From importing luxury Italian furniture in the early ‘90s to redefining Dubai’s supercar scene and eventually entering high-end real estate, NABNI Developments has always moved with ambition and detail. Today, under co-founder and CEO Badr Alsuwaidi, the company is steering its third era, one shaped by design-driven projects, premium materials, and a refusal to follow the cookie-cutter path. With a portfolio that includes Dubai’s first smart building and, most recently, the first standalone Waldorf Astoria residential tower outside the US, Alsuwaidi reflects on the legacy that shaped NABNI and the vision driving its next chapter.
How has your family’s entrepreneurial journey shaped the way you approach business today?
The values of hard work, integrity, and the vision to build for the future rather than just the present are values that have been passed down through the generations. My father instilled in us the importance of ensuring risk is calculated, how to find resilience, and the value of never compromising on quality.
These principles continue to define NABNI’s approach today. As the third generation steps in, they offer a fresh perspective on technology, embrace sustainability, and continue to push boundaries of the ever-evolving definition of luxury.
From Creekside trading to pioneering Dubai’s supercar scene, and now real estate, your family has constantly evolved. What drives that spirit of reinvention across generations?
Our journey has always been guided by a deep appreciation for quality, whether it’s the unmistakable roar of a world-class supercar or the elegance of hand-selected marble from a remote Italian quarry. Our passion for excellence, paired with meticulous attention to detail, has consistently shaped our family’s business ethos.
With each new chapter, we’ve embraced innovation. From building and launching the world’s largest Lamborghini showroom – and ultimately becoming the brand’s global sales leader, to being the first developer in Dubai to focus exclusively on high-end commercial properties tailored to the city’s fast-growing business sector, reinvention has been central to our growth.
As Dubai evolved, so did we. We made a strategic pivot into the luxury residential space, responding to rising demand from both local buyers and international investors. This led us to develop in Al Furjan and, most recently, to launch the Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Business Bay, which is the flagship of our portfolio.
With this project, we’re offering a curated lifestyle that combines sophisticated architecture, bespoke services and enduring value for residents. At the heart of everything we do is the desire to create something extraordinary – led by our passion, imagination and commitment to detail.
With the Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai, designed by Carlos Ott, what statement did you want NABNI to make about Emirati-led luxury real estate?
The UAE has established itself as a key market on the global luxury property stage, and by bringing the first standalone Waldorf Astoria Residences outside the US here, NABNI only stands to underline this.
Collaborating with such a storied brand and bringing the project to life with renowned leaders in the realm of design, such as Carlos Ott and HBA, is a statement in itself.
In terms of lifestyle and offerings, the ‘Residences’ will set new standards in luxury living on an international level, with discreet elements of Middle Eastern design incorporated that ground the tower and bring a strong sense of identity.
As third-generation family members begin to join the business, how are you passing on values like mentorship, resilience, and humility while still encouraging innovation?
Generational wisdom has always guided our journey, and the notion of perpetuating our values within our culture. We engage the younger family members through programmes that pair them with leaders who embody our core principles.
Through storytelling, hands-on involvement and open dialogue, we hope to instil resilience and humility as essential traits. We encourage fresh perspectives by fostering an environment where innovation is not only welcomed but expected… Youth bring a new energy, outlook – and most importantly, the courage to challenge the status quo. This balance ensures that our legacy is honoured, even as we continue to evolve.
Dubai’s real estate landscape is changing rapidly. How is NABNI adapting to evolving buyer preferences, particularly in the luxury segment?
With Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Business Bay, we have pushed the boundaries of luxury living – our target audience is HNWIs who appreciate quality and are looking for a certain lifestyle that is seamless. The sleek, sculptural tower features exquisite finishes and contemporary fixtures; every inch exudes quality, refinement and excellence. Residences are beautiful, comfortable, feature advanced smart technology, and are among the largest on the market. Amenities include the world’s highest ‘Golf-in-the‑Sky’ simulator, adult and family pools, spa facilities, yoga and meditation zones, fitness studios, multipurpose gathering areas and the famed Waldorf Peacock Alley lounge. In terms of services, guests can choose from wellness offerings to a 24/7 concierge, housekeeping, secretarial offerings, and so much more. This level of quality, amenities and servicing makes us stand apart.
Sustainability and smart technologies are increasingly important in property development. How is NABNI incorporating these trends into your projects?
Sustainability is at the forefront of all of our developments; for example, Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Business Bay embodies sustainable living through a combination of design, materials, and technology. It features energy-efficient architecture that maximises natural light and ventilation, reducing reliance on artificial cooling and lighting. The structure incorporates sustainable building materials such as recycled steel, low-VOC paints, and FSC-certified wood. In addition, it uses cutting-edge green technology, including greywater recycling systems and high-efficiency insulation to lower overall energy and water consumption. Every detail minimises environmental impact while maximising comfort and luxury. Our design approach integrates with the tower’s natural surroundings, enhancing both environmental health and resident quality of life, contributing to a sustainable future.
Alongside these initiatives, Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Business Bay units are equipped with intelligent home automation systems that give residents control over lighting, climate and appliances to optimise comfort and energy efficiency. Smart sensors and AI-driven monitoring track water and power usage in real time, promoting sustainable habits. Advanced building management systems streamline energy distribution across the tower, while discreet smart access control enhances security.
A standout feature is the AI-powered mobility experience. Our smart lifts are linked to license plate recognition, so when a resident’s vehicle enters, the system detects their arrival and ensures a private elevator is waiting.
What emerging opportunities or challenges do you see for Emirati developers in a post-pandemic, globalised real estate market?
Post-pandemic, we’ve seen both risks and opportunities for Emirati developers: on the positive side, Dubai has solidified itself as a global gateway for investment, attracting HNW clients who are not only in search of a residence but also a lifestyle that offers security, connectivity and world-class facilities. This presents endless opportunities for developers to promote properties, leveraging branded residences, hospitality partnerships and smart, sustainable living solutions that appeal to discerning international buyers. At the same time, the market is becoming more competitive and more astute, which means that developers must balance growth with speed and discipline, keeping quality, design excellence and regulatory compliance in focus to stay ahead. Also, incorporating green solutions and smart tech is no longer a choice; it is becoming an expectation in gaining global investors’ interest.
For Emirati developers, the challenge is to differentiate authentically while staying aligned with Dubai’s broader vision as a forward-looking, globally competitive and cosmopolitan city. In my opinion, those who can combine local insight with international standards will be best positioned to thrive in this new era.
How do you balance honouring your family’s legacy with seizing opportunities in a fast-changing global real estate landscape?
Balancing legacy with the future is always delicate, but it is about staying true to the values that built our strong foundation while embracing change – to ensure we remain relevant in a fast-changing world. Our family’s legacy has always been defined by certain principles, and these guide every decision we make today. At the same time, we recognise that the global real estate market is evolving rapidly, and to succeed, you need to be hugely innovative.
By combining the trust and credibility earned over generations with forward-looking strategies, we ensure our projects are not only rooted in heritage but also designed for the future. It is this dual approach of honouring where we come from whilst seizing new opportunities that allows us to create developments that stand as both tributes to our past and investments in the generations to come.
