architecture. As the emirate’s real estate market matures, a critical question emerges: Are these monumental developments aligned with long-term economic viability and environmental sustainability?
In 2024, Dubai experienced a remarkable 40.3% increase in residential real estate transactions, totaling 170,992 units—more than five times the number recorded in 2020. With 65,000 new residential units anticipated in 2025, developers face a critical decision: Will these projects address genuine market demand, or are we on the
verge of another oversupply cycle? In an era characterised by rising construction costs, changing buyer preferences, and regulatory changes emphasising sustainability, the future of Dubai’s real estate sector relies on strategic, datadriven decision-making.
The Feasibility Gap: Bridging Vision and Reality
Dubai has never been short on bold ideas. However, ambition alone no longer guarantees profitability. The chasm between visionary concepts and successful execution often results from inadequate feasibility studies and financial modeling. A striking design or prime location is no longer a surefire recipe for returns. Developers must consider:
Mews Mansions
Is there a genuine demand for this project? Can it deliver a sustainable return on investment? Are stakeholders aligned for long-term success?
This is where ‘Comprehensive Lead Development’ becomes indispensable. Developers can align projects with actual demand by integrating market analysis, financial feasibility, and stakeholder coordination. The success of mixed-use developments like Dubai Hills Estate exemplifies this approach, offering live-work-play environments that resonate with evolving consumer preferences and urban trends.
Notably, in 2024, apartment launches surged by 50% yearon-year, adding 140,000 new units to the market. These figures underscore the necessity of rigorous market alignment to prevent potential saturation and ensure enduring value creation.
Urban Planning: Thinking Beyond Immediate Profits
In the rush to develop, urban planning often becomes an afterthought. However, in a rapidly growing city like Dubai, it is essential. The most successful projects consider their long-term effects on infrastructure, traffic, and community well-being. Developers must collaborate from the design phase with partners and local authorities to ensure that a building’s design integrates smoothly with its surroundings. For instance, the expansion of Dubai’s metro and road networks is crucial to accommodate new developments.
Refine and Dubai General Properties (DGP) recently launched its flagship legacy project, Mews Mansions. Nestled in the prestigious Meydan district, each residence boasts over 25,000 square feet of built-up area, set within expansive plots ranging from 15,000 to 16,000 square feet.
Developers must plan with these realities in mind, not just for the next five years but for decades ahead. Incorporating green spaces, pedestrian-friendly designs, and high-quality public amenities is no longer optional; it is a necessity.
A prime example of this foresight is the St. Regis Financial Centre Road, Dubai, The Residences, launched by Refine in downtown Dubai. Following its success, the 2024 launch of Rixos, Financial Centre Road, Dubai Residences, demonstrated how developers who anticipate future demand and align with the city’s vision can set a benchmark for excellence.
Additionally, masterplan projects such as Expo City Dubai, Dubai Hills Estate, Emirates Hills, and MBR City exemplify a commitment to high-end, sustainable
living while integrating urban planning principles that enhance community well-being. By prioritising location, architectural innovation, and lifestyle-centric amenities, the developments in these areas fulfill both market demand and long-term livability standards.
Sustainability: From Buzzword to Business Imperative
Sustainability has transcended regulatory compliance to become a key driver of profitability. Dubai’s commitment to net-zero emissions and green building standards necessitates that developers integrate sustainability into every stage of the project lifecycle.
Green developments not only attract premium buyers and tenants but also offer lower operational costs and
Refine spearheaded the marketing, sales and development management for the iconic Rixos, Financial Center Road, Dubai Residences
higher long-term asset values. A report by JLL highlights that 80% of institutional investors now prioritise sustainability in real estate deals, making it clear that Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors are shaping the industry’s future.
Rethinking Success in Dubai Real Estate
Dubai’s real estate future will not be defined by the sheer number of skyscrapers but by the intelligence behind their construction. The path forward requires a shift from short-term gains to long-term impact, where feasibility, sustainability, and urban integration take precedence over scale alone.
Developers must challenge themselves: Are we building for the present, or are we designing for a future where Dubai remains a global leader in livability and
innovation? The true victors will be those who embrace this change, not as an obligation but as an opportunity to create a lasting legacy. This vision aligns seamlessly with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, a strategic framework that will guide the city’s development over the coming decades. With a focus on sustainability and enhancing quality of life, the plan ensures that Dubai evolves to accommodate a growing population while maintaining its status as one of the world’s most desirable places to live. As the city progresses through its phased implementation, real estate developers have a crucial role to play, not out of obligation but out of legacy building, in translating this ambition into reality, crafting spaces that not only meet today’s demands but also shape Dubai’s long-term future.
Rethinking Water in Urban Design
The role of fountains is changing. Increasingly, water features are expected to serve a wider purpose, contributing to sustainability, climate comfort, and social interaction. Responsible use of water is essential. That means using efficient systems to recycle and filter, choosing materials and planting schemes that reflect the local environment, and ensuring designs are practical to maintain. Fountains are no longer just ornamental — they are integrated parts of landscape infrastructure.
Today’s water features should:
Support comfort in areas affected by urban heat
Reduce noise in busy surroundings
Create welcoming, inclusive public spaces
Reflect cultural and environmental context
Remind us of water’s value as a finite resource
This shift elevates our role as landscape professionals. Water features are not add-ons — they are contributors to the wellbeing of people and place.
Indoor Environments: A New Direction
In recent years, fountains have also become more prominent indoors. Airports, shopping centres, hotels, and hospitals are using water to humanise interiors and offer a sense of calm.
An indoor fountain does more than provide visual appeal. It creates a moment of pause, helps people feel grounded, and introduces a natural element into busy, built-up environments.
This growing trend reflects a broader idea: wherever people are, nature has a place. Moving water, even within interior spaces, brings a subtle but powerful connection to the natural world.
Looking Ahead
The Landscape Middle East Awards do more than recognise strong design — they mirror the direction in which the industry is heading. This year’s focus on Nature and Community invites us to consider how our work supports the people who use the spaces we create.
For those working in the water feature sector, this theme is particularly relevant. Our work supports social interaction, enhances climate resilience, and offers beauty without excess. Fountains continue to evolve as vital elements in public and shared spaces — symbols not only of design, but of care for the world around us.
As we look to the future of landscape design, one message remains clear: Where water flows, community grows.
leaf, enclosing stainless-steel stems that sway gently and emit soft sound. The result is a quiet interaction between movement, light, and sound. FLO, cast in formed bronze, is limited to 25 editions and introduces a new hot patination technique, producing a layered finish. As visitors move around the sculpture, its shifting curves reveal contrasting forms.
Also on display will be several of Harber’s established works, including Torus, Dark Planet, and Sky Mirror Chalice. The installation is developed in collaboration with Garden
Design, Urban
and
While the setting is designed to showcase the sculptures, it also invites visitors to consider how outdoor spaces can offer moments of stillness and conversation.
Now in its fourth decade, David Harber’s practice continues to explore the relationship between sculpture, landscape and atmosphere, using natural elements, light, reflection, and movement as central themes in his work. The installation will be open from Monday 20th to Saturday 25th May 2024.
