Gheyath Tower was never built — but the 25-storey mixed‑use tower that stands on its exact plot today, directly on the Dubai Water Canal, was delivered by the same developer, the same architect, and the same ambition, simply reshaped by a global financial crisis into a project now known as The 9.
2007 proposal that collapsed with the world economy to the completed tower that opened in 2020 and now houses residents, restaurants, and the Gheyath family office itself. Whether you are a property investor researching Business Bay assets, a potential tenant evaluating the building, or simply curious about one of Dubai’s more unusual architectural narratives, you will find trustworthy, actionable information here.
2007 Proposal, 2015 Restart, 2020 Completion
The Story Of Gheyath Tower
Gheyath Tower was first proposed in 2007 at the peak of Dubai’s mid‑2000s construction boom. The vision was ambitious: a modern high‑rise in the heart of the newly planned Business Bay district, mixing residential and commercial spaces within a striking contemporary design that would hold its own against the glass towers rising across the city. The developer was Mr. Gheyath Mohammed Gheyath, chairman of the GINCO Group of Companies, a UAE‑based conglomerate with interests spanning contracting, real estate, and investment. The architectural consultant was LACASA Architects & Engineering Consultants, and the main contractor was Ginco General Contracting — keeping the entire project within the GINCO corporate family.
Then the 2008 global financial crisis hit. Dubai’s property market froze. Projects that had barely broken ground were suspended, and the original Gheyath Tower never advanced beyond the planning stage. The financial collapse of 2007–2008 held most developments across the city, and the tower was among them. For six years, the plot sat dormant. Then, in early 2015, a redesigned project emerged on the same site. Construction began that year, and by 2020 the building was completed — not as Gheyath Tower, but as The 9, a 25‑storey mixed‑use skyscraper that carried forward the spirit of the original vision in a more practical and contemporary form. The building now stands on Marasi Drive in Business Bay, directly on the Dubai Water Canal, housing apartments, ground‑floor retail, and the corporate headquarters of GINCO Investments — the Gheyath family office itself, occupying the 20th floor.
- Original Proposal: 2007 — Gheyath Tower, a mixed‑use high‑rise in Business Bay
- Project Halted: 2008–2014 — suspended due to the global financial crisis
- Restart: 2015 — redesigned as The 9; construction began early that year
- Completion: 2020 — building delivered to owners
- Developer: Mr. Gheyath Mohammed Gheyath (GINCO Group)
- Architect: LACASA Architects & Engineering Consultants
- Contractor: Ginco General Contracting LLC
- Project Value: Approximately AED 140 million
25 Storeys On The Canal
Location And Building Specifications
The 9 is positioned directly on the Dubai Water Canal — specifically on Marasi Drive in Business Bay, one of Dubai’s most strategically situated mixed‑use districts. The canal location is a defining feature: residents look out over the water, the promenade, and the cascading bridges that have made the canal one of the city’s most photographed urban landscapes. The building’s canal‑side position also means it sits within a 5‑to‑10‑minute walk of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai. Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road — two of Dubai’s primary highway arteries — are both easily accessible, meaning the rest of the city lies within straightforward driving distance.
The building rises 25 storeys with no basement levels. Its façade is a full glass curtain wall with large windows, designed by LACASA Architects to maximise natural daylight and reduce reliance on artificial lighting by approximately 30 percent. Solar panels on the surface, smart HVAC systems that adjust heating and cooling based on room occupancy, and water‑saving taps are integrated throughout. High‑speed elevators serve all floors, and 24/7 CCTV video surveillance with trained security staff provides continuous monitoring. The building operates on a district cooling system supplied by Empower, with charges billed separately to individual units based on consumption contracts. The structure type is classified as a residential skyscraper with mixed‑use elements, and it holds freehold ownership status.
- Official Name: The 9 (formerly proposed as Gheyath Tower)
- Address: Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Dubai
- Floors: 25 storeys (no basement)
- Building Type: Mixed‑use (residential skyscraper)
- Ownership: Freehold
- Façade: Full glass curtain wall with solar panels
- Cooling: District cooling by Empower (separate billing)
- Parking: Covered parking; minimum one space per unit
- Elevators: Five high‑speed elevators
1‑Bed And 2‑Bed Apartments
Apartment Types, Sizes, And 2026 Pricing
The 9 offers exclusively 1‑bedroom and 2‑bedroom apartments — a deliberate focus on a specific market segment rather than the full range from studio to penthouse that many Business Bay towers attempt. The 1‑bedroom units range from approximately 870 square feet to 956 square feet. Each includes a spacious master bedroom with an attached bathroom and built‑in wardrobe, a guest bathroom, an open‑style kitchen, a living and dining area, and a private balcony. The 2‑bedroom apartments offer a larger footprint at approximately 1,530 square feet, with two ensuite bedrooms, separate wardrobes, a guest bathroom, an open‑style kitchen, a living and dining area, and a balcony.
