Exclusive chat with Zeeshaan Shah, Chairman, One Group and Founder & CEO, ELEVATE
The UAE represents a natural next step in our international growth strategy. This market has become a global benchmark for lifestyle, ambition, and innovation. The visionary leadership has transformed the country into a thriving hub for real estate, tourism, and business excellence.
On a personal level, this expansion holds great meaning. I began my professional journey in the UAE nearly two decades ago, so returning to such a dynamic and progressive market feels like a full-circle moment. The country’s evolving cultural and lifestyle ambitions align perfectly with ELEVATE’s philosophy of intentional living and design-led, emotionally intelligent development.
ELEVATE is more than just a real estate brand, it’s a lifestyle philosophy. Our mission is to redefine luxury by focusing on intentional living, emotional well-being, and timeless design. We go beyond conventional metrics like square footage or marble finishes to focus on emotional resonance and experiential depth.
Our developments are built around five core pillars: Health, Wellness, Tribe, Purpose, and Flow. These principles guide how we design environments that support personal growth, connection, and meaningful living. It's a lifestyle-led approach that prioritizes the human experience over trend cycles.
This is a landmark $500 million development, the first Mondrian-branded beachfront residences in the UAE. We've partnered with Ennismore, a global hospitality powerhouse, to bring this vision to life on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.
The residences will feature private beach access, wellness-focused amenities, curated cultural programming, and hospitality services — all designed to offer residents a truly immersive and elevated lifestyle experience. This project represents a bold statement about where branded living is headed. The grand opening is scheduled for Q4 2028.
Design is at the heart of this project. We’ve brought together two globally renowned firms: Gensler, the world’s largest architecture firm based in San Francisco, and Bergman Design House, a London-based interior design studio known for its luxury hospitality and lifestyle projects.
Gensler will shape the architectural vision with bold spatial identity, while Bergman will infuse the interiors with sleek, sculptural elements that embody Mondrian’s avant-garde aesthetic. Together, they’re crafting a residence that reflects creativity, luxury, and design that aptly positions this as a true design icon for the region.
Al Marjan Island is rapidly transforming into a lifestyle epicenter and we wanted to be at the forefront of that momentum. It offers an unmatched combination of waterfront beauty, infrastructure, and ambition.We selected Mondrian for this specific location because the brand epitomizes what Marjan is becoming: bold, expressive, culturally rich, and globally appealing. It’s not about chasing a trend, but investing in lasting value, where Marjan becomes one of the most desirable branded living destinations in the region.
We believe Marjan Island is still in the early stages of realizing its full potential as a lifestyle and investment destination. According to Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development and Marjan, 2023 saw record-breaking real estate transactions exceeding Dh4 billion on the island alone. Tourism is also on an upward trajectory, with visitor numbers rising by over 13 year-on-year as per Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), reinforcing the emirate’s position as a fast-emerging hub for luxury and experiential living.
This momentum reflects growing demand from discerning buyers and investors for branded, design-forward residences that blend exclusivity with lifestyle value, where every detail supports how people live and connect today.. With the right partners and uncompromising quality benchmarks, there remains significant room for differentiated offerings that meet modern aspirations. We’re not just capitalizing on a trend—we’re helping shape a future where branded residences redefine how people live, invest, and connect across the region.
Our audience includes globally-minded investors, design-conscious homeowners, and individuals who view success as a lifestyle, not just an achievement. They value privacy, creativity, and purpose-driven living.
These are people who want more than a beautiful home, they want a space that supports their wellbeing, inspires them daily, and reflects their values. Whether it's a primary residence, a second home, or a lifestyle solution, our offering is curated for those seeking authenticity and intentionality.
We’ve entered the UAE with a $1 billion development pipeline over the next 12 months, and marks the beginning of our long-term commitment in the region.
The Mondrian project sets the tone for the level of excellence and innovation we aim to bring across future developments. We're exploring opportunities in multiple prime locations, and every project will be rooted in our core values: emotional intelligence, thoughtful design, and a deep respect for local context.
Ennismore brings global experience in crafting lifestyle-driven brands that blend hospitality with culture and design. Their DNA is very much aligned with ours creative, human-centric, and forward-thinking.
This collaboration ensures a hospitality-grade experience, managed and supported by the Accor One Living platform, giving homeowners access to a world-class ecosystem of services and lifestyle programming. It’s the kind of elevated living that modern buyers increasingly demand a blend of service, design, and soul.
This is more than a residential project, it’s a gateway into the future of luxury living — one rooted in art, design and intentional living. For those who appreciate art, culture, design, and emotional wellness, Mondrian Al Marjan offers a one-of-a-kind lifestyle.
We’re building homes that are designed for intention, not just architecture, but experiences. If you’re someone who values authenticity, creativity, and community, then this is your opportunity to be part of something truly transformative.
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