Lyon Family Secures AED 22M Dorchester Marasi Bay Primary Residence
Business Bay • 48 days to close • 50% cash, 50% mortgage
The Client
French family relocating from France.
The Challenge
A Lyon-based luxury goods family (second-generation business owners) wanted a trophy primary residence in Dubai close to their regional head office and retail operations. They shortlisted a Dorchester Collection penthouse (Marasi Bay) for its brand cachet, managed services and investment quality. They needed: (1) rapid acquisition before year-end for UAE residency planning, (2) a 50% mortgage on a French-sourced income base, (3) full furnishing coordination with luxury design consultants, (4) Golden Visa sponsorship, (5) property management integration with Dorchester's 5-star service offering. Previous brokers had quoted standard timelines (60-90 days); the family needed 45+ days maximum.
Our Approach
We secured pre-approval for a AED 11M mortgage (50% LTV) through Emirates Islamic Bank's international division, which specialized in European high-net-worth individuals. Pre-approval took 8 days via fast-track documentation (translated French tax returns, bank statements, professional references). We negotiated directly with Marasi Bay's developer/owner entity (Emaar Properties) to expedite SPA terms and closing coordination. We assembled a luxury design team (coordinated through our interior design partnership) to fast-track furnishing selections during SPA negotiationensuring the penthouse would be move-in ready by possession. We coordinated Golden Visa documentation (title deed + proof of residence) in parallel with property registration. We secured a dedicated Dorchester Collection lifestyle manager to assist with post-move logistics.
The Outcome
Closed AED 22M in 48 days (13 days ahead of the family's year-end target). Mortgage approved at 4.1% fixed (30-year term). Penthouse delivered fully furnished by December 10, 2025, with Dorchester concierge and 5-star amenity integration. Golden Visa approved by December 28, 2025the family gained UAE residency before year-end for tax planning purposes. The family moved in and is leveraging the Dorchester collection's retail network for their business operations. They've since engaged MRK for a second investment (a Business Bay office tower stake, AED 30M+) and luxury portfolio advisory.
Key Results
"Buying a Dorchester property is about more than real estateit's about lifestyle integration and business positioning. MRK understood that and delivered not just a transaction, but a complete relocation experience. The timing and service quality were exceptional."
Services Provided
Privacy Notice: Client identities have been anonymized at their request. Transaction values, timelines and outcomes are accurate as recorded with the Dubai Land Department. This case study is presented to demonstrate MRK Real Estate's capabilities and expertise in complex transactions. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.