Inside Dubai Harbour Residences with Fadi Jabri

In an exclusive interview, Fadi Jabri, CEO, Nikken Sekkei Dubai, delves into the luxury behind the iconic Dubai Harbour Residences

Dubai Harbour Residences is a major project. What was the architectural vision behind it

As Dubai continues to push the boundaries of luxury while embracing modern sensibilities, our vision for Dubai Harbour Residences was to break away from convention and redefine low-rise luxury living within Dubai’s skyline. Instead of another towering skyscraper, we aimed to create a distinctive structure that celebrates its unique seafront setting. The low-rise design allowed us to play with forms and materials in ways that high-rises can’t.

This is evident through the building’s curved glass corners that promise uninterrupted panoramic views of the sea and the city, while the ‘gates’ in the architecture frame these vistas beautifully. We will be developing perforated GRC with embedded glass to bring in a subtle, ambient glow, which lights up softly after dusk, elevating the experience for residents and passerby alike.

Is there anything regarding sustainability of Dubai Harbour Residences to highlight?

Dubai Harbour Residences has been designed with sustainability in mind. The building’s structure and features are carefully crafted to efficiently manage Dubai’s unique climate. For instance, the extended eaves are not just an aesthetic choice; they provide natural shade, reducing solar gain and cooling needs. As a low-rise development, the project minimizes environmental impact by being more space-efficient and fosters a sense of community. Residents will benefit from more shared spaces and opportunities to interact, which is vital for sustainable urban living.

Were there any unique opportunities in designing residences specifically for Dubai Harbour’s environment?

Dubai Harbour itself is a unique opportunity, it’s ideally placed for luxury living, right on the seaside, with iconic views from all sides. Luxury living is on the rise and demand for property in places such as Dubai Harbour is making it a sought-after location, and where there’s interest that means you must stand out from the crowd.

We certainly believe that Dubai Harbour Residences is the jewel in the crown of the area because the project has been designed to cater to a certain clientele seeking luxury living, in a bustling community, but also with an element of privacy. The design on the exterior will employ layered eaves, which gives privacy without limiting those sough-after views, delivering a luxury that is both exclusive and welcoming.

Can you elaborate on the role of technology and smart systems in shaping modern architectural projects, particularly within Dubai Harbour Residences?

We’ve ensured that Dubai Harbour Residences is a state-of-the-art project which means that it is shaped by cutting-edge tools and technologies throughout. We will be using Building Information Modelling (BIM) to aid us with the planning, design, construction, and management of building in the future. BIM allows multiple expertise to collaborate effectively, which is key when you’re creating a project of such calibre. We have leveraged expertise across various disciplines, from structural and mechanical engineering to finer details like security, IT, and waste collection, to ensure this development is a high-quality living space.

On the construction side of things, we will use scripting tools, enabling us to control the density and dimensions of eaves perforations, ensuring smooth and seamless transition that look stunning and are cost-efficient.

Dubai Harbour Residences combines luxury and functionality. How do you strike the balance between aesthetics and practical needs in such high-end developments?

Achieving this balance meant for us creating an open dialogue with our client team to ensure that luxury doesn’t overshadow comfort and practicality. Originally, we had planned on oversized lobbies and a levitating pool on the roof which got rationalized to be more functional for our residents, achieving the same desired effect. This pool spans between buildings A and B, designed with two swimming lanes for optimal use.　The building itself will be designed so the layouts are unique and maximises its surroundings.

Each residence maximizes natural light and space while integrating practical features like spacious maid rooms. The balconies, large and shaded by substantial eaves, serve dual purposes providing shade, while creating a luxurious and inviting outdoor experience that seamlessly flows into the indoor spaces, allowing residents to enjoy open-air relaxation.

How do you envision the future of urban waterfront living, and how did that vision influence your design choices for Dubai Harbour Residences?

Uninterrupted water views, seamless and stress-free connection to the beach, cruise like lifestyle, are the advantages of the waterfront living. A balanced activation of the beach side is a key to make the environment even more attractive. The experience has to be carefully crafted.

Dubai Harbour will provide an unparalleled seafront living, with access to vibrant marinas and a wide range of hospitality choices. Its prime location within close proximity to the city and key landmarks, makes it the region’s most unique lifestyle offering. As its popularity surges, the allure of waterfront living continues to grow.

When it comes to design choices, the ground floor will be meticulously curated with F&B options that provide an intimate and luxurious dining experience. Beyond its culinary offerings, the area grants direct and exclusive access to the beachfront, allowing residents to transition effortlessly from elegant dining to a peaceful beach stroll. This connection captures the essence of Dubai Harbour’s modern seafront lifestyle.

How did Dubai’s natural landscape and cultural elements influence your architectural approach for Dubai Harbour Residences?

Dubai’s luxury design ethos reflects a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, creating spaces of unparalleled grandeur and sophistication, explicitly manifested in iconic architectural landmarks.
Our architectural approach for Dubai Harbour Residences was deeply inspired by the landscape and cultural heritage of the city. We envisioned Dubai Harbour Residences as a modern oasis, integrating water features and lush native vegetation into the ground floor design. Locally sourced stone and other natural materials highlight our commitment to blending into Dubai’s unique landscape, while architectural elements, such as the “gateway” and beachfront areas, create immersive spaces that honor Dubai’s connection to the sea.

How has the collaboration between Shamal, H&H Development and Nikken contributed to bringing Dubai Harbour Residences to life, and what future architectural trends do you foresee shaping luxury residential developments like DHR?

Shamal and H&H Development are renowned for their exceptional standards in quality, design, and construction. Our collaboration has allowed us to deliver a project that epitomizes luxury and precision, offering the highest standards to our residents.

In terms of trends, there is a growing demand for tailored living and personalized experiences, which are hallmarks of luxury dwellings. Privacy is also becoming increasingly important to buyers. In Dubai, apartment living often means close proximity to neighbors, making it essential for buildings and balconies to offer some degree of privacy.

We are also witnessing high demand for innovative, high-quality products such as white goods, high-performance glass, slender and lighter window frames, and exquisite common facilities. The next major advancement in Dubai’s construction sector will likely focus on innovation in glass production or “glass-like” materials. As the demand for sleek, modern aesthetics—particularly full glass facades—continues to rise, we aim to address this with initiatives that drive innovation in the glass industry. This will enable the seamless use of glass that not only withstands the heat but also harnesses it, converting excess energy into a sustainable resource.