Abu Dhabi Investment House (ADIH) has begun infrastructural work in the last phase of Porta Moda Marrakesh, Morocco.

The project's total cost is approximately $1 billion and will be developed on a plot of more than 306,000 sq m, said a report in our sister publication, the Gulf Daily News.

Porta Moda Marrakesh is an extension to the $7bn Porta Moda concept ADIH launched earlier this year.

'We have already started the infrastructural work for the last phase of this exciting project in Marrakesh,' said ADIH deputy chief executive officer Fawaz Ali Al Jowder.

'Once this is completed, development work will start immediately. We have on-board a highly professional team including international experts in master-planning, development and consultancy in the field.

'In addition to governmental stability, Morocco enjoys numerous advantages as a destination. It is considered one of the leading cultural hubs in North Africa, as well as, being a major destination for Europeans and people from the region to visit.'

'The real estate market in Morocco is one of the booming sectors as there is high demand for housing - with increased tourist traffic to the country,' he continued.

'ADIH's Porta Moda Marrakesh will help address housing issues, employment, as well as, providing education and training on the hands of international experts in the fields of fashion and design.'

The project is part of ADIH's Style City concept.

The city will feature a grand fashion district containing premium and luxury brands in the fashion, jewellery and interior design fields, an educational district containing institutions for the same, as well as museums and exhibition centres as well as a residential and a leisure district with town houses, studios, luxury villas, cafes, restaurants and renowned boutique hotels and spas.

'There is such a wealth of talented young designers in the region who are traditionally drawn to cities such as London, Paris, New York and Milan to develop their skills in these very competitive markets,' added Al Jowder.

'We want to help provide environments where the same people can nurture their chosen profession in the world of style, design and fashion but be given the chance to stay close to the markets and consumers they serve. This undoubtedly the dawn of a new era in fashion and design.

'We intend to launch Porta Moda in Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Marrakesh, Tunis and India - with growing populations representing an extremely big middle class consumer market, resulting in the inherent attraction of major multinational companies.'

Porta Moda Marrakesh is located 7km from the city's airport. - TradeArabia News Service