Hoda Baalbaki’s artwork.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Al Bait Al Duwaliy Real Estate Development, an award-winning property developer in Dubai, has announced the launch of an anniversary art exhibition, Al Noon Collection, located in the gallery at Al Noon Residence of the developer. The exhibition, curated by Al Bait Al Duwaliy, also marks the 10th  anniversary of Al Noon Residence.

“It features over 40 modern artworks to celebrate a decade of commitment to arts and architecture,” says the company. The collection features artworks by top Emirati artist, Dr. Najat Makki, whose compositions have been exhibited internationally and extensively.

Since 2014, the in-house gallery at Al Noon Residence has offered a platform for established and emerging artists from the region. Initially launched by International House (a company brand) as the UAE’s first art-inspired boutique hotel, Al Noon Residence is the first building in the Middle East to combine modern Arab art with contemporary architecture. Internationally acclaimed artists Dr. Najat Makki (UAE), Ali Hassan (Qatar) and Khaled Ben Slimane (Tunisia), each designed four floors of Al Noon Residence, when the property was launched. The design process for Al Noon Residence also encouraged collaborative efforts and idea generation among the artists, in an accompanying plus.

Ben Slimane spent a month creating the artwork in the apartments. Hassan’s custom artwork for the lobby had to be created on-site due to its dimensions. All the artworks were made specifically for Al Noon Residence, to suit the building design and raise a mood. The three artists also worked together to design the common areas of the building. “Al Bait Al Duwaliy collaborates with renowned local and regional artists to incorporate artistic and cultural elements in its projects,” says the real estate major.

 A composition by Khaled Ben Slimane.

“Al Noon Residence integrates artworks and interior design by pioneering, award-winning artists from the region. To celebrate this creative achievement, works by renowned artists Michel El Mir and Hoda Baalbaki from Lebanon, will also be on display in the retrospective collection, with paintings that include motifs from Dubai. The artworks comprise a wide selection of contemporary and abstract oil paintings, as well as calligraphic works.”

Rasha Almutawa, Executive Director of Al Bait Al Duwaliy, said: “We are very pleased to celebrate this important milestone with an exhibition that not only showcases our journey, but also envisions the future of art and modern architecture in Dubai. We are passionate about exploring the intersection of art and design in our real estate projects and hope this exhibition will inspire and foster a deeper appreciation for Arab art.” The exhibition runs from September 29 to October 31 at Al Noon Residence Gallery, located in Al Barsha 1, Dubai, open daily 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is free.

Al Bait Al Duwaliy is part of the International House for Real Estate Project Management. Established in 1998, the developer is known for Al Noon Residence, Heritage Building and Alef Noon Residence, as well as commercial projects in Nad Al Hamar and 93-94 Avenues. Alef Noon Residence is a 16-storey tower in Dubai, located in Jumeirah Village Circle, a much sought-after area in the heart of Dubai. It combines classic and contemporary architecture. 93-94 Avenues is a premier commercial project with easy access to the Dubai International Airport, Business Bay, Mall of Emirates, and a metro station, with nearby attractions such as the Butterfly Garden, Ski Dubai and Wild Wadi. Al Noon Residence is a luxurious residential project in Al Barsha, Dubai. The Heritage Building is a blend of residential and commercial spaces, also in Al Barsha. Nad Al Hamar is a peaceful, serene community in Dubai, balancing urban convenience and natural beauty. It is near Dubai International Airport, Business Bay, Mirdiff, Mirdiff City Center, International City, and Dubai Festival City.

Turkish developer Number One Property delineates the organic link between real estate and art. “The real estate market,” it says, “has recently witnessed a burgeoning trend that blends fine art with luxury property development. This fusion, known as the intersection of art and real estate, is not merely about hanging paintings on the walls of a luxury condo. Instead, it involves strategically incorporating art to enhance property values, create meaningful connections, and transform spaces into culturally enriched environments.”

Uprise Art, an online art space, says that “from lobby murals and outdoor sculpture, to sophisticated pieces for private dining rooms and amenities spaces, artwork brings warmth and personality to residential projects.” Art + Artisans Consulting notes that “art has the power to transform both the energy and value of a space. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, the presence of creative and refreshing art is strongly linked to better performance in real estate sales.

“… Art has become an integral piece of the luxury buying experience. What was once considered a nice-to-have is now a must-have for buyers and developers. Prospective buyers want to feel connected to the spaces where they live, work, and play. Art has proved itself to be a successful way to establish that connection ... and increase the value of real estate properties.” The Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, has a similar history to that of Al Bait Al Duwaliy. It was founded by Japanese real estate developer, Minoru Mori, to display contemporary art and art from the Asia Pacific region. Mori Art Museum, says Wikipedia, was founded on Mori’s belief that “culture shapes a city’s identity”. It offers works that cater “from children to older adults, and from locals to international visitors.”