One Za’abeel – everything you want to know about the iconic dual towers with luxurious residences, offices, and panoramic views
Raad Jarrah, Chief Development Officer at Ithra Dubai, leverages 35 years of experience to lead innovative projects like One Za’abeel, transforming Dubai’s skyline with cutting-edge design and development strategies.
Can you walk me through your journey in the real estate industry?
I have been involved in real estate development for over 35 years. My career spans across the United States and the United Arab Emirates with projects in commercial, residential, and hospitality sectors. Prior to my position as Chief Development Officer (CDO) at Ithra Dubai, I had worked on various mega-projects, including the Index Tower, and held positions as Chief Development Officer of Union Properties, and GM Development at Emaar Properties.
As Chief Development Officer at Ithra Dubai, I regularly employ my experience alongside my understanding of Dubai real estate and efficient development to plan inclusive and mixed-use developments in the Emirate, with One Za’abeel being a shining example of what we’ve accomplished.
For One Za’abeel, what did the construction phase look like? Were there any challenges?
Construction began in 2017, with the aim of producing an unparalleled icon of mixed-use living in the heart of Dubai. Bringing the vision of One Za’abeel to life required our collaboration with strategically-sourced local and international industry experts to develop innovative techniques and solutions. Creative thinking was at the forefront, requiring us to equip state-of-the-art engineering, eco-conscious materials, and innovative design to accommodate the grandiosity and location of the project.
Due to its prime location, excavation for the development occurred beneath a live highway. Major considerations had to be taken when digging the deep seven floor basements due to the proximity to an existing overhead highway’s bridge piers and foundations. You can see all of our collaborative, innovative technologies applied in the construction and lifting of The Link – the cantilevered building suspended between One Za’abeel’s two towers. The 230 metre-long sky concourse holds the Guinness World RecordsTM title for The Longest Cantilevered Building in the World, with 67.277 metres of it suspended 100 metres above the ground. The lift was a major achievement, executed without stopping the flow of traffic on the 4-lane highway that stands between the two towers.
What inspired the concept and design behind One Za’abeel The Residences?
Sustainability, convenience, and luxury are the core pillars of One Za’abeel. When designing The Residences in particular, the goal was to create the ideal homes for discerning and contemporary global citizens looking for an elevated living experience.
When conceptualising the 264 residential simplexes and duplexes, our consultants masterfully considered the practicality of each Residence, specifically movement and flow that inspire relaxation and comfort. The movement flows to its nearby exterior with proximity of One Za’abeel to Dubai’s major hubs, including the Dubai International Airport for our globe-trotting tenants, as well as accessibility to the Dubai Finance District and World Trade Centre.
Can you share some unique features or amenities that set One Za’abeel The Residences apart from other regional luxury developments for modern living?
The modern global citizen demands modern solutions and One Za’abeel was designed with the explicit purpose of providing those contemporary solutions. Bespoke excellence comes through across One Za’abeel The Residences – from the intangible, foundational elements to those interacted with on the daily – all as a result of dedicated planning, great attention to the finest of details, and the primary goal of delivering comfort and opulence.
With several floor plans available for both simplexes and duplexes, tenants have chosen the Residence most suitable to their needs with each Residence being spacious enough for establishing home offices with breath-taking views of Dubai through the grand floor-to-ceiling windows. Seamless navigation around the unit was considered with features like open plan living rooms and dining spaces, automated parking, dual access for duplexes, and for select Residences, private gardens and private garages.
Modern living demands sustainability and longevity, both built into every aspect of The Residences alongside the magnificent appearance. Each Residence exudes luxury and sleekness, offering uninterrupted views to the city, smart home automation technology, and spacious interiors.
The Residences further stand out through integration with One Za’abeel and a range of top-of-the-line amenities offered, including a beach style swimming pool, kids pool, lush gardens and outdoor space, and a highly mindful staff available 24/7.
How does One Za’abeel The Residences prioritize sustainability and environmental consciousness in its design and operations?
As a beacon for Dubai’s pioneering spirit, adhering to green building initiatives is a priority for One Za’abeel. In line with the UAE’s 2050 net-zero target and the guidance of sustainability consultants, WSP Middle East, the sustainability strategy was developed around a bespoke responsibility matrix that incorporated LEED Gold standards, which was achieved in December 2023, as the certification was awarded to the landmark development.
Some of the features incorporated to increase energy efficiency and reduce waste include 64 dual Electric Vehicle charge points, condensate water collection system from AC units to use for the irrigation of the plentiful vegetation, and high indoor air quality. The unique façade system for the entire development was specifically selected for its ability to reduce heat gains and minimise demands for cooling energy.
An essential element to sustainability monitoring and measuring, allowing the entirety of the project, including The Residences, to tailor and reduce consumption in real-time. An extensive electricity and cooling metering network measure and manage 100% of energy consumption. One Za’abeel The Residences was awarded Sustainable Residential Development at the 2023 MENA International Property Awards for its prioritisation of sustainability.
What role does community engagement play in shaping the lifestyle experience for residents at One Za’abeel, and what initiatives are in place to foster a sense of belonging?
At Ithra Dubai, we prioritise real estate that elevates the Dubai community through progressive and meaningful projects. One Za’abeel is a leading example of that, and The Residences enjoy several community spaces within their dedicated tower that encourage engagement, relaxation, and connection with activities that resonate with any lifestyle.
For fitness, The Residences’ jogging track and gym provide great locales for breaking a sweat with modern equipment – and SIRO One Za’abeel in the One Za’abeel Tower offers bespoke training programs only a few steps away. The Sauna & Steam Room as well as the outdoor gardens offer lush, quiet escapes from the city. The Kids’ Play Areas are fully equipped with games and activities, while the Games Room offers fun for the whole family or with friends.
The connection to One Za’abeel’s other offerings encourages community engagement where any desired experience, be it for respite or entertainment, can be found minutes away. The development offers quick accessibility to all that our luxury mixed-use development has to offer including the ultra-luxury One&Only One Za’abeel Resort, fitness and recovery resort SIRO One Za’abeel, The Link, plentiful fine dining & restaurants headed by celebrity chefs, and a retail podium opening later this year.
As the Chief Development Officer of Ithra Dubai, what are your visions and goals for One Za’abeel The Residences, and how do you envision them contributing to Dubai’s vibrant urban landscape?
Dubai is a city defined by its ingenuity and the vast exchange of culture and enterprise. One Za’abeel is reimagining the ways we live, work, and thrive as a globally renowned lifestyle destination of luxury and connection. The Residences have established themselves desirably in this prosperous city, with all units fully sold and handovers ongoing since November 2023, with all amenities open to the tenants.
One Za’abeel’s status in Dubai continues to rise, and the community it has fostered for global modern citizens has become an integral part of the city. As Dubai’s largest single-site mixed-use development, it breaks boundaries and serves as another example in our Emirate for what is truly possible with engineering, design, and function. The Residences will continue to grow vigorously over the coming years as a respite for modern living in our fast-paced city.