The 19-bedroom villa is the latest big-ticket deal amid the city’s luxury real estate boom
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In the latest example of Dubai’s thriving luxury real estate market, a 19-bedroom megamansion in the city’s prestigious gated golf community of Emirates Hills has sold for US$40.2 million.
The villa, which sits on the largest lot in the posh enclave, changed hands last week, and the sale was handled by Leigh Borg and Timothy Ogunniyi of Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty.
“To own the largest land plot in Emirates Hills along with one of the biggest homes in the community makes this property stand out,” Ogunniyi said. “To find a property that gives you 80,000 square feet of land and 55,700 square feet of living space is rare in Dubai.”
Other large plots in the community are “not quite as massive,” he added. It’s “very seldom these plots come into the market in Emirates Hills. No doubt, this presented a great appeal to the buyer and an opportunity to capitalise on its value.”
The home has a classic feel, with an exterior that “combines timeless architectural elements with the use of natural materials, all of which are reflected in the roof shape, window style and classic columns,” Ogunniyi said.
It also has far-reaching views of the Dubai skyline and the surrounding golf course.
“With the market in Dubai appreciating, it is fair to say that this was a very good deal to come by, both for buyer and seller,” Ogunniyi said, without disclosing the identities of the parties. The seller had owned the villa for the past 15 years and lived in the property when in town, he added. Mansion Global couldn’t identify either party.
Dubai’s luxury home market has been on a tear, complete with sky-high prices that grew 17.4% last year , and record-breaking transactions.
“This year, we have witnessed a significant evolution in the luxury real estate landscape, characterised by the introduction of new iconic developments and a sustained influx of wealthy investors, many of whom boast billionaire status,” said George Azar, CEO and chairman of Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty.
“While there exists a substantial demand for super prime homes, it’s crucial to note that the market currently lacks a sufficient number of uber-luxury projects and finishes that resonate with the discerning tastes of global billionaires,” he added. That gap “underscores the resilience and strength of this segment within our market.”
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BNW Developments has established a Sydney presence, joining Arada and Sobha Realty among the growing number of UAE developers pursuing Australian buyers and development opportunities.
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BNW Developments has established a Sydney presence, joining Arada and Sobha Realty among the growing number of UAE developers pursuing Australian buyers and development opportunities.
3 min
A growing number of major UAE property groups are turning their attention to Australia, with BNW Developments the latest to establish a local presence.
BNW has officially opened a Sydney office after hosting more than 300 investors, property professionals, wealth advisers and industry figures at its launch event.
The new office will give Australian buyers local access to BNW’s portfolio of residential and hospitality-led developments in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. Its projects include branded residences and waterfront developments combining private homes with hospitality, dining, leisure and tourism facilities.
BNW has an AED32 billion development pipeline, equivalent to approximately $12 billion, spanning projects in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. Its portfolio includes developments associated with Tonino Lamborghini, Radisson Blu and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
Among them is Tonino Lamborghini Residences in Ras Al Khaimah. BNW is also active on Al Marjan Island, the waterfront destination where the Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort is under development.
The developer recently announced Dolce Residences in partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Billed as the world’s first residences carrying the Dolce name, the boutique Al Marjan Island project is planned to include 93 premium residences and five retail tenancies.
BNW Developments chairman and founder Dr Ankur Aggarwal said attendance at the Sydney launch indicated that Australians were increasingly interested in the UAE as both a property and lifestyle destination.
“The response to the opening of our Sydney office has been extremely encouraging,” he said.
“Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah offer a very different lifestyle proposition to Australia, from waterfront living and luxury hospitality to world-class dining, entertainment and tourism.”
Dr Aggarwal said the Sydney office would allow buyers to examine BNW’s portfolio locally and work with a team familiar with the Australian market.
The move comes as Australia attracts increasing interest from UAE-based developers seeking opportunities beyond their home market.
Arada entered Australia in 2024, initially announcing a $2.5 billion Sydney pipeline expected to deliver more than 2,500 homes. Its Australian plans have since expanded to eight projects comprising more than 5,000 homes, including a recently announced twin-tower development at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast.
The company has also acquired the NSW arm of tier-one contractor Roberts Co, giving it greater control over construction and delivery as it builds its Australian business. Globally, Arada says its portfolio of existing and future developments across the UAE, Australia and the United Kingdom is valued at AED130 billion.
Dubai-headquartered Sobha Realty is also laying the foundations for a substantial Australian presence. The developer has established local operations and acquired sites in Sydney and Queensland, describing its entry as a long-term commitment to the market.
Sobha has expressed interest in opportunities across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, while its Australian website says new projects will be announced shortly. The expansion follows AED30 billion in global sales during 2025 and forms part of a wider international growth strategy encompassing Australia and the United States.
BNW’s Sydney opening reflects both the international ambitions of UAE developers and growing Australian awareness of the Emirates’ property market.
While the UAE and Australian markets differ considerably, the arrival of BNW, Arada and Sobha points to a broader exchange of capital, expertise and buyers between the two countries. For Australians considering offshore property, the opening of local offices may also make it easier to assess projects, understand the purchasing process and undertake appropriate due diligence before committing.
