The Middle East has one of the most rapidly growing real estate sectors in the world featuring major retail and residential developments.

1. 7 Major Real Estate
Developments in the
Middle East
By Ehsan Bayat

2. Due to rising demand
and improved economic
conditions in recent
years, the real estate
development industry in
the Middle East has
experienced significant
growth, with domestic
and foreign investors
pouring billions of dollars
into commercial and
residential projects.

3. In fact, according to a
report from Research and
Markets, the Middle
Eastern market is among
the most rapidly growing
real estate sectors in the
world.

4. Amid the construction
boom, a number of
developments stand out
for their innovative
designs and modern
amenities. The following
seven projects are among
the most notable:

5. The Residence
Collection - Al Habtoor
City —United Arab
Emirates

6. Source: Joi Ito / License
Although it is famous
for its luxurious high
rises, the United Arab
Emirates (UAE) city of
Dubai also has earned
acclaim for its high-
end, mixed-use living
space called The
Residence Collection -
Al Habtoor City, which
is located along the
new Dubai Water
Canal.

7. Source: Joi Ito / License
This development
features three luxury
residential towers and
extensive retail space,
including a
supermarket and
restaurants.

8. Source: Joi Ito / License
Residents and their
guests have access to a
tennis academy, one of
the largest pools in the
UAE, and a
permanent Las-Vegas-
style theatrical
production by
Dragone.

9. Source: Joi Ito / License
The hotel and the
surrounding
community are also
situated near
downtown Dubai, the
Dubai International
Financial Centre, and
Business Bay.

10. Burj Rafal—Saudi
Arabia

11. • In 2013, the tallest residential tower in Saudi
Arabia opened in the country’s capital of Riyadh.
• The Burj Rafal is comprised of 70 floors with over
400 apartments, all with floor-to-ceiling windows
that provide 360 degrees of exposure to natural
light.
• Located in the northern part of Riyadh near King
Abdullah Financial City, the luxury development
contains conference facilities, cafes, two
restaurants, and a number of wellness centers and
spas.

12. • The tower also includes the Burj Rafal Hotel
Kempinski, which boasts 349 rooms and suites, as
well as lavish apartments.
• What makes the hotel unique is the way it mixes
European-style, cutting-edge facilities with the
region’s traditional Najdi architecture to create a
serene and inviting interior.

13. Golf Views—Egypt

14. • An award-winning residential real estate
project, Golf Views is located in 6th of
October City, a larger residential
development in Cairo, Egypt.
• The Golf Views community offers a
variety of home designs, including
townhomes, twin homes, and villas.

15. • Spread across more than 2 million square
meters of lush natural landscape, the Golf
Views community appeals to young couples,
urban professionals because of its
customized architectural designs and
aesthetics.
• The adjacent 27-hole golf course is also a
major draw, as it was designed by Nicklaus
Design, the prestigious firm founded by
golfer Jack Nicklaus.

16. The 360 Mall—
Kuwait

17. • For residents and visitors alike, one of
Kuwait’s most iconic real estate
developments is the 360 Mall in the city’s
Al Zahra area.
• The mall provides a variety of
entertainment and shopping experiences
in an 82,000-square-meter circular
facility that features classic Arabic
architectural elements.

18. • In addition to hosting regional, local, and
international retailers, 360 Mall offers 38
restaurants and cafes, a 20-lane bowling
area, a movie theatre, and a family
entertainment center.
• The mall also includes a fully-equipped
Boeing 737 simulator and an indoor
garden area with walls of greenery.

19. Qurm Gardens—
Oman

20. One of the most
significant new real
estate developments in
Qatar is called The
Pearl-Qatar, a mixed-
use development that
sits atop a 985-acre
man-made island.

21. The property is divided
into 10 distinct
neighborhoods, each
with its own theme.
Housing options include
luxury apartments,
beachfront villas,
penthouses, and
townhomes.

22. A truly unique
community, The Pearl
is the country’s first
global luxury
residential
development to allow
foreign investors to
obtain freehold title
ownership.

23. Like many modern real
estate developments,
The Pearl contains
restaurants, retail
stores, and five-star
hotels. However, unlike
most, it also has several
marinas. With pristine
beaches and sweeping
water views, The Pearl
has often been called
the Arabian Riviera.

24. Saleem Caravan
City—Afghanistan

25. Source: seair21 / License
To help stimulate the
economy in
Afghanistan’s capital
of Kabul, numerous
real estate developers
are creating new
residential
communities.

26. Source: seair21 / License
One such project is
Saleem Caravan City,
a multimillion-dollar
suburban housing
community that
features 500 luxury
apartments and homes
with prices that vary
based on their
proximity to Kabul.

27. Source: seair21 / License
Built in a
contemporary style,
the homes in Saleem
Caravan City include
home cinemas, modern
kitchens, and as many
as six bedrooms.

28. Source: seair21 / License
The development also
offers a community
atmosphere with
schools, green spaces,
and a mosque.