7 of the Most Exciting Real Estate Ventures in and around the UAE
1. 7 of the Most Exciting Real
Estate Ventures in and
around the UAE
EHSAN BAYAT
2. 7 of the Most Exciting Real Estate Ventures
in and around the UAE
The 10th annual Cityscape Abu Dhabi real estate showcase took place in April 2016, and nearly 100
leading industry figures traveled from around the world to exhibit there. Along with the scaled models of
new properties and community developments on display, several exhibitors engaged with investors by
presenting various special offers. These offers included guaranteed return on investment (ROI)
percentages, discounted rates, and opportunities to win trips to recently-completed hospitality venues.
Eagle Hills, a real estate firm based in the United Arab Emirates, made the latter offer.
A private investment company, Eagle Hills formed in April 2014, and it established its first subsidiary, Al
Maabar, a few months later. Together, the two entities have pursued multiple large-scale projects in the
Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. Cityscape Abu Dhabi attendees vied for a giveaway vacation
package to these regions. The prize was a three-day trip for two guests, and participants entered
through a social media competition designed specifically for Cityscape.
Senior leaders at Eagle Hills have set high standards for the organization, namely to achieve the highest
ranking in international real estate while also generating a positive and sustainable economic impact
with each completed property. The company aims to realize these objectives by focusing on high-
growth international markets. Here is a look at the seven destination projects that currently comprise the
Eagle Hills portfolio.
3. Marassi Al Bahrain
A new waterfront development in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Marassi Al Bahrain will
take shape as a joint venture partnership between Eagle Hills and Diyar Al
Muharraq. More than 190,000 square meters of beachfront shopping and an
80,000-square meter business center will complement multiple residential
districts, such as VIDA Residences and The Address Residences. Other key
features of the city will include high-quality restaurants, five-star resort hotels,
and world-class spas.
4. Saraya Aqaba
The Saraya Aqaba development surrounds a man-made lagoon along the Red
Sea coastline of Jordan. Covering roughly 634,000 square meters, this Eagle Hills
destination hosts a diverse array of real estate built in the modern Arabic
architectural tradition, including facilities for leisure, business, and living. World-
class hotels operated by Jumeirah and Westin add additional value to the
community, which is slated to thrive as a leading tourism location in the Middle
East.
5. Belgrade Waterfront
The Belgrade Waterfront project is anticipated to enforce the cultural appeal of
the capital city of Serbia and to establish a new landmark, the Kula Belgrade
tower. Designed to literally and figuratively reflect the river, the Kula Belgrade will
rank as the tallest tower in the city and will encompass both hospitality and
residential space. St. Regis will operate the hotel portion of the structure, and
guests and residents alike will benefit from an observation deck topping the
tower. The Belgrade Waterfront project will also feature the Sava Promenada,
which will display local artwork influenced by the environment.
6. Centenary City
Advertised as “a city within a city,” Centenary City is located in Abuja, Nigeria, and
it has the potential to spur economic growth in the area. The urban center will
comprise a wide range of real estate and infrastructure, from a central business
district to an 18-hole golf course. Residential properties will include apartments,
villas, and presidential suites, and individuals and families will benefit from a
comprehensive selection of retail and entertainment venues. One of the most
defining features of Centenary City will be the Africa Tower, which will serve as a
mixed-use structure with high-end office space and luxury apartments spread
throughout its 30 floors.
7. The St. Regis Amman
Located in the capital city of Jordan, the St. Regis Amman follows the tradition of
luxury living and vacationing originated by the company in the early 1900s. The
17-storey towers feature 260 rooms and suites, each of which grant scenic views
of the surrounding city and landscape. In addition, buyers and investors can
purchase residential units from a selection of multi-bedroom apartments,
duplexes, and sky villas. St. Regis Amman offers proximity to the main business
and shopping centers in the city.
8. Marsa Zayed
Marsa Zayed, a mixed-use development on the coast of Aqaba, Jordan, is named
after His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, former president of the
UAE. The project ranks as the largest of its kind in Jordan, and Eagle Hills aims to
establish this new community as a leading tourism destination. Among other
features, Marsa Zayed will include high-rise residential towers, globally-branded
hotels, and a yachting marina. The finished product will cover more than 3 million
square meters of prime, waterfront real estate.
9. La Marina Morocco
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Bouregreg River, La Marina Morocco
presents a new real estate opportunity between the cities of Salé and Rabat in
Morocco. Between apartments, penthouses, and villas, the development will offer
1,700 residential options, and gourmet restaurants and commercial buildings will
complement the housing area. Residents of La Marina Morocco will enjoy easy
access to the airport and multiple newly-developed public transportation
systems.