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Gulf Business
12 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Naguib Sawiris on ORA Developers' UAE debut and vision behind Bayn
Images: Supplied ORA Developers has established a new UAE headquarters at One Central in Dubai's central business district, reinforcing its commitment to regional growth under the leadership of chairman and CEO Naguib Sawiris. The announcement coincides with the developer's UAE debut project: Bayn, a 4.8 million sqm beachfront master-planned community in Ghantoot. Featuring 1.2 km of natural Arabian Gulf coastline, more than 55 per cent open space, and a 15-minute city philosophy, Bayn aims to redefine coastal living between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The developer has also made key appointments and plans to triple its UAE workforce by end-2025, leveraging its international expertise across Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, Pakistan, and the Caribbean to shape Bayn into a world-class lifestyle destination. In this interview, Sawiris shares the story behind Bayn, ORA's regional vision, and how global learnings are shaping the UAE's newest coastal city. Bayn marks ORA Developers' debut in the UAE. Why did you choose Ghantoot as the location for such a large-scale master-planned community, and what sets Bayn apart from other coastal developments in the region? Bayn marks ORA Developers' debut in the UAE, and Ghantoot stood out to us because it offers something increasingly rare: true natural beachfront, direct access to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and the ability to shape a destination from the ground up with long-term vision. Strategically located between UAE's two hubs, Bayn sits just 30 minutes from Dubai and 45 minutes from Abu Dhabi and near the upcoming Al Maktoum International Airport. This location gives it unique access to two major markets, future growth corridors, and tourism hubs like Yas Island and Palm Jebel Ali. But location alone doesn't define Bayn. Its 1.2km stretch of natural Arabian Gulf beachfront is a rare asset in a region where most coastal developments rely on reclaimed land. Bayn is built around a 15-minute city philosophy, where daily needs, nature, and leisure are all within easy reach. Over 55% of the masterplan is dedicated to open space, creating room for movement, connection, and wellbeing. We've also embedded green infrastructure into every layer of the project. Bayn is built to support clean energy, water-smart systems, and walkable mobility. Bayn is poised as an ideal first home beach community offering space, privacy, and a deeper sense of connection. From a 108,000sqm sports club to an integrated beach town and marina, every detail is crafted to provide a holistic lifestyle. In essence, Bayn redefines what a coastal or beach community can be. It's where city life meets beach living without compromise. The first phase of Bayn includes 464 villas and townhouses, with handover expected in 2028. Can you share more about your long-term vision for the development and how you see it evolving over the next decade? The first phase of Bayn, comprising 464 villas and townhouses across two gated clusters, is just the beginning of a much larger journey. The first phase sets the tone. So, we focus on creating a complete environment, not merely the building. That means prioritising key anchors like education, community spaces, hospitality, greenery alongside the first residential offerings. When people arrive, they need to feel like life can begin immediately. That early momentum builds trust with buyers, supports value appreciation, and gives the whole development long-term stability. We don't just launch with floorplans, we launch with a vision people can experience from the start. Our long-term vision is to transform Bayn into one of the UAE's most comprehensive and future-ready beach communities, one that evolves organically while staying rooted in liveability and design excellence. What sets this vision apart is our commitment to building a fully self-sustained destination, not a development that ends at the doorstep, but a lifestyle ecosystem that supports work, leisure, family, and wellbeing within a walkable, human-centric layout. More than 55 per cent of Bayn's land is dedicated to open space. How does this reflect ORA's design philosophy, and what role do sustainability and wellness play in shaping the community experience? Dedicating over 55 per cent of Bayn's land to open space is a direct reflection of ORA's design philosophy: build around people, not just property. For us, open space is not a luxury, it is fundamental to quality of life our residents will enjoy. We believe that true value in real estate comes from how a place makes people feel, move, and connect not just from square footage. At Sustainability measures are embedded at every level. Native greenery supports biodiversity and minimises water use. Building orientation and design maximise natural light and ventilation, reducing cooling demands. Solar-powered energy systems and smart water infrastructure ensure long-term environmental performance. Wellness, too, is