The Reserve: homes in Dubai's wilderness

The Life: Al Barari newest homes in The Reserve take luxurious homes to the next level.

Al Barari's new villas aim to offer respite from Dubai's bustle. Courtesy photo

The Zaal family last week unveiled its newest luxury villas at the Al Barari estate in Dubai.

The 28 properties in The Reserve are even more exclusive than the 189 that the company built on the site previously.

"People have been asking for bigger plots," Mohammed Zaal, Al Barari's chief executive, said. The plots in which the villas sit range from 30,000 square feet to 75,000 sq ft. Each villa has the floor area for six spacious bedrooms - all with en suites and walk-in wardrobes - a study, formal and family living areas, two fully equipped kitchens, basement, roof terraces, garage space for four cars and separate self-contained living quarters for staff. Prices start at Dh20 million.

The villas are available in four styles - 14 are complete, 14 others are still being developed.

"The idea is to give people the opportunity to build their dream home without the complication of using an architect, a project manager they may not have used before," Mr Zaal said. "We manage all the contacts with teams that have been tried and tested." Sustainable Builders designed and constructed the villas and interior design options are available from Etcetera Living, run by Lesley Zaal, Mr Zaal's mother.

Al Barari, which means "wilderness", is designed to offer residents a retreat from the "garish glitz of the city" and is considered to be the lowest density urban area in the UAE. Themed gardens - including Mediterranean, Balinese and woodland varieties - are supplied by the estate's plant nursery in which 800 species are cultivated. The gardens connect via common parkland and waterways. The Farm restaurant offers food made from locally grown and organic ingredients.

The properties appeal to professionals from Europe, the Far East, and even America, according to Mr Zaal, who noted that people are becoming more inclined to make the UAE their long-term base.

"People are less worried about situating themselves here," he said. "There is more certainty about stability in the area. They've seen what the worst is in a recession."