Dubai, renowned for its opulent lifestyle, is set to unveil a new marvel: mobile floating villas that will cruise the serene waters of the Arabian Gulf.
In an ambitious project, a marine construction group is repurposing 48 aquatic vessels into luxurious floating villas. The villas, designed to resemble houseboats in terms of flexibility, will be entirely manufactured in the UAE.
Prices for these opulent homes start at Dh29 million for a two-bedroom villa, Dh32 million for a three-bedroom, and Dh46 million for a four-bedroom.
Currently, the first completed villa is anchored at Dubai Palm Marina. Claudia Gomes, Commercial Director for El Bahrawy Group, said in a Khaleej Times report: “Neptune, the first floating and mobile villa, is part of the Kempinski Floating Palace resort project. The plan features a floating hotel surrounded by 48 luxury mobile villas, with an estimated market value of Dh1.6 billion upon completion.”
These villas feature a two-story layout plus a rooftop, collectively spanning 6,300 square feet, with 2,100 square feet per level. They will be rented out at around Dh50,000 per night during the off-peak season, offering a luxurious experience with a total crew of six to cater to guests’ needs.
“The construction of each villa takes about 12 months, with the four-bedroom villas taking a bit longer,” Gomes added. The two-bedroom villas are 5,800 square feet, three-bedroom villas are 6,500 square feet, and the four-bedroom villas are a spacious 10,400 square feet.
The ground floor of the three-bedroom villa includes a living room, an open-concept dining area, a kitchen, a guest restroom, a crew chamber, a service room, a cockpit, an outdoor seating space, and a platform for jet skis. The upper level comprises three bedrooms, walk-in closets, and two bathrooms. The rooftop features a private infinity swimming pool with glass walls, an outdoor seating area, a barbecue space, an external driving control station, and a display screen.
Owners of these villas can either allow Kempinski to manage and rent out their villa or keep it for personal use. Gomes stated, “When under hotel management, a crew trained in hospitality ensures a high level of service. For private use, we can provide a crew, or the owner can use their own crew.”
The floating villas are designed for leisurely coastal cruising with a speed of 6 to 8 knots, maxing out at 12 knots per hour, using eco-friendly engines that can also run on electric power. “The Neptune villas are for enjoying slow glides along the coast, not for open waters,” Gomes noted.
The villas also feature advanced technological systems, allowing for smart control of lighting and temperature, and easy access to entertainment systems via mobile devices. “These mobile villas offer investors an ROI of around 8 percent. They are a unique and exclusive asset,” Gomes added.
Mohamed El Bahrawy, Chairman of El Bahrawy Group, highlighted the project’s success, stating, “The project has garnered significant interest from investors across Asia and Western nations, reflecting our commitment to maintaining Dubai’s high standards of quality and luxury.”
