As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on an exceptional year marking four decades of Kleindienst Group’s pioneering journey. Since establishing its first Dubai investment in 2002, Kleindienst Group has been the only developer that has continuously and consistently contributed to development on The World Islands since 2007, transforming the vision of luxury real estate and destinations into reality.
Founded in Austria in 1985, Kleindienst Group has grown into a European-origin conglomerate with a diverse portfolio spanning real estate development, construction, hospitality, sustainable energy, and marine engineering. Today, the Group provides employment to 1,600 professionals across its cross-sectoral portfolio.
While growing its broad range of cross-sectoral capabilities over the last four decades, the Group has created measurable socioeconomic value: from catalysing investment and supporting job creation to reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global leader in luxury living and innovation.
As we recap the year, we shine the spotlight on how we have pushed the envelope for luxury real estate through our in-house innovation.
2025: A Year of Milestone Achievements and Strategic Progress
Real Estate:
Broke Ground on City Hotels
Kleindienst Group broke ground on its exclusive themed city hotels, starting with Hotel London, followed by the Artist Hotel, and finally the Danish-inspired Hygge Hotel.
Each of these properties will add up inventory of 267 rooms altogether, opening additional investment opportunities at The Heart of Europe.
Launched Sales of Floating Residences by Buddha-Bar
The first of its kind, each of the 24 Buddha-Bar Floating Villas features three levels and an underwater coral garden, for an exclusive living experience. The branded floating residences can optionally be furnished with exclusive Bentley Home interiors, while the adjacent 162-room Buddha-Bar Hotel, with branded residences, will reflect the brand’s iconic DNA through a fusion of artful Far Eastern influences and immersive soundscapes.
Operational voco Dubai Nice – The Heart of Europe
The French Riviera inspired voco Dubai Nice – The Heart of Europe is set to welcome guests in early 2026, havin received its Building Completion Certificate (BCC). This opening representsanother milestone in the Group’s hospitality expansion strategy.
Marine Engineering and Infrastructure Advancements:
Main Arrival Jetty Design
A comprehensive revamp of the main arrival jetty at Europe Island has received design approval from Dubai Municipality. With capacity to accommodate 1,200 guests per hour, this major milestone will significantly enhance the guest experience and ensure smoother arrivals at The Heart of Europe.
Maritime Fleet Expansion
Designed and developed at Kleindienst Group’s facility at Dubai Maritime City, this multipurpose196-passenger vessel will be a welcome addition to the group’s existing fleet. With final testing underway, the Group will share further updates on the vessel in due course.
Coral institute
As part of Kleindienst Group’s commitment to sustainable, future-focused development, The Coral Institute is responsible for reconstructing and restoring damaged coral reefs in the Arabian Sea. By pioneering the micro-fragmentation method, the institute enables reefs to grow up to 50 times faster. At present, the facility produces over 5,000 coral specimens per year across eight species, each monitored with precision for light, temperature, salinity, and water chemistry.
Hospitality:
Partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts
The announcement of the Portofino-inspired InterContinental Dubai – The Heart of Europe marks the third hotel added to the joint portfolio with IHG Hotels & Resorts, as well as the first-ever family resort on The World Islands. The soon-to-open voco Dubai Nice – The Heart of Europe will be followed by the anticipated winter 2026 opening of Marbella Resort Hotel, a Vignette Collection resort inspired by Spain’s Costa del Sol.
Buddha-Bar Hotel Debut
Marking the global lifestyle brand’s first hospitality venture in the region, the Buddha-Bar Hotel and Floating Residences by Buddha-Bar on Dubai’s World Islands introduce the brand in a completely original format, blending island living with immersive design and signature Buddha-Bar experiences created exclusively for the Middle East and unlike anything seen before.
Industry Recognition:
Kleindienst Group’s excellence was recognised at the Pillars of Real Estate Awards 2025, where The Heart of Europe wonHospitality Project of the Year, and Honeymoon Island was highly commended as Iconic Project of the Year. Kleindienst Group was also honoured to be included in the Top 100 GCC Developers of 2025 list.
Empowering Business Growth and Economic Development:
Beyond real estate and marine engineering, Kleindienst Group operates three branches of its Austria Business Centre (ABC) in key economic epicentres in Dubai, providing more than 300 serviced office spaces. These provide office and business setup assistance to up-and-coming entrepreneurs and SMEs in the region, thus aiding in the UAE’s overall goal of entering the ranks of the world’s top 10 FDI destinations. ABC do not only act as incubators but also serve as catalysts for early growth.
Josef Kleindienst, Founder and Chairman of Kleindienst Group, said: “Most developers rely on o?-the-shelf technology, but our approach has always been to start with a bold vision and work backwards, creating bespoke solutions to overcome challenges that had no blueprint. As we celebrate 40 years, a milestone that sits alongside the remarkable growth of the UAE itself, our focus is firmly on what the next four decades will demand from responsible, future-minded development. As we look ahead, we see the future shaped by a more conscious way of living, one that prioritises wellness, longevity and a deeper connection among people, nature and technology. Clean energy, regenerative environments and AI-supported systems willplay a central role, not as replacements for human experience, but as enablers of healthier, more intentional lives.
From sustainable utilities and advanced marine engineering to AI platforms and destination-led communities such as The Heart of Europe, we continue to invest across our ecosystem to create developments that are designed for long-term value, purposeful living and a closer relationship with the natural world,” he further added.
Parisa Seif, Managing Partner at Kleindienst Group, added: “Today’s discerning travellers and investors seek moments thatresonate emotionally, culturally and personally, not just a place to stay. At Kleindienst Group, real estate destinations are not defined by spaces alone, it’s defined by the experiences we create. Our commitment to experience-led living means every property, from design to service, tells a story that captivates the senses and connects guests to the heart of a destination. Thisphilosophy is what truly di?erentiates our portfolio, creating meaningful value for guests, strong returns for investors and anenvironment that attracts and retains exceptional talent.”