‘Sky Pools’ are Among the Amenities at New Developments in the UAE

Across the UAE, residential developments are increasingly including recreational facilities, from sports amenities to outdoor social spaces (like landscaped parks), to entice buyers, regardless of the project’s location or its targeted tenant community.

Megaprojects across Dubai, like Palm 360, a twin-tower hotel and residential project, and the much-anticipated Royal Atlantis Residences, both planned for the Palm Jumeirah island, will offer large units, private beach access and "Sky Pools" —infinity pools that are suspended between buildings.

Below are different community-driven projects that highlight the various offerings of the UAE’s real estate sector this summer.

Palm 360, Crescent Road West, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

A new project set for Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, Palm 360, by UAE developer Nakheel, will begin selling its 12,000-square-foot penthouses within the coming months.

Located on the Palm’s western crescent and set on 500,000 square feet of landscaped ground, Palm 360 (anticipated for delivery in mid-2020) will boast two boutique hotels with 110 rooms between them, 252 one- and two-bedroom serviced apartments, and 12 four-bedroom penthouses.

Equivalent to the size of four tennis courts, the lavish penthouses will occupy an entire floor (or two floors for the duplexes) and feature a private infinity pool, gymnasium and home theater. And, as its name suggests, Palm 360’s residential units will offer panoramic views of the man-made island, the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline.

Labeled "another iconic development for Palm Jumeirah and a new landmark for Dubai" by Nakheel chairman Ali Rashid Lootah, Palm 360 joins a host of other new projects on the island, including The Palm Tower and The Pointe.

Number of units: 12 penthouses, 252 apartments Price: TBA Developer/architect: Nakheel/a49 Amenities: Fitness center, landscaped park, rooftop infinity "Sky Pool", and a beachfront development consisting of restaurants and pools Unit sizes: One- and two-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom penthouses Website: nakheel.com

The Royal Atlantis Residences, Crescent Road, Palm Jumerah, Dubai

Located on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah Island, the Royal Atlantis Residences sits at the tip of the island near Atlantis the Palm and will span 10 hectares of land. The luxury development is spearheaded by international developer and operator Kerzner International.

Branded as "Dubai’s first super-prime residential development," the megaproject will consist of 231 residences and 795 lavish guest rooms and suites, split between two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom contemporary apartments, with views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline. The complex will also have private access to the island’s sandy shores, swimming pools and sports amenities, like tennis courts.

Working together with international architects and designers, including KPF Associates, Sybille de Margerie and David Mexico Design Group, Kerzner International has set the completion date for the Royal Atlantis Residences for 2019.

Number of units: 231 residences and 795 guest rooms and suites Price: Starting at AED 7,650,000 (US$2,082,806) Developer/architect: Kerzner International / KPF Associates Unit sizes: Two, three, four and five bedroom apartments, penthouses and garden suites Amenities: Rooftop private gardens, infinity pools, "Sky Pool" and "Ultra Pool’, and a beach club Website: kerzner.com

Nasma Residence, Emirates Road Highway and Maliha Road, Sharjah

Located in "New Sharjah," an up-and-coming district at the intersection of Emirates Road Highway and Maliha Road, Nasma Residences by Arada—just launching its second phase of sales—has revealed its five-bedroom "‘Signature Villa"’ that’s now available for a starting price of AED 2,975,000 (US$809,964).

Along with more than 800 two and three-bedroom townhouses and four-bedroom semi-detached villas already on offer as part of the nearly sold-out first phase, Nasma Residences will include a string of amenities like the community’s shopping center Nasma Square (to begin construction in July), a 13-acre lush park with cycling and jogging tracks, a clubhouse with sports and recreation facilities, an international school, and a full-service medical clinic.

The master plan’s residential units range in size from 1,500 square feet to 4,400 square feet, and start at AED 995,000 (US$270,903). According to Arada CEO Ahmed AlKhoshaibi, access to amenities doesn’t come with a service charge.

"Sharjah’s real estate story is just beginning," said Mr. AlKhoshaibi. "The emirate is already well-known as being a center for the arts and culture, as well as having a strong industrial base and a growing tourism sector."

Sales are expected to launch this summer.

Number of units: Over 800 Prices: Starting at AED 995,000 (US$270,903) Developer: Arada Unit sizes: Two-, three- and four- bedrooms and five-bedroom ‘"Signature Villas" Amenities: Shopping center, 13-acre park with cycling and jogging tracks, club house with sports and recreation facilities, children’s nursery, full-service medical clinic and international school Website: arada.com