The Mixed-Use Community Living

Jamal Al Shawish, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Alef Group, is an expert in shopping mall and real estate development, boasting nearly two decades of experience locally. In this role, he has facilitated sales of more than AED2.5 billion in the past two years, achieving the highest quarterly sales record.

Jamal Al Shawish

The demand for real estate across the United Arab Emirates increased last year, with property market shares continuing to grow, largely due to increased efforts and support from various government initiatives. Growth trends, fruitful business, economic conditions, speedy recovery from the pandemic, and the UAE’s status as the world’s leading luxury destination have intrigued investors and families globally to consider UAE their new home. The UAE, as a whole, has witnessed tremendous growth, particularly in the creation of fully-fledged communities for families to thrive. This comes in response to an influx of newcomers to the region, who wish to settle and avail opportunities, and have a better life within the UAE. Recent visa reforms have made it easier than ever to relocate to the region from any part of the world. The Emirates collectively host more than 190 nationalities coexisting in peace and harmony in communities constructed under the guidance of best international practices, promoting Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Alef Group

the highest quality and standard of living. The prolific business environment and excellent infrastructure make the UAE an excellent locale for both singles and families to flourish. However, finding adequate space to accommodate the growing needs of the urban landscape has been a constant battle for large cities, not just in the UAE but around the world. Unlike many parts of Europe where greenfield sites can be problematic due to issues around land ownership and possible contamination, the UAE has historically been able to provide a blank canvas of greenfield sites for mixed-use developments. With more flexibility shown towards urban planning, the UAE has also benefitted from the freedom to be innovative with its vision to develop mixed-use developments within a sustainable urban environment. There has been an increased focus on sustainability and driving energy

efficiencies through green buildings, reducing energy consumption, and optimising water usage, all underpinned by a government desire to implement best practices to achieve sustainable and livable cities

The challenge in the UAE is to create a sustainable, livable city that offers appeal to an extremely multicultural and financially diverse mix of end-users. The UAE continues to concentrate on transport planning in its quest to understand the impact of developments on surrounding transport networks. Within the UAE, individual Emirates are moving towards mixed-used communities especially the Sharjah Emirate which under the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has seen an upswing in real estate projects catering to families looking to establish and live a healthy lifestyle. Sharjah offers many attractions to families including its iconic Child-Friendly City and Arab Tourism City. The Emirate has received numerous awards and prides itself on wholesome real estate projects with a holistic approach to life and a focus on human well-being. Projects incorporate landscapes with easy access to world-class schools, parks, shopping and retail complexes, sports and gym facilities, as well as fine dining and restaurants.

The pandemic propelled the world into a new way of working and living, where the very notion of community has changed. Traditional communities now co-exist alongside communities that are no longer bound by geographical location. Mixed communities promote a sense of community by bringing together employees, visitors and residents, enabling socialization and cohesive communities. Working from home taught us that flexibility is key to building resilient communities and economies, no matter where you are in the world. This has further created a demand for balance and seamless integration of work, home and social lives, a demand that can be met with the employment and housing opportunities presented by mixed-use developments. Modern communities must be built with firm foundations of world-class construction and design, focused on key areas such as efficiency, sustainability and livability. In Sharjah, mixed-use developments are fast becoming the most sought-after places to set up homes. Al Mamsha, Alef’s flagship community in Sharjah, prides itself on being the firstever walkable community, promoting a healthier lifestyle. With a variety of residential buildings including studios, 1-23 bedroom apartments and duplexes, Al Mamsha Sharjah offers a world of convenience with its retail market in close proximity to University City of Sharjah and Sharjah Airport. The newest natural villa community from Alef, “Hayyan” is one of the best examples of a mixed-use community in Sharjah. Boasting Sharjah’s largest community park and largest swimmable crystal lagoon for residents, the development includes 1836 residential buildings comprising luxury villas, townhouses and mansions as well as land allotments for natural vegetation and edible gardens, high-end pool, gym and sports facilities. While the future is undetermined for many industries across the globe, mixed-use developments like those in Sharjah and the wider UAE, will guarantee plentiful investment opportunities, leading to economic growth and stability for urban areas. Mixed-use developments are better at adapting to changing social and economic environments due to their multifunctionality and pre-made community. While people benefit from having homes, workplaces and social interactions closer together in mixed-use developments, investors will also reap the rewards of diverse portfolios. Not only are diverse portfolios more resilient to shocks but having the ability to respond to community needs is what secures longevity. UAE continues to grow in its property sector, with multiple accomplishments pushing the country to the forefront of the world as pioneers of sustainable community and healthy living.