Palma Development builds premium residential communities, waterfront residences, towers and schools in Dubai for homeowners, investors and families. Its model combines private freehold development, off-plan sales and development agreements, emphasizing architecture, amenities, lifestyle services and long-term property value for residents.
AI-researched delivery record, not yet confirmed by the developer. Dates may be approximate; original sources are linked.
AI research over published reviews and resident comments. Scores are a model’s reading of opinion, not figures stated on a page, and nothing here feeds any number above it. The links under each block are the pages that research says it used. Based on available resident reviews of covered buildings. These are reported experiences, not independent building inspections, and may not represent all residents or properties.
AI-researched delivery record, not yet confirmed by the developer. Dates may be approximate; original sources are linked.
AI research over published reviews and resident comments. Scores are a model’s reading of opinion, not figures stated on a page, and nothing here feeds any number above it. The links under each block are the pages that research says it used. Based on available resident reviews of covered buildings. These are reported experiences, not independent building inspections, and may not represent all residents or properties.
| Project | Overall | Structure & systems | Management & living |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serenia LivingWest Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai226 units | 9.1/ 10 | —/ 10 | 7.0/ 10 Nestopa 4/5, 5/5, 4/5, 5/5 · 1 review · nestopa.com Combined from 4 published figures on 1 platform, weighted by review count, adjusted for where resident ratings usually fall and weighted toward the 6.5 midpoint where reviews are few: 7. |
Google Reviews/Maps provides the largest stated review base found for the building, 4.7/5 from 11 reviews, which converts to 9.1/10 under the specified curve. The other building-level ratings have fewer than 10 reviews and therefore cannot anchor the score; the evidence is also too limited and too new to support a separate structure score. | |||
no notes returned no links returned | The available comments describe a calm, premium daily experience: one reviewer praised “the peaceful atmosphere,” “beautiful views,” greenery and community, while another called the beach and skyline views “beautiful” and the area “very private.” The main operational/lifestyle reservations are that “getting around without a car can be a bit tricky” and that walkable dining is limited; the Property Finder area commentary also notes peak-hour traffic and isolation, but it is community evidence rather than a building rating. | ||
| Olivara Residences & ParkDubai Studio City, Dubai250 units | 8.4/ 10 | —/ 10 | 8.4/ 10 |
The Google Reviews/Maps building aggregate of 4.4/5 from 115 reviews sets the level, converting to 8.2/10 under the specified curve. The written sample is strongly positive about facilities, gardens, cleanliness, management, staff and security, with one severe-in-tone but isolated complaint about noise and pests; the recurring evidence supports only a modest upward commentary adjustment. | Not found in sources: No published engineering detail | ||
The published reviews contain limited physical-condition evidence rather than an engineering assessment. One resident reported a “humidity problem” that caused “mold on the wall,” with staff responding but taking “a bit of time” to inspect and fix it; another resident said the walls were “a bit thin,” while a different reviewer complained of noise. | Daily-life reviews are mostly favourable: residents describe the gardens as serene and well cared for, the community as “neat and clean,” and facilities as “well kept, immaculate, and modern”; one reviewer also called management “incredible” and security responsive. The negative outlier described it as “a hell to live there” because of “noise, cockroach and many different” pests, while another review noted thin walls and a delayed response to humidity and mold. | ||
| Serenia Residences The PalmPalm Jumeirah, Dubai250 units | 7.8/ 10 | 7.5/ 10 | 7.0/ 10 |
The largest located review base is the building-level Google aggregate reported as 4.5/5 from 319 reviews, which converts to 8.5 under the requested curve. The score is moderated—not replaced—by repeated resident complaints about noise, management, security and maintenance, while recurring praise for the beach, pools, views and landscaping limits the reduction. Evidence is heterogeneous and much of the detailed commentary is dated 2021–2023; no source located here verifies that those conditions remain unchanged on October 8, 2026. | |||
Structural evidence is mixed and comes mainly from resident commentary rather than an engineering inspection. One reviewer said “Build quality is very good” and that “Service and maintenance is also very good,” but other residents reported “Severe mold issues,” poorly sealed glass sliding walls, AC units unable to cope, inferior tiles and “Constant maintenance issues.” These are resident allegations, mostly published in 2021–2023, so they establish reported experience but do not confirm the position on October 8, 2026. | Residents repeatedly praise the waterfront setting and facilities: one described “a private clean beach, three swimming pools” and a “living experience... of a resort,” while another called the views “superb.” Countervailing operational feedback is substantial: reviewers describe “The noise here” as “unbearable,” management as “the worse I have ever seen,” and security as having a “very poor attitude”; a 2023 review also reports construction work continuing “12 hours every day WITHOUT WEEKENDS.” |
Offices: dubai, dubai, united arab emirates (AE), northport, new york, united states (US)
Palma Development appointed Khansaheb Civil Engineering as main contractor for West Residence at Serenia District; the AED 760 million contract covers the first phase at Jumeirah Islands.
