by Dianne Apen-Sadler
  • 3 minute read
  • November 12, 2024
Elie Naaman, the CEO of Ellington Properties, on finding the perfect design balance for modern living

For years, living in a fast-paced city like Dubai or Abu Dhabi meant you were likely to spend more time outside of your own home than in it. But with the rise of hybrid and fully remote positions, many of us are paying greater attention to where we rest our head – and willing to pay a premium for it.

Well ahead of the curve, Ellington Properties was founded with a mission of providing properties that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional (certainly important if your nine-to-five is based out of a home office – or your kitchen table). Having identified this as a gap in the market, Elie Naaman, the co-founder and CEO of Ellington Properties, worked with fellow co-founders Robert Booth and Joseph Thomas to launch the real estate development firm in 2014.

“Our goal was to elevate the real estate market by developing properties that prioritise liveability and functionality, putting the residents first,” explains Elie. “Ellington Properties was built on the principles of quality, timeless design, and customer satisfaction, which continue to drive everything we do.”

Mercer House

Since then, Ellington Properties has delivered 18 projects across areas including Jumeirah Village Circle, Palm Jumeirah, and Sobha Hartland, with 37 more under construction between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. Clearly, there’s a demand for what Ellington Properties has to offer.

 “What sets us apart is our dedication to design-led living. We focus on creating spaces that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. We collaborate with world-class designers, architects, and artists to ensure that every property we develop stands out in terms of both form and function,” says Elie. “Our commitment to quality is seen in the meticulous attention to detail in each project. We don’t just build homes; we craft environments where residents can truly thrive.”

Alongside working with established creatives, Ellington Properties also supports emerging artists, offering them spaces to showcase their work inside building lobbies and corridors. Since 2015, artists such as Ranim Orouk, Neel Shukla, and Nour Toubia Daou have benefited from the initiative, with works on display in properties including Belgravia Square, DT1, and Eaton Place. Across the brand’s portfolio, more than 1,000 artworks have been featured.

Originally from Lebanon, Elie has over 20 years of experience in real estate, having worked across the GCC, Iraq, Jordan, and his home country. Since the start of his career, a lot has changed in the world of real estate, not least what potential buyers are looking for.

 “Previously, the market was more focused on delivering large-scale developments, and there was less emphasis on design and individuality,” he shares. “Today, buyers are more discerning and demand homes that reflect their personal tastes and lifestyles. There’s also been a shift toward innovative amenities, sustainability, and smart technology integration, which are becoming key selling points. The market in 2024 is much more mature, with a greater focus on long-term value, design, and quality, which aligns well with our core values.”

Apart from the increased focus on sustainability, another market trend he has identified is the rise of flexible, multi-functional spaces as more people prioritise working from home – both of which Ellington Properties is already adapting to. In addition to following Dubai Green Building regulations and wellness initiatives, Ellington Properties uses locally sourced materials where possible. 

Beach House living room

Buildings are cooled with low-noise, energy-efficient fan coil units (FCUs) that collect condensation for irrigation. Energy-efficient appliances, low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints and water-saving sanitary ware are used within homes; and parking spaces accommodate charging points for electric vehicles. As for working from home, residents aren’t limited to the four walls of their apartment, as WiFi is provided throughout every building, meaning you can work from the lobby, the gym, or even the pool.

Smart buildings, the kind you might see in HBO’s Westworld or Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner, are also something Elie has seen taking off in recent years. “Smart technology allows residents to have greater control over their living spaces – whether it’s adjusting lighting, monitoring security, or optimising energy usage,” he notes. “We see smart buildings as a way to enhance convenience and efficiency, while also contributing to sustainability.”

Ellington Properties and other developers are already starting to integrate technology into their buildings – so a future where you can speak aloud and control every element of your home isn’t too far off.

Ellington Properties expects to hand over seven projects, totalling 1,238 units, in 2024, with many more buildings and villas due to be completed across areas like Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Lake Towers and Dubai Hills Estate between 2025 and 2027, offering you the perfect opportunity to discover the future of design-led living.

Visit ellingtonproperties.ae

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