Tilal Al Ghaf, Dubai: Area Guide
Your comprehensive guide to Dubai's premier luxury waterfront community
Overview
Tilal Al Ghaf is a master-planned community in New Dubai developed by Majid Al Futtaim, envisioned as a flagship destination that blends luxury resort-style living with a family-friendly urban atmosphere. Nestled along Hessa Street (D61) between Downtown Dubai and Al Maktoum International Airport, the community spans over 3 million m² and centers around a stunning 70,000 m² lagoon with 400 meters of white sandy beaches.
The masterplan emphasizes sustainability and liveability – neighborhoods are walkable and interconnected via pathways, cycling tracks, and jogging trails, reflecting the developer's commitment to green design. Overall, Tilal Al Ghaf aims to offer an integrated lifestyle where residents can live, work, and play in a serene resort-like environment within the city.
An idyllic day at Lagoon Al Ghaf – the community's central recreational lagoon with beachfront areas. Tilal Al Ghaf is designed to make every day feel like a vacation for residents.
Key Highlights
- 70,000 m² crystalline lagoon
- 400 meters of white sandy beaches
- Extensive cycling & jogging trails
- Sustainable, green design
- Developed by Majid Al Futtaim
Real Estate
Properties
Tilal Al Ghaf offers a mix of upscale villas, townhouses, and planned apartments in distinct residential enclaves. The community is divided into several neighborhoods – such as Elan, Aura, Harmony, Alaya, and the ultra-luxury Elysian "Serenity" Mansions – each with its own character and range of home types. Homes range from family-sized townhouses to spacious standalone villas, including an exclusive collection of ~40 waterfront mansions (5–7 bedroom) situated directly by the lagoon. All residences feature contemporary architecture and high-quality finishes, aligning with the community's modern, resort aesthetic.
Luxury Villas
Spacious standalone villas with premium finishes and private outdoor spaces, perfect for families seeking the ultimate in comfort and prestige.
Contemporary Townhouses
Modern townhouse designs offering the perfect balance of space, privacy and community living at more accessible price points.
Pricing Trends
Property values in Tilal Al Ghaf have been on the rise, driven by high demand and limited supply of new villas in Dubai's market. For example, four-bedroom Elan townhouses were launched around AED 1.95M off-plan, and larger five-bedroom Harmony villas command higher prices (often AED 10M+ depending on layout and location). The top-end Elysian Mansions and Lanai Island villas can reach eight-figure sums – some listings exceed AED 30M–70M for bespoke waterfront estates. As phases near completion, many early investors have already seen significant capital appreciation. The resale (secondary) market is gaining momentum as buyers eager to join this community are willing to pay premiums for ready or soon-to-handover units.
Key Developments
Notable projects within Tilal Al Ghaf include:
Elan
Clusters of 3–4 bedroom townhouses, ideal for young families, known for affordable luxury (initial releases sold out quickly).
Aura & Aura Gardens
Contemporary villas and townhouses offering 4–5 bedroom layouts with garden spaces and access to community parks.
Harmony
Premium villas (4–6 BR) in a green setting, emphasizing indoor-outdoor living; larger plot sizes and floorplans for established families.
Alaya
A collection of luxury villas and grand mansions with sophisticated designs and private pools, catering to high-end buyers.
Elysian Mansions
An ultra-exclusive enclave of palatial homes along the lagoon, each with bespoke designs and even private beaches, representing the pinnacle of luxury in the community.
Amenities and Facilities
Tilal Al Ghaf is designed to be self-sufficient, with a wide array of amenities planned or already in place to enrich residents' daily lives:
Education
The community hosts the Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, a top-tier British-curriculum school for ages 3–18, located right within Tilal Al Ghaf. Several other reputable schools (GEMS Metropole, GEMS United, Victory Heights Primary, etc.) and nurseries are within a 10–15 minute drive, ensuring families have plenty of education options.
Healthcare
While a dedicated clinic is expected as the area grows, major medical facilities are a short drive away. Emirates Hospital Day Surgery in Motor City and NMC Royal Hospital (DIP) are reachable in under 15 minutes. Pharmacies and urgent care centers in neighboring communities serve residents until on-site healthcare opens.
