Families and investors move into Dubai’s first LEED Platinum certified neighbourhood
DAMAC Lagoons welcomes first residents as Santorini Cluster comes to life
DUBAI – In a landmark moment for Dubai’s real estate landscape, DAMAC Properties has begun handing over homes in its flagship sustainable community, DAMAC Lagoons, marking the start of life at the UAE’s first certified LEED Platinum residential neighbourhood.
The initial handovers were completed at the Santorini cluster, welcoming homeowners and signalling the transformation of the low-rise Mediterranean-inspired development into a thriving lived-in community.
Located beside DAMAC Hills in Dubailand, the master development spans 4.5 million sq. m and is designed to accommodate around 35,000 residents, positioning itself as one of Dubai’s most ambitious community projects.
The handover signifies what the developer described as a significant milestone in its design, engineering and sustainability objectives. According to Amira Sajwani, Managing Director at DAMAC Properties, the delivery of Santorini homes reflects both investor confidence and a growing appetite for environmentally conscious residential planning. She noted that the project demonstrates how a community focused on wellbeing, sustainability and smart design can deliver strong long-term returns.
DAMAC Lagoons
DAMAC Lagoons aims to establish one of the UAE’s lowest per capita carbon footprints, incorporating passive building concepts, nature integration and advanced resource conservation. The master plan features over 8,000 villas and townhouses across 11 clusters, themed after iconic Mediterranean destinations including Malta, Venice, Morocco, Portofino, Costa Brava, Marbella, Mykonos, Nice, Ibiza and Monte Carlo.
The community prioritises walkability with pedestrian-friendly streets, lagoon promenades, abundant green spaces and amenities designed to support an active and environmentally aware lifestyle.
The development utilises carbon-neutral construction materials, recycled and locally sourced resources and dark sky-compliant lighting to minimise light pollution. Key sustainability outcomes include 40% energy savings through high-performance systems, net-zero public outdoor water consumption, more than 50% water savings on private plots, real-time air quality monitoring and diversion of over 75% of construction and operational waste through circularity strategies.
Lifestyle appeal
For residents, the Santorini handover represents both lifestyle transformation and strong financial growth. One of the first families to move in, led by homeowner Mohammad Tahseen, saw the value of their property double over four years, rising from Dh1.6 million to a current valuation of Dh3.2 million. He highlighted community access to GEMS Founders School, nearby nursery facilities, Saudi German Clinic, DAMAC Mall and the Radisson Blu hotel, noting its attractive dining and leisure offerings.
Another set of residents, Prerna and Nihar Desai, described DAMAC Lagoons as a “resort-like experience” within Dubai, pointing to the scale of planned sports, retail and lifestyle facilities. Ahmad Maarouf, a portfolio investor and owner of seven units, cited quality, community positioning and long-term potential among the project’s primary advantages, reinforcing the appeal for both end-users and investors.
Community experience
Designed from the ground up around the customer experience, the community blends privacy with connection, offering spaces that feel like an ongoing holiday while remaining practical for everyday living. Lagoon-front living, promenades, themed clusters and social spaces are complemented by environmental efficiency. DAMAC Properties recently unveiled its Sales and Client Experience Centre at DAMAC Lagoons, built as an immersive venue rather than a conventional sales hub.
As more clusters prepare for completion, the community continues its transition from blueprint to reality, welcoming families, investors and new residents committed to a lifestyle centred around sustainability, comfort and Mediterranean calm.
DAMAC Properties
Since its founding in 2002, DAMAC Properties has delivered more than 50,000 homes across the Middle East, Europe, North America and Asia, with over 54,000 in planning and development.
The company has collaborated with fashion and lifestyle brands including Versace, Roberto Cavalli and de GRISOGONO, reinforcing its position as a global innovator in luxury real estate experiences.