Good news doesn’t make great headlines. But savvy property insiders have known for some time that the Dubai property market is on the comeback trail. Recently the Dubai Financial Market General Index (DFMGI) made its largest gains in three months – and blue chip stocks are now building strongly. The traditional rules of supply and demand still apply, of course. But it’s especially true for one-offs. The chance to invest in a highly distinct, iconic hotel offering unique sporting and health facilities is one of these. We’re talking about The Cube. There are absolutely no Dubai hotels offering athletes the chance to swim at an altitude of 4,000m above sea level. Or have the kind of sporting facilities – including a state-of-the-art health management suite – that attracts professional athletes and sports teams, plus their VIP guests, from all over the world. It’s precisely this level that make The Cube stand out.

Hendrik Atzert of BMG Middle East Investment LLC says the chance to buy into the luxury serviced one, two and three bedroom hotel apartments of The Cube is an unusually exciting option with the promise of unusually attractive returns. “This is an unusual investment for many reasons. The sports facilities are very special. The Cube is right in the centre of Sports City. It’s a building with an unusually large internal footprint, which means bigger-sized rooms than average. Plus there’s a lot of natural light. I think its combination of unique facilities and a really iconic design will appeal to many investors.” Throw in simply staggering views of the urban lake environment and stadia, and it’s not hard to understand Atzert’s excitement.

Physical and financial health
Atzert thinks older investors with a keen interest in their own health will certainly be interested. But here’s a thing. Cube investors will also be offered the chance to stay 30 days a year for no charge. They also won’t be charged for using the world-class health and medical facilities. “It gives investors a real incentive to use and appreciate their investment for themselves,” says Atzert. “This building has a real buzz. For example, staying in the same hotel that famous sports names come to has to add value for investors. Dubai attracts a lot of commercial or corporate travellers. But with Sports City it now also attracts commercial sports travellers too. If Manchester United comes to stay and train here, that always adds value to the investment. It makes it stand out. Why would they go anywhere else?”

As part of investors’ commitment, all revenues are pooled to ensure a fair and sustainable investment for all investors; dividends are paid out bi-annually. Atzert reckons at 12 percent return – even at moderate occupancy levels – is likely to reward most.

There are no annual fees, all properties are fully furnished to a five-star internationally recognised standard and all apartments are completely freehold – there’s no messy leaseholder concerns (traditionally an issue for some Dubai properties in the past). And all the apartments are superbly equipped with fully equipped kitchen – oven, microwave and all electrical items – high-speed Internet access, home theatre system with LCD multi-channel satellite TV, IDD telephone with voice mail and even a built-in safe.  

Hard thought
The emphasis in investing in a complex that’s tilted towards healthcare and sports support is a very good long-term proposition. The global healthcare market is internationally recognised as a massive multi-billion dollar industry, and one that is still in its relative infancy. “That’s why we think the Cube really has very little competition. It’s genuinely one of a kind,” says Atzert.

The concept of the Cube didn’t arrive overnight. Rather, it took a lot of hard thought over several years. It’s actually a very simple idea: combine highly individual architecture with outstanding sports and healthcare facilities. Then throw in a location directly in Sports City. Add to the mix the surging international business commercial hub of Dubai itself, plus all the growing retail and non-commercial trade – and you have a very compelling formula. “Older, generally fit investors would I think see the appeal of the Cube,” says Atzert. “They know their life is not endless. They also want to do more for their health. And they also want to experience the advantages of such facilities themselves, not just be a passive investor. So that’s why this investment combination took quite a time to come to fruition.”

Results-orientated
Some investors will want to work harder on their health than others. The ability to offer high altitude training is certainly a very big draw of The Cube. The Low Oxygen System inside the MedicalSpa is high-tech and results-orientated. High altitude training has been used as an integral part of improving athletes health for the best part of half a century. But it’s clearly not the sort of facility that is available at your average sports centre.

The Cube’s MedicalSpa centre itself is fully staffed by a large team of highly skilled international doctors, therapists and instructors that ensure make all guests and investors are taken care of says Atzert. “Personal fitness programs can be devised with training and advice given. Additionally, the Cube complex features several restaurants with an emphasis on quality, healthy food for all guests.”

In the heart of Sports City
The Cube is in the heart of Sports City – which is due for completion during the middle of this year. Sports City is a staggering undertaking by any standard: set on 50 million sq ft of land within the Dubailand development, Dubai Sports City features four magnificent stadia, including a 60,000 seat multi-purpose outdoor stadium, a 25,000 capacity cricket stadium, a 10,000 seat multi-purpose indoor arena, and a field hockey venue for 5,000 spectators. “Dubai Sports City will be the venue for Ernie Els’ first golf course design in the Middle East,” says Atzert, “which will be an 18-hole championship course named The Dunes.”

Dubai Sports City will host the first purpose-built Manchester United Soccer Schools facility in the world as well as the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) own Global Cricket Academy, a David Lloyd Tennis Academy and the first Butch Harmon School of Golf outside the United States. “Sport is absolutely central to Dubai and The Cube is a very special part of that community,” says Atzert.

Cube features/amenities
- 24-hours reception desk
- 24-hours housekeeping & turndown service
- 24-hours security on call
- 24-hours valet parking service
- Room service
- Concierge
- Laundry and dry-cleaning service
- Breakfast service
- Airport transfers service
- Wake up call service
- Car and limousine rental
- Mobile telephone rental
- Shoeshine service
- Daily complimentary newspaper
- Wireless internet access in all public areas
- Business centre with four parking levels
- Ramp access for 592 parking spaces