In Pictures: Sharjah mega-developer Arada takes ‘green cover’ up a few notches at Masaar

More homes equal more trees. A residential project in Sharjah sure is going all out for the green cover.

Masaar, billed as a ‘forest-themed’ community at the time of its launch last year, has launched its third phase – the ‘Robinia’ - featuring 565 villas and townhouses.

They form part of the Dh8 billion development’s eventual tally of 4,000 homes spread over eight ‘districts’. That’s as far as the brick-and-mortar goes.

Let’s get to the flora side of things – Masaar’s eight districts will be linked via a ‘green spine’ with 50,000 trees. When it comes to turning desert sand into a shade of green, the developer, Arada, has it covered.

Masaar, which means ‘path’ in Arabic, will only have villas and townhouses as the developer’s intent is to build a proper getaway from the hurly-burly of work and all activities associated with daily lives. The initial offplan launches were well-received, according to estate agents.

Robinia ‘focuses on uplifting wellness and sustainability for families that value quality of life, natural landscapes’, says Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada. An experience centre is set to open shortly, which will give ‘future residents and visitors a true flavour of what this transformation community is all about.”

In Dubai too, developers are focussed on creating urban landscapes that do not end up with a concrete overload. Majid Al Futtaim, Sobha Realty and Azizi have space for lagoons coursing through their current projects. And Al Barari remains the template of what an expanse of green can bring to an upscale community.

There is MAG, the developer, with its wellness projects, at Dubai Healthcare City. It all fits into the wider narrative of how property owners want their living spaces to be. And not just the homesteads but the immediate surrounds too.

“In the wake of the pandemic, the correlation between a home and stress levels can’t be overlooked,” said Gaurav Aidasani, Managing Director, Union Square House. “Apart from work-related challenges, our living spaces may have a direct impact on our mental health.”

Living spaces and amenities that bolster mental health include spa-inspired bathrooms, meditation corners, and layouts that let in more natural light and fit-for-purpose residential communities.