In a major development that experts say “raises the bar” for property and real estate in the Middle East region, Galadari Investment Office (GIO) today announced an exclusive collaboration with YOO (A Philippe Starck and John Hitchcox owned design company) to develop residential properties in Dubai.
For the first step of this audacious association, Yoo will provide complete concept design for the interiors of G-Tower, GIO’s premium residential development. Philippe Starck, arguably one of the world’s most famous living designers, will design all the apartments, amenity spaces and pool area in the tower.
The G-Tower and YOO by Starck is the first branded residential tower in the region and will enable Dubai to join the elite minority of international cities that boast Yoo-designed properties, including London, Sydney, Buenos Aries, Hong Kong, New York, Toronto, Copenhagen and Miami.
Rashid A W Galadari, Chairman of GIO, elaborated on the reasoning behind the partnership: “GIO aims to redefine the very concept of luxury in the Middle East, offering people access to a level of style and elegance previously unheard of. Teaming up exclusively with the likes of Philippe Starck and John Hitchcox is an illustration of our commitment to that objective.”
As a property investment management company, which is looking to push the real estate market in new directions, GIO recognises the international cachet that a name like YOO by Starck brings to a real estate project.
“Too many companies are trying to differentiate their properties through gimmicks and giveaways, and are not able to demonstrate the core value and beauty that investors are looking for when they buy a home,” said Galadari.
“Without doubt the only truly ‘branded’ residential tower in the market today, the G-Tower will be a combination of revolutionary exterior architecture by Alex Vacha and exquisitely executed interior design, underscored by the genius of Starck – it will stand out in the Dubai market against any other property,” he added.
YOO is a design and development company enhancing the quality and adding value to development projects in major towns and cities across the world. It is a collaboration of ideas: the experience of the world’s most celebrated designer, Philippe Starck, matched with the vision of international developer, John Hitchcox. Projects are designed and marketed in partnership with development partners and investors.
“What is amazing about the Middle East real estate and property market is that in just a short span of time it has transformed into a thriving kaleidoscope of design, décor and grandeur, catering to a discerning and well-informed consumer who won’t settle for anything but the best. For a design-orientated, internationally recognised company like ours this is an exciting partnership,” said John Hitchcox, Chairman of YOO.
In addition to Philippe Starck, YOO’s creative team also includes Jade Jagger, who is also creative director for royal jewellers Garrard.
“Our collaboration with YOO to create the region’s first and only branded residential tower is another step towards GIO keeping its promise of being the difference between standard and exceptional. This agreement literally opens a new chapter in the ongoing saga of Dubai’s construction boom,” concluded Ziad Barakat, Managing Director, GIO.
The Galadari Investment Office (GIO) is the luxury real estate development subsidiary of GALVEST, the personal holding group of Rashid Abdul Wahab Galadari. Following the entrepreneurial lineage of the Galadari Group, Rashid Galadari established GALVEST to diversify and grow his portfolio of businesses.
GALVEST is the latest venture of the renowned Galadari Group, a family-owned business based in Dubai, UAE. Established more than 100 years ago, the Galadari Group has remained in synch with emerging economic trends and opportunities and managed to evolve into one of the region’s most prominent commercial groups. Its activities range from having built 5-star hotels in Dubai - such as the Hyatt Regency - in 1979, to having high profile consumer brands sold through retail outlets. GALVEST is active in industries including automotive, media, and hospitality, and is aggressively pursuing global investment opportunities.
GIO’s portfolio ranges from residential property management to property investment leasing, sales, land and property acquisition and development. Established in 2005, GIO aims to transform the property landscape in the region by developing a series of projects that transcend the norm and break conventional barriers. GIO wants to be recognised as a truly international property brand that delivers world-class service to a rapidly growing market.
GIO’s advent into the market is an indication of the Galadari Groups’ vivid foresight and planned response to changing market conditions and shifting consumer needs.
The flagship project currently under development is the G-Tower, a 280m high, 45-storey Onyx tribute to opulent living in ultimate luxury.
About Yoo
YOO is a design-focused property development company led by dynamic personalities: Philippe Starck and John Hitchcox. Starck, the most celebrated and commercially successful designer in the world, brings to YOO an approach that is about thinking, designing and better living while Hitchcox, one of Europe’s most innovative design-based property developers, brings unparalleled knowledge to YOO’s collaborations. Recently Hitchcox and Starck have joined forces with Jade Jagger to create "Jade Jagger for YOO," an exciting new concept in residential property design and development. As creative director and concept designer, Jagger collaborates closely with YOO's Hitchcox and Starck, and with her long-term business partner, designer Tom Bartlett.
More than just a design blueprint for the new “design” way of living, YOO has become a byword for the best in individual contemporary design, with a firm grasp of the new and innovative, bringing quality design to residential projects. YOO has many completed developments and is currently working on projects all over the world, including Australia, Asia, Europe, North and South America and the Middle East. Projects have been pre-sold at faster rates and higher values, proving the appetite and appreciation for good quality design and lifestyle oriented developments. For more information, please visit www.yooarehere.com.
