CEO Abhishek Jalan explains how the developer’s design-first approach to home automation is shaping buyer expectations and redefining security, sustainability, and convenience in Dubai’s luxury residential market.
Grovy Developers is redefining what modern luxury living looks like in Dubai with the launch of AURA, a fully integrated smart-home ecosystem built from the ground up. Buyer preferences are shifting toward convenience, sustainability, and frictionless technology, prompting Grovy to adopt a design-first approach—embedding automation, intelligent infrastructure, and future-ready systems at every stage of development rather than treating them as add-ons.
Under the leadership of CEO Abhishek Jalan, the company has focused on creating homes that adapt to residents’ lifestyles, offering intuitive control over sustainability features, security systems, climate management, and community amenities through a unified digital platform. From keyless access and predictive maintenance to smart irrigation, stacked parking, and energy-efficient common areas, AURA delivers a seamless living experience that goes beyond the traditional definition of a smart home.
In this conversation with Tahawultech.com, Abhishek Jalan highlights how Grovy is shaping the next chapter of luxury residential living in the UAE—and why a holistic, integrated ecosystem is now central to buyer expectations.
Interview Excerpts:
What was the driving force behind integrating advanced smart home features into AURA by Grovy, and how do these innovations align with evolving buyer expectations in the UAE?
Buyer expectations have evolved significantly since we launched Grovy a decade ago. Our average customer is now 44, and today’s buyers prioritise convenience, energy efficiency, and integrated technology—and are willing to invest in these enhancements. We ensure every home is future-proof by embedding smart, durable technologies from the planning stage. AURA by Grovy exemplifies this approach, offering seamlessly integrated smart-home features from day one. Unlike developers who add technology later, our early integration reduces long-term costs for residents and delivers functionality that cannot be achieved through retrofitted solutions.
How do the smart systems—such as lighting, thermostats, and voice-controlled assistants—contribute to both convenience and sustainability in luxury living?
We integrate all smart systems at the design stage to ensure every unit supports a fully connected lifestyle. Our layouts, for example, avoid level differences or gaps so residents can easily use robot vacuums and other home technologies. By planning for tech-friendly living from the outset, each home is delivered with built-in smart capabilities and the flexibility for residents to expand further as needed. Through our mobile app, residents can control all key functions—from sustainability and security features to lighting, thermostat settings, and home automation. They can also monitor electricity and water consumption with more detailed insights than standard utility apps, including setting usage limits.
“AURA’s features, such as elevator cameras, smart door access, and integrated intercom communication, can be managed directly from in-home tablets or mobile devices, providing a seamless and convenient living experience.”
With features like facial recognition access, smart CCTV integration, and app-based controls, how is AURA redefining residential security and privacy?
We have moved beyond traditional access cards and manual security systems by implementing a fully mobile, keyless access model. Our app restricts entry to verified residents, allowing them to access their homes using their phone via Bluetooth, NFC, or a PIN code if needed. This eliminates the common issues associated with misplaced cards and ensures seamless, secure access across all apartments and common areas. Our parking facilities also use licence plate recognition to grant entry exclusively to registered vehicles. AURA’s building management system (BMS) is designed with predictive maintenance and fault detection capabilities. By analysing historical data from equipment such as HVAC units, elevators, pumps, and fire systems, the BMS identifies abnormal patterns, anticipates potential failures, and automatically triggers preventive maintenance. This reduces unplanned downtime and unexpected repair costs. Real-time alerts for issues such as water leaks, equipment errors, or safety breaches are delivered through multiple channels—including email, SMS, the mobile app, and the central dashboard—and, when necessary, directly to affected residents. Additionally, automated climate control and occupancy-based lighting enhance both efficiency and safety throughout the property.
Could you share how Grovy’s approach to future-proofing homes, such as offering customisable smart infrastructure, enhances long-term value for residents?
We want to make sure that the homes we deliver at Grovy stand the test of time for our residents. Our open-protocol Wi-Fi systems in all units make it scalable, allowing residents to expand and personalise their home automation experience. These customisations can also be integrated into the application for residents. IoT connects multiple systems at home where residents can connect all the gadgets and appliances they want. Their homes are designed to adjust to future technologies, and that flexibility offers ongoing upgrades without major rework or retrofitting.
As smart technology expands into shared amenities like pools, parking, and landscaping, how do you ensure a seamless and intuitive experience for the entire community?
AURA’s smart technologies are designed to work seamlessly in the background, enhancing comfort and efficiency without requiring constant user interaction. Features such as the temperature-controlled pool and recycled HVAC condensate water for landscaping operate automatically, while smart irrigation systems adjust to weather conditions and monitor soil and plant health. Each unit includes a touchscreen home automation panel that allows residents to centrally manage all smart functions. Visible innovations like our stacked smart parking optimise capacity, with 20% of spaces allocated for high-occupancy units, while EV charging stations track individual energy usage. Common areas feature energy-efficient lighting, smart lift systems, and 24/7 integrated CCTV supported by concierge services. What differentiates AURA is our holistic approach: instead of limiting smart features to individual units, we integrate technology across the entire development—from parking to pools to landscaping—offering a fully connected community experience that stands apart in Dubai’s luxury market.