In terms of 2026 pricing, verified sale transactions recorded on Bayut and GetProperty show the following ranges for ready units. Studio apartments (where occasionally available) trade from approximately AED 364,000 to AED 498,000. One‑bedroom apartments sell between roughly AED 551,000 and AED 700,000. Two‑bedroom units range from approximately AED 718,000 to AED 950,000. Off‑plan figures in the same categories are comparable. A recent sale on 2 January 2025 recorded a 2‑bedroom apartment of 86.16 square metres selling for AED 900,000. These prices place The 9 in the mid‑range segment of Business Bay’s residential market — more accessible than premium canal‑front addresses but above entry‑level buildings further from the water. Dubai residential prices are forecast to rise by approximately 10 percent in 2026, and the building’s canal‑facing position positions it well for sustained demand.
| Apartment Type | Area (sq. ft.) | Sale Price Range (AED) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio (limited availability) | ~380–500 | 364,000 – 498,000 | Open‑plan living, kitchen, bathroom, balcony |
| 1‑Bedroom | 870 – 956 | 551,000 – 700,000 | Ensuite bedroom, guest bathroom, open kitchen, living/dining, balcony |
| 2‑Bedroom | ~1,530 | 718,000 – 950,000 | Two ensuite bedrooms, guest bathroom, open kitchen, living/dining, balcony |
Gym, Pool, And Covered Parking
Building Amenities And Resident Facilities
The 9 provides a focused set of amenities that cover the essentials of modern high‑rise living without the expansive luxury‑resort features of Dubai’s super‑premium towers. A fully equipped gymnasium on‑site provides residents with cardiovascular machines, strength‑training equipment, and functional fitness space. The outdoor swimming pool sits at an elevated position, offering residents a place to swim, sunbathe, and cool off during Dubai’s hotter months. Steam and sauna facilities are available for post‑workout recovery and relaxation. A dedicated children’s outdoor play area provides a safe zone for families with young residents.
Parking is provided as covered, allocated spaces — each residential unit receives a minimum of one dedicated parking bay within the building’s podium‑level parking structure. The building offers 24/7 security with CCTV video monitoring and trained security staff on duty at all times. Daily maintenance services keep common areas and building systems operational, and a concierge desk in the lobby handles guest services, deliveries, and resident inquiries around the clock. The lobby itself includes a seating area for visitors. High‑speed elevators provide quick access to all 25 floors, minimising wait times during peak morning and evening hours. District cooling charges from Empower are billed separately to each unit based on individual consumption contracts.
- Gym: Fully equipped fitness centre
- Pool: Outdoor swimming pool
- Wellness: Steam and sauna rooms
- Children: Outdoor kids’ play area
- Parking: Covered, allocated — minimum one space per unit
- Security: 24/7 CCTV monitoring and trained security staff
- Concierge: 24‑hour desk in the lobby
- Maintenance: Daily on‑site services
- Cooling: District cooling by Empower (individual billing)
Five Outlets At Street Level
Ground‑Floor Retail, Dining, And Services
The ground‑floor retail spaces at The 9 are fully operational with five outlets serving residents and the surrounding Business Bay community. Al Qubtan Restaurant — the name means “The Captain” in Arabic — is a casual seafood restaurant with a beachfront‑style terrace, fresh fruit mocktails, and dishes ranging from tempura prawns to lobster thermidor, averaging approximately AED 50 per person. Berestas Restaurant serves authentic Indian and Mughlai cuisine, with biryani as a signature dish, and the name itself references the golden fried onions integral to Indian cooking. Domino’s Pizza occupies a street‑level unit for quick takeaway and delivery.
Loft Minimart provides a convenience‑store option within the building, stocking daily essentials, snacks, beverages, and household items without requiring residents to leave the premises. Pramie Grooming For Men is a luxury men’s salon offering haircuts, facials, manicures, pedicures, and skincare treatments in an upscale setting. Within walking distance of the building, dozens of additional dining and retail options radiate outward: My Square, BASTA!, and Acai and Co. are all within a 4‑minute walk. Larger supermarkets including West Zone Fresh Supermarket and Carrefour are approximately a 5‑minute drive. Bay Avenue Mall, with its grocery shops, pharmacies, toy stores, and extensive food and beverage outlets, is just 0.7 kilometres away.
