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SOL Properties: Crafting iconic structures for meaningful communities in Dubai

CEO Ajay Bhatia outlines SOL Properties’ legacy and its philosophy for sustainable growth

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5 MIN READ

SOL Properties is built on the motto “Crafting Spaces, Inspiring Lives.” Looking ahead, how do you envision your legacy at SOL Properties, both in terms of the built environment and your leadership imprint in Dubai’s real estate market?

At SOL Properties, our motto is not just a brand line — it’s our guiding philosophy. We see our legacy as being defined not only by iconic structures but by meaningful communities that enrich lives and elevate the urban experience. Our goal is to shape the skyline of Dubai with developments that combine timeless architecture, intelligent design, and human-centric living.

From a leadership perspective, I envision SOL Properties being remembered for raising industry benchmarks — for integrity, innovation, and delivering long-term value. We want to leave behind a real estate footprint that tells a story of quality, vision, and purpose with long-term investment.

In a market as dynamic and competitive as Dubai, how do you balance the pressure for high-end finishes, brand appeal, and speed of delivery with real sustainability, durability, and meaningful value for residents and investors?

Dubai is a fast-moving market, but speed and quality do not have to be in conflict. At SOL Properties, the biggest upper hand is Bhatia General Contracting Company, our in-house construction company, which is celebrating its 50th year this year. It is our greatest strength as a developer, ensuring high-end finishes while integrating sustainability and innovation early in the design and planning stages.

By using durable materials, efficient construction technologies, and intelligent project scheduling, we deliver high-end finishes without compromising environmental responsibility or long-term value. All our launched projects are already under construction to ensure speed of delivery and timely completion. Our focus is always on creating value that endures — ensuring investors enjoy strong returns while residents benefit from a living experience that is beautiful, functional, and sustainable.

The development ecosystem is being transformed by technologies such as BIM, IoT, smart homes, and analytics. At SOL Properties, how are you leveraging technology to differentiate your developments, and what disruptive trend do you believe will reshape Dubai real estate in the next 5–10 years?

At SOL Properties, we see technology as a catalyst for innovation and differentiation in Dubai’s dynamic real estate landscape. Across our signature developments — Fairmont Residences Solara Tower, SOL LUXE, and SOL Levante — we integrate smart systems, sustainable design, and data-driven planning to deliver elevated living experiences that reflect the future of urban living.

Fairmont Residences Solara Tower in Downtown Dubai showcases our commitment to luxury and sustainability. The development features self-shading balconies, smart energy management systems, and BIM-enabled construction, ensuring precision, efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. Residents enjoy hotel-inspired amenities, wellness zones, and panoramic views — all within a development aligned with the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030.

SOL LUXE, located on Sheikh Zayed Road, redefines mixed-use living with AI-powered systems for air quality optimization, predictive maintenance, and secure visitor management. Its EV-ready infrastructure, solar-control glazing, and bronze-and-glass façade reflect our dedication to eco-conscious design and smart urban integration.

SOL Levante in Jumeirah Village Triangle pioneers wellness-centric living. It incorporates circadian lighting, air purification systems, and smart layouts that promote holistic well-being. The development includes a wide range of amenities — from outdoor cinemas and co-working spaces to yoga decks and pet parks — creating a vibrant, tech-enhanced community.

Looking ahead, we believe Digital Twins and AI-driven urban planning will be the most disruptive forces in Dubai’s real estate sector. These technologies will enable developers to simulate entire communities, optimize resource allocation, and personalize living experiences at scale. Combined with blockchain-enabled property transactions and fractional ownership models, the next decade will usher in a more transparent, inclusive, and tech-forward property market.

At SOL Properties, we’re not just building homes — we’re shaping the future of Dubai’s urban lifestyle.

Your recent launch of the Dh1 billion GDV mixed-use project SOL Levante in Jumeirah Village Triangle reflects a strong bet on connectivity plus community-centric living. How are you reading shifts in buyer and investor preferences in the UAE, and how does that influence your choice of location, typology, and product mix?

The launch of SOL Levante is rooted in our understanding of shifting buyer priorities. Today’s residents and investors are increasingly focused on connectivity, community, and quality of life rather than just square footage. They want well-connected neighborhoods, vibrant amenities, and spaces that adapt to their lifestyle.

JVT is among the most sought-after neighborhoods, achieving the highest rental yields and capital appreciation upon delivery, strengthening its niche in Dubai’s real estate.

These insights directly shape our strategy — from selecting locations with strong infrastructure and accessibility, to designing typologies that reflect modern living, and creating a diverse product mix that blends residential, retail, and leisure components. We build communities, not just buildings.

Your development of Fairmont Residences Solara Tower in Downtown Dubai leverages a major hospitality brand and elevated amenities. What role do brand-led residences play in your strategic roadmap, and do you see this as a growing segment globally or regionally? What are the key pitfalls in brand partnerships you’ve experienced?

Branded residences represent a growing segment in the global and regional real estate market. Our partnership with Fairmont for Solara Tower reflects our belief that trusted hospitality brands elevate the entire living experience. They bring a layer of credibility, service excellence, and global recognition that discerning buyers are actively seeking.

Branded residences transaction value has seen a 37% rise in the first half of 2025. This growth is driven by global wealth expansion, migration demand from high-net-worth individuals, and a preference for lifestyle-focused living.With 80% of our buyers at Fairmont Residences Solara Tower being end users, it’s evident that branded residences resonate deeply with those who value trust, authenticity, and the assurance of world-class living standards.

However, successful partnerships require strong alignment on vision, service standards, and long-term asset management. The key pitfall we’ve observed is when branding becomes purely cosmetic. For us, a brand partnership must be authentic, strategic, and add measurable value to the development and its community.

What’s your approach to cultivating culture within a growing real estate enterprise, particularly as you scale diverse projects, and how do you maintain your values and standards across all divisions?

Culture is the backbone of everything we do at SOL Properties. As we grow, our culture of craftsmanship, integrity, and innovation remains non-negotiable. We build alignment through clear communication, strong leadership development, and by empowering teams to take ownership of quality and execution.

We also invest in processes and systems that embed our values into everyday decision-making. This ensures that no matter the project’s scale or location, our standards remain consistent — and our people continue to deliver with passion and pride.

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