approached holistically. From a 108,000 sqm sports club to car-free zones and active mobility trails, Bayn encourages balance, movement, and mental clarity. In contrast to developments that maximise buildable land at the expense of livability. ORA Developers has an expanding international footprint, with projects across Egypt, Pakistan, Cyprus, and now the UAE. How does your experience in diverse markets influence your approach to real estate development, and what lessons are you applying to the UAE market? ORA Developers' international portfolio spans Egypt, Pakistan, Cyprus, Grenada, Greece, Iraq, and now the UAE — covering over 76 million square meters and owns a portfolio of real estate products worth over $45bn. With a rapidly expanding global portfolio and a reputation built on design excellence and delivery, ORA's vision is to develop spaces that transcend architecture, delivering lifestyle destinations that are timeless, soulful, and rooted in harmony. With the UAE as its next frontier, ORA offers a promise: to deliver elevated living, grounded in purpose and made to last. What sets ORA apart is its ability to craft integrated destinations that blend residential, commercial, and hospitality elements into cohesive lifestyle ecosystems. The group's hospitality assets include Silversands Grand Anse and Silversands Beach House in Grenada, the Caribbean, an upcoming five-star hotel in Mykonos, in addition to other pipeline under development hospitality projects. Our strength lies in our ability to tailor globally successful models to fit local needs. Beyond real estate, you've been a prominent investor in telecoms, gold, and media. How does Bayn — and your broader investment in lifestyle developments — align with your personal investment philosophy and your view of regional economic trends? My investment philosophy is deeply rooted in a commitment to creating spaces that genuinely elevate the quality of life. I believe in identifying untapped potential in locations others may overlook, and in enhancing the natural character of the land rather than altering it. Beyond mere structures, we aim to build thriving communities that offer enriching experiences and foster a strong sense of belonging. As for the economic landscape of the Middle East, particularly here in the UAE, it presents a compelling opportunity for well-conceived lifestyle developments. The region's increasing affluence, coupled with ambitious government initiatives focused on enhancing city living and attracting global talent, fuels a significant demand for sophisticated residential offerings. People are seeking environments that not only meet their practical needs but also resonate with their aspirations for a high standard of living. Our investments in this sector are a direct response to this evolving market, aiming to contribute to the region's growth by creating landmark destinations that set new benchmarks for quality and design. My vision extends beyond mere financial returns. We are driven by the desire to leave a positive and enduring impact on the communities we create, building a legacy of innovation and excellence that will be associated with our name for generations to come. As a well-known advocate for private sector leadership in economic development, what role do you believe developments like Bayn can play in contributing to the UAE's broader economic diversification and Vision 2031? As a strong advocate for private sector leadership, I believe initiatives like Bayn are pivotal in reducing the UAE's reliance on oil and driving economic diversification — a cornerstone of Vision 2031's 'Forward Economy' pillar. The non-oil sector already accounts for 74.6 per cent of UAE's GDP in the first nine months of 2024, showcasing the nation's successful shift toward a more resilient economy. The UAE's Emiratisation programme, which saw over 131,000 citizens join the private sector by 2024, further exemplifies the growing contribution of the private sector to national development. Moreover, private sector investment drives innovation, fuels the introduction of new technologies and supports business models crucial for achieving UAE's ambition to become a global leader. With domestic credit to the private sector accounting for 66.59 per cent of GDP in 2022, the UAE's robust financial ecosystem is ready to support ambitious developments that contribute to the country's long-term goals. As a real estate developer, I believe projects like Bayn are crucial to fostering livability and creating sustainable environments central to Vision 2031. Bayn addresses the pressing need for well-designed communities that not only provide high-quality living spaces but also prioritize well-being and long-term resilience. Amid increasing city congestion in the region, Bayn offers a low-density, nature-integrated alternative that aligns with the UAE's Green Spine initiative and the broader goal of enhancing the quality of life for its residents. In essence, projects like Bayn are more than just real estate developments. They are vital components of the UAE's strategy to build sustainable, livable communities and drive forward the nation's ambitious economic transformation.