- Al Qubtan Restaurant: Seafood, casual dining, average AED 50 per person, canal‑view terrace
- Berestas Restaurant: Authentic Indian and Mughlai cuisine, biryani specialist
- Domino’s Pizza: Street‑level unit, takeaway and delivery
- Loft Minimart: Convenience store, daily essentials and snacks
- Pramie Grooming For Men: Luxury men’s salon, haircuts to skincare
- Nearby (within 4‑minute walk): My Square, BASTA!, Acai and Co.
- Nearby Supermarkets: West Zone Fresh Supermarket, Carrefour — 5‑minute drive
- Bay Avenue Mall: 0.7 km — groceries, pharmacy, dining, retail
Business Bay Metro In 8 Minutes
Transport, Connectivity, And Commute Times
The 9 sits within one of Dubai’s best‑connected districts, with access to the city’s primary road network and public transport infrastructure. Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and Al Khail Road (E44) — the two major north‑south highways that form the spine of Dubai’s transport network — are both reachable within minutes. This dual‑highway access means residents can choose routes based on traffic conditions, a practical advantage during peak commuting hours. The building’s position on Marasi Drive places it at the centre of Business Bay’s canal‑side corridor, with Downtown Dubai directly to the east.
Business Bay Metro Station, on the Red Line, is an 8‑minute drive from the building. The station connects residents directly to Dubai International Airport, Dubai Marina, Jebel Ali, and all major Red Line destinations. For bus users, the Lake Central Tower bus stop is the nearest option, served by routes 26, 51, F19B, and F41. Taxis and ride‑hailing services including Careem and Uber are readily available throughout Business Bay at all hours. Verified drive times from The 9: Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa in approximately 9 minutes, Palm Jumeirah in 22 minutes, Burj Al Arab in 20 minutes, The Walk JBR in 25 minutes, Dubai International Airport (DXB) in 16 minutes, and Al Maktoum International Airport in 43 minutes.
- Nearest Metro: Business Bay Metro Station (Red Line) — 8‑minute drive
- Nearest Bus Stop: Lake Central Tower — routes 26, 51, F19B, F41
- Major Highways: Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), Al Khail Road (E44)
- Dubai Mall / Burj Khalifa: ~9 minutes by car
- Palm Jumeirah: ~22 minutes
- Burj Al Arab: ~20 minutes
- The Walk JBR: ~25 minutes
- Dubai International Airport (DXB): ~16 minutes
- Al Maktoum International Airport: ~43 minutes
Burj Khalifa 9 Minutes Away
Nearby Landmarks And Neighbourhood Attractions
The 9’s Business Bay location places it within the gravitational field of some of Dubai’s most significant landmarks. The Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall — the most visited destination on the planet — are a 9‑minute drive or a 5‑to‑10‑minute walk along the canal promenade. The Dubai Fountain, with its choreographed evening water shows on Burj Lake, lies approximately 1.1 kilometres from the building. The Dubai Opera, the city’s premier performing arts venue, sits at the edge of the Opera District, a short drive or canal‑side walk away. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai’s financial hub and home to global banks, law firms, and fine‑dining restaurants, is also within minutes of the building.
For daily recreation, the Dubai Water Canal promenade begins literally at the building’s doorstep, with its walking and cycling paths, pedestrian bridges, and waterfront restaurants stretching in both directions. Action Park Business Bay is 0.6 kilometres away, and Bay Avenue Park is 0.7 kilometres away. Business Bay East Park, a slightly larger green space, is 0.9 kilometres from the building. The Museum of the Future, one of Dubai’s most popular newer attractions, is an 11‑minute drive. The Track Meydan Golf is 4.8 kilometres away, and Dubai Hills Golf Club is slightly further. Blossom Nursery, following the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, is a 5‑minute drive, and Dubai International Private School (DIPS) — offering the US Common Core Curriculum from Kindergarten to Grade 12 — is within an 11‑minute drive.
- Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall: 9‑minute drive; 5–10‑minute walk
- Dubai Fountain: 1.1 km
- Dubai Opera: Short drive or canal‑side walk
- DIFC: Minutes away
- Dubai Water Canal Promenade: Immediate doorstep access
- Action Park Business Bay: 0.6 km
- Bay Avenue Park: 0.7 km
- Museum of the Future: 11‑minute drive
- Blossom Nursery: 5‑minute drive
- Dubai International Private School: 11‑minute drive
GINCO Office On The 20th Floor
The Gheyath Family Office And Corporate Presence
One of The 9’s most distinctive features is that it houses the corporate headquarters of the very entity that built it. GINCO Investments — the Gheyath Family Office — operates from the 20th floor of The 9 Tower on Al Abraj Street, Marasi Drive, Business Bay, with PO Box 8692. This single‑family office manages the Gheyath family’s investment portfolio, and its presence within the building creates a unique alignment: the developer is not a distant corporate entity but a permanent occupant with a direct stake in the building’s maintenance, reputation, and long‑term performance. The family office’s decision to base itself in The 9, rather than in a separate prestige address, signals confidence in the project and provides an unusual degree of accountability for residents.
The broader GINCO Group — established by Chairman Gheyath Mohammad Gheyath in 1975 — has developed a portfolio of projects across Dubai over nearly five decades. Ginco Properties, the real estate arm, has recently expanded its Business Bay footprint with VYB, a 21‑storey residential tower off Al Asayel Street offering 1‑ and 2‑bedroom apartments, and Velor Penthouses, a collection of ten furnished residences scheduled for completion in Q4 2027 with prices ranging from AED 8.25 million to over AED 20.6 million for the largest five‑bedroom configurations. The group’s sustained investment in Business Bay underscores its long‑term commitment to the district, and The 9 remains its flagship completed residential tower.
- GINCO Investments (Gheyath Family Office): 20th Floor, The 9 Tower, Al Abraj Street, Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Dubai, PO Box 8692
- GINCO Group Established: 1975
- Chairman: Gheyath Mohammad Gheyath
- Recent GINCO Projects: VYB (21‑storey residential, Business Bay), Velor Penthouses (Q4 2027, from AED 8.25M), One Residences (Downtown Dubai, 30 storeys, 453 residences)
What To Know Before You Rent Or Buy?
Practical Considerations For Residents And Investors
The 9 occupies a specific niche in Business Bay’s residential market: it is a canal‑facing freehold tower with modern amenities and a developer who occupies the building, offered at mid‑range pricing rather than super‑premium rates. That combination makes it attractive to both end‑users seeking a well‑located home and investors targeting rental demand in one of Dubai’s most active residential districts. The building’s focus on 1‑bedroom and 2‑bedroom apartments — rather than a scatter of studios and penthouses — creates a more uniform resident profile, which some buyers prefer for long‑term community stability.
Several practical factors should be weighed. District cooling charges are billed separately by Empower based on individual consumption, meaning total monthly costs exceed the headline rent or service‑charge figure. Business Bay is a mixed‑use district undergoing continuous development; traffic congestion during peak morning and evening hours is a genuine consideration, particularly at the Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road access points. The building’s 25‑storey scale means it is a mid‑rise by Dubai standards, which translates to fewer units and generally less crowded common facilities than larger towers, but also fewer amenities than the resort‑style complexes that offer tennis courts, multiple pools, and dedicated spa buildings. The ground‑floor retail provides daily convenience without the scale of an attached mall. For prospective tenants and buyers, the key questions are whether the canal‑front position, the GINCO occupancy, and the focused apartment mix align with their priorities — and whether the Empower cooling costs and peak‑hour traffic are acceptable trade‑offs for the location.
- Pros: Canal‑front freehold; developer occupies the building; 1‑ and 2‑bed focus creates uniform community; mid‑range pricing in a premium district; 9 minutes to Dubai Mall; ground‑floor retail with restaurants and minimart; covered parking included.
- Cons: District cooling billed separately by Empower; peak‑hour traffic congestion in Business Bay; fewer resort‑style amenities than larger complexes; no basement parking; limited apartment type range (no studios or large penthouses as standard).
- Best For: Professionals and small families seeking canal‑front living with direct Downtown access at mid‑range pricing; investors targeting rental demand in Business Bay.
The story of Gheyath Tower is, in its own way, a miniature of Dubai’s 21st‑century trajectory: a bold vision announced at the peak of a boom, halted by a global crisis that froze half the city’s construction sites, and then quietly resurrected six years later under a different name with a more practical design and a more sustainable business model. The 9 is not the tallest tower in Business Bay, nor the most luxurious, nor the most architecturally daring. What it is — and what the original Gheyath Tower concept aspired to be — is a genuinely mixed‑use building in a prime canal‑front location, delivered by a developer who liked the finished product enough to move its own headquarters inside. For residents, that last detail may matter more than any marketing claim ever could.
