Lamaa

Meraas is a Dubai government linked developer, now part of Dubai Holding, and it builds differently from most of the market. Its projects are destinations first and residential second: City Walk, La Mer, Bluewaters and Dubai Design District were conceived as places people visit, with homes attached.

What do they build?

Low rise and mid rise apartments in walkable, heavily curated districts, usually with retail and food and beverage at ground level. Very little of it is standard tower stock. We are currently marketing 3 completed Meraas properties from AED 100,000.

Where do they build?

• City Walk — 3 properties

City Walk, Bluewaters, La Mer, Port de La Mer, Jumeirah Bay and Design District are the names to know. They are central, walkable and priced accordingly.

What should you check before buying?

• Whether you want to live in a destination. The footfall that makes these districts attractive also means weekend crowds outside your building. Some buyers love it. Visit on a Friday evening before deciding.
• Service charges. Curated public realm, landscaping and retail management are expensive, and residential owners carry a share.
• Short let permissions if that is your plan. These districts suit holiday letting and not every building allows it. Confirm in writing.
• Which aspect. Facing the promenade is louder and lets better. Facing away is quieter and cheaper.

Are they a safe developer to buy from?

Among the safest in Dubai on delivery, given the ownership. The real question is fit rather than risk: these are specific places with a specific character, and they suit a certain buyer very well and another buyer not at all.