Arada has unveiled Akala, the world’s first precision wellness destination and a pioneering new global hospitality and branded residences concept. From an ancient Sanskrit word meaning ‘beyond time’, Akala uses future-facing design and technology and a weightless service model to help its residents, visitors and members unlock their full wellness potential.

The brand’s first and flagship location, Akala Hotel & Residences, which contains 534 branded residences, is ideally located between Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Downtown Dubai. Comprising two 220-metre-tall towers, the design of Akala features an architectural journey of compression and release, with signature elements flowing directly into a shared podium housing best-in-class spa, fitness, and clinical wellness facilities.

Sales at the AED5 billion development commence on Saturday 31 May with a two-day event taking place at Dubai’s Museum of the Future. Every home – ranging from one-bedroom apartments to the showstopping two-level penthouse The Observatory, which offers panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa – offers a lifestyle underpinned by a combination of advanced medical diagnostics, performance-driven therapies and seamless, intuitive hospitality, resulting in a unique, weightless experience.

Featuring LEED Gold and WELL Silver precertification, construction on Akala is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2029.

HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, Executive Vice Chairman of Arada, said: “With Akala, we are creating a sanctuary that reflects how people want to live today, where peak health, personal performance, and rest are all part of the same experience. With an array of wellness facilities and services that is unmatched anywhere in the world, Akala is designed for the next generation of global citizens who want to live better, happier and longer.”

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said: “Akala represents the convergence of two powerful global shifts – the rise of wellness as a central life pursuit, and the demand for service-led, lifestyle-driven residential experiences. Dubai is the perfect place to launch this concept, and we’re proud to introduce a new kind of brand from the region to the world.”

Each residence at Akala has been meticulously designed to support physical, emotional, and environmental wellbeing. From advanced air and water purification systems to individually zoned climate control and circadian lighting, every detail enhances health and comfort. Materials and furnishings are selected for their natural, sustainable qualities, while integrated smart technology allows residents to personalise their environment with ease. Wellness-enhancing upgrades, including organic sleep systems, EMF-conscious design elements, and acoustic optimisation, combine to create a luxury home that actively supports longevity, focus, and rest.

Life at Akala is backed by the world’s most comprehensive wellness ecosystem. Facilities include a high-performance fitness club equipped with state-of-the-art strength and cardio equipment, private training pods, an indoor lap pool, and dedicated studios for cycling and group exercise.

Complementing this is the Akala Spa, a full-service hydrothermal and treatment facility featuring saunas, hammams, thalassotherapy pools, and VIP suites, anchored by a comprehensive luxury thermal circuit. The wellness experience extends into dedicated Wellness Studios for movement, recovery, and mindfulness practices, with spaces crafted to promote restoration, balance, and emotional wellbeing.

Everwell’s state-of-the-art medical wellness clinic provides discreet, boutique healthcare services with a focus on diagnostics, preventative care, and personalised treatments, including proprietary stem cell therapies.

Akala also features curated organic dining, a striking L-shaped pool, elegant social spaces and a range of residents-only amenities including gym, spa and private cinema.

Akala also offers an extensive range of services and amenities that extend the wellness experience far beyond the home. A dedicated lifestyle and wellness concierge delivers seamless, personalised support – from daily housekeeping and in-home spa treatments to curated dining, fitness and recovery programs. Residents benefit from intuitive hospitality and specialist services such as family support, companion care, and event planning.

Akala is designed not only as a destination but also as a community: a members’ club with a global footprint, giving residents and guests access to exclusive wellness programming, content, and experiences across its future locations worldwide.

Following its debut in Dubai, Akala is set to expand to major international hubs, with plans under development for properties elsewhere in the Middle East, Europe and Australia. Future locations will continue the brand’s mission to deliver precision wellness, with each project curated to its environment and culture.

Premium health club FITCODE is set to elevate the UAE’s fitness landscape once again with the launch of FITCODE Q-East – the brand’s third gym in Dubai – by the end of 2025. Spanning 2,350 sq. ft., this premium fitness facility in the up-and-coming Al Quoz district is designed to push the boundaries of performance, recovery and innovation, offering a world-class environment for fitness individuals.

As an official HYROX Training Center, FITCODE Q-East provides members with specialized programming, expert coaching and priority access to HYROX competitions. With a dedicated space for endurance, strength and agility training, Q-East is set to become a go-to hub for competitive athletes and high-performance fitness seekers.

