According to a January 2025 forecast from real estate consultancy Savills, luxury homes across 30 global financial hubs are expected to appreciate by an average of 1.6% this year, following a growth of 2.2% the previous year. While the rate of value increase will vary, Dubai, along with several major Spanish cities, is set to experience the largest price surges.
This trend bodes well for Dubai’s rising status as a premier real estate hub. The city’s property market not only closed 2024 with its best performance to date, but the segment involving super-luxury homes recorded even more spectacular results.
In fact, the combined sales of just six so-called super-luxury homes amounted to over Dh1.33 billion, with the most expensive deal being a five-bedroom ready apartment on Palm Jumeirah, which sold for Dh275 million, according to Dubai Land Department data provided by real estate broker Allsopp & Allsopp.
The second- and third-most expensive transactions involved a Dh240.5 million off-plan villa on Jumeira Bay—already known for multiple high-value transactions—and Dh216 million for another villa on Palm Jumeirah.
While the outlook for Dubai’s ultra-luxury property segment is gleaming, our focus today is on a remarkable development: Emirates Hills, often referred to as the “Beverly Hills of Dubai.” This prestigious community, situated in the heart of the city, is the epitome of luxury living. It boasts approximately 600 magnificent villas, each exuding architectural grandeur and elegance.
Emirates Hills offers an exceptional blend of sophistication and tranquillity, delivering a lifestyle that stands out in Dubai’s competitive real estate market. With world-class amenities, including the renowned Montgomerie Golf Course and proximity to elite schools, the community has established itself as a dream destination for investors and affluent homeowners, both local and international.
An Architectural Wonder
In April 2024, a 19-bedroom mega-mansion in Emirates Hills sold for $40.2 million (AED 148 million). Leigh Borg and Timothy Ogunniyi of Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty, who facilitated the sale, told Mansion Global, “Owning the largest land plot in Emirates Hills, along with one of the biggest homes in the community, makes this property truly exceptional. Finding a property with 80,000 square feet of land and 55,700 square feet of living space is rare in Dubai.”
The villa, situated on the largest plot in the prestigious enclave, gained widespread attention. Ogunniyi added, “Other large plots in the community aren’t quite as massive. It’s very rare for such plots to come onto the market in Emirates Hills. This presented a great opportunity for the buyer to capitalise on its value.”
The home is designed with timeless architecture, using natural materials in its exterior, reflected in the roof shape, window style, and classic columns. The villa offers breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline and the surrounding golf course.
In 2023, another lavish villa in Emirates Hills, built on a vast 41,704 square foot plot, made headlines. The property features 10 luxuriously designed rooms and 13 equally stunning bathrooms. Located in Sector E, the villa’s interiors were crafted by Dubai-based architecture firm XBD Collective.
A standout feature of this villa is Dubai’s first double-decker pool. The two-tiered swimming area, surrounded by modern equipment and lush greenery, gives the space an extraordinary appeal. The property also includes a home cinema, gym, wine cellar, massage room, and library, as well as sweeping views of the Dubai skyline and a golf course.
As of March 2023, the villa was listed for an astounding AED 349 million (approximately $95 million). The high price tag can be attributed to luxury furnishings from Minotti, Roche Bobois, and Poliform, as well as a designer kitchen equipped with Poggenpohl appliances.
Over the years, property prices in Emirates Hills have steadily increased, with annual rises averaging about 20%. According to Knight Frank, this upward trend aligns with Dubai’s prime residential market, which saw a staggering 44% price surge in 2023. This rise has been largely driven by increased demand from high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) drawn to Dubai’s status as a global wealth and investment hub.
The appeal of Emirates Hills is further reinforced by its exclusivity, premium amenities, and the scarcity of comparable properties in Dubai. The neighbourhood has become a top choice for the growing number of affluent residents relocating to Dubai. The Henley Global Citizens Report indicated that over 6,700 new millionaires moved to the city in just one year. Investors are also capitalising on the area’s active rental market, which offers attractive annual yields of up to 5-6%.
Among the architectural marvels in Emirates Hills, one must mention the “Marble Palace,” which was listed for AED 750 million in June 2023. Spanning over 70,000 square feet of land with a built-up area of more than 60,000 square feet, it is one of the largest properties in the Emirates Hills region. The design is influenced by the High Renaissance and Baroque eras.
The formal dining room features a stunning 80,000-coral aquarium, alongside a handmade dining table made from precious stones and crystals. The home also boasts 160 exquisite marble columns in ornate Corinthian style and two domes, each taking 2.5 years to complete.
Additionally, the property features a koi fishpond beneath one of the domes, a mother-of-pearl-finished indoor pool, a steam room, sauna, and a 24-carat gold jacuzzi.
