Global Brands Magazine Interview with Mr. Talal Moafaq Al Gaddah – Senior Executive Vice Chairman of MAG

Global Brands Magazine was pleased to have the opportunity to interview Mr. Talal Moafaq Al Gaddah – Senior Executive Vice Chairman of MAG.

Talal Moafaq Al Gaddah is the Senior Executive Vice Chairman of MAG, one of the leading real estate property developers in the UAE. Considered to be one of the youngest developers in the region, Talal’s leadership and management skills are unifying the corporate direction and strategy of MAG, and propelling it to new heights. His real estate portfolio is valued in excess of USD 4.1 billion today.

Talal’s ambition for MAG is founded on his aspiration to transform the UAE’s real estate market and economy with a new wave of investors from inside and outside the country — a feat he has achieved by attracting customers with developments that carefully meet their needs and convert their dreams into reality.

His progressive vision is driving MAG to new heights with the introduction of pioneering developments that further the company’s mission to deliver long-term benefits and lasting quality to its investors and customers.

Seeing an opportunity for innovation in Dubai’s market, Talal developed a revolutionary new luxury well-being real estate and hospitality concept, Keturah, which is set to redefine the sector.

Keturah launched at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dubai, Creekside with Keturah Resort, the first development in the region to pursue a WELL Health-Safety Rating certification. His goal is to create a development that combines luxury with well-being and a true sense of community.

His second launch, as part of the Keturah brand, is Keturah Reserve in Meydan, another first in the Middle East with his ‘Bio Living’ concept.

1. The Keturah Reserve project seems to emphasize sustainable and eco-friendly design. Can you tell us about the key sustainability features incorporated into the project?

Sustainability trends are transforming the real estate sector, driven by evolving investor preferences, technological advancements, shifting demographics, and the growing imperative to respond to climate change.

Dubai is seeing an increase in sustainable and eco-friendly developments, The climate-focused COP28 conference which will be hosted in Dubai in November this year, is further accelerating this momentum.

At MAG, we have cultivated an understanding that we must lead and embrace change with the ongoing evolution of sustainability trends in the real estate sector. This enabled us to redefine the future of real estate in Dubai: it is not just about creating physical spaces but about providing unique, transformational living experiences. In response, we introduced ‘Keturah,’ an innovative concept that harmoniously blends luxury, well-being, real estate, and hospitality to revolutionise living standards in Dubai’s real estate sector.

Keturah is more than a concept; it is a meticulously designed ecosystem promoting healthier living and inspiring lifestyle transformations. Keturah embodies the perfect fusion of sustainability and luxury living through energy-efficient designs, sustainable building materials, comprehensive wellness amenities, and superior hospitality services.

Bio Living at Keturah Reserve creates the perfect synergy between the interior design, architecture and landscape, in complete respect of the surrounding ecosystem. Bio Living is rooted in Biophilic Design, architecture and interior design conceived to incorporate nature into the built environment to improve the physical, mental and emotional health of its occupants.

Both interiors and architecture are crafted from the same raw materials and colours to subtly merge the architecture with the surrounding desert landscape. Travertine, wood and bronze link inside with outside. The restrained color palette of bleached bone, champagne and bronze further introduces the natural landscape inside the home. Lush growing nature is visible from every vista, including olive trees, palm trees, green walls, balcony planters and rooftop gardens.

2. Keturah Resort appears to offer a unique and luxurious experience. What were the main design inspirations and concepts behind the resort’s architecture and amenities? How did you ensure that these concepts were effectively communicated to potential clients?

Keturah Resort, which comprises 177 residences across 7 buildings and 12 mansions, offers homeowners an impressive range of world-class facilities, including a five-star wellness hotel; a private members-only club; a women’s club; a kids club; an immersive, holistic wellness centre; Michelin-star restaurants; 550m promenade; sustainable and organic-focused retail spaces, 24/7 private parking with valet; and a gated community with unique views of the wildlife sanctuary.