Retail & Dining
A central retail hub known as "The Distrikt" is planned as part of Tilal Al Ghaf, bringing a shopping mall experience, supermarkets, and a variety of eateries to the community. In the meantime, daily needs are covered by nearby grocery stores (for example, a large Carrefour at City Centre Me'aisem in Production City is about 5–10 minutes away). Additionally, food and beverage outlets are expected along the lagoon and within community centers – from cafes and casual dining to boutique restaurants. Residents already enjoy proximity to the restaurants in Sports City and Studio City (10 minutes away) which offer everything from fast food to fine dining.
Parks & Green Spaces
Lush green landscaping is a hallmark of Tilal Al Ghaf – approximately 355,000 m² of parks, play areas, and open lawns are interwoven between neighborhoods. Each enclave has local parks and playgrounds, and there are larger themed parks and picnic grounds for community gatherings. Tree-lined trails and gardens provide a tranquil environment and cooler microclimate.
Recreation & Leisure
The star attraction is Lagoon Al Ghaf, a crystalline lagoon offering swimming, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and other water sports for residents. Sandy beaches with cabanas and beach volleyball areas line the lagoon, creating a true resort feel at home. Around the water and parks, residents find outdoor gyms, barbecue areas, and an open-air amphitheater for events. There are also dedicated facilities for sports: basketball and tennis courts, cycling tracks (~11 km) and jogging trails (~18 km) crisscross the community, along with indoor fitness clubs and swimming pools for year-round exercise.
Community Services
The plan includes a community center for events and workshops, neighborhood mosques (including a newly opened iconic mosque – see Sustainability section), and even co-working spaces for those working remotely. Security is gated and 24/7, with CCTV surveillance, giving residents peace of mind. Ample parking is provided, and the developer's own retail (like Carrefour supermarkets) and services (such as maintenance and cleaning) are integrated for convenience.
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Lifestyle and Community
Living in Tilal Al Ghaf offers a tranquil, family-friendly lifestyle with a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation and community engagement. The atmosphere is often described as "every day feels like a vacation", thanks to the resort-like amenities and scenic environment.
Neighbors can meet on the beach, socialize at the parks, or attend community-organized events such as outdoor movie nights or food festivals at the lagoon-front amphitheater. The community center and planned clubhouse facilities will host workshops, fitness classes, and clubs – fostering an inclusive social life for all ages.
The community's design encourages an active lifestyle amid nature. The neighborhood is particularly appealing for families. Children can safely ride bikes on dedicated trails and play in numerous playgrounds, while parents have peace of mind with the community's security and the proximity of schools and childcare. Greenery and pedestrian-friendly streets encourage an outdoor lifestyle, from evening strolls to weekend picnics. The development is positioned away from the hustle of tourist districts, so it remains quiet and private, yet it's close enough to city hotspots when needed.
Community Living Highlights
- Diverse Community
A mix of nationalities drawn to the serene "urban oasis" lifestyle, creating a cosmopolitan yet family-focused neighborhood.
- Regular Community Events
Seasonal celebrations, fitness meet-ups, and family activities foster connections between neighbors.
- Safe & Secure Environment
Gated community with 24/7 security gives residents peace of mind, especially for families with children.
- Active Lifestyle
The lagoon, parks, and sports facilities make it easy to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle right at your doorstep.
Connectivity and Accessibility
Despite its secluded resort ambiance, Tilal Al Ghaf is well-connected to Dubai's key areas. The community's location along Hessa Street (D61) and near Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street (D54) provides direct links to major highways. Residents can easily drive to Downtown Dubai (Dubai Mall) in ~25–30 minutes and to the Dubai Marina/JBR district in around 15–20 minutes.
Key Destinations Nearby
Surrounding communities include Dubai Sports City and Dubai Studio City to the immediate north, Jumeirah Golf Estates to the east, and Damac Hills/Mudon to the south. This positioning means residents have plenty of shopping, entertainment and dining options just outside the community as well – from the sports arenas and parks in Sports City to golf clubhouses and polo/equestrian facilities nearby.
Public Transport
Currently, Tilal Al Ghaf is primarily accessed by private car, as the area's public transport links are still developing. However, bus routes serve the adjacent Dubai Sports City (about a 10-minute drive to the nearest bus stop).
From there, commuters can connect to the Dubai Metro – the Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Internet City metro stations are roughly 20 minutes' drive from the community, and the DMCC Station (Marina) is about 20 minutes away as well.
