Al Barari, Dubai
What: A gated community with 189 detached luxury villas on Emirates Road in the Nad Al Sheba district of Dubailand, Al Barari offers a choice of five to seven bedrooms set amid lush green gardens, ponds and streams.
Design, build, finish and views: Villas come fully landscaped, each has a private pool and all boast top-quality finishes. Residents can look forward to living in uniquely designed rooms with high ceilings, lots of natural light, spacious living interiors and kitchens equipped with smart home appliances.
Facilities: Each villa comes with three carports and residents can access six brilliantly landscaped themed gardens — all designed with organic materials — children's play areas, tennis courts, as well as pristine waterways. The community master plan will eventually include coffee shops, restaurants, a cultural village, health club and a spa. etisalat is the telecom service provider for the development. Maintenance issues are taken care of by Al Barari's in-house company, Wojood, which provides the service for the first 12 months of the contract. However, after a year, residents can consider other options.
Sales and leasing agent says: "Current prices represent great value and offer home buyers the opportunity to buy a quality property that is within easy reach of Dubai's business, retail and leisure venues," says Pauline Leale, associate director, Fine and Country.
Property says: With its friendly environment, Al Barari could be a fantastic choice for families looking for high-end living in natural settings. The acres of green spaces to run around will possibly make your kids drop their PlayStations or Wii consoles. However, with retail facilities still taking shape, residents need to currently depend on outlets at Arabian Ranches just 3km away or MotorCity, which has a large Spinneys outlet.
Amenities: 5 to 7 bedrooms, private pool, water views, six gardens, etisalat and three carports
Facts and figures
Status: Villas in Phase 1 and 2 handed over, Phase 3 by May 2011 and Phase 4 by September 2011 approximately.
Service fees: Dh5.45 per square foot of built-up area.
Prices: Start from Dh10 million upwards
Rentals: Starting from Dh350,000 to Dh800,000
Contact: Fine and Country 04 447 3605
Ocean Heights, Dubai
What: An 84-storey luxury tower in Dubai Marina, Ocean Heights comprises a collection of exclusive penthouses as well as one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury condominiums.
Design, build, finish and views: A selection of units come with an internal swimming pool and gold-dusted ceiling cornices. With most apartments overlooking the Palm Jumeirah, the homes boast light-filled spaces, quality finishes, high-specification bathrooms and German kitchen SS appliances.
Facilities: For those motivated to stay in shape, a state-of-the-art gym overlooks a temperature-controlled swimming pool and leisure deck, complemented by a day spa, sauna and jacuzzi. Also there is a barbecue area, a children's play area and crèche. The tower has 600 parking spaces, and du provides packages for TV and internet connection.
Developer says: "Ocean Heights is a signature development for Damac Properties. It is the tallest and most luxurious complex project we have delivered to date," says Niall McLoughlin, senior vice-president of Damac Properties.
Property says: A perfect abode for those looking for a waterfront address, Ocean Heights may appeal to young couples and families alike and is accessible from Al Sufouh Road. Its fabulous location with wrap around sea views and facilities will please those looking for opulence and luxury. For residents who like to spend the weekend at home, the leisure deck with barbecue facilities could serve as a perfect venue for entertaining family and friends, while the colourful play area and crèche keeps the little ones busy. Or you could simply unwind at the day spa. However, for those resident weekenders, step outside the tower and the scenario gets even better with a host of leisure and recreational options that the vibrant Dubai Marina community has in store.
Amenities: Sea views, private parking and du connectivity
Facts and figures
Status: Ready to occupy
Service fees: Dh16.47 per square foot of unit area
Prices: Start from Dh999,000 for a one-bedroom
Mortgages by: ADCB, Barclays, Mashreq and Standard Chartered Bank
Contact: Damac Properties 04 373 1000
