Palace in the sky – Dubai’s answer to Antilia

Although Mukesh Ambani’s modest dwelling in the heart of Mumbai’s most expensive locality is worth more than $1 billion, the penthouse atop a 25-storey tower in the hyper exclusive residential development in Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah is a clear winner in terms of stacked designs and the views it offers. While Antilia enjoys the honour of being the world’s most expensive house despite its repulsive looks, this apartment constructed by Omniyat and Drake and Scull International costs a meager $74.5 million and can be purchased right away!

This ‘private temple’ which draws similarities to the Ambani house for the outlandish amenities you never need in your home, is conservatively spread over 42,477 square feet.  That’s not all; the 8-bedroom suite comes with a balcony and infinity pool that adds an additional 16,641 square foot of balcony space to the apartment. With wall-to-wall windows, the owner can experience panoramic views of both the ocean and the flamboyant city of Dubai.

What’s more, the proud owner of the ridiculously luxurious abode will have a 12-car garage, a fully-functional gym, hair salon, cinema and its very own art gallery! Not to forget your house parties, the terrace is equipped with a professional barbeque station which limits fire related damages to one place, keeping your plush interiors intact.

Now, you would certainly hire a swarm of housekeeping staff to maintain this outrageous property. This is where the designers — NY firm SOMA architects come to your rescue by including a servant’s quarters that doesn’t eat into any of your eight bedrooms.

With the kind of grandiose and the extravagance the apartment offers, it is only meant for the monarchs. And since the apartment won’t be ready until 2017, Mukesh Ambani has all the time to contemplate on buying this one. A home away from home, isn’t it?

Dubai Property Expo in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is all set to welcome the Dubai Property Show this week. The exhibition will highlight Dubai’s unrivaled opportunities for real estate investment. Dubai-based real estate developer Nakheel is heading east to showcase new projects with construction values of over $4.6 billion. With projects already covering more than 15,000 hectares and homes for over 200,000 people, Nakheel is the biggest developer at the show.

Nakheel promises to showcase a diverse range of new master developments, residential properties and retail and hospitality projects at the three-day carnival. Some of the projects on show include the 15.3 square km Deira Islands coastal city, luxury high-rise apartments in the 52-storey Palm Tower and high-end waterfront units at Azure Residences at Palm Jumeirah, and spacious three-bedroom townhouses at Warsan Village, a new, gated community located near Dragon Mart and Nakheel ‘s biggest master community, International City.

Ali Rashid Lootah, Chairman, Nakheel, said, “The Dubai Property Show is the best platform that highlights how investors in Hong Kong can be a part of the Dubai real estate success story, as end-users or just investment with a view to renting out,” adding that Dubai’s excellent transport, education, trade and leisure infrastructure entices people to live and work in the emirate. These people need accommodation, which means a huge demand for rental properties, allowing substantial returns on investment. We look forward to further strengthening our relationship with investors here in Hong Kong through this exciting event.”