As the community grows, there is potential for RTA bus service extensions to reach inside Tilal Al Ghaf. For now, ride-hailing and driving remain the main transit modes, with ample internal parking for residents and visitors. The planned retail center (Distrikt) will also bring everyday conveniences closer, reducing the need for trips out for essentials.
Strategic Location
Tilal Al Ghaf's position in New Dubai provides the perfect balance of tranquility and accessibility, with major highways just minutes away connecting residents to the entire city.
Investment Potential
Tilal Al Ghaf has rapidly gained a reputation as a high-potential investment hotspot in Dubai's real estate market. Demand from both end-users and investors has been exceptionally strong – early phases sold out quickly, and many buyers are willing to pay premiums on the secondary market to secure a home in this development. Several factors drive this investment appeal:
Capital Appreciation
Property prices in Tilal Al Ghaf have seen notable appreciation, buoyed by the community's unique offerings (the lagoon, resort lifestyle) and Dubai's overall market upswing. As the community nears completion, values are expected to rise further given the limited new supply of comparable high-end villas. The trend of rising prices is especially evident for waterfront and park-facing properties, which command a premium.
Rental Yields
While much of Tilal Al Ghaf is still in the handover phase, investor projections indicate healthy rental yields for this type of master community – once occupied, well-finished villas and townhouses in family-friendly suburbs of Dubai often yield around 5–7% annually. The upscale positioning and integrated amenities here may attract executive tenants willing to pay top rents for a "resort home" in the city. In the long term, as retail and schools fully operate, Tilal Al Ghaf could see demand from expatriate families that ensures low vacancy and stable rental returns.
Developer Credibility
Majid Al Futtaim is a renowned developer with a track record of successful projects (like Al Zahia in Sharjah and Waterfront City in Beirut). The strong execution and ongoing management by a reputable developer provide confidence to investors that the community will be well-maintained and continuously enhanced, supporting property values.
Future Growth
The master plan includes future phases and amenities that will further boost the community's appeal – such as the retail Distrikt mall, more leisure facilities, and possibly hospitality components. This phased growth means investors today stand to benefit from value uplift as each new component (be it a park, school, or shopping center) comes online. Moreover, the area around Tilal Al Ghaf is part of the broader Dubai growth corridor near Dubai South and the Expo 2020 legacy site, which could translate into infrastructural improvements and employment hubs in proximity, driving up housing demand.
Buyer Profile & Market Insights
The project has drawn interest from international buyers and high-net-worth individuals seeking luxury villas. Notably, investors from India, Europe, Russia, and China have been active in purchasing homes in Tilal Al Ghaf, viewing it as a strong long-term asset. This global interest adds liquidity to the market for these properties and indicates confidence in the development's world-class standards.
Overall, the consensus is that Tilal Al Ghaf offers a solid investment proposition – combining the stability of tangible assets (land and villas) with the upside of a growing community. As the project transitions from construction to a living neighborhood, both capital values and rental prospects look set to strengthen, provided Dubai's economy and real estate sector remain robust.
Investment Highlights
- Strong capital appreciation potential
- Projected 5-7% annual rental yields
- Limited supply of high-end waterfront properties
- Attractive to international investors
- Backed by reputable Majid Al Futtaim Group
Comparisons to Other Communities
In Dubai's landscape of master communities, Tilal Al Ghaf is often compared with other popular suburban developments, yet it manages to carve a unique niche:
Dubai Hills Estate
Like Tilal Al Ghaf, Dubai Hills is a high-end community with villas, townhouses, and its own array of amenities (a large park, schools, and Dubai Hills Mall). However, Dubai Hills is built around a championship golf course, whereas Tilal Al Ghaf's defining feature is its swimmable lagoon and beachfront.
Both are family-oriented and offer green open spaces, but Tilal Al Ghaf's waterfront resort theme gives it a different lifestyle vibe (more like a beach holiday at home). In terms of location, Dubai Hills is closer to Downtown (more central), while Tilal Al Ghaf is slightly further south but still well-connected.
Price-wise, both are in the "mid to high" range for Dubai villas, with certain ultra-luxury segments (mansions in Tilal vs. golf-front estates in Dubai Hills) commanding top prices.
