H&H Development is building Water Gardens, a USD 1.4 billion (about AED 5.14 billion) mixed-use destination in the heart of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The four-building scheme brings together Grade A offices, branded and rental residences, two hotels and retail around a shared landscape of gardens and water. H&H introduced the project on 16 October 2026, construction is under way, and completion is scheduled for 2028.
DIFC Investments describes Water Gardens as one of the final pieces of the original Gate District masterplan, so it is one of the last large new-build opportunities in the centre itself.
Credit: H&H Development
Water Gardens DIFC: Key Facts
| Developer | H&H Development (chairman Shahab Lutfi, CEO Miltos Bossinis) |
|---|---|
| Location | Gate District, DIFC, with arrival stairs from Al Sukook Street and Al Mustaqbal Street and a direct link below to Gate Avenue |
| Investment | USD 1.4 billion (about AED 5.14 billion) |
| Buildings | Four buildings around a central garden, designed by David Chipperfield Architects (as reported by MEED) |
| Mix | Offices, Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai at DIFC, Eden House residences, two hotels and retail |
| Offices | 21,965 sq m (236,430 sq ft) of Grade A net leasable area in a 12-storey tower with a members' club; three floors of micro-suites; targeting LEED Platinum; JLL is exclusive leasing partner |
| Eden House | 132 apartments, kept by H&H as a rental-income asset |
| Second hotel | 154 rooms and 40 residences |
| Status | Under construction; completion scheduled for 2028 |
What H&H Has Announced
Mostly leased, not sold. Chairman Shahab Lutfi has said most of Water Gardens will be leased and operated rather than sold. Eden House, the 132-apartment building, stays with H&H as a rental asset, and the office tower is being leased through JLL. For buyers, that means the only for-sale homes are the branded residences.
Branded homes largely sold. According to Lutfi, about 85% of the branded residences have sold, at more than AED 8,000 per sq ft, among the highest rates in the area. Gulf News also reported that H&H recently sold two Four Seasons-branded homes for AED 35 million and AED 45 million.
Offices aimed at DIFC demand. The office building adds about 236,430 sq ft of Grade A space, with micro-suites on three floors for smaller firms alongside larger floor plates. DIFC passed 10,018 registered companies by 30 June 2026, up from 8,844 active firms in 2025, which is the demand the tower is built for.
Connected to the district. The scheme sits above street level and links directly to Gate Avenue underneath, extending DIFC's retail and pedestrian network.
Why It Matters for Property in DIFC
Grade A office space in DIFC and the wider Sheikh Zayed Road corridor has been tight, and H&H is choosing to hold and lease most of Water Gardens rather than sell it off. That points to confidence in long-term rents in the district. For residential buyers, Water Gardens adds homes at the very top of the market; Lutfi's figure of more than AED 8,000 per sq ft sets a reference point for ultra-prime branded homes in the financial centre.
If you are looking for an office or a home in or around DIFC, the practical options today are resale units in established DIFC towers and new launches in neighbouring Business Bay and along Sheikh Zayed Road.
Talk to Luxwell Real Estate
Looking for offices or prime homes around DIFC, Business Bay or Sheikh Zayed Road? Luxwell Real Estate is a boutique luxury brokerage in Business Bay. We can shortlist ready and off-plan options, share recent sales data and help you ask the right questions before you commit.
- Email: info@luxwellrealestate.com
- Website: www.luxwellrealestate.com
- Contact form: Contact Luxwell
Sources: DIFC news release "H&H launches Water Gardens" (16 October 2026); Gulf News (28 October 2026); MEED; Bloomberg, as reported by The Economic Times (16 October 2026).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Water Gardens in DIFC?
- Water Gardens is a four-building mixed-use development by H&H in the Gate District of DIFC. It combines Grade A offices, Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai at DIFC, Eden House residences, two hotels and retail around a central garden and water landscape.
How much is Water Gardens worth?
- H&H puts the investment at USD 1.4 billion, about AED 5.14 billion.
When will Water Gardens be completed?
- Construction is under way, and DIFC says completion is scheduled for 2028.
Can I buy a home at Water Gardens?
- Only the branded residences are for sale. H&H's chairman says about 85% have sold, at more than AED 8,000 per sq ft. Eden House will be kept by H&H as a rental building.
How much office space will Water Gardens add?
- The office building offers 21,965 sq m (236,430 sq ft) of Grade A net leasable area in a 12-storey tower, with micro-suites on three floors. JLL is the exclusive leasing partner and the building targets LEED Platinum.
Who designed Water Gardens?
- MEED reports that the four buildings were designed by UK architect David Chipperfield, arranged around a central garden and public realm.
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