Mantra Properties, an esteemed Indian developer with 18 years of experience and over 12 million ft² of completed projects, has entered the UAE market through a landmark AED 400 million joint venture with Jacob & Co. This marks Mantra’s debut in the Emirates and Jacob & Co’s inaugural residential project on Al Marjan Island — its third overall branded residence in the UAE, following Dubai and Abu Dhabi developments.
While details on unit configurations and price points are still forthcoming, what’s clear is the development will offer a fully branded, beachfront residential tower designed to reflect Jacob & Co’s signature aesthetic. Construction is expected to begin within 12 months of the July 2025 announcement.
The brand’s design ethos, dramatic, statement-making and detail-driven, will influence both the architecture and interiors. Expect high-contrast materials, bespoke lighting, and branded finishes that echo the same philosophy behind their timepieces: precision, extravagance, and innovation.
For CEO Eddy See, this transformation signals the future of hospitality:
“This brand evolution reflects our portfolio’s transformation from a single luxury brand to a diverse collection of experiences. Almost half of the countries we operate in now have multi-branded presences, most of them in high-growth travel destinations.”
At the core of this shift is a commitment to branded residences, a sector where Banyan Group is already a dominant force with 14 developments across 22 countries—and more on the way.
Where this project stands to distinguish itself is in its lifestyle offering. The development is set to feature the world’s first Jacob & Co Beach Club, alongside a Resident’s Club that includes a private watch gallery, cigar lounge, curated retail, and wellness spaces. These amenities are not simply add-ons — they are central to the brand narrative and will be core to the property's value proposition.
For professionals in the branded residence space, this is a textbook case of "brand-first placemaking." The residential experience is being designed around the Jacob & Co identity, turning what could have been a generic beachfront development into a lifestyle emblem.Michael Ayling, Group Chief Strategic & Development Officer of Brand Atlas, the rise of branded residences isn’t just a trend—it’s a revolution:
“The demand for branded residences is extraordinary. Our clients aren’t just buying homes—they’re investing in a curated lifestyle of wellness, convenience, and prestige. Banyan Group is at the forefront of this shift, shaping the future of luxury living across the world’s most sought-after destinations.”
With a seamless fusion of five-star hospitality and private homeownership, Banyan Group’s developments cater to a new generation of high-net-worth individuals who expect personalized service, exclusive experiences, and a deeper connection to their surroundings.
Jacob & Co’s move into Ras Al Khaimah underscores two trends branded residence stakeholders should watch closely:
1. Brand Migration Beyond Tier-One Cities
As luxury brands seek whitespace in underdeveloped yet high-potential markets, Ras Al Khaimah’s relative affordability and growing tourism ecosystem offer fertile ground. Al Marjan Island, in particular, is becoming a nucleus for first-movers.
2. Amenity-Centric Branding
Rather than licensing a name and retrofitting a few design elements, this project builds the residential identity around the brand's DNA. This approach requires deeper engagement from the brand partner — and delivers greater loyalty, storytelling potential, and long-term differentiation.
Looking ahead, Banyan Group’s expansion isn’t just about scale—it’s about sustainability. Aligning with the United Nations' Climate Science-based Targets, the company is integrating eco-conscious design into its residential developments, including the ambitious Laguna Lakelands project in Phuket—a 110-hectare nature-driven community designed for the next generation of luxury buyers.
Offering the definitive collection of the finest luxury branded residences in the most coveted locations, we give buyers and brands a unique opportunity to connect in this highly desirable and fast-growing market.
We work exclusively with leading brands, recognising the loyal relationship they share with their international audiences - and the exciting extension of luxury lifestyles through exceptional properties.
Providing an unparalleled and unbiased global overview, we enable buyers to see where their favourite brands are developing residences and to enjoy exploring and experiencing these exceptional properties.
Brand Atlas showcases the world’s finest branded residences on one digital platform, allowing global UHNW buyers access to a definitive collection of properties through a prestige network and top-tier technology.
While the world watches for a rebound, Chinese ultra-high-net-worth capital has already made its move. Demand is no longer scattered; it is concentrated in five "Fire Horse" cities: Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, London, and Tokyo. For developers, the win isn't just about location, but about "Brand Certainty." Projects that lead with professional operators and service-led design are capturing this demand before the competition even wakes up.
Today’s families want homes that adapt to education, mobility, and legacy planning. Branded residences deliver familiarity, professional care, and peace of mind, wherever life takes them. A new model for living across borders.
Chinese buyers are back in the market, but the rules have changed. Certainty now matters more than speculation, and brands matter more than ever. Developers who understand this shift will move first.