Arabian Ranches I/II/III
Arabian Ranches communities (by Emaar) have long been favored by families for their tranquil environment, parks, and community centers. Tilal Al Ghaf shares the family-friendly suburban feel but modernizes it with newer infrastructure and the lagoon amenity.
AR communities don't have water features of this scale (though AR III offers a lazy river pool in one sub-community), so Tilal Al Ghaf's lagoon and beach are a major differentiator. Arabian Ranches' advantage is an established reputation and, for AR I/II, a fully matured environment with multiple retail centers and a golf course.
In comparison, Tilal Al Ghaf is up-and-coming – rapidly rising in desirability since it "quickly earned its name among the ten best areas to live in Dubai with family" – and will soon have its own shopping and dining hub. Both offer detached homes in a similar price bracket, though AR has some more affordable townhouses in earlier phases, whereas Tilal Al Ghaf's inventory skews slightly more upscale on average.
Damac Lagoons
A newer community by DAMAC, also featuring man-made lagoons and beach-themed clusters. Damac Lagoons targets a more mass-market segment with Mediterranean-inspired themed zones and primarily townhouses at relatively affordable price points.
In contrast, Tilal Al Ghaf positions itself as a more refined, sustainability-focused development with higher build quality and larger property options. While both offer a "vacation lifestyle" concept, Tilal Al Ghaf's execution is seen as more luxurious and low-density.
Investors choosing between them would weigh budget versus luxury – Damac Lagoons may offer a lower entry cost and playful theme, but Tilal Al Ghaf provides a prestige factor and possibly stronger long-term value given its developer and integrated community plan.
Established Suburbs
Tilal Al Ghaf also draws comparisons to well-known villa areas like Emirates Living (Springs/Meadows) and Jumeirah. Those areas are fully established with schools and retail, but they are older – properties may not have the modern layouts or energy-efficient features that Tilal Al Ghaf's new homes boast.
Also, none of those older communities provide a private lagoon/beach amenity. However, one could note that Emirates Living has lakes and golf courses, and Jumeirah offers public beach access.
For someone specifically wanting a new property with a cohesive modern design and private resort facilities, Tilal Al Ghaf would stand out. On the other hand, if immediate proximity to "old Dubai" (for example, Jumeirah's public beaches or Downtown) is a priority, a more central community might suit better.
Summary Comparison
In summary, Tilal Al Ghaf competes well with Dubai's top villa communities by offering a unique blend of features: it is the only large lagoon-centric suburban community aside from more mass-market projects. It provides a middle ground between the ultra-luxury, city-close estates (like District One in MBR City) and the more budget-friendly villa enclaves farther out. For environmentally conscious families who want a modern home and a recreational lagoon at their doorstep, Tilal Al Ghaf is hard to match.
| Community | Key Feature | Price Range | Target Market | Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tilal Al Ghaf | Lagoon & Beach | Premium to Ultra-Luxury | Luxury Family Living | Developing |
| Dubai Hills | Golf Course | Premium to Ultra-Luxury | Golf & Luxury Living | Partially Established |
| Arabian Ranches | Established Community | Mid to Premium | Family Suburbia | Fully Established |
| Damac Lagoons | Themed Clusters | Mid-Market | Affordable Waterfront | Developing |
| Emirates Living | Lakes & Golf Views | Mid to Premium | Established Suburbs | Fully Mature |
Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainability is at the core of Tilal Al Ghaf's development ethos. Majid Al Futtaim has incorporated numerous green initiatives to make the community eco-friendly and future-proof:
BREEAM Certification
The master plan has earned a prestigious BREEAM "Excellent" Certification for sustainable placemaking, exceeding the initial targets set by the developers.
Energy Efficiency
Homes feature high-standard insulation, low-E glass, efficient HVAC systems, and smart home technology to minimize energy consumption.
EV Charging
Electric vehicle charging stations are provided throughout the community to promote eco-friendly transportation options.
Water Management
Advanced water conservation systems include drip irrigation, moisture sensors, and greywater treatment for landscaping use.
The developer has a company-wide initiative for net positive operations by 2040, meaning reducing its carbon and water footprint across projects. At Tilal Al Ghaf, this translates into provisions for recycling, community awareness programs about waste sorting, and possibly communal composting for garden waste.
