Inspired Living: The H Residences by HUNA

The H Residences by real estate brand HUNA is poised to be a landmark project, one that reflects the changing face of urban development in Dubai and the growing importance of art, culture, and community in creating vibrant, sustainable cities.

 “HUNA Living is a place where residents and visitors alike can experience the true essence of culture, creativity, and connection. We strive for cities where inspired communities can thrive and prosper”, expressed Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, CEO of A.R.M. Holding.

A.R.M. Holding, a prominent Emirati economic enabler and leader in the real estate industry, continues to shape Dubai’s dynamic urban landscape with the introduction of HUNA, its latest cultural and real estate brand. With a visionary approach, HUNA seeks to redefine urban living by emphasising the importance of culture, community, and lifestyle integration in its developments. As part of its mission, the brand has already unveiled two ground breaking projects—The Fold and H Residences—which are set to transform the iconic Al Wasl Road corridor and offer a new model of cultural living.

At the core of HUNA’s ethos is a commitment to design human-focused spaces that enhance quality of life, by fostering connection, purpose and cultural enrichment. Through strategic partnerships with renowned designers and artists, the company is crafting an adaptable lifestyle narrative for an exclusive clientele, underpinned by art, culture and community activation.

As Dubai's architectural landscape continues to evolve, H Residences; HUNA's innovative flagship project; designed by Tariq Khayyat Design Partners (TKDP) is a prime example of the city's bold vision for the future. Situated in the Jumeirah district, the curved, 18,000-square-metre complex comprises 37 residential units alongside ground-floor restaurants and bars and a centralised public plaza.

According to Architect Tariq Khayyat, “H Residences is designed to create a shift in the way mixed-use projects have been developed in the region where there is a complete separation between the end users and the surrounding community”.

Khayyat furthered stated, “H Residences provide a seamless integration between the various outdoor urban spaces, where the project’s central public plaza—strategically positioned at the heart—promotes synergy between residents and the community, providing accessible, green spaces for all”.

Replacing a cherished 1980s retail structure, the design aimed to respect the plot’s surroundings while introducing a refreshed, human-scaled environment that invites social interaction and inclusivity. The central plaza, encircled by townhouses, apartments, and exceptional dining establishments such as Cipriani Dolci, Café Kitsuné, and NAC (North Audley Cantine), serves as a vibrant communal hub where indoor and outdoor spaces blend harmoniously.

Spread across three floors and a basement level, the curvaceous complex is divided into two wings, connected by a lobby on the ground floor as well as a 30-metre-long bridge on the upper floor. With the complex being located on a sloping site, TKDP designed each townhouse with a small front yard and back garden raised above ground level. Additionally, private walkways and ramps lead out from the housing units to offer direct access to the central plaza and lobby to improve accessibility.

While, the distinctive sloping design enhances both privacy and accessibility, allowing for a multi-level experience that is visually unified by the bridge. The bridge also features an infinity pool with 360° skyline views, underscoring the project’s aim to offer luxurious yet community-oriented living.

Architect Tariq Khayyat’s design for H Residences is a harmonious blend of innovation and urban living, with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. A standout feature of the building is its vertical louvers, which serve both aesthetic and environmental purposes. These louvers not only enhance the building's visual appeal, giving it a distinctive, signature look, but also provide shade and natural light optimisation to the residences, creating serene living environments.

Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, emphasised, “HUNA Living is more than just a collection of well designed properties; it’s a vibrant community that harmoniously merges art, culture, and real estate. In a market saturated with luxury offerings, HUNA distinguishes itself by creating an open and welcoming environment that encourages authentic connections and cultural engagement. Our commitment to supporting both local and international artists allows us to curate art pieces and host events that bring creativity to life within our spaces.”

HUNA, in collaboration with Art Dubai launched a year-round HUNA Cultural Programme. The programme transforms living spaces into creative community hubs, hosting insightful dialogues and talks by prominent figures, traversing topics from culture to technology, complemented by artistic performances and experiences. The programme presents the developer's commitment to highlighting artistic talents and positioning Dubai as a cultural hub.

The HUNA Cultural Programme also features the HUNA Sculpture Park in the midst of H Residences, which officially debuted in conjunction with the 17th edition of Art Dubai earlier in the year – envisioned as a cultural sanctuary where public art installations, placed all over the property, narrate stories of identity and heritage, fostering a deep connection with the community. Prominent local and international artists like Rana Begum, Shaikha Al Mazrou and Pablo Reinoso have showcased their works.

“Our journey at HUNA has always been driven by a singular vision – to elevate everyday living through art and community.” – claimed, Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi. He concluded, “To bring this vision to life, we are collaborating with Art Dubai to nurture a cultural ecosystem that celebrates creativity. We value connectedness, inclusiveness and diversity and aim to support talent within the fields of education, culture and the arts by fostering cross-cultural exchange and bolstering creativity, innovation and positive change.”

In conclusion, by blending luxury, culture, and community, HUNA exemplifies the direction in which Dubai is heading—one where urban living is not just about high-end amenities, but about creating spaces that bring people together in meaningful ways, while celebrating the evolution of UAE’s design industry.

- Text by Aisha Zaman