### Luxury Living in Dubai’s Emirates Hills
When Mahesh Tourani, a Dubai-based entrepreneur, reflects on his life beneath the sprawling branches of a banyan tree on his luxurious 50,000-square-foot Emirates Hills estate, it’s much more than a personal expression of contentment. “You can’t replicate what you get here—privacy, greenery, ultra-luxury, and scale,” he notes. His words encapsulate the allure of Emirates Hills: a community that offers not just lavish residences but an exclusive lifestyle that feels worlds apart from the bustling city beyond.
### Nature Meets Infrastructure
Coming from Mumbai, a city often characterized by its concrete jungle, Tourani appreciates the abundance of greenery and exquisite infrastructure that Dubai provides. Emirates Hills is a beacon of this blend—a meticulously planned locality where expansive plots provide space for homeowners to create bespoke villas, thus ensuring that no two homes are identical. It offers a refuge of nature, juxtaposed with the modern conveniences of urban life.
### A Measure of Exclusivity
Often dubbed the “Beverly Hills of Dubai,” Emirates Hills has garnered a reputation for being one of the most exclusive residential areas in the UAE. With plots ranging from 12,000 to over 50,000 square feet, those seeking to purchase a home here often find themselves out of luck. “Even if you’re ready to cough up millions, you may not find anything available,” says Aditi Garg, a seasoned real estate agent specializing in luxury properties. Availability is so limited that many homes are sold before they even hit the market.
### The Playground for Billionaires
Emirates Hills has long been a magnet for high-net-worth individuals seeking discretion alongside opulence. Its roster of residents includes prominent figures such as the Gupta family, former Pakistani Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, and business tycoons like Sima Ved. International celebrities, including the likes of Shah Rukh Khan and Roger Federer, have been rumored to explore properties in this enclave, although many choose to remain under the radar, valuing privacy above all.
### Mahesh Tourani’s Architectural Marvel
Among the standout properties in Emirates Hills is Tourani’s own mansion, acquired at auction for over Dh200 million. “I entertain in three nightclubs—all inside my house,” he shares, elaborating on the twelve distinct entertainment zones he has built to suit his lifestyle. The property embodies luxury with a personal touch, featuring a stunning indoor banyan tree and design elements inspired by renowned international styles. “If I go to Tuscany, I come back and recreate that here. If I go to Bali, I do the same. Each space tells a story,” he expresses, highlighting not just the scale of luxury but the artistry involved in crafting his living space.
### Tailored Residences Over Cookie-Cutter Homes
What distinguishes Emirates Hills from other luxurious neighborhoods in Dubai, such as Palm Jumeirah, is the unparalleled autonomy provided to its homeowners. Each residence is a unique project, reflecting the owner’s vision rather than a standardized template. “It was one of the first communities in Dubai where huge plots were sold by Emaar,” explains Garg. “This has resulted in a limited number of truly distinctive properties.” Here, one does not merely buy a house; they embark on a journey to create a home tailored to their specifications.
### Changing Demographics
A noteworthy shift has occurred in Emirates Hills’ demographic over recent years. Many current clientele are Indian high-net-worth individuals. Garg notes that her clients often seek homes that meet specific cultural requirements like Vastu compliance. “Many Indians prioritize greenery and lakes rather than seaside proximity,” she remarks, echoing Tourani’s sentiments about the tranquil yet sophisticated atmosphere of the community.
### A Market Defined by Scarcity
In Emirates Hills, properties aren’t just evaluated by their design but by the land they sit on. Villas usually command between Dh2,000 and Dh2,500 per square foot for construction, yet it’s the land itself that drives true value. “A similar plot today could fetch around Dh4,500 per square foot,” shares Tourani, stressing the immense worth of prime real estate in this competitive market.
### The Lifestyle
Despite the emergence of new luxury real estate communities, Emirates Hills thrives without needing to advertise its exclusivity. As longtime resident Manu Jeswani succinctly puts it, “It offers an unmatched sense of space and peace.” It’s a sanctuary that allows one to feel secluded yet conveniently central, making the community highly sought after.
### Isolation in Luxury
Once perceived as remote, Emirates Hills is now a prime location, becoming increasingly desirable with developments like Palm Jebel Ali and Expo City. Tourani emphasizes that living here casts a spell of complete fulfillment; “You don’t feel the need to be anywhere else,” he states.
### A Distinct Identity
In a city often caught up in speed and grandeur, Emirates Hills stands as a timeless haven. It isn’t found in brochures; it exists within whispered conversations and personal connections. It embodies the pinnacle of luxurywhere lifestyle meets privacy, creating an unparalleled living experience for a select few.
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This exploration of Emirates Hills provides insight not just into a physical space but a unique way of life that many aspire to achieve, far removed from the everyday hustle of Dubai.
