Emirates Hills, often called the “Beverly Hills of Dubai,” remains the city’s most prestigious and coveted address. This exclusive residential community has long been home to the world’s wealthiest individuals, from business tycoons to global celebrities. Recently, Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal’s acquisition of a Dh367 million villa in this ultra-luxury enclave further cements its status as the ultimate in Dubai real estate. But what exactly makes this neighbourhood so special?
A Place of Unmatched Luxury and Privacy
“You can’t replicate what you get here—privacy, greenery, ultra-luxury, and scale,” says Dubai-based businessman Mahesh Tourani, who resides in a 50,000-square-foot mansion nestled in the heart of Emirates Hills. Tourani, who moved from Mumbai, describes how the area provides the perfect blend of nature and world-class infrastructure. “I come from Mumbai, where we long for trees and bridges. This place gives you that, with the infrastructure of Dubai,” he adds.
This combination of exclusivity, luxury, and tranquility has attracted a select clientele, with no two homes in the neighbourhood resembling each other. As a result, when a property does become available, it’s often sold before even being listed publicly. “It’s not just expensive—it’s exclusive,” says Aditi Garg, a seasoned real estate agent specializing in luxury properties in Dubai. “That’s the real luxury here.”
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A Community of Legacy Wealth and Celebrities
Emirates Hills has long been a magnet for the world’s most influential figures. Notable residents include the Gupta family, former Pakistani Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, and Indian business leader Sima Ved. The community has also attracted rumors of high-profile celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, David Beckham, and Rihanna renting or exploring homes here, although there are no direct confirmations.
What is certain, however, is that Emirates Hills is synonymous with legacy wealth, global tastemakers, and privacy. Unlike other luxury neighborhoods in Dubai, where homes are visible and commercialized, Emirates Hills remains the epitome of discretion, where residents can enjoy unparalleled seclusion.
Mahesh Tourani’s Mansion
Among the most iconic homes in Emirates Hills is that of Mahesh Tourani. His five-bedroom villa, which he won at an auction for over Dh200 million, is a breathtaking example of bespoke design. “I entertain in three nightclubs—all inside my house,” Tourani proudly states. With 12 entertainment areas and a soaring indoor banyan tree in the courtyard, the villa is as much a personal retreat as it is a showpiece of luxury.
Tourani’s design inspiration is global, with elements drawn from Tuscany, Bali, and Japan’s Super Potato design firm, all reflecting his distinctive sense of style. “Each space in this house tells a story,” he says. It’s this unique and highly customized approach that sets Emirates Hills apart from other luxury communities in Dubai, where homeowners are allowed complete creative control over the construction of their homes.
The Allure of Customization and Scarcity
What truly sets Emirates Hills apart from other high-end communities like Palm Jumeirah or Dubai Hills is the freedom given to homeowners. “It was one of the first communities in Dubai where huge plots—ranging from 12,000 to 58,000 square feet—were sold by Emaar, allowing buyers to create their own bespoke villas,” says Garg. The neighborhood has no townhouses or apartment blocks—only standalone villas, each designed and built according to the owner’s vision.
This level of customization, combined with the limited number of properties, creates a market defined by scarcity rather than availability. “The location next to two golf courses, the presence of lakes, and views of Dubai’s skyline make it incredibly exclusive,” Garg adds. This rarity has made properties in Emirates Hills some of the most sought-after in Dubai, with even “ordinary” villas priced between Dh80 and Dh120 million.
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A Changing Demographic
A noteworthy demographic shift in Emirates Hills is the increasing number of Indian High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) choosing to make this their home. Garg observes that many of her clients are Indian buyers who prioritize specific features like Vastu compliance. Large property sizes, and lake or golf course views. Mahesh Tourani echoes this sentiment, explaining that many Indian residents prefer the greenery, tranquility, and central location of Emirates Hills over Dubai’s more flashy coastal neighborhoods.
For Tourani, the decision to purchase his plot for Dh17 million was a long-term investment. “I bought my land at Dh500 per square foot. Today it’s quadrupled. But I wouldn’t sell it—not even at double,” he says, reflecting on the enduring value of this exclusive enclave.
Emirates Hills
Unlike newer luxury communities like District One or Tilal Al Ghaf, Emirates Hills doesn’t need advertising. It’s a place where people rarely list homes, and when they do, buyers often snap them up immediately. As luxury homeowner Manu Jeswani explains, “Emirates Hills offers an unmatched sense of space and peace. You could be in the middle of the city but feel like you’re in a private resort. No other neighbourhood in Dubai has that duality.”
Today, as newer developments like Palm Jebel Ali and Expo City begin to take shape. Emirates Hills has become centrally located, solidifying its status as Dubai’s ultimate residential destination. For those lucky enough to call it home, it is not just an address—it is a statement of success, exclusivity, and timeless luxury.
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