Ohana Development, a leading UAE real estate developer, has officially broken ground on Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana, its AED15 billion ($4.08 billion) gated waterfront community located on Yas Canal in Abu Dhabi.

The company also opened the project’s dedicated Experience Centre, providing prospective buyers and investors with an opportunity to explore its masterplan, residences, design, finishes and waterfront location. 

The ceremony was attended by Husein Salem, CEO, and Mustafa El Sammak, COO of Ohana Development; Ferran Soriano, CEO of City Football Group; Sultan Al Memari, Acting Executive Director of the Real Estate Regulation Sector at the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC); Ahmed Salem, GM of Ohana Development; and other senior executives.

The ground-breaking marks an important step in the project’s journey, and reflects Ohana Development’s commitment to delivering the community in phases by 2029. 

Salem said: “Breaking ground and opening our new Experience Centre represent two key milestones in bringing Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana to life. The project reflects our long-term commitment to Abu Dhabi and our confidence in the continued strength of its real estate market. Our vision is to create a unique waterfront community shaped by thoughtful design, quality and a strong sense of belonging, while delivering lasting value for residents and investors. Today, we are taking another important step towards creating a place that residents will be proud to call home.”

Soriano said: “This is a significant milestone for Manchester City as our first branded residential development moves into this important new phase. Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana is an ambitious and distinctive project, and it is exciting to see construction now underway. We look forward to watching this landmark development take shape and welcoming residents to a truly unique Manchester City experience in Abu Dhabi.”

Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana marks Manchester City’s first branded residential development globally, with the club’s identity reflected across the project’s design, amenities and resident experiences.

Spanning 1.67 million square metres, the development will offer more than 2,000 residences. These will include four- and five-bedroom standalone villas, twin villas, townhouses, alongside maisonettes, waterfront penthouses and apartments.

Located on Yas Canal, adjacent to Yas Island and only minutes away from key attractions including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the development sits within one of the capital’s most prominent leisure and lifestyle destinations.

The development will feature a Manchester City training academy with football fields, tactical and fitness training areas, and immersive experiences celebrating the club’s history. Other amenities will include the City Lounge, City Café, marina sports club and facilities for kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing.

Wellness will be integrated throughout the community, with advanced fitness centres, spas, infinity pools and dedicated recovery facilities offering hydrotherapy, cryotherapy, oxygen therapy and mindfulness spaces. More than 55% of the masterplan will be dedicated to landscaped gardens and green spaces, supporting an active, balanced and wellbeing-focused lifestyle. 

With work now underway, Ohana Development will focus on progressing construction in line with the project’s phased delivery schedule, said the company. -TradeArabia News Service