Omniyat: Dubai's Ultra-Luxury Design Pioneer

Company Overview

Omniyat stands at the pinnacle of Dubai's ultra-luxury real estate market as a privately-held, design-led developer that has redefined architectural excellence since its founding by entrepreneur Mahdi R. Amjad in 2005. Positioning itself at the confluence of art, architecture, and ultra-luxury hospitality, Omniyat collaborates with world-renowned "starchitects" including Foster + Partners and the late Zaha Hadid to deliver one-of-a-kind projects across Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, and Dubai Maritime City.

As of 2025, Omniyat controls an estimated US$10 billion development portfolio spanning 18 architectural "masterpieces" and is targeting a total AED 100 billion pipeline by 2030. The company's unwavering commitment to design excellence and limited supply strategy has established it as Dubai's dominant super-prime developer.

Market Position and Financial Strength

Omniyat's financial performance underscores its market leadership in the ultra-luxury segment. In 2024, the company achieved AED 2.94 billion in sales (over US$800 million), capturing a remarkable 37% share of Dubai's US$10 million+ apartment segment according to Property Monitor. This dominance in the super-prime market demonstrates Omniyat's unique ability to command premium prices through architectural excellence and scarcity.

The company's financial sophistication was further demonstrated in April 2025 with the debut of a US$500 million Green Sukuk (8.375%, 3-year) that was 3.6x oversubscribed and dual-listed on Nasdaq Dubai and the London Stock Exchange. This landmark issuance, rated BB-/RR4 by Fitch, diversifies funding sources while underscoring Omniyat's ESG commitment and setting a regional precedent for developer-issued green Islamic bonds.

Signature Projects and Architectural Legacy

The Opus by Zaha Hadid: Completed between 2008-2017, this architectural marvel represents the first Hadid building in the Middle East, cementing Omniyat's "livable art" narrative and establishing its reputation for pushing design boundaries.

One at Palm Jumeirah: Topping out in 2021 as Dubai's most expensive handover at the time, with three-bedrooms starting from AED 31 million, this development repositioned Omniyat firmly in the super-prime residential arena.

AVA at Palm Jumeirah: These 17 "sky mansions" wrapped around a central core achieved a March 2025 resale at AED 4,539 per square foot on a AED 73.4 million deal – approximately 3x the Dubai apartment average, validating Omniyat's premium positioning.

ORLA & ORLA Infinity: Twin Foster + Partners beachfront schemes on Palm Jumeirah's crest managed by Dorchester Collection. ORLA features 93 units while ORLA Infinity offers just 20 duplexes plus one mansion, representing the pinnacle of exclusivity.

The Lana Hotel & Residences: Already delivered and attached to Dorchester's debut Middle East hotel, this development set a record with a AED 139 million penthouse sale in May 2024, establishing a new price benchmark for Downtown Dubai.

Strategic Expansion: Marasi Bay Transformation

Omniyat's phased acquisition of Marasi Bay Marina and Island between September 2023 and June 2025 marks a strategic evolution from single-asset projects to an integrated 750,000 square meter waterfront masterplan. This expansion gives Omniyat control of approximately 2 kilometers of Sheikh Zayed Road frontage with plans for a flagship beach club and super-yacht marina launching in H1 2026.

Current Marasi Bay projects include:

• VELA & VELA Viento: Twin towers shaped like sails, managed by Dorchester Collection with Burj Khalifa views
• The Lana Residences: Record-breaking sales validating demand for branded ultra-luxury stock

Pricing Dynamics and Investment Performance

Omniyat properties trade at a 200-700% premium to headline Dubai prices, reflecting their ultra-luxury positioning and architectural pedigree. Recent benchmarks include:

• AVA at Palm Jumeirah: March 2025 resale at AED 4,539 per square foot (3x market average)
• VELA Viento: First-release 3-bedrooms averaging AED 12,500 per square foot (700% premium to market)
• Dubai market average: AED 1,548 per square foot as of February 2025

While entry prices are substantial, historical data shows consistent outperformance on capital appreciation due to strictly limited supply (typically under 100 units per launch) and brand-aligned finishes from partners like Dorchester Collection and Foster + Partners.

Innovation and Sustainability Leadership

Omniyat's commitment to sustainability is exemplified through its Green Sukuk issuance and development practices. ORLA Infinity targets LEED Gold certification – rare for beachfront projects in the GCC – while new developments incorporate cutting-edge sustainable technologies and materials. The company's design-led approach extends to environmental consciousness, creating buildings that are both architecturally significant and environmentally responsible.

Investment Considerations

Supply Scarcity: Only approximately 440 new waterfront units are scheduled for handover on Palm Jumeirah through 2028, representing less than 2% of island stock. Omniyat controls over 45% of this pipeline through its ORLA series and AVA projects.

Brand Premium: Dorchester-managed residences command a 25-30% price uplift versus non-branded comparables, with historically lower default rates during downturns due to the affluent buyer base.

Buyer Demographics: Omniyat's buyer base consists of 70% international cash purchasers, providing resilience against local market fluctuations and regulatory changes.

Rental Yields: While city-wide gross yields average 6.9%, ultra-luxury stock typically yields closer to 4% unless leased furnished and serviced, making these properties more suitable for capital appreciation strategies than yield-seeking investors.

Strategic Outlook 2025-2030

Omniyat's ambitious growth trajectory targets:

• 2024: AED 29 billion active gross development value
• 2027: AED 60 billion (post-Marasi phases)
• 2030: AED 100 billion group target with likely regional expansion

The company's evolution from Dubai-centric luxury developer to potential GCC-wide ultra-luxury platform positions it to capture growing wealth migration to the region. With the UAE issuing over 17,000 Golden Visas in 2024, high-net-worth individual inflows continue to underpin demand for properties above US$10 million.

Why Choose Omniyat

For investors seeking exposure to Dubai's super-prime, supply-constrained waterfront market, Omniyat offers one of the clearest brand equity stories in global real estate. The combination of architectural excellence, strategic scarcity, and partnership with world-renowned designers and operators creates a unique value proposition.

While entry prices require significant capital commitment, Omniyat's track record demonstrates consistent outperformance on capital appreciation and growing income potential through marina berths and branded clubs. For ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking trophy assets that combine investment potential with lifestyle excellence, Omniyat represents the gold standard in Dubai's luxury real estate market.

The company's evolution under Mahdi Amjad's leadership from boutique developer to regional ultra-luxury powerhouse, combined with sophisticated capital markets access and an uncompromising commitment to design excellence, positions Omniyat to continue defining the pinnacle of Dubai's real estate market for decades to come.