Banian describes Palma Development as its strategic partner for the Serenia brand's high-end communities, including Serenia Residences and Serenia Living.
Palma Holding entered into a development management agreement with AMSI to bring together Al Mawakeb School.
Palma Holding entered into a development agreement with the German community for the German International School Dubai.
Palma Development has appointed Khansaheb Civil Engineering as the main contractor for West Residence. Valued at AED 760 million, the contract marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Serenia brand.
Serenia is our homegrown premium residential brand, developed in partnership with our strategic partner, Palma Development... having worked together on the Serenia Residences and Serenia Living communities.
Palma Holding once again entered into a development management agreement with AMSI to bring together Al Mawakeb School.
Palma Holding proudly entered into a development agreement with the German community for the development of the German International School Dubai.
| REAL ESTATE LICENCE | 808 RERA · AE |
| United Arab Emirates | active 4 projects tracked |
| Residential, for sale | 3 of 4 |
| Residential, for rent | 1 of 4 |
We were ninety percent sold out in the first month.Mortgage Finder May 28, 2025https://www.mortgagefinder.ae/blog/interview-with-palma-holding-ceo-founder-kareem-derbas/
You need to have a crystal-clear vision, you need to define your target market, you need to focus on one sector, and then aim to be a world-class player in that niche.Mortgage Finder May 28, 2025https://www.mortgagefinder.ae/blog/interview-with-palma-holding-ceo-founder-kareem-derbas/
I would rather be known for being a boutique developer with a perfect reputation for delivery, than being known as a big developer with a poor track record.Mortgage Finder May 28, 2025https://www.mortgagefinder.ae/blog/interview-with-palma-holding-ceo-founder-kareem-derbas/
Owner/President Management Program at Harvard Business School
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Finance and Financial Management Services at American University of Beirut
# Kareem Derbas
followed by two years as a management consultant with Ernst & Young in London.
he spent his first year working as an auditor at Arthur Andersen in Abu Dhabi
“We were ninety percent sold out in the first month,” he said.
You need to have a crystal-clear vision, you need to define your target market, you need to focus on one sector, and then aim to be a world-class player in that niche.
I would rather be known for being a boutique developer with a perfect reputation for delivery, than being known as a big developer with a poor track record.
CEO & Co-founding Partner - Palma Holding (Current) Oct 2002 - Present
As Founder, Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Palma Holding and Palma Development, Kareem Derbas has spent two decades shaping one of Dubai’s most respected real estate groups.
As Founder, Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Palma Holding and Palma Development
It was around this time that one of the first private UAE developers to enter the freehold market, Palma Holding, chose Dubai Marina to begin building its brand.
Over the years, Kareem has led Palma in delivering 15 landmark projects worth over AED 16 billion (USD 4.3 billion)
After graduating from the American University of Beirut, he spent his first year working as an auditor at Arthur Andersen in Abu Dhabi
followed by two years as a management consultant with Ernst & Young in London.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Finance and Financial Management Services at American University of Beirut
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
We are pleased to reach this construction milestone which underscores our commitment to delivering Serenia Living not only within the set timelines but potentially ahead of schedule.Palma Holding Nov 18, 2024https://palmaholding.com/our-news/palma-development-announces-key-construction-milestone/
Delivering projects on time is key to building credibility in Dubai’s highly competitive real estate market.ZAWYA April 14, 2025https://www.zawya.com/en/projects/construction/palma-development-on-track-to-deliver-serenia-living-on-palm-jumeirah-by-q4-2025-435596
Bachelor's degree, Mechanical Engineering at American University of Beirut
# Omar Derbas
Omar is also the Partner & Board Member of Palma Investment, which is an asset management company
We are pleased to reach this construction milestone which underscores our commitment to delivering Serenia Living not only within the set timelines but potentially ahead of schedule.
Executive Director Omar Derbas emphasised that delivering projects on time is key to building credibility in Dubai’s highly competitive real estate market.
Executive Director - Development & Engineering - Palma Holding (Current) Mar 2006 - Present
Omar has over ten years of experience in Real Estate Development, Project Management, and Construction Management. He has successfully delivered seven high-rise buildings in Dubai, including the prestigious Infinity-Cayan Tower.
## Omar Derbas Chief Development Officer Palma Development
Omar Derbas is the Partner and Executive Director of Palma Development, within the Palma Holding group. He holds over 15 years of experience in Real Estate Development, Project Management and Construction Management.
He has successfully delivered seven high-rise buildings in Dubai, including the prestigious Infinity-Cayan Tower.
Omar also leads our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) department and is actively involved in various CSR initiatives.
