Dubai Mansion, Designed by Norman Foster’s Protégé and Filled with Art, Goes to Auction

A luxurious Dubai mansion, designed by a student of the renowned architect Norman Foster, is set to be auctioned next month. The opulent 23,000-square-foot property, located near Jumeirah Beach, will be accepting bids from January 10 to January 18, as announced by Concierge Auctions. The auction house is managing the sale in collaboration with Leigh Williamson from Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty and Laura Choueri from Choueri Real Estate. The mansion, known as Villa 71, will be sold for a price at or above its undisclosed reserve price, with starting bids anticipated to be no less than $50 million.

The elegant home is situated in the prestigious Umm Suqeim 1 neighborhood. The design was the brainchild of Viktor Udzenija, an architect based in the UAE, renowned for his work on the Marea New York restaurant and the 80-story skyscraper, The Index, both located in Dubai.

Abdulla Al Gurg, a board member and former CEO of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group LLC, is offering his fully furnished home, previously listed for $125 million, on the open market. The home was designed to meet Dubai’s demand for exceptional luxury residences, offering a unique living space that combines privacy, sustainability, and local cultural elements.

The interior features nine-foot ceilings, walls of glass, and artwork from renowned artists such as Ayman Baalbaki, Henri Mège, Pablo Reinoso, and Abdul Qader Al Rais. The entrance courtyard boasts an installation by American sculptor Misha Kahn. The home is furnished with pieces from acclaimed designers like Rick Owens, Pierre Jeanneret, and Pierre Paulin. It also includes six ensuite bedrooms, a 90-foot swimming pool, and an underground garage that can accommodate up to 10 vehicles, along with a two-car showroom.

Charlie Smith of Concierge Auctions stated that Umm Suqeim Villa 71 is a prime example of their commitment to showcasing the world’s most luxurious and unique properties. The villa is situated along the Dubai coastline, attracting high-end homeowners from around the world.

Private in-person viewings and virtual tours of Villa 71 are available by appointment for interested and qualified parties.