UAE unveils massive 25mn sq ft ‘Downtown UAQ' development project
The project, described as a 'Coastal City Within a City', spans 25 million square feet and features 11 kilometres of shoreline, including 7 kilometres of beach and beach park, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) said in a statement.
The development is structured around three districts: North Beach, Trade Centre, and South Beach.
Crown Prince launches Umm Al Qaiwain's 11km UAE waterfront city development
Downtown UAQ will include a trade centre, commercial offices, five-star hotels and resorts, entertainment facilities, retail destinations, and residential communities.
The project is designed to accommodate approximately 150,000 residents and aims to balance residential, commercial, and public spaces.
Sobha Realty, a multinational developer, has partnered with the Government of Umm Al Qaiwain for the project. The first phase will include residential, commercial, and hospitality communities.
'Downtown UAQ is not merely a project, but a vision brought to life. We are proud to partner with the Government of Umm Al Quwain to create a destination that embodies innovation, sustainability, and serene luxury,' PNC Menon, Founder of Sobha Group said.
A key feature of the development is a 15 million square foot Trade Centre Free Zone, which will operate under an independent legal framework to attract international businesses and investment.
The project emphasises environmental sustainability, with over 50 percent of the land dedicated to open and green spaces.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
10 hours ago
- Zawya
Egypt to receive first train for Metro Line 4 in May 2026
Egypt - Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel Al-Wazir, has met with the Japanese Ambassador to Cairo, Fumio Iwai, to review the progress of joint projects and discuss future cooperation in the transport and industrial sectors. At the outset of the meeting, Al-Wazir expressed his appreciation for the successful collaboration between Egypt and Japan on various transport infrastructure projects. He emphasized the Egyptian government's commitment to expanding this cooperation, particularly in transport and industry, to support the country's ongoing development. Ambassador Iwai echoed Al-Wazir's sentiments, praising the productive partnership between the two nations. He specifically highlighted the successful implementation of phase one of Metro Line 4, a key project that underscores Japan's significant role in Egypt's transport sector. Iwai also noted the growing interest of Japanese companies in investing in Egypt, citing the country's favorable investment climate. The discussions also touched on expanding cooperation in the home appliance sector, particularly between Elaraby Group factories in Egypt and Japanese companies. Additionally, the two sides reviewed the impact of a protocol signed between Egypt's Productivity and Vocational Training Department and the Education Development Fund, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This initiative aims to enhance technical and technological education in Egypt, focusing on electronics and green energy technologies to meet both local and international labor market demands. Al-Wazir stressed the importance of providing practical training for students in Japanese factories operating in Egypt, allowing them to gain hands-on experience alongside their academic education. This, he said, will better prepare the next generation of skilled workers to operate advanced technologies in the country's growing industrial sector. The meeting also covered the ongoing success of the Automotive Manufacturing Incentives Program, which benefits the state, manufacturers, and consumers alike. Al-Wazir highlighted how the program has positively impacted car manufacturers in Egypt, including Japanese brands like Nissan. A key focus of the meeting was the development of Metro Line 4, which is being implemented with the collaboration of Japan's Mitsubishi Corporation. Phase one of the project, which spans 19 kilometers from 6th of October City to Al-Fustat, will feature 17 stations. Mitsubishi is handling the electromechanical works, depot construction, and supplying the rolling stock. The first of the 23 trains for this phase is scheduled to arrive in Egypt in May 2026, with the remaining trains to follow according to a set timetable. Looking ahead, discussions also covered the feasibility study for phase two of Metro Line 4, which will extend 31.8 kilometers from Al-Fustat to New Cairo, connecting with Line 6, the East Nile Monorail, and major transport hubs. Future phases include Phase Three, which will stretch 16.3 kilometers to Hosary Square, and Phase Four, covering 38.7 kilometers to the Capital Airport, with connections to the Light Rail Transit (LRT) network. The continued partnership with Japan is expected to play a critical role in transforming Egypt's transport landscape, with Metro Line 4 serving as a cornerstone of the nation's urban mobility strategy. © 2025 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Gulf Today
a day ago
- Gulf Today
ADFD: Strategic partner in advancing comprehensive Arab development
