Many buildings attract attention, but fewer maintain their value. In a city like Dubai—where the luxury real estate market has evolved rapidly—this distinction is becoming increasingly important. High-net-worth individuals and institutional investors now look beyond superficial appeal. Design, once purely aesthetic, has become a key measure of performance.

The rise of design-led innovation is changing how value is defined. The most forward-thinking developments treat design as a core strategy, integrating architecture, technology, and brand into a single, cohesive product. This approach is most evident in the ultra-luxury segment, where precision, longevity, and immersive experiences define what luxury truly means. At the forefront of this movement is Omniyat, a Dubai-based developer transforming ambitious architectural visions into functional, high-impact living environments.

Under the leadership of Founder and Executive Chairman Mahdi Amjad, Omniyat has been built on the belief that ultra-luxury real estate should deliver a distinct, one-of-a-kind experience. Iconic projects like The Opus by Zaha Hadid, One at Palm Jumeirah, and The Lana—the first Dorchester Collection hotel in Dubai—are conceived as collectible masterpieces. Each is designed to create a lasting emotional impression and retain relevance over time.

Omniyat’s philosophy goes beyond aesthetic appeal. It focuses on creating elevated lifestyle experiences where design and architecture play a central role. This ethos is evident in the company’s collaborations with world-renowned architects. The Lana, designed by Foster + Partners, brings understated elegance to Dubai’s waterfront, while The Opus takes a more expressive, sculptural approach. Across all projects, the emphasis is on how people interact with and feel within a space—not just how it looks.

A New Standard in Commercial Design: Lumena

Omniyat’s latest launch, Lumena, is a 48-story commercial tower located on Sheikh Zayed Road, near the Burj Khalifa. Set to become the tallest commercial building in the area, Lumena stands out not just for its height, but for its deliberate and human-centered design. The project emphasizes how space can support productivity, collaboration, and well-being in a fast-paced urban environment.

Shared amenities, including a Sky Theatre at the top, are designed to foster moments of connection in a predominantly vertical workspace. With a development value exceeding AED 3.6 billion, Lumena reflects growing demand for commercial spaces that are intentional and thoughtfully crafted, rather than purely functional.

The building merges classic architectural cues with modern systems, focusing on adaptability and wellness. Natural materials, biophilic elements, and expansive views contribute to a more holistic user experience. Smart infrastructure and flexible layouts ensure the building can evolve alongside future needs.

Design elements like a sculpted façade, double-height glazing, and textural surfaces are both visually striking and highly functional. Cantilevered sections create shared zones and enhance views, while the Sky Theatre features technical capabilities such as modular seating and customizable acoustics to support diverse events.

This design philosophy extends to how Omniyat selects its collaborators. The company prioritizes partnerships built on shared principles—enduring quality, timeless design, and visionary thinking. Teams across architecture, interiors, hospitality, and operations bring deep, practical experience to complex projects, reinforcing a consistent focus on excellence.

Smart, Sustainable, and Future-Focused

Technology and sustainability are central to Omniyat’s recent developments. Lumena, for example, is being developed to meet both LEED Platinum and WELL Platinum certifications, signaling a shift toward performance-driven design. The project is aligned with the latest British Council for Offices standards, supporting high-density occupancy while maintaining a sense of spaciousness and luxury.

Smart systems embedded throughout the building are designed to enhance comfort and efficiency, helping future-proof the workplace. For Omniyat, sustainability is not an afterthought but a defining element of modern luxury. This is reflected not just in design and material choices, but in financing decisions as well—such as the company’s issuance of a $500 million green sukuk earlier this year, marking a strategic move toward sustainable investment.

Long-Term Vision in a Shifting Market

Despite global economic challenges, the Middle East’s luxury real estate sector—particularly in Dubai—has shown resilience. In 2024, Omniyat accounted for over one-third of all residential transactions above $10 million, signaling a shift in buyer behavior. Today’s ultra-high-net-worth buyers are less focused on size or location alone; they’re increasingly drawn to properties that reflect a distinctive lifestyle and identity.

This evolution is reshaping how luxury developments are envisioned. With Dubai positioning itself as a global lifestyle hub, there is rising demand for fully serviced, ultra-luxury residences that are designed for far more than just living. Meeting this demand requires continuous reinvention and a deep understanding of global buyer expectations.

Omniyat is committed to maintaining its edge through differentiation and design excellence, ensuring each project contributes meaningfully to Dubai’s rapidly evolving landscape.

At the heart of this vision is a contemporary interpretation of luxury—one rooted in individuality, emotional resonance, and purposeful design. For Omniyat, a building should do more than stand out visually. It should connect with people on a deeper level, delivering lasting impact and long-term value.

Each development is treated as a unique opportunity, shaped by its location and the needs of future residents. Rather than following fleeting trends, Omniyat focuses on designing for how people want to live—ensuring its projects remain relevant and desirable for years to come.