Uncharted Waters
How OMNIYAT’s latest masterpiece, The Alba, is taking coastal luxury to the next level
The iconic Yacht Club de Monaco played host to Monaco Yacht Show’s glitziest event last week, courtesy of OMNIYAT. The visionary Dubai-based developer and purveyor of ultra-luxurious, curated living, selected the destination to announce its latest architectural gem – The Alba, a groundbreaking new destination scheduled to open on Dubai’s coastline in 2028.
Marking the world’s first mixed-use garden retreat by the sea designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and encompassing ultra-luxurious ‘sanctuaries’ managed by Dorchester Collection, its second hotel in Dubai with OMNIYAT, The Alba Residences offer expansive interiors and a highly tailored choice of bespoke accommodation options, alongside Dubai’s largest and most luxurious wellness centre.
In keeping with its ‘Art of Elevation’ philosophy, which sees OMNIYAT curate memorable experiences as well as creating liveable masterpieces, the developer chose to celebrate the announcement against a backdrop of world-leading entertainment and breathtaking Yacht Club views, overlooking the Quai Louis II, in the emblematic pulse of the Principality’s yachting capital. Where better to introduce an elite audience to the concept behind The Alba than Monaco, the epitome of Riviera chic and luxury, and one that finds natural affinity with Dubai. Imbued with elegance and ambition, and punctuated by impressive architectural feats that hug the contour of its coastline, Monaco was a masterful choice to launch a project that is set to rise from the shores of Palm Jumeirah and offer uninterrupted views of Dubai Marina, Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa; reiterating the notion that luxury is not an aspiration, but a way of life.
“The Alba, Dorchester Collection, Dubai, represents OMNIYAT’s vision of reimagined luxury by the sun and sea in Dubai”, said Mahdi Amjad, Founder and Executive Chairman of OMNIYAT, speaking at the launch. “With this project, we’re providing a level of residential living previously unseen in the emirate, influenced by the incredible talent and inspirational ethos of Zaha Hadid Architects and operated by our longstanding partner, Dorchester Collection.
“This project is particularly special as it offers a harmonious blend of nature and cutting-edge design. Dubai derives so much of its charm and lifestyle from its seaside location, and The Alba – featuring OMNIYAT’s signature focus on crafting privacy-centric residences – enhances this unique connection with the water by offering a personalised waterfront experience. Omniyat will continue to curate unique experiences, creatively collaborating with some of the world’s most visionary minds, to surpass the traditional definition of well-living.”
As the concept of ‘well-living’ and wellness have adapted to include longevity, personalisation, and ultra-bespoke offerings, so too have OMNIYAT’s foundational pillars become even more ambitious. A journey that started and continues with prime, exceptional locations, a focus on working with the best and most unique designers in the world, and offering a meticulous pedigree of service, now also includes a pioneering approach to wellness and an indefatigable commitment to sustainability and meeting the highest standards of ecological design practices. The future of OMNIYAT, and the portfolio it is creating, understands and appreciates the significance of these concepts to its clients. For the well-heeled guests who attended the most exclusive event of the Monaco Yacht Show, luxury encompasses both the tangible and the intangible. As Founder Mahdi Amjad tells Harper’s Bazaar at the launch, “Ultimately luxury is about how you feel.”
“Each space will be a sanctuary within an exclusive enclave that will offer residents and guests both privacy and serenity in this dynamic city”, adds Christopher Cowdray, President of Dorchester Collection, speaking at the Monaco unveiling. “This next-level lifestyle and hospitality experience will be combined with the impeccable service of Dorchester Collection; the foundation of our culture is the care we have for our guests and people, which has been celebrated globally. With panoramic views across the sea and the city’s famous landmarks, The Alba will provide redefined luxury through exceptional design in an environment where nature and wellness converge.
“Guests and residents will enjoy exclusivity in Dorchester Collection’s first garden retreat by the sea with its expansive private terraces and immersive wellness offerings, cultivating a sophisticated oasis for reawakening, reconnection and renewal.”
A holistic approach will see The Alba’s proximity to nature celebrated through a plethora of relaxing outdoor features — from private pools and outdoor jacuzzis, to elevated sun platforms and expansive outdoor terraces. Interiors will boast generously proportioned floor-to-ceiling heights to capitalise on the views and to create a harmonious thread between indoor and outdoor living.
Its thoughtful curation extends to the property’s landscaping, crafted by international award-winning landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic, which reads like literary romanticism — think tropical forest and gardens replete with cascading waterfalls and lily ponds; designed with beauty and serenity in mind. It’s an alluring, oasis-like concept, particularly given its location in Dubai, one of the world’s most fast-paced and dynamic cities; and one that offers OMNIYAT’s clients, leading busy and multifaceted lives, waterfront ‘well-living’ at its very best.