Vida Dubai Mall- Hotel & Residences

United Arab Emirates

Lighting the urban oasis

Image source: EMAAR

Rising above the bustle of Downtown Dubai, just steps from the iconic Dubai Mall, Vida Dubai Mall – Hotel & Residences redefines urban luxury with effortless charm. From the outside, the building exudes calm and elegance, but behind the scenes, advanced systems work together seamlessly. Lighting is particularly important, orchestrating subtle shifts across spaces to create the perfect atmosphere.

Image source: Vida Hotels and Resorts

To bring this symphony to life, Helvar partner Creation Gulf Trading LLC was entrusted with delivering a comprehensive lighting control solution capable of managing multiple zones across the property while ensuring seamless integration with third-party systems.

The challenge

The primary goal was to create a lighting system that goes beyond functionality, one that responds intuitively to the rhythms of daily life.  The project required a single, intelligent solution to control everything from automated lighting in driveways to expressive, dimmable scenes in high-end hospitality areas. The system had to be precise, reliable, and able to communicate flawlessly with other building technologies.

Image source: Vida Hotels and Resorts

The Helvar solution

At the heart of the project lies a complete Helvar lighting control system, chosen for its adaptability and precision. The lighting system smoothly controls the light, guiding guests as they move from the lobby, walk along the outdoor paths, or travel up to the rooftop. The subtle shifts across corridors, lounges, and outdoor terraces are not just moments of illumination—they are intuitive responses to movement and time.
The system’s intelligence is built on a diverse range of Helvar technology, strategically implemented across the property:
  • Intelligent Sensing: In the podium and basement driveways, Helvar 314 Microwave Sensors were installed for their ability to detect motion effectively in these large, high-traffic zones. On the double-height ceilings of the ground floor, Helvar 322 High Bay Sensors were used for accurate detection from an elevated position, while Helvar 320 PIR Sensors were deployed in all other public areas, including staircases and typical floor corridors, for reliable occupancy detection.
  • Intuitive Control: For guest-centric spaces on the ground floor, Illustris Scene Control provide dimming and scene-setting capabilities. This gives users effortless control over the ambiance in the main lobby, gym, yoga studio, and other multipurpose rooms.
  • Seamless Integration: A sophisticated network of integrations ensures the system is more than standalone brilliance. The Helvar 435 module allows the system to speak fluently with the Building Management System (BMS), providing centralised control and monitoring. In meeting and event spaces, the Helvar 503 module integrates lighting with AV systems via a dedicated RS232 AV Interface, ensuring presentations and gatherings unfold in perfect harmony.
  • Adaptable Exterior Lighting: Outside, the building’s landscape and façade illumination is guided by a Helvar 329 External Light Sensor, allowing the lighting to respond to the natural rhythm of the city and come to life as Dubai’s skyline begins to dim.
Behind the scenes, a centralised computer provides facility teams with full command, allowing them to monitor, adjust, and refine every lighting zone with confidence and clarity.

« This wasn’t about simply lighting a space—it was about creating a responsive ecosystem. Every component had to work in unison, reliably and precisely, to support the guest experience day after day. »Mr. Dharmendra Patel, Managing Director, Creation Gulf.

Image source: Vida Hotels and Resorts

The Result

At Vida Dubai Mall – Hotel & Residences, lighting does more than illuminate; it shapes the entire experience. From the lobby to outdoor terraces, every subtle shift in light responds to movement, time, and activity, creating an environment that feels intuitive and welcoming. The Helvar system seamlessly integrates design and technology, quietly enhancing comfort, atmosphere, and functionality. The result is a hospitality destination where every space is perfectly lit, and every moment feels thoughtfully orchestrated.

Key Facts

Client: EMAAR
Project Management Consultant: Mirage Leisure & Development
Lead Consultant: WSP
Main Contractor: Shapoorji Pallonji Mideast L.L.C
MEP Contractor: Shapoorji Pallonji Mideast L.L.C (MEP Devision)
Lighting Consultant: Light Touch PLD
System Integrator: Creation Gulf Trading LLC
United Arab Emirates