Ashjar

Ashjar at Al Barari is a landmark luxury apartment development nestled within Dubai's greenest residential community, Al Barari — a name meaning "the wilderness" in Arabic. Developed by Al Barari and designed by the internationally acclaimed 10 Design (Hong Kong) with detailed delivery by John R Harris and Partners (JRHP), Ashjar comprises 9 low-rise buildings of 4-5 storeys housing 120 freehold apartments across 1, 2, and 3-bedroom configurations. The project, valued at AED 510.5 million (USD 139 million), won the 2014 Cityscape Awards for Emerging Markets in the Residential Future Project category.

TL;DR: Ashjar at Al Barari is a 9-building, 120-unit luxury apartment development within Dubai's greenest gated community, designed by 10 Design with over 80% of the site dedicated to landscape. Featuring three distinct architectural typologies (Extrovert, Introvert, Cube), units range from 1,899 to 4,549 sq ft with prices from AED 3.3 million, delivering 5.4%–6.8% ROI within a community boasting 34 themed gardens, 16.4 km of freshwater streams, and 500+ plant species.

Project Overview and Key Statistics

Ashjar — meaning "trees" in Arabic — represents Al Barari's first apartment offering within its expansive 1.6 square kilometer (approximately 18 million square feet) gated community. Phase 1, comprising 9 buildings and 120 apartments, was delivered in November 2019 following a December 2014 construction commencement. A Phase 2 extension completed in Q3-Q4 2022. The full master plan by 10 Design envisions 300 apartments across 21 buildings.

The total built-up area of the delivered project spans 97,450 square meters, while the total project investment reached AED 510,481,000. Located within the Al Barari community off Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), Ashjar sits on coordinates 25.1001562°N, 55.3157282°E, within a gated enclave where no villa occupies more than 40% of its lot — a development covenant that preserves the community's extraordinary green character.

Architectural Vision: Tree Living

10 Design's concept for Ashjar draws its inspiration directly from the surrounding botanical environment, proposing what the architects describe as "Tree Living" — three distinct residential experiences that mirror the vertical strata of a forest ecosystem:

1. Extrovert Typology: Open pergola-shaded external terraces create a vibrant facade of self-shading living spaces. The terraces open to the forest floor, immersing residents in the ground-level botanical landscape. Horizontal beams and pergolas provide natural shading while maintaining visual and physical connection to the gardens below.

2. Introvert Typology: Operable screens allow residents to open or close external terraces and living areas, alternately revealing panoramic landscape vistas or creating a secluded internal-external sanctuary. These units engage with the leafy canopy level of the surrounding vegetation, creating a cocoon-like living experience within the treetops.

3. Cube Typology: A terraced architectural form designed for larger units, featuring naturally daylit entry cores, rooftop penthouses, and duplexes with expansive sky gardens. These residences overlook both the forest canopy and the Dubai skyline beyond, positioning residents above the treeline with commanding views.

John R Harris and Partners (JRHP) served as the detailed design and delivery architect, developing the construction documentation and leading post-contract services for the AED 510.5 million project. The design team at 10 Design included Gordon Affleck, Jamie Webb, George Aguirre, Nick Benner, Alexey Golbraykh, and others, reflecting the international caliber of architectural talent invested in the project.

Sustainable Design and Passive Performance

Ashjar achieves approximately 20% annual energy savings through passive design strategies alone, a remarkable achievement in Dubai's demanding climate:

• Solar Orientation: Strategic south-facing orientation limits intense direct solar exposure on residential facades
• Thermal Mass: High thermal mass construction improves temperature regulation and energy efficiency
• Natural Shading: Horizontal beams, pergolas, and sliding screens create layered shading systems that reduce cooling loads
• Cross-Ventilation: Deliberate setbacks between building clusters maximize natural airflow, channeling midday offshore breezes and evening desert winds through the development
• Retractable Glass Facades: Blur the boundary between interior and exterior living, allowing natural ventilation when conditions permit
• Optimized Glazing: Carefully calibrated window systems balance panoramic views with thermal performance
• Underground Parking: Direct apartment access from below-grade parking reduces heat exposure during vehicle-to-home transitions
• Landscape Integration: Over 80% of the Ashjar site is dedicated to planted landscape, creating a natural microclimate that reduces ambient temperatures through evapotranspiration

