The CEO of Sankari is pioneering ultra-luxury real estate development, blending cutting-edge design, sustainability, and a groundbreaking partnership with IHG to shape Dubai’s future.
Mark Phoenix, the CEO of Sankari, is not just shaping Dubai’s skyline—he is redefining the very essence of ultra-luxury living in the city. With over three decades of experience in real estate development, Phoenix has become known for pushing the boundaries of design and innovation. Now, with the launch of Regent Residences Dubai, Sankari Place in partnership with IHG® Hotels & Resorts, he is leading one of the most ambitious luxury projects the city has ever seen.
This partnership marks the world’s first standalone Regent Residences, a flagship development set to transform Dubai’s Marasi Marina neighbourhood. “We are thrilled to partner with IHG, a world-renowned industry leader, to bring this vision to life,” Phoenix shares. “This collaboration sets the stage for a state-of-the-art residential complex with the highest service standards, offering owners and residents an exceptional hospitality experience in their homes. ”
The Vision Behind Regent Residences Dubai, Sankari Place
Regent Residences Dubai, Sankari Place is the epitome of modern luxury, with 63 full-floor residences and ten waters villas, all designed by the world-renowned Foster + Partners. “For me, it’s always function over form,” Phoenix explains. “It’s not just about creating beautiful buildings—it’s about how people live in them. At Regent Residences Dubai, Sankari Place, we focused on designing spaces that offer privacy, exclusivity, and convenience.”
Every full-floor residence comes with a private swimming pool and expansive outdoor living spaces, offering residents unparalleled privacy and luxury. “The residences are designed to provide an experience that feels more like a luxury resort than a residential building,” Phoenix adds. “Every element, from the private lifts to the bespoke amenities, is designed with the highest level of comfort and privacy in mind.
”The development also includes ten floating villas, offering residents a unique waterfront living experience. “These water are one of the standout features of Regent Residences. They offer stunning views of Dubai Creek and Downtown Dubai, combining the serenity of waterfront living with the convenience of being in the heart of the city,” says Phoenix.
A Partnership That Elevates Luxury
The collaboration between Sankari and IHG Hotels & Resorts brings together two powerhouses in real estate and hospitality. Regent Residences Dubai, Sankari Place represents the first of its kind—a standalone Regent-managed residential project. The Regent brand, known for its storied history of elegance and sophistication, has properties in iconic locations such as Cannes, Berlin, and Hong Kong. “This project is a significant milestone for both Sankari and IHG, blending our innovative vision with the esteemed legacy of the Regent brand,” says Phoenix.
IHG Hotels & Resorts, which has expanded its presence in the luxury sector, views this partnership as an opportunity to redefine luxury living in Dubai. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of India, the Middle East & Africa for IHG, remarks, “Regent Residences Dubai, Sankari Place allows us to strengthen our offering in the branded residential space.We trust our partnership with Sankari will help us deliver an exceptional living experience for Dubai residents.”
Phoenix agrees, emphasising the importance of collaboration in delivering world-class luxury. “The best talent from the industry has been brought together to deliver on the Sankari family’s vision,” he says. “We’re proud to introduce Sankari Place as a new benchmark for luxury living.”
Building a Legacy in Dubai
For Phoenix and the Sankari family, this project is more than just another development—it’s about leaving a lasting legacy. Mohammed Sankari, Chairman of Sankari, shares his personal connection to the project: “Sankari Place is deeply significant to me and my family. This development embodies our commitment to excellence and innovation, and we are proud to see our vision come to life in such a prestigious location.”
Mark Phoenix echoes this sentiment. “We’re not just building villas; we’re building a legacy that reflects our dedication to quality, design, and sustainability,” he says. Under Phoenix’s leadership, Sankari has emerged as one of the leading luxury developers in the UAE, with a portfolio valued at AED 7 billion.
Innovation Meets Sustainability
Sustainability is a core component of Phoenix’s vision for the future of luxury real estate. “Sustainability is a challenge, particularly in the ultra-luxury sector, but it’s one we are tackling head-on,” he says. At Regent Residences Dubai, Sankari Place, this commitment to sustainability is evident in the project’s design and construction.
The development complies with Dubai’s Green Building Code, and Sankari has gone further by incorporating advanced technologies to reduce the environmental footprint. “We’ve selected materials and designs that reduce the need for air conditioning, and we use advanced glass to keep the buildings cool,” explains Phoenix. “It’s all about finding the balance between luxury and responsibility.”
Phoenix is also exploring innovative construction methods such as 3D printing, which he believes could revolutionise the industry. “We were among the first to build a 3D-printed villa in Dubai, and while the technology is still developing, it has the potential to significantly reduce waste and costs in construction,” he says.
