Dubai, 2025 — Dubai Islands is quietly undergoing a bold transformation, led by Mr. Eight Development, a European boutique developer with a billion-dirham vision. At the heart of this evolution is a strategic partnership with British design icon Tom Dixon, bringing global design prestige to one of the UAE’s most promising residential and hospitality corridors.

From One Project to a Full Portfolio

What began with the launch of Villa del DIVOS has now evolved into a multi-project collaboration. Tom Dixon is now contributing his creative vision across Mr. Eight Development’s entire portfolio on Dubai Islands, including Villa del GAVI, Villa del Brunello, Villa del Arte, and additional upcoming developments. His role spans from design consultancy to curated product integration, making this one of the most substantial creative partnerships in Dubai’s luxury real estate market.

Dixon’s award-winning Liquid collection, a collaboration with global bathroom giant VitrA, will be implemented across these projects. Liquid has earned international accolades including the Gold iF Design Award, Wallpaper Design Award*, Red Dot Award, and EDIDA recognition for its sculptural forms and intuitive functionality.

Why Tom Dixon Matters

Tom Dixon, CBE, OBE, is one of the UK’s most influential designers. Known for his expressive minimalism and material experimentation, his work is part of the permanent collections of MoMA (New York), the Victoria & Albert Museum (London), and Centre Pompidou (Paris). Since launching his eponymous brand in 2002, Dixon has redefined contemporary luxury through lighting, furniture, and architectural collaborations.

His Liquid collection, designed to bring a holistic visual language to bathroom interiors, blends tactile simplicity with bold geometric expression. Its presence in Mr. Eight’s developments elevates the user experience and reinforces the brand’s commitment to design-led living.

AED 1 Billion and Counting

Mr. Eight Development has committed nearly AED 1 billion to its development pipeline on Dubai Islands, with AED 500 million allocated to land acquisition and early-stage development alone. The company is currently delivering five branded projects with a combined Gross Development Value (GDV) of approximately AED 6.3 billion, making it one of the most ambitious boutique developers in the region.

Their vertically integrated model sets them apart. Mr. Eight manages every aspect of the development lifecycle in-house: from land acquisition and concept creation to architecture, construction, marketing, and final delivery. The firm also operates its own construction company and maintains dedicated quality control teams, ensuring every project meets European standards of craftsmanship and sustainability.

Market Validation

Early market response has been strong. Villa del DIVOS achieved 90% pre-sales before breaking ground, and Villa del GAVI reached 70% sold in the pre-construction phase. These figures reflect deep market confidence in the company’s product and brand.

Projects have also garnered industry recognition:
• Villa del GAVI won the Luxury Lifestyle Award 2025 for Best Luxury Branded Residence in Dubai.
• Interstellar Tower, Mr. Eight’s residential project in JVT, was awarded two Luxury Lifestyle Awards for Sustainable High-Rise Living and Sustainable Residential Development.

The Mr. Eight Proposition

For discerning buyers, Mr. Eight offers more than real estate—it offers curated living experiences. Their developments are defined by signature design, limited unit counts, prime waterfront locations, and collaborations with global design houses.

With Tom Dixon now embedded across multiple projects, Mr. Eight is setting a new benchmark for branded living in the region. Each residence is conceived not only as a home but as a piece of cultural architecture—a place where design, function, and lifestyle converge.

A Vote of Confidence
The success of Mr. Eight’s early sales performance suggests a significant vote of confidence from end users and investors alike. By combining British design talent with European development expertise and Gulf market insight, Mr. Eight Development is emerging as a powerful new voice in luxury real estate—one where aesthetic innovation and financial discipline walk hand-in-hand.

⸻

Victoria Belmont is Forbes UK’s Real Estate Correspondent, specializing in design-led development and global real estate trends.

On May 3, 2025, The Royal Atlantis in Dubai hosted one of the most anticipated luxury real estate events of the year — the private unveiling of Villa Del Gavi, the flagship branded residence by boutique European developer Mr. Eight Development. Among the select group of VIP guests and global investors, one name stood out: Adrien Brody, Academy Award-winning actor and internationally acclaimed artist.

