Abu Dhabi’s luxury property market runs on prestige, discretion, and vision. Every sale is more than a transaction; it’s the meeting point between architecture, lifestyle, and aspiration. From the first impression to the final handover, success depends not on price, but on how seamlessly a home reflects the life of its future owner.
Today, the capital’s ultra-luxury market is entering a new era; one defined by meaningful design, discreet experiences, and a deep understanding of what “home” means to high-net-worth buyers.
As part of Property Finder’s Expert Insights series, we spoke with Alan Harthy, Founder of I Buy Real Estate, about the art of matching extraordinary properties with extraordinary people and how Abu Dhabi continues to set new standards for luxury living.
Read on to discover how design, elegance, and detail are shaping the next chapter of luxury real estate in the capital.
When it comes to ultra-luxury homes, finding the right buyer isn’t just about price. How do you create the right match?
For ultra-luxury properties, the process goes far beyond the transaction itself. In this realm, success depends on precision — understanding how a home can support every dimension of a buyer’s life. Each search begins with a deep analysis of the client’s lifestyle, taking into account family setup, residency plans, travel routines, and even the number of household staff members they employ.
These details, though seemingly small, shape the entire decision-making process. In many cases, features like ceiling height, sea views, and the design of staff quarters are as influential as architecture or location. “Small things shape big preferences,” says Harthy. “For these buyers, who already have everything, what matters is how the property fits their rhythm of life.”
The selection of a home is also influenced by its surroundings. For many buyers, the neighbourhood holds as much weight as the property itself. They consider the social ecosystem that their children will grow up in, the connections they’ll make on the golf course, and the people they’ll interact with in daily life. This sense of belonging transforms a purchase into a lasting lifestyle choice.
Ultimately, finding the right match is about connecting a residence with a way of living, one that balances design, privacy, and the human element that defines true luxury.
Every luxury home tells a story. What do you want buyers to feel when they step inside a property like this?
In the world of ultra-luxury homes, emotion is often the deciding factor — and the feeling Harthy wants buyers to experience above all is peace. For high-net-worth clients accustomed to constant activity, a home must offer an immediate sense of privacy, balance, and mental clarity.
These properties are crafted to evoke calm through thoughtful design. Symmetrical ceilings, open sightlines, and well-proportioned spaces create a sense of order. Natural light and unobstructed views reinforce a sense of openness, while the layout ensures movement between rooms feels intuitive and seamless. Every architectural decision — from corridor alignment to terrace placement — is made to quiet the mind.
Behind that simplicity lies invisible precision. Service areas, utility zones, and staff quarters are positioned so that daily operations run seamlessly in the background. Tasks like cleaning, cooking, and organisation are carried out efficiently and unobtrusively, allowing the home to function smoothly while maintaining the homeowner’s privacy.
For Harthy, this is what defines true luxury: a home that operates flawlessly without drawing attention to its inner workings. It’s a home designed to work quietly in the background, preserving the owner’s time and privacy while creating a lasting sense of calm.
Recently listed on Property Finder by Alan Harthy, this Saadiyat Island mansion represents the rising appetite for ultra-luxury homes in Abu Dhabi’s most exclusive communities. Created for those who value space, privacy, and understated sophistication, it blends architectural elegance with its natural surroundings to offer a relaxing lifestyle.
This mansion redefines what luxury living in Abu Dhabi looks like. What kind of lifestyle do you imagine it offering?
Spread across 5,000 square metres of private land, this 11- master bedroom home on Saadiyat Island is one of the largest freehold plots in Abu Dhabi. Overlooking the golf course and the Arabian Gulf, it offers privacy, space, and direct access to nature.
Inside, the layout is functional and considered. It includes a cinema, spa with hammam and massage rooms, a gym with garden views, and three kitchens for daily and guest use. Staff areas include six en-suite rooms and dedicated service facilities.
Beyond the property, Saadiyat Island brings together everything that defines modern living in the capital — cultural landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Natural History and Sheikh Zayed Museums, along with Michelin-star restaurants and new resorts such as Bvlgari and Nobu. The island’s beaches and green fairways create a setting that feels both relaxing and fresh, a place built for comfort, calm, and connection.
For homes of this scale, presentation is everything. How do you make each viewing exclusive and memorable?
Viewings for ultra-luxury homes are treated as private, highly curated experiences. Every detail is planned, from understanding the buyer’s background and family priorities to anticipating how they make decisions.
Before a visit, clients are often met in their own homes or share photos of their current spaces to help tailor the experience. This allows the team to prepare each showing with precision — adjusting lighting, temperature, and scent so the property feels natural yet intentional.
“Ultra-high-net-worth clients notice everything,” he says. “They decide quickly when the experience feels private and seamless. Our job is to remove friction and let the property speak for itself.”
Abu Dhabi’s luxury scene is evolving quickly. What makes the city such an attractive market for high-end living?
Abu Dhabi offers what many global cities have lost — security, space, and long-term stability. Families live with a sense of privacy and peace that is difficult to find elsewhere, supported by clear regulations and a government focused on sustained growth.
The Emirate’s real estate system protects ownership rights and continues to build confidence among global investors. Many family offices and entrepreneurs are now setting up in Abu Dhabi because it offers a safe, transparent, and efficient base for international business.
Alongside that sense of security, the city’s lifestyle continues to expand. World-class schools, Michelin-star dining, cultural landmarks, and new resort openings are positioning Abu Dhabi as one of the world’s leading destinations for refined living.
Finally, what defines true luxury in today’s Abu Dhabi market?
In Abu Dhabi, the idea of luxury is changing. It’s less about scale and display, and more about how a home works for the people who live in it.
Harthy believes true luxury lies in simplicity — when every part of a home functions well and adds to daily comfort without drawing attention to itself. The focus is on quality, order, and privacy, not excess.
For many buyers, that’s what makes Abu Dhabi different. Homes here are built to last, designed for real living, and supported by a city that values security and space. It’s this practical approach to comfort that now defines the top end of the market.
Alan Harthy
Founder & CEO of I Buy Real Estate
Alan Harthy is the Founder & CEO of I Buy Real Estate, a fast-growing Abu Dhabi brokerage known for its agent-first culture and performance-driven approach. After starting his career as a solo agent, Alan built his business by focusing on the fundamentals: client trust, operational discipline, and a culture that prioritises people over headcount.
