Lifestyle
Villa property goes for 63m in Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah
Luxhabitat Sotheby’s International Realty has announced that it has closed a deal for an LA-inspired beach mansion on the Palm Jumeirah at AED63 million ($17.1 million).
Although the brokers touted it as a property “extremely hard to find”, the deal is nowhere close to the beachfront villa on Palm Jumeirah that sold for a record 280m in the first week of April.
Spanning 8,600 sq ft with its coveted location on N Frond, the five-bedroom Garden home’s smart home technology, excellent condition and bespoke finishes made it a rare option in the market, it stated.
“Homes of this calibre are extremely hard to find in the Dubai market now due to a limited supply of product offerings like these as well as an influx of luxury property buyers who are seeking exactly this type of quality home.
The home was presented in absolute mint condition – which went well noticed by the buyers and made them fall in love with it almost immediately,” remarked Kunal Singh Gupta, the Associate Director of Luxhabitat Sotheby’s International Realty who represented both buyer and seller in the transaction.
The European buyer purchased this Californian style beach house as an end-user who has recently moved to Dubai with his family.
Luxhabitat Sotheby’s International Realty has reported buyers of a similar profile in the recent past – many HNW / UHNW international buyers are being drawn to Dubai as home.
The Palm Jumeirah has made a big comeback after 2020 in terms of prime residential sales. Over AED 4.6 billion in sales have been recorded this year so far in the area, based on data from the Dubai Land Department, out of which 57 villas have been sold for a sales volume of AED 1.59 billion, stated Gupta.
According to him, the most in-demand luxury homes now are those designed in a modern or Mediterranean style, with a larger plot and built-up area as well as mega-mansions with views over beach or golf course or park (depending on the location).
Mediterranean in vogue
Super prime villas, apartments and penthouses are most in demand, as people living here like to enjoy the sun and outdoors as much as possible.
The villa sold was built from scratch on the plot and designed with keen attention to detail by the sellers. The Garden Home with sunset views has a contemporary style and hosts neutral colors.
The exotic open plan living area is modern and airy with a beautiful transition to the outdoors and breath-taking sea views. Automated guillotine windows designed to create seamless indoor/outdoor living with pocket doors to privatise the living & dining space as needed.
All the furniture in the villa is of Italian make – with pieces from high-end brands like Minotti, Flexform, Poliform, Paola Lenti, and Poltrona Frau all flown in from their respective design studios.
The home also has an infinity pool that hosts a swim jet and access to 3km of prime beachfront. According to analysis by Luxhabitat Sotheby’s using data from the Dubai Land Department, the top 10 most expensive properties sold in Q1 2022 were from the Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, Jumeira Bay and Downtown Dubai areas.
The Wireless Festival Middle East 2024 at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Park faced an uphill battle after last-minute cancellations by major headliners threatened to overshadow the event. The enthusiastic audiences helped smooth over a rocky lead-up. The turbulence began weeks before the event when SZA, originally slated as the headliner, cancelled her performance along with the rest of her tour. This setback forced organisers to secure a replacement in the form of US rapper Playboi Carti. However, just hours before the gates opened, Carti also withdrew, with Live Nation Middle East attributing the decision to the artist’s “unfortunate and last-minute” choice.
Adding to the disruption, Punjabi hip-hop star Karan Aujla and American rapper Flo Milli also pulled out just days before the festival. Their slots were quickly filled by Saweetie and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. Despite these challenges, the show went on, with fans rallying to celebrate a dynamic mix of international and regional talent.
However, the festival’s diverse lineup and the energy of its performers ultimately created an unforgettable evening, showcasing the global breadth and depth of hip-hop talent. From seasoned international superstars to emerging regional voices, the event delivered a vivid tapestry of music that resonated with the eclectic audience.
21 Savage Brings It Home
The night’s highlight came from 21 Savage, who stepped into the headlining slot with a commanding performance that balanced cool professionalism with raw energy. The rapper delivered a minimalist yet impactful set, leaning on his decade-long catalog of hits. Tracks like On BS and Red Opps showcased his signature staccato delivery and brooding beats, while collaborations like Rockstar with Post Malone and Creepin with The Weeknd underscored his versatility as one of hip-hop’s most in-demand collaborators.
Saweetie and Fridayy Keep the Momentum Alive
Among the global acts, US rapper Saweetie proved her star power with hits like Best Friend, which showcased her playful charisma, and her tropical-infused single Nani, hinting at a promising debut album on the horizon. Meanwhile, Haitian-American artist Fridayy brought soulful versatility to the stage, seamlessly transitioning from trap beats to 90s-inspired R&B. Tracks like When It Comes to You and Forever left the audience eager for his next album, set to release next year.
Vibrant Regional and Desi Talent
Adding a unique flavor to the event was the festival’s celebration of South Asian hip-hop and regional talent. Delhi-based rap duo Seedhe Maut commanded attention with their high-octane performance, blending sharp bars, clever references, and unrelenting energy. As reigning stars of the Indian hip-hop scene, they brought a raw, authentic vibe to the festival, thrilling the audience with their bold lyricism and electrifying stage presence.
Pakistani rapper Faris Shafi added a dose of fun and cultural pride to the evening. Known for his witty wordplay and sharp commentary, Shafi’s performance was a seamless blend of modern rap flows and renditions of traditional folk tunes, creating a dynamic set that had the crowd both laughing and reflecting. His ability to merge meaningful lyrics with a playful delivery made him a standout act, showcasing the growing influence of South Asian artists on the global hip-hop stage.
Mixed Performances and Regional Representation
Not all performances hit the mark, however. Homixide Gang, part of Playboi Carti’s Opium collective, fell short with a chaotic set that prioritised volume over coherence. Despite the power of tracks like Sharp Shooter, their delivery lacked finesse, leaving much to be desired.
On the second stage, regional acts shone brightly. Egypt’s Afroto delivered an electrifying performance, blending mahraganat-inspired autotune with pulsating beats on tracks like Tege Goal and Brazil. Meanwhile, Moroccan-American rapper Dina Ayada captivated the crowd with her precision and charisma. Fresh off a performance at Rolling Loud Thailand, Ayada’s tracks like Starlight and 100 Bands underscored her potential as a breakout artist in the US.
Challenges Met with Creativity
Despite the setbacks of last-minute changes, Wireless Festival Middle East 2024 retained its reputation as a global platform for hip-hop’s rising stars. By spotlighting artists from different cultural backgrounds and genres, the festival underscored its commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the music industry. While this year’s execution faced hurdles, the range of talent and the passion of the performers ensured that the festival remained a dynamic and celebratory event, setting the stage for a stronger return in 2025.
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