Al Ghurair, one of the Middle East’s most influential family business groups, has launched Wedyan, a new super-prime waterfront residence designed by globally acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. The project marks the debut of the Al Ghurair Collection, a design-led ultra-prime residential portfolio set to introduce distinctive, future-ready landmarks in Dubai.
Wedyan signals a bold new chapter in Al Ghurair’s six-decade legacy. Inspired by the movement of water, sand, and valleys, the 46-storey tower features a layered façade shaped in Kuma’s signature style of harmonising architecture with nature. Known for iconic works like the Japan National Stadium and China Academy of Art’s Folk Art Museum, Kuma described Wedyan as “a dialogue between Japanese aesthetics and the context of Dubai,” adding that the aim was “to bring softness to the design and create quietness through shadows that cascade and reflect across the façade, terraces and amenity spaces.”
He praised the collaboration, noting, “Al Ghurair understands the value of design… we share a mutual respect that led to a positive harmony in bringing Wedyan to life.”
The tower houses 149 residences, including three-, four- and five-bedroom units, two full-floor penthouses, and a dramatic three-storey sky villa. Key features include multifunctional outdoor living spaces, specialised UV-protective glazing for art collectors, back-of-house kitchens for catered hosting, and select homes with standalone Japanese teahouse-inspired pavilions adaptable for meditation, work or even a recording studio.
The launch arrives amid record demand for Dubai’s ultra-luxury sector. The first half of 2025 saw AED 431 billion in real estate transactions — up 25% year-on-year — with sales of AED 10 million-plus homes rising more than fourfold, underscoring Dubai’s appeal among global high-net-worth families.
For Al Ghurair Development — the real estate arm behind more than 20,000 residential and commercial units, nearly 1,000 hotel keys, and landmark contributions such as Dubai Metro and the Burj Khalifa façade — Wedyan represents its next evolution.
CEO Sultan Al Ghurair said, “This is a natural progression of our 60-year commitment to the city. As Dubai attracts sophisticated residents from around the world, the time felt right to introduce the ultimate expression of exceptional living. Our search for an architect who matches our originality and obsession with detail led us to Kengo Kuma.”
Group CEO John Iossifidis added, “The launch of Al Ghurair Collection is a defining milestone for Dubai’s real estate sector. Anchored in trust, innovation, and uncompromising quality, our mission is clear: to create visionary projects and deliver spaces that provide enduring value — financially, socially, and culturally — for generations to come.”
