When you meet Talal Moafaq Al Gaddah, it doesn’t take long to realise that this is a man with a big vision – and the passion to match it. As the Founder and CEO of Keturah and CEO of MAG Lifestyle Development, his ability to blend high-end luxury with sustainability and wellness is reshaping the UAE’s skyline. With over $5bn in portfolio value, 14 completed projects, and seven in the pipeline, Talal has firmly placed himself at the forefront of real estate innovation in the Middle East.
His journey, however, is far more than a list of accolades. Talal’s approach is deeply personal. He wants to build more than just luxury homes; he wants to create thriving, sustainable communities that nurture the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their residents. In a world increasingly defined by the pursuit of wellness, he is uniquely positioned to lead the charge.
Founding the Keturah brand
It all began in 2022 with the birth of the Keturah brand, a concept that would forever change the course of luxury real estate in Dubai. Keturah was born from a simple yet profound idea – to create a space where people could truly connect. “New luxury is all about experience,” Talal explains. “I wanted to give people a space to connect, with their family, their minds, themselves, and with all aspects of their life.”
Keturah is not just another luxury real estate concept, it’s a new standard. Born out of a gap in the market, Talal recognised that there was more to luxury living than merely offering beautiful properties. There was a rising demand for spaces that provided wellness as much as they did indulgence. “It was clear to us that there was a need for a concept that prioritised a genuine sense of community and well-being,” he says.
This vision was first realised at Keturah Resort, which debuted at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dubai, Creekside. The resort was the first of its kind in the region to actively pursue a WELL Health-Safety Rating certification. In the highly competitive luxury market, this was a bold move, but Talal was unphased. He knew it was a step in the right direction. “Our goal is to introduce new, distinctive developments to the region by incorporating innovative wellness-inspired elements,” he says.
Luxury reimagined
From the moment you step into a Keturah property, it’s clear that wellness is not a side note – it’s the heart of the experience. Talal’s philosophy is simple: luxury and well-being are not mutually exclusive; they must go hand in hand. Keturah Reserve, for example, was the first development in the Middle East to embrace the concept of ‘Bio Living’ – a bold and innovative move that focuses on how our environment impacts our health.
“At Keturah Reserve, we applied myriad design concepts, including Bio Living – rooted in Biophilic Design,” Talal explains. “Bio Living creates the perfect synergy between interior design, architecture, and landscape, in complete respect of the surrounding ecosystem.”
It’s a philosophy that merges nature with design, enhancing the well-being of residents in profound ways. The homes at Keturah Reserve are carefully crafted to allow for natural airflow, offering open-plan layouts and custom-designed furniture that harmonise with the desert surroundings. It’s clear that Talal’s focus is not just on the physical but on the mental and emotional health of residents as well.
But Keturah’s wellness revolution doesn’t stop at architecture. It’s a mindset that flows through every aspect of the brand. Whether it’s through lush green spaces, integrated wellness amenities, or eco-conscious practices, Keturah is pushing luxury forward. “We aim to make something of authentic value that will last for future generations, where residents will feel respected and valued and fall in love with our work for years to come,” Talal states.
The delicate balance
While Keturah may be the new kid on the block, MAG Lifestyle Development has been a trusted name in real estate for over two decades. Balancing leadership across both brands is no easy feat. But Talal, ever the strategist, makes it work. “My focus is on developing a cohesive strategy that leverages the strengths of both entities, allowing them to complement each other’s growth,” he says.
It’s this agility in leadership that sets him apart. Rather than keeping a tight grip on every detail, Talal empowers his teams to take ownership of their areas, trusting them to execute the vision while he maintains strategic oversight. This approach allows him to focus on the high-impact initiatives that will drive both brands forward, ensuring that innovation continues to thrive within both organisations.
Mentorship and inspiration
As a young leader, Talal’s journey has been shaped by the guidance of key mentors, most notably his father, Moafaq Al Gaddah, whose entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for his son’s own success. “My father provided me with a foundational understanding of business and instilled in me the values of resilience, strategic thinking, and the importance of maintaining strong relationships,” Talal reflects. “He taught me to approach challenges as opportunities and to lead with integrity and purpose.”
Beyond his father, Talal is also inspired by global leaders like His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose transformative leadership of Dubai has shaped the city into a global epicentre of innovation and luxury. “His commitment to progress and his ability to turn ambitious dreams into reality have motivated a relentless work ethic,” Talal says, acknowledging the influence of the Ruler of Dubai.
Talal is equally inspired by Steve Jobs, the visionary who revolutionised industries with nothing but a simple idea and a relentless drive for perfection. “Their journeys exemplify the power of creativity, perseverance, and the impact that one individual’s ideas can have on the world,” he says. These influences shape Talal’s leadership style: a mix of strategic thinking, resilience, and a passion for driving innovation.
Balancing work and life
Despite overseeing multiple high-profile projects, Talal has found a way to strike a balance between his professional and personal life. For him, it’s all about time management and self-care. “Maintaining a balance between my professional and personal life is never easy, however, it is made possible by proper planning, discipline, and a commitment to self-care,” he explains.
He prioritises family, relaxation, and personal growth alongside his work, understanding that being fully present in each aspect of his life makes him more effective. Regular physical exercise, quality sleep, and a balanced diet help him manage the stresses of high-level leadership. But perhaps most important is his connection to nature, which he believes plays a crucial role in his well-being.
A global vision
With the success of Keturah’s first projects in the UAE, Talal is looking beyond the borders of the Middle East. He has already expanded the Keturah brand internationally with a development in Switzerland, and in the coming years, he plans to take Keturah into several major European cities. “After expanding the concept internationally with a Keturah-branded development in Switzerland, we aim to launch further projects across several European cities,” he says.
But even as Keturah expands globally, Talal’s commitment to Dubai remains steadfast. The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, aimed at improving quality of life and sustainability, provides an ideal backdrop for Keturah’s continued growth in the UAE. “We envision Keturah as a beacon for future luxury well-being developments,” he adds.
Redefining luxury
As Talal’s vision unfolds, it’s clear that Keturah is redefining what luxury living can be. “We aim to set new industry benchmarks in Dubai’s real estate market, underscored by our commitment to environmental responsibility,” he says. It’s this unwavering commitment to sustainability that places Keturah ahead of the curve, positioning it as a leader in the future of luxury living.
Through Keturah, Talal is showing the world that luxury is no longer just about opulence – it’s about creating spaces that nurture the body, mind, and spirit. His ability to blend sustainability with innovation and well-being is setting a new precedent in the luxury real estate market. With each new development, Talal Moafaq Al Gaddah is proving that the future of luxury is about much more than beautiful buildings – it’s about creating a lifestyle that transforms the way we live, work, and connect with the world around us.