Landscapes of Quiet Distinction
A Dubai-based landscape architecture and design-build practice, creating gardens, estates, resorts and communities in 20 countries, from the Gulf and Africa to Europe and the United States.
Landscapes of Quiet Distinction
A Dubai-based landscape architecture and design-build practice, creating gardens, estates, resorts and communities in 20 countries, from the Gulf and Africa to Europe and the United States.
A design-led landscape practice, rooted in the Emirates.
Secret Gardens brings landscape architecture, engineering, wellbeing and construction together within a single practice — the disciplines that shape an outdoor space, held to one standard.
We design with the rigour of architecture and the patience of horticulture: considered, restrained, and made to mature into the light and climate of the UAE.
Four disciplines, one practice.
Architecture & Design
Our founding discipline. We read site, climate, context and brief to shape considered, enduring places at every scale.
Worldwide · design & consultancy
Engineering
A full engineering discipline integrated from first concept — civil, structural, MEP, hydraulics and smart automation.
Worldwide · engineering consultancy
Wellness
Spa, biophilic design and health-led programming woven into every masterplan — wellness as a design discipline.
Worldwide · wellness consultancy
Construction
The difference between us and a pure consultancy. Our teams & regional partners self-deliver to resort standard, worldwide.
United Arab Emirates
Rooted in the UAE.
Designing worldwide.
Middle East & the Gulf: United Arab Emirates · Saudi Arabia · Qatar · Oman · Kuwait · Bahrain · Jordan
Africa: Egypt · Morocco · Libya · Sudan · Tanzania & Zanzibar · Kenya · Seychelles · Sierra Leone · Gabon
Europe: United Kingdom · Portugal · Türkiye
North America: United States
Most projects pass through a designer, an engineer and a contractor and lose something at every handover.
We hold every stage within one practice, so nothing is lost between them.
Interpret
We read the brief, the site, the climate and the context — and treat the client as a partner in shaping the vision.
Design
Concept through detailed design and 3D visualisation, with engineering integrated from the first sketch rather than added later.
Engineer
Civil, MEP, hydraulics, irrigation, lighting and automation — resolved so the design is genuinely buildable.
Build & hand over
Across the UAE, our own teams deliver to resort standard under one point of accountability — built exactly as designed.
Award-Winning Studio
Recognition has followed the work across six award programmes to date: Best Luxury Outdoor Living Design Studio – UAE at the Arabian Property Awards, won two years running in 2025 and 2026; Landscape Architecture honours at the Africa Property Awards 2026, for Amani Community, Tanzania; Landscape Service of the Year at the Corporate LiveWire Prestige Awards 2020/2021; Best Luxury Outdoor Living Design Studio 2026 – UAE at the LUXlife Home & Garden Awards; and a shortlisting at the MENA Commercial Interior Design Awards 2026. Awards are never the reason we design, but they affirm the standard our clients experience first-hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of landscape projects do you undertake?
We work across a diverse range of landscape projects, including private residences, luxury villas, hospitality, commercial, government and mixed-use developments. Every project is approached individually, with the landscape designed around the architecture, setting and intended use of the space.
What services do Secret Gardens provide?
Secret Gardens is a landscape design studio with the capability to take projects from the initial brief through to completion. Our design process can include the initial concept, detailed design, technical documentation and relevant approvals, with construction undertaken by our fully in-house team where required.
Every project is bespoke, and our scope can be tailored to suit the requirements of each client and project. Get in touch with our team to discuss your project and understand how we can help.
Do you provide both landscape design and construction?
Yes. Our design and build approach allow us to oversee the landscape throughout the entire process, from initial concept through to construction. Having both design and engineering disciplines within one company allows us to maintain the design intent, detailing and quality of the finished landscape throughout implementation.
How does your landscape design process work, and how are your fees structured?
Our design process begins with understanding the site, architecture, brief and how the outdoor spaces are intended to be used. We then develop the design through a series of stages, from the initial concept through to detailed design and construction documentation, before moving into implementation where applicable.
As every project is bespoke, our fees are tailored to the scope, scale and complexity of the project. Following an initial discussion, we can establish the requirements and provide a detailed proposal outlining the scope of services and associated fees.
At what stage should we appoint a landscape designer?
Ideally, the landscape team should be involved during the early stages of a project. Early collaboration allows the landscape to be considered alongside the architecture, interiors and wider site planning, rather than being treated as an addition at the end of the project. This is particularly important where the landscape includes swimming pools, structures, levels, drainage, lighting or other integrated elements.
We also work with clients who are looking to transform an existing property, so it is never too late to involve our team.
Do you work alongside architects, interior designers, developers and consultants?
Yes. Collaboration is an important part of our approach. We regularly work alongside architects, interior designers, developers, consultants and other project teams to ensure the landscape integrates seamlessly with the wider design.
Our team can become involved at different stages of a project, whether providing landscape design as part of a wider consultant team or taking responsibility for the landscape through design and construction.
Do you manage authority approvals and technical requirements?
Where required, we coordinate the relevant landscape and project approvals as part of the design process. Our team considers the technical requirements of the site throughout the design, including elements such as swimming pools, structures, drainage, levels and other built landscape features.
The specific approvals and consultants required will depend on the location, project type and scope.
Do you work on international projects?
Yes. Secret Gardens works internationally, providing landscape design services for projects outside the UAE. We are able to travel where required to visit the site, meet with the client and wider project team, and develop a strong understanding of the project and its surroundings.
For international projects, our scope is focused on landscape design and consultancy, with construction typically managed by the client’s appointed local contractor. We can work closely with the local project team throughout the implementation process to help ensure the design intent is maintained.
How do you ensure the finished landscape reflects the original design?
Our design and build model allow our design team to remain closely involved throughout construction. We place strong emphasis on detailed design, material selection, construction detailing and quality control to ensure the finished landscape reflects the original design intent.
Because no two projects are the same, we work closely with our construction team and specialist suppliers throughout implementation, resolving details on site while maintaining the overall vision and quality expected of a Secret Gardens project
Do you work outside the UAE?
Yes. Secret Gardens has delivered landscape projects in 20 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, the United States, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Türkiye, Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar, the Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Gabon, Sudan and Libya. Our Dubai studio leads design and engineering worldwide, and we deliver construction directly in the UAE and with local partners elsewhere.
Bring us in early.
Whether you're a developer shaping a masterplan, a consultant assembling a team, or a private client planning an estate — tell us about the project and we'll show you what an integrated landscape practice can do.
"Secret Gardens delivered an exceptional garden from design to completion. The team was collaborative, professional, communicative, and exceeded my expectations."
Richard Talian - Tilal Al Ghaf, Dubai, UAE