A New Standard for Luxury Living
Set for completion in 2027, Regent Residences Dubai, Sankari Place is poised to become one of Dubai’s most sought-after residential addresses. The project offers residents exclusive access to world-class amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a golf simulator, a cinema, and a gaming room. “We wanted to create a living environment that meets every need,” Phoenix explains.“From wellness to entertainment, we’ve thought about what the modern luxury villaowner desires.”
The development also features tennis and padel courts, a private dining room, a cigar lounge, and a business lounge, providing residents with the ultimate in convenience and luxury. “Our goal is to offer a lifestyle that’s as comprehensive as it is luxurious,” Phoenix says.
Building a Vision: Function Over Form
Phoenix’s approach to real estate development is grounded in practicality, prioritising function over form. “For me, it’s always function over form,” he says. “It’s not about how the building looks from the outside, but about how people live and experience the space.” This philosophy has been the driving force behind his leadership at Sankari, where every project begins with a focus on the resident experience.
Upon joining the company, Phoenix immediately began shaping its direction by drafting a comprehensive design brief for its flagship development at Marasi Marina. “The first thing I did was outline how people will live in the building—the amenities, the lifestyle, the privacy—and none of this was about aesthetics,” he explains. This approach ensures that every decision, from the layout of each apartment to the height of the ceilings, is made with the residents in mind. The goal is to create spaces where people can live comfortably and luxuriously, without having to compromise on functionality.
The twin towers at Marasi Marina are a testament to this philosophy. Each unit occupies an entire floor, providing residents with the utmost privacy. “It’s not just about how the building looks; it’s about creating a space where people can live their lives without compromise,” Phoenix adds. The development offers stunning views of the Dubai Canal and Downtown Dubai, with private pools, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows designed to enhance the resident experience.
Embracing Collaboration with Architectural Visionaries
Phoenix’s extensive experience working with renowned architectural firms like Foster + Partners has shaped his unique approach to real estate design. His collaborations with these world-class architects go beyond aesthetics—his focus is always on merging innovative design with practicality. “When you’re working with toptier architects, it’s about more than just making a beautiful building. It’s about ensuring the design serves the purpose of the residents,” he explains.
This partnership has resulted in some of the most iconic developments in Dubai, including the Marasi Marina twin towers. “At Marasi Marina, we worked closely with Foster + Partners to create layouts that maximise privacy while ensuring the building integrates seamlessly with the environment,” says Phoenix. “We spent months fine-tuning the details, from sun exposure to wind direction, to ensure everything was perfect for the residents.” Phoenix’s collaborative leadership style has allowed him to build long-lasting relationships with industry leaders“ I’ve worked with Foster + Partners for years, and I trust their expertise,” he says. “But it’s essential that our vision remains clear. We’re not just creating beautiful buildings we’re crafting spaces that improve the quality of life for the people who live there.”
A Leadership Style That Inspires
Known for his hands-on, approachable leadership style, Phoenix promotes a culture of collaboration and trust at Sankari. “I’m involved in every stage of the process, from design to construction,” he says. “I make sure my team is aligned with the vision and that we work together to achieve it.”
This hands-on leadership has helped Phoenix build a high-performing team that shares his passion for innovation and excellence“ At Sankari, we’ve created an environment where everyone’s input is valued, whether they’re on the creative or technical side,” Phoenix explains. “We have a close-knit team, and we work together to solve problems. There’s no room for ego—we’re all working towards the same goal.”
Phoenix is also known for setting high expectations, both for himself and his team. “I expect my team to perform at the highest level, but I also trust them to do their jobs without micromanaging,” he says. “The goal is to empower people to make decisions and take ownership of their work.”
This leadership style has allowed Phoenix to attract and retain top talent at Sankari. “I’ve worked with some of my team members for over a decade,” he says. “There’s a level of trust and respect that’s essential for delivering complex, high-end projects.”
A Vision for the Future
As Dubai continues to grow as a global hub for luxury living, Phoenix believes the future of real estate lies in blending cutting-edge technology with a personalised approach to lifestyle. “The luxury market is evolving, and it’s no longer just about the physical space,” he explains. “It’s about creating an experience that caters to the residents’ needs and anticipates their desires.”
At Regent Residences Dubai, Sankari Place, that experience begins the moment residents step into their private lift. “Villa automation systems, personalised services, and predictive technologies will play a significant role in the future of luxury real estate,” Phoenix notes. “It’s about creating spaces that people can control effortlessly, ensuring that every detail enhances their lifestyle.”
For Phoenix, the success of Sankari is not just measured by financial returns, but by the lasting impact of its projects. “At the end of the day, we want to create developments that stand the te
st of time—both in design and in the way they improve people’s lives,” he says.
As Regent Residences Dubai, Sankari Place prepares to make its mark on Dubai’s skyline, it’s clear that Mark Phoenix and Sankari are leading the charge toward a new era of luxury living. Their commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability is setting a new standard in the global real estate market, ensuring that their legacy will endure for generations to come.