Zawya
01-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
MIP launches Hilltop at Solare – Ras El Hekma's exceptional year-round coastal destination
Cairo: Misr Italia Properties (MIP) has announced the launch of 'Hilltop', the new phase at its coastal flagship project Solare, an exceptional year-round destination in Ras El Hekma. This milestone marks a new step in realizing the project's vision to redefine coastal living in Egypt, offering an integrated lifestyle experience rooted in comfort, luxury, and contemporary living. The new phase boasts panoramic views and modern designs that harmoniously blend nature with contemporary architectural planning, embodying the company's commitment to creating fully integrated communities. The launch comes alongside notable construction progress across Solare, reaffirming MIP's dedication to delivering on schedule and to the highest standards of quality. Hilltop's architecture is inspired by Miami's contemporary lines, and a lifestyle influenced by Mediterranean cities, set across cascading elevations that range from 26 to 36 meters above sea level; ultimately offering expansive panoramic sea views with enhanced privacy. The phase features over 5,000 sqm of swimmable lagoons, providing each building with its own private beachfront. It includes a variety of unit types ranging between two and three bedrooms. At the highest point of the project, this phase adds the Rooftop Clubhouse, an addition that offers open views of the surrounding scenery. Hilltop also benefits from its close proximity to the Solare Downtown district; an integral component of the larger development currently underway, with an estimated investment of EGP 10 billion. Envisioned as Ras El Hekma's premier commercial, entertainment, and tourism hub, Solare Downtown spans 40 feddans and is expected to attract around 30,000 visitors daily. Commenting on the latest project updates, Eng. Mohamed Khaled El Assal, CEO and Managing Director of MIP, emphasized that every project the company launches carries a distinctive unique identity that reflects its vision of creating exceptional, fully integrated destinations that go beyond conventional residential concepts; adding that Solare perfectly embodies this vision. Developed under the theme of 'A Place Where the Sun Never Sets,' the project stands as a vibrant tourism destination in the heart of Ras El Hekma, offering an integrated contemporary lifestyle through 16 diverse residential, leisure and entertainment experiences that operate around the clock, not just during the summer, but throughout the entire year. El Assal added that achieving this level of excellence would not have been possible without solid partnerships with first-rate local and international experts across all fields; from design and planning, to execution. To secure the highest standards, MIP has partnered with top-tier global and local firms, most notably EDSA and Whitespace Architecture, for the project's master plan, urban design, and landscape architecture. The architectural designs were curated by Synthetic and Design Avenue, with the support of exceptional local talent, who contributed bespoke solutions tailored to meet the aspirations and needs of today's customers. Spanning 386 feddans, Solare Ras El Hekma features a one-kilometer-long sandy beach and a three-kilometer seafront. The project is thoughtfully designed across seven elevations rising up to 36 m above sea level. It comprises over 100,000 sqm of swimmable lagoons, including 30,000 sqm of private lagoons, with 82% of the units offering direct water views. In line with its holistic vision, MIP places premium hospitality at the heart of its development philosophy. The company continuously strives to deliver fully integrated living experiences that seamlessly blend luxury living with hospitality services, a concept brought to life in Solare Ras El Hekma. The destination brings this vision to life by incorporating hospitality into its contemporary lifestyle model, featuring 800 hotel rooms, as well as branded residences, creating a year-round, all-encompassing experience that exceeds customer expectations and caters to evolving needs. On the construction front, excavation, backfilling, and steps works have been completed, along with the ongoing structural work for the seafront units and finishing works for the cabanas. The company has also finalized land grading for phases one and two, and completed approximately 80% of the grading for the remaining phases. These milestones represent the outcomes of the company's collaboration with RedCon, one of the region's leading construction firms. Currently, 723 units are under construction within the project, as part of an investment plan valued at approximately EGP 1.3 billion, representing around 80% of the targeted cabanas in this phase. As for phase two, which focuses on villas, the company has completed nearly 30% of the construction works to date. Moreover, MIP has already commenced work on the next phases of construction, including both internal and external finishing works. The company also plans to kick off new construction activities covering 1,635 units, including both chalets and villas in the upcoming phase, with investments estimated at EGP 7.5 billion. The first handovers are scheduled for 2027.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'Vibrant' New Forest town ranked among Britain's most expensive coastal spots
A New Forest town has been ranked among the most expensive British coastal spots for 2025, according to a new report. Lymington was found to be the fifth most expensive seaside spot with an average house price of £608,253 over the last year. It was only beaten out by Sandbanks, Salcombe, Padstow and Aldeburgh. This was revealed as part of the Lloyds Coastal Homes Review, which tracks house price movements in 197 coastal locations in Great Britain. The review is based on house price data from the Land Registry and Registers of Scotland. Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages, Lloyds, said: 'Coastal living continues to hold a special appeal – whether it's the lure of sea views, sandy beaches, or a slower pace of life. "Our latest research shows the most exclusive seaside spots - like Sandbanks – still command premium prices. 'In some of the UK's most desirable coastal towns, average prices have dipped slightly over the past year. "But, over the longer term, values remain significantly higher – especially in the South West, where demand from lifestyle movers continues to shape the market." Lymington as a whole is a well-regarded New Forest spot, which is perfect for a day out. According to the New Forest website, it is a "colourful and vibrant town" with "an ancient seaport with a rich maritime history". Its high street is packed with a horde of independent and local retailers, as well as designer boutiques. Other features include the St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery, which takes visitors through the history of the town. Additionally, the open-air Lymington Sea Water Baths can provide a fun day out paddleboarding and trying the inflatable obstacle course. Recently, it was also named as one of the UK's prettiest seaside getaways, according to Time Out. It was highlighted as a "Georgian sailing town with proper salty pubs" among other features. Recommended reading: New Forest high street with 'grand architecture' named among best in the UK The Hampshire harbour which is one of the 'cutest' in the UK Hampshire lido which is among oldest in the country named among best to visit The publication wrote: "Lymington's a refined seaside town with postcard-perfect high streets – but the boat-filled harbour is the main attraction. "Get out on the water with one of the town's sailing experiences, join a chartered fishing excursion or just watch the world go by with a pint from one of the wonky-fronted old pubs." The publication also recommends trying out the Lymington Seafood Festival which takes place in August, where "jazz and blues meet fresh seafood cooked up by top chefs".