As the guest of honor at The Royal Atlantis, Brody stayed in one of the property’s signature luxury suites — a stay he described as “breathtaking”. Clearly impressed by the design, service, and attention to detail, Brody’s presence set the tone for an evening focused on creativity, elegance, and architectural vision.

Best known for his Oscar-winning role in The Pianist, Brody is also a painter whose work has been exhibited globally. He spent the evening in deep discussion with the Mr. Eight team, sharing thoughts on the artistic foundation of Villa Del Gavi, and later delivered a moving speech from the stage — a personal reflection on beauty, form, and the emotional power of design. His words were met with heartfelt applause and left a lasting impression on the room.

Brody also recorded an exclusive video interview, sharing his experience in Dubai, his thoughts on the residence, and his perspective as a creator. The full interview is available on the official Mr. 8 Developments YouTube channel under The Visionary’s Diary.

“Adrien’s presence symbolized exactly what Villa Del Gavi stands for — a fusion of timeless aesthetics, emotion-driven design, and refined lifestyle,” said a spokesperson for Mr. Eight Development. “We don’t just build homes — we create cultural landmarks.”

Located on Dubai Islands, Villa Del Gavi brings the Italian “old money” philosophy to the Middle East, blending Mediterranean architecture with contemporary luxury. But what truly sets it apart is the unprecedented level of hotel-style services offered exclusively to residents — from 24/7 concierge, doormen and housekeeping, to private Rolls-Royce cars, motorboats, and yacht transfers, all delivered without restriction or compromise.

This unique concept earned Villa Del Gavi major international acclaim. Just one month after the event, the Luxury Lifestyle Awards (USA) named it the Best Branded Residence on Dubai Islands — marking it as the first project in the area to fully integrate unrestricted five-star hospitality services into residential living. The project was also recognized by the International Property Awards, reinforcing its global prestige.

The May 3rd launch was a strictly invitation-only affair, with attendance limited to key investors, designers, and international media. Demand far exceeded availability, creating so much buzz that traffic congestion on Palm Jumeirah was reported as dozens of guests attempted to gain entry.

While Mr. Eight Development remains discreet about future plans, industry insiders speculate that a creative collaboration with Brody may be on the horizon — combining art, architecture, and storytelling into a new signature concept.

One thing is clear: with Villa Del Gavi, Mr. Eight is redefining what it means to live luxuriously in Dubai — and the world is watching.

LONDON, UK — The prestigious International Property Awards, headquartered in London, has officially recognised Villa del DIVOS, a new ultra-luxury development by Mr. Eight Development, as a winner in two distinguished categories for the Middle East region:
 • Best Boutique Residential Development on Dubai Islands in Dubai
 • Best Lobby Design in a Residential Building

This dual honour highlights the project’s innovative architectural vision and its commitment to delivering refined, emotionally resonant spaces within Dubai’s rapidly evolving high-end real estate landscape.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for September in Dubai, where leading developers and design studios from across the region will convene to celebrate excellence in luxury property development. Mr. Eight Development will be among the key honourees, marking a milestone moment for a company increasingly seen as a tastemaker in the boutique luxury segment.

Located on a prime seafront plot on Dubai Islands, Villa del DIVOS is a 120-residence boutique development that fuses contemporary beachfront architecture with timeless European sophistication. Created as an intimate sanctuary for connoisseurs of design, the project offers panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, expansive terraces, and a complete five-star hospitality ecosystem.

Particularly praised was the bold, sculptural design of the main lobby — envisioned as a grand entrance gallery that merges art, architecture, and hospitality into a singular spatial experience. Designed in collaboration with European artisans and lighting designers, the lobby has become a symbol of the project’s identity: elegant, confident, and conceptually rich.

“We are deeply honoured by this international recognition,” said a spokesperson for Mr. Eight Development. “Villa del DIVOS redefines luxury not just in form, but in the feeling it creates for its residents. These awards affirm our vision and our belief that exceptional design must touch both the eye and the soul.”

The recognition comes at a time when Dubai is redefining the standards of branded, service-oriented living. Villa del DIVOS distinguishes itself as the first branded residence on Dubai Islands to offer residents unrestricted five-star hospitality services — including full-time concierge, doormen, private Rolls-Royce transportation, custom boat access, and elevated service infrastructure, all delivered under a single residential brand.

