ABOUT
Josef Kleindienst is the founder and chairman of Kleindienst Group; a visionary Austrian entrepreneur committed to redefining what’s possible; an innovator and inventor with multiple patents in the pipeline, who has pioneered new concepts across real estate, sustainability, and hospitality; and the mastermind behind the USD 5 billion upscale mixed-used island dream destination called The Heart of Europe in the UAE.
Josef's true passions extend far beyond the brick-and-mortar of real estate. His passions include environmental protection and the regeneration and restoration of corals and marine life; shipbuilding and maritime transportation; investments and contributing to FDI; building life-altering partnerships with future-focused people; and creating innovative experiences that help people from around the globe find a place where they can live, thrive, and “forget to die.” In line with this, Josef is establishing the world’s sixth blue zone, with more information to be released in the future.
"Just like the James Webb Telescope shares knowledge and stories about what’s already occurred millions of years in the past — in our present; similarly, true inventors and innovators are able to ‘envision’ decades into the future — so that we can build in the present and make it a reality."
At The Heart of Europe, Josef has brought moonshots to life, pulling the future to the present, with the world's first floating and underwater living experience; a climate-controlled street where it can rain throughout the year; the largest privately-owned marine life rehabilitation centre; a self-sustaining Maldivian micro-jungle forest landscape in an arid desert climate; the world’s first adults-only, five-star party hotel on an island; the first dedicated wedding hotel; the first dedicated 5-star family hotel; the first outdoor snow plaza and private snow rooms; as well as the first car-free, noise-free, microplastic-free, pollution-free island destination with zero discharge.
Once complete, The Heart of Europe will include more than 20 hotels and resorts, over 4,000 upscale homes for residents and tourists, more than 50 yearly attractions, create more than 4,000 jobs, employ over 1,600 skilled staff, and result in a destination of choice for a vacation, second home, or simply a taste of Europe in Dubai.
Josef has led Kleindienst Group to the rank of number one European developer in the UAE with a focus on restoring corals and marine life; shipbuilding and maritime transportation; business growth and attracting FDI; as well as creating extraordinary experiences that help people from around the globe find a place where they can live, thrive, and “forget to die”.
Josef’s entrepreneurial journey began in Austria in 1985, where he founded his company before expanding to the Middle East in 2003. Under his leadership, the Kleindienst Group has grown from a small operation to a diverse conglomerate of businesses, including property development, construction, hospitality, and shipbuilding, with more than 1,500 employees.
As the leader of the Austria Business Centre, he is committed to bringing FDI and investments into the UAE, while creating opportunities for Austrian business leaders, investors, and organisations.
Josef is passionate about building a community where people can live and thrive, anchored by values like sustainability, longevity, and wellness
Showcasing the different species at our Coral Institute
Bringing Europe to Dubai—-one innovative detail at a time
Introducing The Heart of Europe’s famous Raining Street to visitors
Our team: the true beating “heart” of The Heart of Europe