Dubai developer launches 'first' branded residence featuring Olympic champ

Triple Olympic medalist Tom Dean shares names in Sports City project

Last updated: July 16, 2025 | 10:07

Manoj Nair, Business Editor

1 MIN READ

Britain's Tom Dean after winning the final of the men's 200m freestyle swimming event during the Tokyo Olympic Games. Now, he gets his name on board a Dubai real estate project.

AFP

Dubai: Olympic champions usually have their names attached to sporting venues or sports apparel.

But Dubai property market sees a first, with a new residential building launched with co-branding featuring champion swimmer and triple Olympic gold medalist Tom Dean.

The new project in Dubai Sports City lays claim to be the 'world’s first branded residence developed in partnership with an Olympic champion'.

The developer is Leos and the location is in Dubai Sports City.

Dean won golds for 200-metre freestyle and in 4x200 metre freestyle relay for Britain at the Tokyo Olympics. He added a third for relay in the 2024 Games too.

Also Read: 'Dubai First Home': 10% off on property prices - but no discounts on mortgages?

Dubai has seen its share of branded residences, including those featuring icons such as Armani and Bulgari.

Of course, there is also the skyscraper that will come up off Sheikh Zayed Road bearing the 'Trump' banner.

There are also those with the likes of automotive names such as Pagani, Aston Martin, and Bugatti. Some estimates put the number of branded projects in Dubai set for delivery by 2031 at around 140.

In the past, there had been associations with sporting legends such as Boris Becker and Niki Lauda.

“Our partnership with Tom Dean brings a new level of authenticity and inspiration to the project," said Rui Liu, founder and Chairman of Leos Developments.

"'Hadley Heights 2' aims to create a residential experience that supports physical wellbeing, personal growth, and meaningful connection.” (1-bedroom units are priced just over Dh1 million.)

Manoj NairBusiness Editor

Manoj Nair, the Gulf News Business Editor, is an expert on property and gold in the UAE and wider region, and these days he is also keeping an eye on stocks as well. Manoj cares a lot for luxury brands and what make them tick, as well as keep close watch on whatever changes the retail industry goes through, whether on the grand scale or incremental. He’s been with Gulf News for 30 years, having started as a Business Reporter. When not into financial journalism, Manoj prefers to see as much of 1950s-1980s Bollywood movies. He reckons the combo is as exciting as it gets, though many will vehemently disagree.