Quantum United

By Michael Darby – Founder – Quantum Group

We are always excited to be able to look beyond our box to research and visit projects around the world to ensure our team adopts an innovative ‘world’s best practice’ approach and, to better guide our consulting clients with their work.

My detour en route home from the USA this time, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit both the Tilal Al Ghaf and Bluewaters Island in Dubai to gain an eye-opening perspective on residential communities overseas.

One of the most talked about in Dubai at the moment, Tilal Al Ghaf is large-scale mixed-use residential resort development by Majid Al Futtaim.  Spanning over 3 million square metres, the community will provide walkable neighbourhoods featuring high-quality villas, townhouses and apartments. These are connected by pathways, natural, open spaces and parks, complemented by vibrant retail, dining, leisure and cultural options.

The site visit was all the more productive because I was able to meet with Mahrous Mousa, the Senior Operations Manager and Eurika Faria, the Senior Community Manager. We went through their vision for the community and discussed their plans moving forward with building out their community’s amenities and services.

Further out towards Dubai Marina, nestled between the two “Palms” sits Bluewater Island, an island resort community by Meraas Dubai Holding. My Dubai colleagues Glen Aranha and Zeeshan Ali were very gracious with their time walking me through the structure and operation of this amazing project and taking me on a tour of the residential precinct. It incorporates luxury apartments and townhouses and despite initial hiccups around parking and adequate electricity supply, the precinct now has expansive common areas providing amenities such as landscaping, pools, gym, function room to host programs and more.

The island is also home to retail, hospitality, entertainment precincts not to mention Ain Dubai – currently the world’s largest observation wheel! – all coming under a master association.

My visit to the two luxury, resort-like communities has allowed me to identify opportunities for improvement and ideas for innovation around the development of our own residential communities back home.