The May 2025 unveiling of the project, held at The Royal Atlantis, was one of the most anticipated luxury events of the year, attended by international investors, global press, and Academy Award-winning actor Adrien Brody, who gave an inspiring speech and exclusive interview during the evening.

Villa del DIVOS is part of a curated series of standalone boutique residences developed by Mr. Eight Development, each comprising fewer than 100 apartments. These intimate, design-led buildings are increasingly viewed as hidden gems within Dubai’s luxury property market — particularly among buyers from London, who appreciate European-quality design and refined execution offered at value-aligned pricing. In a market often dominated by high-density towers, the developer’s commitment to privacy, individuality, and long-term livability has positioned Mr. Eight as a leader in the next generation of residential design in Dubai.

A particularly strong wave of demand from the United Kingdom has emerged over recent quarters, as British investors recognise the unique value proposition of Mr. Eight Development’s projects on Dubai Islands. This newly developed archipelago — seen by many as the “eighth wonder of the world” — is regarded as the final island frontier in Dubai’s coastal expansion.

Comparable to Palm Jumeirah in hotel density and infrastructure ambition, Dubai Islands offers exceptional long-term growth potential, with a masterplan focused on lifestyle, tourism, and exclusive residential enclaves. Buyers from the UK are increasingly drawn to the rare opportunity of owning property in a destination that combines scarcity, luxury, and global appeal — making developments like Villa del DIVOS not only aspirational homes but strategic investments.

In light of the growing tax burden and regulatory uncertainty in the UK, many British investors are turning their attention to Dubai’s property market, which offers not only tax-efficient structures but also strong capital appreciation potential. Among the preferred asset types, seafront residences remain top of the list, and Villa del DIVOS stands out as one of the few developments where price aligns with tangible quality. Mr. Eight Development is one of the rare developers in the region that prioritises craftsmanship, using natural materials, refined finishes, and architectural detail more commonly associated with legacy European properties — a level of execution that is still uncommon in much of Dubai’s fast-paced development landscape.

As Dubai’s coastline transforms into a stage for world-class living, Villa del DIVOS stands as both a benchmark and a bold statement — proving that on the shores of Dubai Islands, architecture can still surprise, seduce, and set new global standards.

The International Property Awards is proud to officially recognise Mr. Eight Development as a double-category winner in the 2025–2026 Arabian Property & Hotel Awards, for its iconic beachfront project Villa Del DIVOS, located on Dubai Island.

The acclaimed Dubai-based European developer has secured victories in the following categories:

Best Lobby Interior Design – UAE
Best Residential Development – Dubai Island

These accolades celebrate the developer’s refined architectural language, elevated materiality, and full-cycle approach to luxury residential design.

Backed by more than 20 years of experience in European boutique real estate, Mr. Eight Development has rapidly emerged as a benchmark for excellence in Dubai’s competitive property market. The company operates with a fully integrated model — from land acquisition and architectural planning to construction, interior design, and after-sales service — enabling absolute control over design integrity and execution quality.

The award-winning Villa Del DIVOS project reflects this philosophy. Designed with a distinct old-European character and situated on Dubai Island’s pristine coastline, the development merges timeless European elegance with the modern demands of waterfront living in the UAE. The project has achieved remarkable commercial success — over 80% of units sold off-plan prior to groundbreaking, signalling strong market confidence and investor trust in the developer’s vision.

Of particular note is the building’s grand lobby, which drew acclaim from the International Property Awards’ judging panel for its dramatic volumetric design, thoughtful use of premium materials like travertine and brass, and refined lighting — elements that elevate the lobby to more than just an entryway, transforming it into a statement of arrival.

Stuart Shield, President of the International Property Awards, commented:

“Mr. Eight Development continues to define what modern luxury means in the Gulf region. Their design-first mindset, combined with operational depth and European sensibility, places them at the forefront of a new era in Dubai real estate. Villa Del DIVOS exemplifies how visionary design can align with commercial viability.”

As a Five-Star Winner, Mr. Eight Development is now in contention for the World’s Best Awards, to be announced in London at the end of the year.

The International Property Awards team congratulates Mr. Eight Development on these prestigious honours and commends the company’s continued contribution to redefining high-end real estate across Dubai Island and beyond.

Media Contact:
press@ipropertyawards.com
www.propertyawards.net