Trade Arabia
19-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Ardee set for sales launch of 523-unit Fairmont Residences project in RAK
UAE-based Ardee Developments has announced the launch of sales of its key project Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island, its highly anticipated branded residential offering in partnership with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, from June 1. The expressions of interests for the project kicked off last week, marking a major milestone in the evolution of Ardee Al Marjan Island, the company's flagship, multi-billion-dirham development set to redefine coastal living in Ras Al Khaimah. Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island will comprise 523 upscale residences - including apartments, townhouses, and sea villas - ranging from one- to six-bedrooms and spanning 86 sq m to over 300 sq m. The Emirati group said each and every home is thoughtfully designed to embody refined beachfront living, with ninterrupted sea views and elegant interiors that reflect timeless sophistication. Bringing together the prestige of the Fairmont brand with the ease of resort-style living, residents will enjoy exclusive access to a private beach, the Fairmont Fit Fitness Centre, and Studio, family & kids pool, adults sky pool & terrace & bar, dedicated boardroom and private dining room. They will also get access to resident's owners lounge along with other wellness facilities including treatment rooms, screening room, games room, kids club and seamless connectivity to the adjacent Fairmont resort, stated the developer. In addition, residents will enjoy exclusive access to the Accor Owner Benefits Program. This includes Diamond status in the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) programme, the ability to gift Gold status to family and friends, and VIP privileges at over 5,700 hotels and resorts around the world. Further enriching the offering is a tailored suite of à la carte services. From in-home catering and private chef experiences to childcare, dog walking, housekeeping, personal concierge support, and a home maintenance program while residents are away, every element is designed to simplify and enhance everyday living, it added. Ardee Developments CEO Vishal Mehta said: "As we prepare to open sales of Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island this June, we are proud to invite buyers into a community that reflects excellence at every level. In partnership with Al Marjan Island, Fairmont Hotels, and Christie's International Real Estate, we are shaping a new era of luxury coastal living in Ras Al Khaimah - one defined by world-class design, hospitality, and lifestyle, brought together in a truly integrated destination." To support global sales efforts, Ardee Developments has appointed Christie's International Real Estate Ras Al Khaimah as the exclusive master agency. Christie's will lead GCC and international outreach and client servicing, ensuring a seamless buyer journey. "This is a vibrant and integrated coastal lifestyle community that combines natural beauty, unparalleled hospitality and leisure not seen in the area before," remarked Jackie Johns and Dinesh Chhatwani, Managing Partners at Christie's International Real Estate Ras Al Khaimah. "Ras Al Khaimah's momentum as a global hospitality and investment hub, and its rapidly growing real estate market, makes it the ideal launchpad for Ardee Developments to execute its grand vision," they stated. With prices starting from AED2.49 million, Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island offers an exclusive opportunity for discerning buyers seeking long-term value, effortless luxury, and a lifestyle defined by exceptional quality in one of the region's most iconic coastal destinations. Key components of the masterplan include branded and serviced residences, private villas, townhouses, a flagship luxury hotel, and a vibrant retail and F&B promenade, said Mehta. The destination will also feature a variety of curated lifestyle offerings - from wellness hubs and gaming lounges to family entertainment zones and waterfront experiences - all designed to create a future-ready, immersive community, he added. Prioritizing walkability, nature access, and sea connectivity, the project will boast expansive green spaces, direct beach access, and panoramic views, setting a new standard for contemporary island living in Ras Al Khaimah. Beyond the residences, guests were given an exclusive look at the next phase of the Ardee Al Marjan Island masterplan. The development is progressing into a fully integrated coastal destination that blends residences, hospitality, leisure, retail, and entertainment on an unprecedented scale, said the developer.
