Al Ghurair appoints Neri&Hu to design new residential project in Dubai

Dubai, UAE: Al Ghurair Development, the freehold real estate arm of Al Ghurair, has appointed internationally acclaimed Neri&Hu Design and Research Office as the lead architect for its upcoming residential development in Wadi Al Safa 3, near Al Barari and The Wilds.

The appointment marks Neri&Hu’s first residential project in the UAE and underscores Al Ghurair Development’s commitment to collaborating with globally recognised architects to deliver thoughtfully designed, future-focused living environments.

Founded in 2006 by Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu, Neri&Hu is an interdisciplinary design practice headquartered in Shanghai, known for its work across architecture, interiors, product and graphic design. The firm has received multiple international accolades, including the Frame Lifetime Achievement Award (2021), Architizer A+ Awards Firm of the Year (2023), and the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award in Architecture (2025).

Their design philosophy centres on contextual architecture, drawing from cultural, historical and environmental influences to create spaces that resonate with their surroundings. The studio’s approach, described as “restorative nostalgia,” focuses on creating contemporary environments that evoke familiarity and meaning without direct historical imitation.

Sultan Al Ghurair, CEO of Al Ghurair Development, said:

Our search for the right architect for this project was guided by a very simple principle. We wanted someone whose work is driven by meaning. Neri&Hu have built their practice around the idea that architecture should connect people to place, to memory, and to each other. That philosophy aligns with what we are aiming to build at Al Ghurair Development, where homes are designed with purpose and planned to create long-term value for its residents and for the city. Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu bring a perspective that is truly global, and we are proud to be the ones to bring their work to the UAE for the first time.

Designing for contemporary urban living

The upcoming project will feature a residential tower complemented by dedicated amenity spaces, parking and ground-level retail. While the full concept remains under development, the design will reflect Neri&Hu’s signature approach, exploring material contrasts, layered textures and spatial depth.

Residences will be designed to create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living, with a strong emphasis on how residents interact with their environment. The overall architectural vision aims to establish a distinctive identity within the neighbourhood, while prioritising functionality, comfort and long-term usability.

Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu, Founding Partners of Neri&Hu Design and Research Office, said:

We have always believed that design must be of its time, its place, and its culture, which becomes significant in its own way. Dubai, a city in constant reinvention, offers not only a challenge but an extraordinary opportunity. Our process begins with the specifics: a deep understanding of the culture, the quality of light, the texture of materials, and the quiet rhythms of how people live, inhabit, and move through space. These elements guide us, shaping an architecture that feels as though it has always belonged. And woven into that is an equal commitment to permanence: creating something that is built to last, not just physically but in meaning. Al Ghurair Development shares this vision, and together, we hope to build something that endures.

Expanding a premium residential portfolio

The Wadi Al Safa 3 project forms part of Al Ghurair Development’s growing portfolio of high-end residential developments. Current projects include The Weave in Jumeirah Village Circle, designed in collaboration with Australian architect Joe Adsett and currently under construction, as well as Wedyan on Dubai Canal, designed by Kengo Kuma under the Al Ghurair Collection super-prime brand.

Additional developments are also planned in Dubai South and within a masterplan in Al Jaddaf, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to shaping Dubai’s evolving urban landscape.

Guided by its purpose of delivering design-led, enduring communities, Al Ghurair Development continues to focus on creating residential spaces that contribute meaningfully to the city’s architectural identity and long-term growth.