A human approach to urban growth with A.R.M. Holding

Your latest urban development around the Jebel Ali Racecourse is designed as a walkable, sustainable community. How do you see it shaping the way people live in Dubai?

This development is a bold reimagination of urban life – one that supports healthier, more connected, and more sustainable living. By prioritising walkability, shaded pedestrian routes, and car-free access to daily needs, we’re encouraging more movement in people’s everyday routines. Through a strong emphasis on micro-mobility, we directly support physical activity and spontaneous social interaction – both of which are proven to enhance well-being and contribute to greater longevity.

Beyond physical health, the development also enhances mental well-being by encouraging daily social interaction and a strong sense of community. The layout and programming are designed to bring people together – not just within families or neighbourhoods, but across cultures and generations.

At the same time, the development supports environmental sustainability. By minimizing car dependency and promoting active mobility, it helps lower carbon emissions and creates a cleaner, more breathable urban environment. Green spaces, native landscaping, and improved air quality all contribute to a healthier and more resilient place to live.

With essential services, green parks, and community amenities all within easy reach, the development fosters a lifestyle that is vibrant, convenient, and human-centric which will be a unique offering in Dubai.

As Chief Development Officer, what experiences or values have shaped your approach to leading large-scale developments?

The core of my approach is simple: it’s all about people. The Jebel Ali Racecourse development reflects this belief – every aspect of the masterplan has been shaped by a deep understanding of how people live, work, move, and connect within their communities. Therefore, in addition to a design innovation a major emphasis is given to customer experience and authenticity.

Ultimately, I am working as part of a brilliant team to bring a human-centric mindset to everything we do – one that values simplicity, authenticity, and long-term impact over short-term gains.

A.R.M. Holding operates across a wide range of sectors. How do you keep the company focused on long-term value while staying flexible and innovative?

We stay focused by grounding every initiative in our long-term vision for ARM, and for Dubai – one that promotes quality of life, economic diversity, and community cohesion. Every project we work on is carefully curated to complement what the city needs and what people value most.

We constantly assess market gaps and future trends to ensure our offerings remain relevant and forward-looking. At the same time, we remain authentic to our values – delivering design that is timeless, not trend-driven, and planning that is efficient, flexible, and responsive.

Customer experience is at the heart of everything we do. That means creating intuitive environments with practical technologies, robust amenities, and thoughtfully designed spaces that support daily life. Social infrastructure – including art, culture, and events – further reinforces community identity and belonging.

What are A.R.M. Holding’s key priorities for growth in the next few years, and how do they support Dubai’s broader goals for sustainability and economic development?

Our priorities are closely aligned with Dubai’s long-term vision (vision 2040) for a more sustainable, liveable, and economically diversified future. We’re focused on building a community that helps transform the city into a more resilient, inclusive, and investor-friendly environment. Every aspect of the plan – from mobility and landscape to land use – is designed to enhance quality of life while supporting long-term value.

Sustainability remains a core focus. The development promotes green mobility through a connected network of pedestrian and cycling paths, reducing car dependency and emissions. We use local materials and native plants to lower water and energy use, while shaded spaces and passive cooling improve comfort. Protecting the site’s terrain and natural species remains a key priority.

Cultural and economic contribution is also fundamental to our growth strategy. The Jebel Ali Racecourse – a symbol of Emirati heritage and passion for equestrian activities– is being preserved as a central anchor celebrating equestrian culture.

Finally, we’re contributing to Dubai’s economic growth by creating integrated commercial areas and mixed-use zones that support a wide range of industries.

From business parks to hospitality hubs to vibrant public realms, the masterplan is designed to attract investment, enable job creation, and sustain long-term economic activity. It’s a layered approach that balances liveability, sustainability, and opportunity – not just for today, but for generations to come.