Q. DHG has over three decades of experience in real estate and construction across Switzerland, which is your home market. How did this legacy pave the way for your expansion into the UAE?
BA: DHG was founded in Switzerland in 1994. During more than three decades of operation, we have delivered over 300 projects spanning 2.5 million square meters, and grown into a vertically integrated group with five business divisions: real estate development, construction, real estate management, facility management, and hospitality. For us, each project is more than just delivering a property — it’s about building trust, shaping communities, and strengthening the reputation for Swiss quality and reliability we are known for.
From this strong foundation, international expansion was a natural next step. We established DHG Properties in Dubai, choosing the UAE as one of the most globally attractive real estate markets. We were inspired by how Dubai’s ambition mirrors our own. It is a city that does not settle for “good enough”, and neither do we.
We entered this market with a long-term perspective, just as we have built our business in Europe. From the very beginning, we approached it with a portfolio strategy. Within our first year, we reached AED 1 billion in gross development value with projects in Jumeirah Village Circle, Meydan Horizon, and Dubai Islands.
Q. DHG Properties has a rich Swiss heritage, known globally for precision, quality, and integrity. How do these values differentiate your approach from other developers, and how are you applying them in a dynamic and highly competitive property market like Dubai?
BA: Our Swiss heritage is not just part of our history — it defines how we operate. Precision is reflected in every detail, from design and construction to the final finishing touches. Quality is achieved through durable materials and building practices that stand the test of time. And integrity means we deliver on our promises, without compromise.
Bringing these values to Dubai’s ambitious, fast-moving real estate market gives us a distinct competitive edge. Staying true to our mission of delivering Swiss standards is how we’ve succeeded here — by consistently offering more value to our clients. Swiss specialists oversee every stage of our projects to ensure our standards remain uncompromised, while we simultaneously embrace the scale, innovation, and energy that define Dubai. This combination allows us to create developments that embody the best of both worlds — the reliability and expertise of Switzerland, and the contemporary design and lifestyle of Dubai.
Q. In the UAE market you are focused on premium developments for elevated living – offering luxury look and feel at the best value. How do you translate the concept of ‘affordable luxury’ into your projects?
BA: Dubai has a very diverse real estate landscape, ranging from affordable to ultra-luxury properties. We believe the most meaningful positioning for DHG lies in the upper-mid to high-end segment. It is a space where we can deliver homes that feel luxurious while also being smart investments with long-term sustainable value.
In practice, this means our developments feature top-quality construction, premium materials and finishes, spacious, functional layouts, and modern interiors enhanced with integrated smart-home systems. Each project is complemented by a rich mix of lifestyle amenities, creating a well-rounded living experience that combines comfort, design, and practicality.
That is why we have created our own residential brand Helvetia, named after the ancient Latin word for Switzerland. With Helvetia we wanted to express that each of our apartments, no matter the location, carries these signature features, delivering both lasting value and everyday enjoyment.
Equally important, we always select prime locations. All three of our current projects are strategically positioned in Dubai’s most promising areas, offering strong connectivity, growth potential, and lifestyle appeal. Whether it is JVC, Meydan Horizon, or Dubai Islands, our Helvetia developments deliver excellence and elevated living everywhere.
Q. Helvetia Residences, your inaugural project in Dubai, has already reached several major milestones. How would you assess its construction progress and the market response so far?
BA: Helvetia Residences is our first development in Dubai, and it has already become a landmark in JVC, with a built-up area of 73,000 square metres featuring 430 premium apartments. In September we completed the entire 25-floor vertical structure, which is an exceptional achievement accomplished in just 12 months, while maintaining Swiss quality throughout the construction.
Interior works are progressing rapidly, and we remain fully on track for handover in the second quarter of next year. We are also finalizing a range of top-class amenities, including a 30-metre-long pool, a rooftop padel court, and a state-of-the-art gym and fitness.
The market response has been overwhelmingly positive. We have already sold 95% of residences, which is a strong validation of our concept. JVC continues to rank among Dubai’s most desirable residential destinations, known for its vibrant community and high rental returns. Combined with our distinctive Swiss quality, these factors have driven an outstanding sales performance and positioned Helvetia Residences as one of the standout success stories in the area.
Q. You recently announced the launch of your second project in Meydan Horizon. Can you tell us more about it?
BA: Our second project in Dubai, Helvetia Verde, was officially launched on 15 October. This AED 300 million high-rise development features 108 elegant apartments and marks our debut in Meydan Horizon, one of the city’s most visionary upcoming districts.
We believe Meydan Horizon truly brings the live-work-play concept to life. It is designed as a vibrant community where living, business, and leisure come together, setting a new benchmark for the future of urban living. One of its strongest advantages is the combination of excellent connectivity, including the new metro line, with tranquil surroundings such as the blue lagoon, landscaped promenades, parks, and the nearby Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
Within this exceptional master plan, we have secured a prime location for Helvetia Verde. The interest during the pre-launch phase has been tremendous, and with over 50% of units already sold, the development stands out both for its location and, the signature features that define every Helvetia project.
Q. You’ve also mentioned DHG Properties’ upcoming third project on Dubai Islands. What details can you share about this development at this stage?
BA: Acquiring a land plot on Dubai Islands marks another strategic step in our growth plans. Our third project, valued at AED 260 million, will be located on this new exclusive waterfront destination, offering world-class facilities, 20 kilometers of sandy beaches, and easy access to every part of Dubai.
Our development will embody quiet luxury, inspired by contemporary yacht living. Its official launch will follow just weeks after unveiling our Meydan Horizon project. Then we will reveal the exquisite exterior and interior design in full detail.
Q. What’s next for DHG Properties in the UAE? As CEO, what are your strategic priorities in the international expansion?
BA: Our mission is to deliver properties that embody Swiss quality and precision, while aligning with Dubai’s vision for urban innovation. We are here to create developments that families are proud to call home, and that investors recognize as valuable assets. Just as we built a legacy in Switzerland, we are committed to building one here in the UAE.
Looking ahead, my main priorities as the CEO are: expanding our Dubai portfolio in a strategic way, exploring investment opportunities across other emirates, upholding absolute quality in every development, and strengthening long-term trust with investors and end-users alike.
DHG Properties expansion is disciplined and every decision we make reflects our Swiss DNA. That is the only way to create a legacy abroad that is as strong as the one we have built at home.
