Dubai: Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou buys Dh92.5m home on Palm Jumeirah
Five-bedroom branded residence spans more than 11,500 square feet
DUBAI – Dubai’s luxury property market has recorded another high-profile transaction after professional boxer and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou purchased a Dh92.5 million residence at Armani Beach Residences at Palm Jumeirah.
The property, sold by UAE developer Arada, is a five-bedroom residence spanning 11,521 square feet and forms part of the ultra-luxury beachfront development located on Palm Jumeirah, one of Dubai’s most prestigious waterfront addresses. The home includes a private swimming pool and expansive living areas designed to maximise views of the Arabian Gulf.
The purchase highlights the sustained appeal of branded residences in Dubai, particularly those located in prime coastal districts that attract global investors, entrepreneurs and sports personalities seeking exclusive homes in the emirate.
Dubai real estate
According to Arada, the transaction reflects strong demand for trophy properties within Dubai’s premium residential sector, where supply remains limited and international interest continues to grow.
The residence forms part of an exclusive collection of just 57 individually designed homes within Armani Beach Residences. The project combines architectural design, luxury branding and prime location, a combination that developers say has resonated strongly with global buyers.
Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Arada, said the sale demonstrates the confidence international investors continue to place in Dubai’s real estate sector.
“This transaction speaks to the depth of conviction that global buyers have in Dubai's property market – and specifically in what Armani Beach Residences at Palm Jumeirah represents,” he said.
He added that the development stands out globally due to its design credentials and location.
“There is no comparable project anywhere in the world. Tadao Ando’s architectural vision, Armani’s design legacy and Palm Jumeirah’s unmatched position combine to create something that serious buyers recognise immediately.”
Construction on the project is progressing as planned, with completion currently targeted for 2027.
Armani Beach Residences
Armani Beach Residences has been designed by internationally renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the Pritzker Prize-winning designer celebrated for his minimalist concrete structures and integration of architecture with natural surroundings.
The project is being developed in collaboration with Armani Group and Casa Interior Design Studio, bringing together architectural precision with the fashion house’s distinctive design language.
Located along the outer crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the development has been conceived to offer residents unobstructed views across the Arabian Gulf as well as Dubai’s skyline.
In addition to its residences, the development will include around 90,000 square feet of amenities. These are expected to feature wellness facilities, leisure areas and landscaped spaces designed to complement the waterfront setting.
Ngannou said the project immediately stood out when he learned about its concept and design.
“When I visited the project and understood the vision behind Armani Beach Residences at Palm Jumeirah, I immediately saw how special it is,” he said.
“Dubai continues to attract people from all over the world because it combines ambition, stability and opportunity. Investing here felt like the right decision, and I believe strongly in the city’s future.”
Global buyers
The purchase also illustrates the growing presence of international athletes and high-profile figures within Dubai’s luxury property market, where branded residences have emerged as a key segment attracting overseas capital.
Ngannou was represented in the transaction by Majida Housni, Chief Executive Officer of global luxury concierge platform The Ledger Concierge and a luxury real estate adviser operating under eXp Realty.
Her international network of clients includes entrepreneurs, sports professionals and high-net-worth individuals seeking premium property opportunities across major global cities.
Dubai has increasingly become a focal point for such investors due to its tax advantages, stable regulatory environment and rapidly expanding luxury real estate inventory.
Projects such as Armani Beach Residences have become emblematic of the emirate’s strategy to position itself as a global hub for high-end residential living. Combining waterfront locations, architectural distinction and international luxury brands, these developments continue to attract buyers looking for both lifestyle appeal and long-term asset value.
Arada, established in 2017 and headquartered in the UAE, has rapidly expanded its footprint in the property sector. The master developer has launched 11 projects across the UAE and has also entered international markets including the United Kingdom and Australia.
Beyond property development, the company operates across sectors including retail, education, healthcare, wellness, hospitality and lifestyle experiences. Its portfolio also includes gyms, food and beverage concepts, retail assets and visitor destinations designed to support integrated community development.