Sustainability in Tilal Al Ghaf isn't just in infrastructure – it's also a lifestyle. Community programs include eco-markets (promoting local/organic produce), gardening clubs, and educational signage along nature trails about local flora and fauna. The abundant Ghaf trees planted throughout (after which the community is named) are drought-tolerant natives symbolic of the UAE's heritage and resilience.
Net-Positive Energy Mosque
In November 2024, the UAE's first net-positive mosque opened in Tilal Al Ghaf – meaning it produces more energy than it consumes. This mosque (named after the late Majid Al Futtaim) uses solar panels, advanced cooling, and water recycling, and is set to be the first mosque in the region to achieve BREEAM certification.
It stands as a landmark of sustainable architecture, aligning with the UAE's Green Agenda and demonstrating how community facilities can be environmentally responsible.
Mobility & Urban Planning
Pedestrian-Focused: The layout prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists with its extensive network of car-free paths and trails.
Extensive Trails: 36,000+ feet of cycling tracks and 59,000+ feet of walking trails encourage carbon-free transportation.
Smart Lighting: Energy-efficient LED lighting with smart controls throughout the community reduces power consumption.
Tilal Al Ghaf: A Model for Sustainable Living
In essence, Tilal Al Ghaf is positioned as a model for sustainable living in the region, embedding green principles from the ground up. From the iconic energy-positive mosque to the walkable design, the community showcases how luxury living and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
Future Prospects
As a still-developing master community, Tilal Al Ghaf has an exciting roadmap of upcoming projects and enhancements that promise to elevate its lifestyle offering even further:
Completion Timeline
The first phases of residences (such as Elan townhouses and some villas) have begun handovers, and construction across the community is in full swing. The entire master plan is projected to be completed around 2025–2026.
This means that over the next couple of years, residents will see the community evolving rapidly – with landscaping maturing, retail outlets opening, and more families moving in.
The Distrikt Mall
A major milestone will be the opening of the Distrikt retail and entertainment center (the community's own "town square"). This complex is expected to house a supermarket, a variety of shops, cafes, and likely family entertainment options.
Once open, it will transform daily convenience for residents and also become a social hub for the area. The inclusion of Majid Al Futtaim's signature retail experiences ensures it will be a high-quality destination.
Hospitality & Recreation
There are plans (at least conceptually) for beach clubs or a lakeside clubhouse which could include restaurants with lagoon views, swimming pools, and event spaces exclusively for residents.
Given the resort theme, the developer may also explore partnering with hospitality brands to create a boutique hotel or serviced residences by the lagoon, adding further dining and spa facilities accessible to homeowners.
Infrastructure Improvements
The surrounding infrastructure will improve as Dubai's urban growth continues. New road upgrades on Hessa Street and connecting arterials are anticipated to accommodate traffic from Tilal Al Ghaf and neighboring projects.
Public transport options might also expand – potentially a dedicated RTA bus route into the community, or in the longer term, integration into any future metro lines serving the Dubailand area. Enhanced connectivity will further increase the community's accessibility and appeal.
Community Growth
In future years, expect a very active residents' association and community events calendar. Majid Al Futtaim tends to maintain involvement in their communities (for example, organizing family festivals or fitness events), so Tilal Al Ghaf might host annual lagoonside festivals, sports tournaments, or cultural celebrations.
As the community reaches critical mass, it could develop into a truly vibrant small town within the city, with everything from weekend farmers' markets to holiday fireworks by the water.
Property Market Outlook
From an investment perspective, the next few years are critical. As Tilal Al Ghaf transitions from an off-plan project to an established community, we can expect its profile in the market to solidify.
Market Projections
- Industry experts foresee continued price appreciation, though perhaps at a more gradual pace after the initial surge
- More resale properties will come online as the community matures and the market finds equilibrium
- Rental activity will pick up momentum, with a sizable resident population creating a real rental market
- The community's mix of mid-range and ultra-luxury segments means it captures multiple buyer demographics
Long-Term Vision
Tilal Al Ghaf is being built with a long-term vision of a thriving, sustainable community for decades to come. Its success may also influence future developments in Dubai – setting a benchmark for integrating large water amenities and eco-friendly design in residential projects. For residents and investors, the journey so far has been promising, and the coming years will likely solidify Tilal Al Ghaf's position as one of Dubai's most coveted residential enclaves.