Dubai’s real estate industry has seen rapid growth and unparalleled transformation; a high demand for luxury residences has contributed to the city having one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the world. That’s not to say there’s no room for improvement – Emirati entrepreneur Mohammed Zaal was quick to identify perhaps one of the biggest gaps: the need for a human element. “Architecture should be more about moments,” he urges, stressing that it’s not all about the ceiling heights or the number of bedrooms; it’s about designing memorable spaces in which we can create experiences. “The key thing for me is when someone steps into a space and they feel the architecture and something resonates – it could be a beautiful water feature, plants or birds that exude peace and calm,” he shares. “These elements make the building feel alive.”
As former CEO of Al Barari, the region’s first integrated luxury and active eco-conscious development, Mohammed understands the need for nature and human connection all too well. After leaving his role in 2016, the young entrepreneur established KOA – a real estate developer that specialises in creating user-driven environments where people can thrive in both personal and business ventures across commercial, retail, hospitality, and luxury residential sectors. “I was just a little bit fed up with massive developments,” he admits. “What I enjoyed about the industry is seeing ideas come to fruition and building rapport with the clients.”
Having lived in the region all his life, Mohammed witnessed the rapid rise of Dubai’s real estate industry first-hand: “I saw a time when the economy and the real estate market wasn’t that great,” he recalls. “We wanted to address the segments of society that were growing – the younger demographic were looking for individuality and this wasn’t being considered. Everyone was building the same thing. So, we thought, how can we cater to younger people and families?” he adds.
With a portfolio of assets worth Dhs10 billion and growing, KOA’s services cater to both communities and individuals alike with a vision to enrich the cultural and social landscape of the UAE. Canvas, KOA’s first residential development, marked a milestone in the industry, injecting soul and substance into modern apartment design. The focus on individuality and privacy ensured each layout was unique – no two bedrooms are designed exactly the same and each space has been positioned for optimal connection with its surroundings. “These things are not traditionally considered in real estate in the region,” Mohammed continues. “We felt there was an opportunity to give people a home that was completely theirs and where privacy was really thought about.”
More than just physical residences, each development studies the human desire to both socialise and maintain individuality. “When we develop spaces, we try to understand how and where people are going to be,” Mohammed states. “Where are we going to create moments for people? Is it the garden or the balcony? Somewhere else within the space? We make this a priority, and we’re heavily involved in all the design decisions,” in fact, Mohammed has even designed some elements himself, “This ensures that we retain the human connection and strengthen the relationship between people and their surroundings.”
At KOA, every space is designed to integrate residents within their community and nature, catering to both work and play. “The residents feel they are part of the community. People meet and have lunch together, they go to the pool together and they enjoy the space together. I’m quite proud of that because it’s hard to find a place that encourages that.”
The next step for KOA is to expand its hospitality offerings with a new boutique resort. Centred on wellness and longevity, it will feature 45 rooms with architecture that represents the beauty of the region, and design that respects indigenous planting. “We want to show that not everything has to be glass buildings. Structures can be anywhere, but what’s more important is that people feel a sense of place,” Mohammed muses. Guests are encouraged to holistically experience the region through the landscape and architecture. “Especially if it’s people coming in from abroad, we want them to have a sense of where they are. People should immediately know they are in the Middle East.”
There are two qualities Mohammed stresses are vital for greatness, two qualities that have made him, no doubt, one of the most successful real estate businessmen in the region: “Patience and perseverance”.