The estate includes a presidential home office, a secretary cabin, a spacious mini-master bedroom, and an expansive 360-square-metre master bedroom.
Villas in Emirates Hills generally range from 8,000 to 20,000 square feet, complete with private pools, expansive gardens, and interiors adorned with premium materials. These homes also feature state-of-the-art smart home systems, private gyms, and home theatres, with unique architectural elements such as grand entrances, high ceilings, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Community amenities include the Montgomerie Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course designed by golfer Colin Montgomerie and American golf course designer Desmond Muirhead.
Emirates Hills is also located near prestigious educational institutions such as Dubai International Academy and Emirates International School.
Launched in 2003 by Dubai-based real estate developer Emaar Properties, Emirates Hills has grown into a master-planned community made up of large plots for custom-built villas. By 2018, the number of palatial detached homes in the gated community surpassed 600, covering 12 square kilometres. There are no apartment homes or semi-detached houses.
“Emirates Hills offers a wide variety of architectural styles, as each property is designed according to the owner’s vision. However, most homes feature beautifully landscaped gardens and parking for multiple cars, depending on the size of the plot,” said real estate veteran Leigh Williamson in 2018.
As a gated community with 24-hour security and maintenance, Emirates Hills has become an ideal residence for high-profile HNWIs and UHNWIs who prioritise privacy. The neighbourhood features lush landscaping, picturesque walkways, manicured lawns, and serene lakes. The golf course is adorned with tropical palms and a colourful array of flowers.
Commitment To Sustainability And Vision 2040
Sustainability is increasingly a focus in luxury real estate development, and Emirates Hills is no exception. New properties in the community are being built with energy-efficient technologies and environmentally friendly materials such as solar panels, water recycling systems, and advanced insulation to minimise environmental impact while maintaining high luxury standards.
Green building certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), are now a hallmark of new developments in the community. These certifications ensure properties meet rigorous sustainability standards, making them more appealing to environmentally conscious buyers. By adopting such practices, Emirates Hills aligns itself with global trends in premium real estate, balancing luxury with ecological responsibility.
In September 2024, Emaar Properties announced its membership with the Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and setting the stage for an eco-friendly future in the UAE.
The UAE Vision 2021 and Energy Strategy 2050 have outlined clear goals for reducing carbon emissions and increasing the use of clean energy. Real estate developers are now embracing green building standards like LEED to ensure their projects contribute positively to the environment.
By joining the EmiratesGBC, Emaar is leading the way in promoting sustainability within the UAE’s construction industry. The partnership will support the implementation of green building standards and foster knowledge-sharing among industry players. This collaboration will accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices across Emaar’s key projects, including Emirates Hills, contributing to the creation of eco-friendly urban environments in the UAE.
Emaar’s iconic projects like Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Hills Estate have set new benchmarks for integrating green spaces, water-efficient systems, and energy-saving technologies. Burj Khalifa, for example, achieved the prestigious LEED O+M Platinum Certification in February 2024, the highest standard for the operation and maintenance of green buildings.
As for Emirates Hills, the community’s green features, such as eco-friendly construction materials and energy-efficient systems, combined with lush landscapes, parks, and serene lakes, help reduce the urban heat island effect while offering an aesthetically pleasing environment.
Under Dubai’s ambitious “Vision 2040 Urban Master Plan,” the city aims to become “the world’s best city to live in.” In the coming decades, Dubai will focus on projects such as expanding public beaches by 400% and transforming 60% of its land into nature reserves, ushering in a new era focused on environmental protection and sustainability.
Emirates Hills will continue to evolve under this vision, integrating advanced sustainable technologies. With Emaar’s participation in the EmiratesGBC, the community is set to embrace even higher standards of green living, incorporating renewable energy sources, intelligent irrigation systems, and eco-friendly construction practices. These innovations will not only reduce environmental impact but also increase the area’s property value, as global investors increasingly prioritise sustainability in their investment decisions.
A Destination For Global Investors
Emirates Hills has become a hub for architectural brilliance, blending modern and classical styles, luxury living, and high-end interiors. With private swimming pools, manicured gardens, and smart home technology, it’s a dream location for high-profile individuals, including corporate executives, celebrities, and entrepreneurs.
Among the notable residents is Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, who owns a home in the neighbourhood.
Dubai’s favourable tax policies and investor-friendly regulations further enhance Emirates Hills’ appeal as a prime investment destination. In fact, the first high-priced deal of 2025 saw The Marble Palace in Emirates Hills sell for Dh425 million, becoming the second-most expensive residential sale in Dubai’s history.
To add to the allure, Dubai British School Emirates Hills is set to expand its campus in 2025, adding 400 new student places and introducing new facilities and curriculum options for both new and existing students.