UAE-based master developer Arada has officially awarded the main construction contract for its highly anticipated W Residences at Dubai Harbour. Valued at a massive AED 5 billion (approx. $1.36 billion), the luxury branded real estate project marks Arada’s continued expansion into the ultra-premium Dubai market in partnership with Marriott International. The prestigious contract was won by Al Futtaim Area Operations, a Tier 1 contractor with a deep portfolio of delivering complex mega-projects across the Emirates. With the contractor now officially mobilized, the project is moving rapidly from the design phase into heavy civil execution, targeting a handover date in late 2027.

Jobsite Impact: Coastal Geotechnics and a 200-Meter Infinity Pool

The structural scope handed to Al Futtaim is immense. Designed by the renowned Japanese architectural firm Nikken Sekkei, the development consists of three striking 40-storey towers that merge at a massive interconnected podium level.

W Residences at Dubai Harbour: Factsheet

Project Name: W Residences at Dubai Harbour

Location: Dubai Harbour, Dubai, UAE

Project Value: AED 5 Billion (~$1.36 Billion USD)

Construction Team:

Developer: Arada

Brand Partner: Marriott International (W Hotels)

Main Contractor: Al Futtaim Area Operations

Architect: Nikken Sekkei

Project Scope: Three 40-storey residential towers.

Capacity: 400 ultra-luxury branded apartments.

Key Structural Feature: Interconnected podium housing a 200-meter infinity pool (the longest in Dubai).

Target Completion: 2027.

The immediate “Jobsite Impact” revolves around the marine environment logistics. Because Dubai Harbour is a coastal, reclaimed land precinct, Al Futtaim’s early works will heavily feature intensive dewatering protocols and the installation of deep, anti-corrosive concrete friction piles to stabilize the three high-rise structures against coastal water tables and wind loads.

Above ground, the engineering centerpiece of the project is the expansive landscaped podium, which will house the longest infinity pool in Dubai at a staggering 200 meters. For the MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) and structural teams, suspending a 200-meter body of water across a podium connecting three separate high-rise towers requires exceptional structural rigidity, advanced dynamic waterproofing membranes, and complex, high-capacity hydraulic pumping systems. The façade teams will also be tasked with installing premium, high-performance acoustic glazing to protect the 400 luxury apartments from the maritime elements while maximizing unobstructed views of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline.

Driving the Branded Residence Boom

The mobilization of Al Futtaim underscores the accelerated pace of Dubai’s branded residence sector. The development will demand thousands of skilled tradespeople over the next three years, particularly during the interior fit-out phase, as the residences must meet the stringent, high-end design standards dictated by the W Hotels brand. This includes the integration of smart home technologies, bespoke joinery, and premium imported finishes that define the AED 5 billion valuation.

This trend of luxury diversification is becoming more common among prestigious manufacturers, as seen in the reasons why Bugatti is moving from supercars to branded residences in Dubai, reflecting a strategic shift toward immersive lifestyle experiences.