When one of the world’s most celebrated architects takes on their first project in a new city, it tends to be worth paying attention. Kengo Kuma, the Japanese master behind Tokyo’s National Stadium and numerous cultural landmarks, has chosen Dubai for his UAE debut, and the result is Wedyan, a 46-storey waterfront residence rising along Dubai Canal.
The project marks the launch of Al Ghurair Collection, the super-prime residential arm of Al Ghurair Development. It arrives at an interesting moment. While much of Dubai’s luxury market has gravitated towards branded residences, this collaboration takes a different path, pairing a developer with a six-decade track record in the city directly with an architect known for his distinctive philosophy of harmonising buildings with nature.
Kuma’s approach here draws on the movement of water and sand. The façade features a layered, textured profile that echoes the rhythm of desert valleys (Wedyan translates as ‘valleys’ in Arabic), creating the kind of cascading shadows and reflections that have become something of a signature in his work. “Our purpose is to bring softness to the design and to create quietness,” Kuma explained. “Collaborating with Al Ghurair has been exciting. They understand the value of design.”
The 149 residences range from three to five bedrooms, with two full-floor penthouses and a three-storey sky villa at the top. Several features stand out for their specificity. Select residences include standalone pavilions inspired by Japanese teahouses, positioned on generous balconies, and designed for flexible use, whether as a morning meditation space, a private yoga studio, or even a recording room. For art collectors, there is specialised glazing throughout that protects works from Dubai’s intense UV exposure, alongside extra-large elevators engineered to transport sculptures, antiques, and oversized pieces directly into homes.
Gustafson Porter + Bowman oversaw the landscaping, integrating greenery and water features across every level. Deep-planted terraces create private gardens in the sky, with species chosen for resilience in Dubai’s climate, from Bismarck palms to trailing ice plants.
The amenity offering spans more than 65,000 square feet across distinct levels. Below ground, a humidity and temperature-controlled car stacker. On levels two and three, spaces for active living and entertaining. A wellness floor on level 17 includes private treatment rooms where residents can bring their own therapists, a reformer Pilates studio, boxing facilities, and a podcast room. A private meeting space occupies the 36th floor.
Located within minutes of Business Bay, Jumeirah, and Downtown Dubai, Wedyan positions itself at the centre of the city’s business, cultural and retail districts, with Dubai International Airport roughly 20 minutes away.
Information
Al Ghurair Collection is the super-prime portfolio of Al Ghurair Development, part of the Al Ghurair group, one of the Middle East’s most established family businesses. Founded in Dubai in 1960, Al Ghurair has contributed to major milestones in the city’s development. Wedyan is the Collection’s debut project.
Contact Details
Website: alghuraircollection.com