Location and Connectivity

Ashjar at Al Barari occupies a position within the broader Al Barari community that balances serene seclusion with practical urban access:

| Destination | Travel Time | Distance | |-------------|-------------|----------| | Downtown Dubai / Dubai Mall | 15-25 minutes | ~16-24 km | | Mall of the Emirates | ~15 minutes | ~11.5-12 km | | Dubai International Airport (DXB) | 15-27 minutes | Via E311/E44 | | Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) | ~40 minutes | Via E311/E77 | | Palm Jumeirah | 22-29 minutes | Via E311/D63 | | Dubai Marina | ~26 minutes | Via E311 | | DIFC | ~25 minutes | Via E44 | | IMG Worlds of Adventure | ~10 minutes | ~5 km | | Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) | Direct access | Adjacent |

Nearest Metro: Rashidiya Metro Station (~20 minutes drive) and Mall of the Emirates Metro Station.

Educational Institutions: Dunecrest American School (Pre-K to Grade 12, IB curriculum), GEMS Heritage Indian School (CBSE curriculum), Repton School (British curriculum), and Dubai International Academic City with multiple universities are all accessible within a short drive.

Healthcare: Dr Kamkar Medical & Physiotherapy Center, Dubai London Clinic, and Aster Clinic (Dubai Silicon Oasis, ~14 minutes) serve residents' medical needs.

Comprehensive Amenities

Ashjar-Specific Amenities

• Temperature-controlled edge-infinity swimming pool
• Jacuzzi
• Gymnasium and fitness center
• Communal children's play areas
• Cycling tracks and jogging trails
• Outdoor barbecue areas
• Basketball and tennis courts
• Underground parking with direct apartment access
• Botanical garden spaces and landscaped pathways
• Water features throughout the development
• 24-hour concierge services
• Dedicated maintenance staff

Al Barari Community Amenities

Ashjar residents enjoy full access to Al Barari's extraordinary community facilities:

The Farm Restaurant: A gourmet dining destination set within a tranquil green oasis, featuring indoor and outdoor sections with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Water Garden. Open to the public, The Farm has established itself as one of Dubai's most distinctive dining experiences.

Heart & Soul Spa: A luxury wellness center with separate men's and women's sections, exclusive treatment rooms, private suites, a children's space, nail and hair care services, infrared sauna, traditional hammam, and steam room.

Body Language Health Club: A state-of-the-art fitness facility featuring a temperature-controlled infinity pool, tennis courts, fully equipped gymnasium, and an extensive class program including spin, Pilates, cardio tennis, and karate.

Green Works Plant Nursery: The region's largest privately managed plant nursery, cultivating over 500 plant species sourced from 20 countries across 6 continents. The nursery produces an extraordinary 1.6 million trees and shrubs per year, supplying the community's botanical landscape and commercial clients throughout the UAE.

Botanical Gardens and Nature Reserve: 34 themed gardens (including Renaissance Garden and Mediterranean Garden) are interwoven with 16.4 km of freshwater streams and natural lakes, creating a living botanical museum. The Al Barari Nature Reserve spans over 18 hectares.

Unit Types, Configurations, and Pricing

Ashjar apartments are among the most spacious in Dubai's apartment market, reflecting Al Barari's philosophy that luxury living demands generous proportions:

| Unit Type | Size Range (sq ft) | Key Features | |-----------|-------------------|--------------| | 1-Bedroom | 1,899 – 1,979 | Walk-in closet, ensuite bathroom, large terrace | | 2-Bedroom | 1,989 – 4,549 | Two ensuite bedrooms, walk-in closets, expansive living areas | | 3-Bedroom | 2,580 – 4,025 | Three ensuite bedrooms, walk-in closets, multiple terraces |

All units feature floor-to-ceiling windows, natural material palettes (wood, stone, textured finishes), modern kitchen appliances, built-in wardrobes, and spacious balconies and terraces. Cascading terrace designs ensure each residence enjoys distinct views of the surrounding botanical landscape.