Expanding its diverse offering, FITCODE Q-East will introduce a Megaformer studio, bringing a new dimension to strength and core training. This highly effective, low-impact yet high-intensity method enhances stability, endurance and muscle control – complementing FITCODE’s existing boutique studio lineup, which includes Cycle, HIIT and MINDBODY classes.

Beyond performance, FITCODE Q-East prioritizes recovery featuring cold plunge therapy to reduce muscle inflammation, massage services for deep tissue recovery, an infrared salt sauna to promote relaxation and detoxification and a steam room to enhance circulation and muscle recovery. Every element is designed to support members in achieving peak performance while maintaining overall well-being.

By blending next level training, expert coaching and advanced recovery solutions, FITCODE Q-East redefines what it means to train at the highest level. This expansion further cements FITCODE’s position as Dubai’s leading premier fitness destination for those who demand the best in performance, recovery and innovation.

“FITCODE’s second new launch of 2025 is a testament to strong interest in this comprehensive and high-quality fitness experience,” said George Flooks, Chief Executive Officer of Arada’s fitness division, which operates FITCODE. “This new location in one of Dubai’s most exciting and fast-growing districts will allow us to offer FITCODE’s world-class services to a new membership of fitness enthusiasts.”

Arada has officially launched Nest Hotel, the master developer’s first homegrown hospitality brand, which promises a vibrant and affordable experience with a blend of comfort, community and convenience. A midscale brand, Nest Hotel was launched during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, the leading travel and tourism exhibition taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 April-1 May.

Managed by Arada Hospitality, the first Nest Hotel will be located at the AED35 billion Aljada megaproject in Sharjah and is the first completed property in Arada’s 1,031-key hotel and serviced apartment portfolio in the lifestyle community.

Set to open in October, Nest Hotel Aljada will welcome guests to 431 smart, design-led rooms across two buildings, and is ideally located adjacent to the Nest Campus student housing cluster, opposite Arada Central Business District, Sharjah’s new commercial hub, and five minutes’ walk from the Madar Mall, a family entertainment and retail complex.

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said: “Nest Hotel embodies Arada’s dedication to creating quality and value-driven destinations that put people first. We’re launching this hospitality brand to ensure a guest experience that fosters a sense of community and wellbeing, starting with Aljada, Sharjah’s most exciting urban destination.”

Amit Arora, Chief Operating Officer of Arada, said: “Designed with insights from Nest Campus residents and the wider Aljada community, Nest Hotel is designed for travellers and visitors who expect more from their stay; more convenience, more energy and more connection to the surrounding districts. It’s a next-generation hotel that offers both comfort and relevance to the modern guest, right in the heart of a thriving community.”

“Smart hospitality is at the core of the Nest Hotel experience, encompassing features such as mobile check-in, digital room access, energy-efficient systems, coworking lounges, a guest pool, and all-day dining.”

Nest Hotel Aljada is strategically located just five minutes from Sharjah International Airport, offering direct access to key institutions and attractions including University City, the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), and Sharjah Airport International Free Zone. Easy access to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311) and direct access to Al Dhaid Road also connects the hotel easily to other parts of Sharjah and the wider UAE.

Nest Hotel Aljada serves the growing demand from the MICE and leisure tourism sectors in Sharjah, with traffic from Sharjah International Airport growing by 11% in 2024 compared to the previous year to 17 million passengers. The hotel also meets demand from within the Aljada community itself, which recorded 8 million visitors last year. It is well-placed to service guests from Sharjah’s events and academic sectors, offering much-needed accommodation for visiting faculty, parents and professionals attending functions at the nearby Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre.

Spread over a 24 million square foot area and featuring 25,000 homes in total, Aljada is a transformational destination for Sharjah. Aljada contains numerous residential districts, as well as extensive retail, entertainment, sporting, educational, healthcare components and a business park, all set within a green urban master plan. The destination also contains several hotel and branded-residences locations, including Vida Aljada and The Address Aljada – which are owned by Arada and operated by Emaar Hospitality Group – and Rove Aljada, which is owned by Arada and jointly operated by Emaar Properties and Meraas.

The launch of Nest Hotel adds to Arada Hospitality’s existing portfolio of complementary brands, which includes Nest Campus as well as the fast-growing fitness operators Wellfit, FitnGlam, FITCODE and The Platform Studios; healthy F&B concepts Boost Juice, The Reformatory Lab and Hungry Wolves, popular food truck destination Zad and many more.