Zawya
15-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ardee Developments announces sales launch for Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island
Dubai-UAE: Ardee Developments has announced the launch of sales for Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island, its highly anticipated branded residential offering in partnership with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. Official sales will commence on 1 June 2025 with expression of interest starting 15 May 2025, marking a major milestone in the evolution of Ardee Al Marjan Island, the company's flagship, multi-billion-dirham development set to redefine coastal living in Ras Al Khaimah. Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island will comprise 523 upscale residences — including apartments, townhouses, and sea villas — ranging from one to six bedrooms and spanning 86 m² to over 300 m². Every home is thoughtfully designed to embody refined beachfront living, with uninterrupted sea views and elegant interiors that reflect timeless sophistication. Bringing together the prestige of the Fairmont brand with the ease of resort-style living, residents will enjoy exclusive access to a private beach, the Fairmont Fit Fitness Centre and Studio, family & kids pool, adults sky pool & terrace & bar, dedicated boardroom and private dining room, resident's owners lounge as well as wellness facilities including treatment rooms, screening room, games room, kids club and seamless connectivity to the adjacent Fairmont resort. Further enriching the offering is a tailored suite of à la carte services. From in-home catering and private chef experiences to childcare, dog walking, housekeeping, personal concierge support, and a home maintenance program while residents are away, every element is designed to simplify and enhance everyday living. In addition, residents will enjoy exclusive access to the Accor Owner Benefits Program. This includes Diamond status in the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) programme, the ability to gift Gold status to family and friends, and VIP privileges at over 5,700 hotels and resorts around the world. With prices starting from AED 2.49 Million, Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island offers an exclusive opportunity for discerning buyers seeking long-term value, effortless luxury, and a lifestyle defined by exceptional quality in one of the region's most iconic coastal destinations. Beyond the residences, guests were given an exclusive look at the next phase of the Ardee Al Marjan Island masterplan. The development is progressing into a fully integrated coastal destination that blends residences, hospitality, leisure, retail, and entertainment on an unprecedented scale. Key components of the masterplan include branded and serviced residences, private villas, townhouses, a flagship luxury hotel, and a vibrant retail and F&B promenade. The destination will also feature a variety of curated lifestyle offerings — from wellness hubs and gaming lounges to family entertainment zones and waterfront experiences — all designed to create a future-ready, immersive community. Prioritizing walkability, nature access, and sea connectivity, the project will boast expansive green spaces, direct beach access, and panoramic views, setting a new standard for contemporary island living in Ras Al Khaimah. Vishal Mehta, CEO of Ardee Developments, added: 'As we prepare to open sales of Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island this June, we are proud to invite buyers into a community that reflects excellence at every level. In partnership with Al Marjan Island, Fairmont Hotels, and Christie's International Real Estate, we are shaping a new era of luxury coastal living in Ras Al Khaimah — one defined by world-class design, hospitality, and lifestyle, brought together in a truly integrated destination.' To support global sales efforts, Ardee Developments has appointed Christie's International Real Estate Ras Al Khaimah as the exclusive master agency. Christie's will lead GCC and international outreach and client servicing, ensuring a seamless buyer journey. 'This is a vibrant and integrated coastal lifestyle community that combines natural beauty, unparalleled hospitality and leisure not seen in the area before,' said Jackie Johns and Dinesh Chhatwani, Managing Partners at Christie's International Real Estate Ras Al Khaimah. 'Ras Al Khaimah's momentum as a global hospitality and investment hub, and its rapidly growing real estate market, makes it the ideal launchpad for Ardee Developments to execute its grand vision.' Upon completion, Ardee Al Marjan Island will be the largest and most ambitious development of its kind on Al Marjan Island. Spanning over 2.5 million sq. ft. About Ardee Developments Ardee Developments was established with a vision to transform modern living by creating vibrant integrated communities where essential services, lifestyle conveniences, and amenities converge seamlessly. Committed to reimagining traditional luxury, Ardee Developments strives to deliver comfort, sophistication, and innovation through cutting-edge master-planned developments. Ardee Developments' flagship project on Al Marjan Island sets a new benchmark in premium living, featuring a distinctive blend of hotels, residences, villas, branded homes, retail outlets, and dining experiences. By providing access to world-class amenities and curated lifestyle offerings, Ardee Developments aims to create vibrant, immersive spaces that enrich everyday life. About Fairmont Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is renowned for the international luxury hospitality brand's unrivalled portfolio of more than 92 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. From grand hotels to urban retreats, since 1907 Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture and community of its destinations – renowned addresses such as The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, Fairmont Doha and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai. Fairmont hotels are the social epicenters of their cities—iconic gathering places where people, culture, and ideas converge. Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,600 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL, a booking platform and loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