Important: Ashjar does NOT offer 4-bedroom apartments. 4-bedroom configurations are available in other Al Barari sub-communities such as Seventh Heaven.

Current Pricing

• Starting Price: AED 3,300,000 – AED 3,700,000
• 2-Bedroom Minimum: AED 3,300,000 (USD ~898,000)
• 3-Bedroom Minimum: AED 4,500,000 (USD ~1,225,000)
• Current Active Listings: AED 5,800,000 – AED 17,500,000
• Price Per Square Foot: AED 1,738 – AED 1,971 (based on recent transactions)

Rental Rates

• Average Annual Rent: AED 380,476 – AED 397,047
• Range: AED 250,000 – AED 620,000 per year
• Market Trend: +5% increase over the last 6 months

Developer Profile: Al Barari

Al Barari was founded in 2005 by Zaal Mohamed Zaal (Chairman), who invested AED 1.4 billion (USD 381.7 million) in greenery alone during Phase 1 — a commitment that transformed a barren stretch of desert into Dubai's most botanically rich residential community. The current CEO is Hazza Zaal, who grew up immersed in the development of the community.

The Al Barari portfolio encompasses a diverse range of residential sub-communities, each addressing a distinct market segment:

| Sub-Community | Units | Type | |--------------|-------|------| | The Residences | 189 luxury villas | 5-7 bedroom villas | | The Reserve | 14 land plots / 28 villas | Custom-built private houses | | The Nest | 55 villas | 4-bedroom, 929 sqm each, with infinity pool | | Ashjar | 120 apartments | 1-3 bedroom apartments | | Seventh Heaven | 157 apartments | 7-storey complex | | The Neighbourhood | Various | Wellness-integrated studio to 2-bedroom | | Altissima | 23 villas | 7-bedroom luxury villas | | Chorisia I | 60 villas | 5-bedroom villas | | Chorisia II | 57 villas | Villas | | Les 8 | 8 villas | Limited 6-bedroom villas |

Al Barari Community Profile

Al Barari spans 1.6 square kilometers (approximately 130-142 hectares) with over 60% of the community dedicated to green spaces, landscaped gardens, natural lakes, and freshwater streams. The community's defining characteristics include:

• 34 Themed Gardens: Including Renaissance Garden and Mediterranean Garden
• 16.4 km of Freshwater Streams: Winding through the community's botanical landscape
• 500+ Plant Species: Sourced from 20 countries across 6 continents
• 1.6 Million Trees and Shrubs: Produced annually by the Green Works nursery
• Al Barari Nature Reserve: Over 18 hectares of protected natural environment
• Gated and Secured: 24-hour security with controlled access
• 40% Maximum Plot Coverage: Development covenant ensuring green preservation

Investment Potential and Market Analysis

Ashjar delivers competitive returns within Dubai's luxury apartment segment:

| Metric | Value | |--------|-------| | Average Price Per Sq Ft (Al Barari) | ~AED 2,167 | | Ashjar-Specific Price Per Sq Ft | AED 1,738 – AED 1,971 | | Gross Rental Yield (Al Barari apartments) | ~6.74% | | 1-Bedroom ROI | 6.8% | | 2-Bedroom ROI | 5.8% | | 3-Bedroom ROI | 5.4% | | Rental Trend | +5% over last 6 months |

Al Barari's market positioning as Dubai's greenest luxury community creates a distinctive investment thesis: limited supply within a gated botanical enclave drives premium pricing and strong rental demand from affluent tenants seeking an alternative to high-density urban living. The community's ongoing expansion — with new phases of Ashjar and additional villa projects — reinforces Al Barari's trajectory as one of Dubai's most coveted residential addresses.