Real estate experts: How Muraba Veil redefines the market

As Dubai continues to redefine itself—not just as a place to visit, but as a place to stay—the kind of architecture it champions will increasingly reflect the values of those who call it home. Muraba Veil, with its sculptural quietude and ecological intelligence, might just be the new blueprint.

Muraba Veil isn’t the kind of project that comes around often in Dubai. Rising from the skyline with understated confidence, it’s not selling opulence for its own sake, rather it reveals a kind of architectural purity—where the building itself behaves more like a sculpture than a conventional residential tower. Set at the junction of Dubai Water Canal and Sheikh Zayed Road, the 72-storey development is currently under construction but already has an aura of quiet exclusivity.

Unlike the bulk of the region’s high-end real estate—which often rests on scale, spectacle, and sheer square footage—Muraba Veil proposes something different: simplicity. Dubai is a city known for maximalism in its aesthetics and way of living, but Muraba Veil represents a new type of home and new customer demands. The veil, a moveable stainless mesh envelope, that wraps the tower draws from traditional Mashrabiya latticework, acting as both a shading device and a visual metaphor for the kind of layered privacy the building offers. Each home spans the entire depth of the tower, affording double-aspect light and views—a striking architectural move that speaks to the design team’s intentionality.

To get a clearer picture of what this project means—not just for Dubai’s ever-evolving urban texture, but for the kind of client it’s attracting—we sat down with two leading figures in the UAE real estate landscape: Petri Mannila, Head of Prime Residential at Knight Frank MENA, and Sam McCone, Managing Partner at McCone Properties. Their perspectives, grounded in data and client relationships, frame Muraba Veil as not only a bold experiment in design, but a real market litmus test for what the next era of luxury living might look like in the Gulf.

Petri Mannila, Head of Prime Residential, Knight Frank MENA

LUXHABITAT: Tell us a bit about yourself and your work with UAE real estate.

Petri Mannila: I’m not your typical real estate leader—I began my career as a fighter pilot and race car driver. I’ve carried that same discipline, precision, and high-performance mindset into the world of luxury real estate. With over 20 years of experience in high-end markets, I’ve built a strong track record of record-breaking sales. Today, as Partner and Head of Prime Residential, UAE at Knight Frank MENA, I lead our efforts to define the next chapter of ultra-prime living in the region.

LUXHABITAT: What initially drew you to Muraba Veil?

Petri Mannila: I’ve been fortunate to work across some of the world’s most iconic property markets, but Muraba Veil immediately stood out. It wasn’t just the architecture—though that’s a huge part of it—it was the ethos behind the project. There’s a clarity to the vision. I was the first person to sell a unit in the building, and I did so with full confidence that this project was going to resonate with a very specific type of buyer: one who values design, discretion, and depth.

LUXHABITAT: How would you describe the shift in buyer preferences in the UAE today?

Petri Mannila: There’s a definitive evolution happening. The ultra-prime segment isn’t just about marble finishes and sky-high amenities anymore. Clients—especially the globally mobile, design-literate ones—are increasingly interested in architecture that offers a sense of place, wellbeing, and sustainability. They’re asking about orientation, passive cooling, and walkability. Muraba Veil taps into all of that. It’s not trying to be loud. It’s quiet, considered, and that’s exactly what makes it powerful.

LUXHABITAT: What’s one architectural detail that stands out to you personally?

Petri Mannila: It’s the Veil itself. Functionally, it’s brilliant: it reduces heat gain, enhances privacy, and gives the building a tactile, almost textile quality. But it also roots the project in a cultural context. This isn’t simply imported minimalism—it’s deeply tied to the regional vernacular. For me, it embodies how form can meet function in a way that’s poetic.

LUXHABITAT: And from a sustainability standpoint?

Petri Mannila: There’s a lot to talk about. The project incorporates passive design elements that significantly reduce cooling loads. The mesh façade allows for natural light without the heat. Native landscaping reduces irrigation needs. Even the spatial layout promotes natural cross-ventilation. In a city like Dubai, where sustainability is a key consideration Muraba Veil offers genuine advancements and solutions.

LUXHABITAT: What kind of client is Muraba Veil speaking to?

Petri Mannila: They’re not your average luxury buyer. These are individuals—often creatives, entrepreneurs, and global citizens—who’ve lived in major cities and understand the nuances of architectural living. They’re looking for integrity, not just opulence. They care about where things are made, how materials age, and what kind of legacy they’re buying into. Muraba Veil is tailored to them in every way.

Sam McCone, Managing Partner, McCone Properties

LUXHABITAT: You’ve been in Dubai since 1991. How does Muraba Veil fit into the broader story of the city’s development?

Sam McCone: It’s a fascinating counterpoint. For decades, Dubai’s growth was synonymous with scale—mega projects, tall towers, and bold statements. But over the past five years, and especially since the pandemic, we’ve seen a shift. The clientele has changed. They’re more refined, more international, and more focused on experience over spectacle. Muraba Veil captures that perfectly.

LUXHABITAT: What was your first reaction to the project?

Sam McCone: Honestly, I was stunned by the detail. From the way floor plans are laid out to optimise light and privacy, to the thought given to façade maintenance—it’s clear this isn’t just another branded residence. It’s a passion project - and those are rare!

LUXHABITAT: How are your clients responding to it?

Sam McCone: There’s a level of emotional resonance that you don’t often see. People walk through the space—or even just see the renders—and feel that it’s different. It’s not trying to compete on flash, it’s aiming for longevity. The idea of a "villa in the sky" really resonates. You’re getting panoramic views without compromising on interior space or tranquillity.

LUXHABITAT: Talk to us about the sustainability features from a user standpoint.

Sam McCone: The Veil acts as a second skin. It softens light, reduces solar exposure, and brings down cooling needs dramatically. Deep overhangs and shaded terraces mean outdoor spaces are actually usable year-round. That’s a game-changer here. And every apartment benefits from cross-ventilation, which is surprisingly rare in this market. It’s a building that’s been designed to be lived in—not just photographed.

LUXHABITAT: What kind of buyers are choosing Muraba Veil?

Sam McCone: Our clients are ultra-high-net-worth individuals who’ve likely owned multiple properties around the world. They’re not new to luxury, but they are looking for something with soul. These are people who might be collecting art, who travel for architecture, and who care about quality and craftsmanship. What they want is clarity, not clutter. Muraba Veil gives them that—a refined home that reflects their sensibility.

LUXHABITAT: Do you think this project is shifting the market?

Sam McCone: Absolutely. It’s raising the bar. When developers see a project like this succeed—and it will—they’ll start thinking differently. They’ll realize there’s an appetite for fewer units, better materials, and smarter design. This isn’t about square meterage, it’s about quality of space. And in that sense, Muraba Veil isn’t just a building—it’s a benchmark.