The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has reinforced its position as one of the most prominent contributors in supporting economic and social progresses efforts in Arab countries, financing strategic projects that promote stability, drive growth and enhance quality of life, underscoring the UAE's steadfast commitment to its Arab neighbours. In recent years, the fund has broadened its engagement across the Arab region, translating its mission into tangible projects in vital sectors such as healthcare, energy and infrastructure, areas that are fundamental to the stability and future of communities. Each project represents a solid step forward in the path to comprehensive development. According to its 2024 Annual Report, ADFD's cumulative development financing reached Dhs216.5 billion, benefiting 107 countries across various continents. This total comprises Dhs157 billion in concessional loans, Dhs57.6 billion in government grants, and Dhs1.9 billion in direct contributions. In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the Fund said that in 2024 it managed six UAE government grants to Arab nations worth a combined Dhs810 million, benefiting Jordan, Morocco, Yemen and Mauritania. Jordan received more than Dhs452 million for three key projects: a national digital health transformation programme, budget support, and a reading skills development programme. Morocco was allocated Dhs129 million for the expansion of the Oued Akrach - Ain Aouda Road, Yemen received Dhs45 million for a solar power project in Socotra, and Mauritania was granted Dhs184 million for the Applied Sciences College. Among the standout initiatives is Jordan's recently launched 'Jordan Digital Health Centre', which aims to connect healthcare centres and create an integrated electronic medical records management system through a unified digital platform, to enhance Jordan's healthcare sector in delivering remote care services aligned with international standards. Phase one has already linked five hospitals in remote areas and three health centres across the kingdom, reflecting the depth of the UAE–Jordan cooperation in advancing development through digital innovation. The fund also oversees UAE grants under the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND), with Dhs4.6 billion allocated each to Jordan and Morocco between 2012 and 2024 to support projects that directly improve citizens' lives. In the same period, Bahrain received an Dhs9.2 billion grant under the GCC Development Programme for major projects across various sectors. In 2025, ADFD has continued to implement high-impact investment projects across the Arab world. These include Egypt's 'Sofitel Legend Pyramids Giza' to support the tourism sector, an integrated tourism venture in Salalah, Oman, and the expansion of Bahrain International Airport. The fund has also advanced renewable energy in the Comoros through a solar power station, supported community stability in Somaliland with a housing project, and in June signed a financing agreement with the GCC Interconnection Authority for a strategic project to strengthen regional energy security. By championing strategic, high-value initiatives, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development continues to act as a vital bridge for progress, reflecting the UAE's enduring commitment to spreading stability and prosperity across the Arab region and beyond. WAM
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Jordan ranks 1st in competitive industrial index in region — UNIDO
AMMAN — Jordan ranked first in the region for industrial sector contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024, according to the Competitive Industrial Performance (CIP) Index issued by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). The achievement underscores the "strength" of Jordan's national industry and its capacity to drive sustainable economic growth in line with the goals of the Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV), according to Amman Chamber of Industry (ACI) President Fathi Jaghbir. The announcement was made during the chamber's annual general meeting, held on Wednesday, with Jaghbir highlighting that Jordan's national exports reached a 'historic' high of some JD8.6 billion in 2024, reaching over 145 countries, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. He noted that the industrial sector was the largest contributor to the national economy, accounting for more than 25.7 per cent of the GDP with a value added exceeding JD7.6 billion, reflecting its 'central' role in supporting economic growth. Despite these achievements, Jaghbir pointed to several challenges facing the sector, which could hinder its growth and the attainment of the ambitious targets outlined in the vision. The industrial sector is responsible for nearly one-third of these targets, particularly in stimulating economic growth, creating jobs and attracting investment. Key obstacles include high operational costs, especially energy prices, raw material costs and shipping and transportation fees, which reduce the competitiveness of local products. Production cost gaps between Jordanian industry and competitors in domestic and export markets stand at around 25 per cent, posing a significant barrier to expansion, he added. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
