Tilal Al Ghaf — Majid Al Futtaim's Master Community: Prices, Villas, Lagoon & Investment Guide 2026

What Is Tilal Al Ghaf?

Tilal Al Ghaf is a sprawling master-planned community developed by Majid Al Futtaim Properties, one of the region's most established and financially robust developers. Located in the heart of Dubailand along the Dubai–Al Ain Road, the project occupies a prime inland position that balances accessibility to Dubai's key business districts with the space required for a genuinely low-density, nature-driven lifestyle.

The name translates to "hills of the Ghaf tree" — the UAE's national tree, symbolising resilience. The landscape architecture incorporates over 80,000 trees and native plants, green corridors, and wildlife habitats, creating a nature-driven atmosphere that sets it apart from many Dubai mega-developments. At the heart lies Lagoon Al Ghaf — a swimmable crystal lagoon with a real sand beach. The entire masterplan radiates outward from it, with every sub-community designed for direct lagoon access or walking-distance proximity.

First announced in 2018 with Phase 1 sales in 2019, construction has progressed steadily. Harmony 1 and 2 are fully handed over, Harmony 3 and Serenity in advanced stages, and later phases at various stages of construction. At full build-out, the community will house approximately 6,500 residential units across independent villas, semi-detached villas, and townhouses.

Developer Profile: Majid Al Futtaim

Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) is not a speculative developer — it is a diversified conglomerate founded in 1992 with operations across 17 countries. The group's most recognisable assets include Mall of the Emirates (home to Ski Dubai), the City Centre mall chain (29+ malls across MENA), the Carrefour franchise for the Middle East and Africa, and a hospitality division operating Aloft, Pullman, and Kempinski hotels. Annual revenues exceed AED 37 billion with an investment-grade credit rating — a rarity among regional developers.

For property buyers, this means MAF has the financial depth to complete projects regardless of market cycles. They don't rely on buyer payments to fund construction. Every phase of Tilal Al Ghaf has been delivered on or ahead of schedule, and build quality ranks among the highest in Dubai's villa segment.

MAF's approach to Tilal Al Ghaf reflects its broader corporate philosophy: long-term value creation over quick sales volume. The community was designed as a 10–15 year project with phased releases that control supply, maintain pricing power, and ensure each phase benefits from the infrastructure and amenities built in previous ones. For buyers, this translates to stronger capital appreciation potential compared to communities from developers who flood the market with inventory.

Sub-Communities: Eight Distinct Neighbourhoods

One of Tilal Al Ghaf's strongest selling points is its diversity of housing options within a unified master plan. Each sub-community has its own architectural identity, price point, and target demographic while sharing access to the lagoon, parks, and community-wide amenities.

Harmony 1, 2 & 3 form the community's backbone. Harmony 1 and 2 are fully handed over and occupied — buyers here purchase into a living community, not a promise. Villas feature contemporary Arabic-inspired architecture, private gardens, and plot sizes of 4,500–8,000 sq ft. Harmony 3 (handover Q3 2026) introduces larger plots and upgraded specs. Early Harmony 3 buyers are sitting on 30–45% paper gains.

Serenity is the ultra-premium enclave — 5–7 bedroom mansions on 12,000+ sq ft plots with lagoon views, targeting the same demographic as Emirates Hills and District One. Elora Beach commands the most coveted position: direct lagoon beachfront access with 4–6 bed villas. Expect a 40–60% premium over Harmony — justified by an irreplaceable position that cannot be replicated once sold.

Aura & Riwa deliver the entry point: 3–4 bed townhouses from AED 2M with private gardens, rooftop terraces, and smart-home systems. Ideal for young families upgrading from apartments. The Perch occupies the middle ground with semi-detached 3–4 bed villas (AED 2.5M–4.5M), offering more space than a townhouse at a lower cost than independent villas.

Property Types and Prices: 2026 Market Snapshot

Tilal Al Ghaf prices have moved significantly since the first launches. The table below reflects current asking and transacted prices as of Q1 2026, based on DLD data and broker listings.

Notably, the price per square foot at Tilal Al Ghaf remains competitive compared to Dubai Hills Estate (AED 1,400–1,800/sq ft for villas) and Arabian Ranches III (AED 1,100–1,400/sq ft). When you factor in the lagoon amenity and MAF's build quality, Tilal Al Ghaf offers a compelling value proposition — particularly in the townhouse and semi-detached segments. For a detailed comparison of similar communities, see our Dubai Hills vs Arabian Ranches vs DAMAC Hills comparison.

Lagoon Al Ghaf: The Community's Centrepiece

Lagoon Al Ghaf is a fully functional, swimmable crystal lagoon — not a decorative feature. Built using Crystal Lagoons technology (also used at District One), it spans approximately 70,000 sq ft of water surface with imported white sand beaches. Facilities include:

• Sandy beach zones — dedicated family areas with shallow wading zones, plus adults-only sections with sun loungers and cabanas
• Water sports — kayaking, paddleboarding, and pedal boats available for resident use (included in service charges)
• Lagoon promenade — a 2.5 km walking and cycling loop around the entire lagoon, lined with F&B outlets, retail kiosks, and shaded seating areas
• Beach club facility — a dedicated clubhouse with pool, gym, changing rooms, and event space overlooking the lagoon
• Evening programming — ambient lighting, outdoor cinema nights, and seasonal events that activate the lagoon area after sunset

The lagoon is Tilal Al Ghaf's single biggest differentiator. While Dubai Hills has its golf course and Arabian Ranches its equestrian facilities, the lagoon offers daily, accessible recreational value for every family member — driving the community's rental premium.

Amenities and Community Infrastructure

Beyond the lagoon, Tilal Al Ghaf is designed as a self-contained community with comprehensive amenities that reduce the need for residents to leave for daily necessities.

• Retail and F&B: A community retail centre with a Carrefour supermarket (MAF's own brand), cafes, restaurants, pharmacy, laundry, and convenience stores. A larger retail pavilion is planned adjacent to Elora Beach for later phases.
• Parks and green spaces: Over 40 pocket parks, two central community parks with play areas, outdoor fitness stations, and barbecue zones. The landscape design integrates 11 km of cycling and jogging tracks through native Ghaf tree corridors.
• Sports and fitness: A dedicated sports hub with tennis courts, padel courts, basketball court, and a fully equipped gym. A second fitness centre is planned for the southern sub-communities.
• School plot: A dedicated plot for a premium international school has been allocated within the masterplan. MAF has confirmed a partnership with a leading education provider, with the school expected to open by 2028. Until then, residents have access to nearby schools including GEMS and Taaleem campuses within a 10–15 minute drive.
• Mosque: A community mosque is included in the masterplan, centrally located for easy walking access from all sub-communities.
• Medical centre: A primary healthcare clinic is operational within the community, with a larger medical facility planned for later phases.
• Pet-friendly zones: Designated off-leash dog parks and pet walking trails — an increasingly important feature for Dubai's growing pet-owner community.

For families evaluating Tilal Al Ghaf against other options, our guide to the best family-friendly communities in Dubai 2026 provides a broader comparison of schools, parks, and safety across all major residential areas.