The Residences are characterised by a high artistic value, where only high-quality materials are handpicked from artisans worldwide to ensure a long-lasting and sensual experience. Each Residence within the limited collection adheres to the WELL Certification Standards and is complemented by ultra-high-end leisure areas and exclusive spa and wellness facilities, all of which meet the WELL Health-Safety Rating.

The exterior designs and interiors of the 12 mansions which are themed Earth, Water and Sky echo cues of the elements, creating distinct experiences for the residents. The spaces create seamless journeys through covered terraces framed by structures that encourage outdoor living, glass-framed courtyards, and adjustable architectural screens that elevate the individual’s interaction with insides and gardens.

The Earth mansions’ minimalist architecture represents a space in constant dialogue with its surroundings, hidden from the street and overlooking the astonishing water view. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass also allows for expansive views, seamlessly merging the patio and living rooms to transform them into one wide reception area when open.

Considering natural factors, the Water mansions’ designs have been carefully crafted according to the site’s climatological characteristics. Noting the sun’s seasonal changes, the architecture has been adjusted to allow natural light in without overheating indoor spaces. Accounting for the higher wind creekside, the shape of the mansion provides airflow to cool the building façades and outdoor spaces. Inspired by the nature and history of the area, the concept was made to enhance its natural beauty.

The exterior and interior designs of the Sky mansions, on the other hand, reflect the natural elements of the sky, giving residents unique experiences. The mansions’ interiors reflect an eternal sophistication based on enormous, elegant, and light-filled areas complemented by unique, custom-made designer furnishings.

3. Could you share any specific lessons or insights you gained from your experiences with these two projects that have significantly influenced your approach to future real estate developments?

Based on the huge response we have received from buyers and investors, there is a growing consumer demand for healthier, more sustainable living spaces. The creation of the Keturah concept and the launch of two projects as part of the brand so far, provides a distinct selling proposition, setting us apart in this competitive market. Additionally, our adoption of the bio-living concept marks a significant milestone in the real estate industry’s transition towards sustainability. This pioneering initiative caters to the current demand for green living spaces and encourages the wider industry to adopt sustainable practices, raising the bar for future developments across Dubai.

4. MAG has garnered a reputation for creating distinctive and memorable properties. Could you share a specific example of a project where you successfully merged innovative design with practical functionality, resulting in a unique and remarkable living experience for residents or users? What were the key factors that contributed to the project’s standout features?

Since its inception, MAG has completed 14 projects comprising residential and commercial units, hotel apartments, as well as warehouses. All our projects present are unique and were launched to cater to the needs of our discerning clientele.

Keturah Reserve and Keturah Resort are among our most memorable projects, due to their remarkable features and innovative concepts. At Keturah Reserve, we applied myriad design concepts, including Bio Living — rooted in Biophilic Design — conceived to incorporate nature into the built environment to improve the occupants’ physical, mental, and emotional health. Bio Living creates the perfect synergy between interior design, architecture, and landscape, in complete respect of the surrounding ecosystem.

On the other hand, Keturah Resort is the region’s first development to seek a WELL Health-Safety Rating certification. The aim was to blend luxury with well-being, fostering a genuine community spirit.The Residences are characterised by a high artistic value, where only high-quality materials are handpicked from artisans worldwide to ensure a long-lasting and sensual experience.

5. The real estate industry is undergoing rapid transformations, driven by technological advancements and changing customer preferences. How has MAG adapted to these changes and integrated innovation into its projects, and can you share an example of how this approach has yielded positive results?

The innovative concepts which were applied at both Keturah Reserve and Keturah Resort are unique in the region and establishes MAG as one of the most innovative developers in the Middle East. For example, Bio Living is rooted in Biophilic Design, architecture and interior design to incorporate nature into the built environment to improve its occupants’ physical, mental and emotional health. It also creates the perfect synergy between the interior design, architecture and landscape, completely respecting the surrounding ecosystem.

Eventually, this strategic approach will become instrumental in the development process as property consumers seek homes that profoundly enhance their lifestyles.