Dubai’s property market is evolving. Gone are the days of simply building more towers; today, developers are focusing on quality, livability, and long-term value. Oleg Tkachenko, Managing Director of CDS Developments, is at the forefront of this transformation, combining European craftsmanship with human-centered design principles.
Since its establishment in 1999, CDS Developments has prioritized creating homes that offer more than visual appeal; they focus on comfort, durability, and lifestyle. Tkachenko explains that today’s buyers are increasingly discerning, evaluating not just aesthetics but long-term performance and the reliability of the developer.
“Over the last few years, Dubai has transitioned from a ‘build more’ mindset to a ‘build better’ approach, something we at CDS have embraced since our establishment in 1999. Our philosophy has never been about contributing to skyline volume, but about creating homes that offer peace of mind, long-term comfort, and a lifestyle people aspire to, including the rising desire for Island Living, where residents enjoy serenity, exclusivity, and a strong connection to nature.”
Buyers now demand projects that age gracefully and maintain appeal over time. Tkachenko emphasizes that craftsmanship, durability, and resident well-being are key to meeting these expectations.
European craftsmanship has gained influence in Dubai’s luxury property market, not as a mere aesthetic, but as a standard of precision and attention to detail. CDS Developments integrates this philosophy across materials, layouts, and design elements. “European craftsmanship is not a style, it’s a discipline. It reflects precision, intention, and the belief that every detail should enhance daily life.”
Tkachenko highlights that buyers notice the subtleties, efficient layouts, natural light, sound insulation, quality joinery, and harmonized facades. These details create spaces that are both premium and highly livable.
Also, in today’s off-plan market, trust is essential. Tkachenko stresses that developers must be clear, consistent, and present throughout the buyer journey. CDS ensures brokers have complete, accurate information, reinforcing buyer confidence. “Trust is earned through clarity and consistency. It begins with realistic commitments, continues with transparent communication, and is reinforced by steady on-site progress. Developers must be present, responsive, and accountable, not only until handover but beyond it.”
Human-Centered Living
Tkachenko believes the future of real estate is rooted in human-centered urban planning. This approach goes beyond amenities, focusing on community, emotional well-being, and daily life experiences. “Human-centered living goes beyond amenities; it’s about creating environments that support daily life, emotional well-being, and a sense of belonging. In Dubai, this vision aligns closely with the city’s Urban Vision 2040, which prioritizes livability, walkability, and community connection.”
At CDS, this philosophy is reflected in thoughtful layouts, practical amenities, and shared spaces that foster interaction, turning neighborhoods into places where residents feel grounded and proud to live.
Buyers in Dubai are now more lifestyle-driven and long-term in their thinking. There is growing interest in environments such as Island Living, which provide privacy, nature, and emotional balance. “Buyers today are more discerning and long-term in their thinking. They look beyond aesthetics and marketing, asking deeper questions about developer credibility, construction quality, and day-to-day livability. There is also a rising interest in more lifestyle-driven environments, including Island Living, which reflects a desire for privacy, nature, and emotional balance.”
This shift has encouraged developers to refine design standards, improve construction quality, and strengthen after-sales care.
For Tkachenko, design starts from the inside out, focusing first on how spaces feel and function in daily life. Thoughtful floor plans, efficient circulation, and natural light take priority over mere brochure appeal.
“We start from the inside out. Instead of asking, How will this look on a brochure? we ask, What will it feel like to wake up here, come home here, and raise a family here?”
The same thinking extends to the wider community: from children’s play areas to social hubs, CDS aims to create spaces that balance aesthetics with function and emotion.
“Understanding human behaviour allows us to move from constructing buildings to crafting experiences. When you recognise that customers are not transactions but partners, every decision changes. We focus on integrity in delivery, clarity in communication, and quality in execution.”
What Trends Are Shaping the Market?
Tkachenko identifies several trends shaping Dubai’s real estate sector: more human-scale communities, a stronger focus on light, acoustics, and comfort in homes, and greater demand for developers who deliver on promises with ongoing support. At CDS, he says the company’s guiding pillars, integrity, quality, convenience, and durability, are operational principles rather than marketing lines. With over 15 years of experience across real estate, trading, and hospitality, Tkachenko combines strategic insight with hands-on operational expertise. He began his career in global hospitality with Hyatt Hotels and JA Resorts & Hotels, where he honed his understanding of trust, service, and client relationships.
Transitioning into luxury real estate, Tkachenko developed expertise in high-end property sales, master-planned communities, and international brokerage. His leadership at CDS focuses on creating fewer but finer projects that elevate lifestyles while inspiring long-term confidence for residents, partners, and investors.