Omar is also the Partner & Board Member of Palma Investment
Bachelor's degree, Mechanical Engineering at American University of Beirut
Chief Development Officer
Our mission is to deliver premium living experiences while staying ahead of market trends and demographic shifts.Gulf News December 22, 2025https://gulfnews.com/podcasts/tell-me-why/tell-me-why-dubais-property-market-keeps-breaking-records-1.500385135
Every project we undertake reflects our dedication to innovation, quality, and shaping the future of lifestyle-led communities in Dubai.Gulf News December 22, 2025https://gulfnews.com/podcasts/tell-me-why/tell-me-why-dubais-property-market-keeps-breaking-records-1.500385135
Real Estate Management Program: Finance, Design, and Leadership at Harvard Business School Executive Education
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at Notre Dame University - Louaize (NDU)
# Rana Hariz
Rana: “Our mission is to deliver premium living experiences while staying ahead of market trends and demographic shifts.”
Rana: “Every project we undertake reflects our dedication to innovation, quality, and shaping the future of lifestyle-led communities in Dubai.”
Executive Director - Sales, Leasing & Operations (Current) Sep 2013 - Present
As Executive Director, I lead Palma’s Sales, Leasing, Operations, and Investment divisions — shaping the company’s strategy, governance, and client experience across its luxury portfolio.
Executive Director - Sales, Leasing & Operations at Palma Holding
With over 20 years of real estate experience, Rana has spearheaded Palma Development’s operations, sales, leasing, and investment divisions
Contributed over AED 3 billion in Dubai residential sales
Rana has spearheaded Palma Development’s operations, sales, leasing, and investment divisions
Real Estate Management Program: Finance, Design, and Leadership at Harvard Business School Executive Education
Played an instrumental role in shaping Palma’s investor-relations platform
Executive Director Sales, Leasing & Operations
# Natalie Derbas
As a Director of Interior Design, Natalie brings a wealth of creative vision and technical expertise to our award-winning projects.
Interior Design Director
Natalie brings a wealth of creative vision and technical expertise to our award-winning projects.
Natalie brings a wealth of creative vision and technical expertise to our award-winning projects.
She is the brains behind some of the most iconic designs that are seen in Palma Development’s flagship projects.
Interior Design Director
# Basel Chakour
### Arabtec Construction
Technical Director (Current) Oct 2025 - Present
Basel oversees the technical delivery of all our projects, skilfully managing relationships with external contractors, consultants, and design teams to uphold engineering excellence across our portfolio.
Technical Director
His extensive background in MEP systems and project execution covers major developments such as Silverene Towers, Infinity Tower, Ocean Height Tower, and Standpoint Twin Towers
Over more than a decade at Palma, he has developed the relationships, systems, and expertise needed to navigate the complexity of premium residential development
### Arabtec Construction #### MEP Project Manager Infinity tower
PMP-RIT-ProjectManagement
Technical Director
Charaf Eddine drives the brand vision, marketing strategy, and digital innovation across Palma Development’s prestigious premium developments.
Marketing & Communications Director
With more than a decade of expertise in luxury real estate and elite markets
Beyond brand strategy, he leads the company’s digital transformation programme
A PMP-certified leader, Charaf Eddine champions a communications ecosystem
Marketing & Communications Director
0 undated completions and 0 boundary-uncertain completions are retained but excluded from figures.
| Project | Location | Type | Units | Floors | Area | Cost | Payment plan | Launched | Construction start | Original target | Handover | Delay | Confidence | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serenia Living | Dubai, United Arab Emirates West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah | residential for sale | 2261 | B+G+12/14/19/19 | 1,182,000 sq ft | AED 3bn gdv | 50/501 | 2022 | October 2022 | Sep 2025 – Dec 2025 | Feb 2026 | +3.5 mo (+2.0 to +5.0) | sourced | completed |
| La Mer Private Home | Dubai, United Arab Emirates La Mer | residential for sale | — | 3 | — | — | 80/201 | — | — | Jul 2024 – Sep 2024 | Dec 2025 | +16.0 mo (+15.0 to +17.0) | estimated | completed |
| Olivara Residences & Park | Dubai, United Arab Emirates Dubai Studio City | residential for rent | 2501 | — | — | AED 365m investment announced | 10% First Installment; 30% Under Construction; 1% On Handover; 59% Post Handover1 | — | — | — | Jan 2020 – Dec 2020 | — | not scorable | completed |
| Serenia Residences The Palm | Dubai, United Arab Emirates Palm Jumeirah | residential for sale | 2501 | B + G + 9 | 71,300 m² | AED 1.5bn other | 10% / 40% / 50%1 | 2015 | May 2015 | Sep 2017 – Dec 2017 | Jan 2018 | +2.5 mo (+1.0 to +4.0) | sourced | completed |
| Coverage | active |
| Tracked since | October 6, 2026 |
| Last checked | October 8, 2026 this month |
| Profile last researched | October 8, 2026 |
| Claim |