Global football icons invest in Major Developers' flagship project on Al Marjan Island
While celebrity real estate purchases are not uncommon, these particular investments signal more than lifestyle choices. They point to a strategic alignment between globally respected athletes and a developer known for pushing boundaries in design, experience, and future-ready urban planning.
Located on Al Marjan Island, Manta Bay is part of a growing portfolio by Major Developers that seeks to redefine luxury living in emerging geographies. The project has drawn attention not only for its aesthetics but for its architectural experimentation and commitment to building for a future demographic.
A standout feature of Manta Bay is the Sky Pool Beach, a suspended leisure structure that combines an elevated infinity pool with real sand, spanning 250 square meters. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf and the site of the world's largest Wynn Resort, it is being described by industry watchers as a structural innovation in hospitality-inspired residential design.
Inside, the development offers a combination of wellness-focused features including open-air cinemas, private gardens, and jacuzzi-lined terraces. According to sources close to the project, the footballers were particularly drawn to the attention to detail and understated elegance of the residences, elements they associate with discipline and high-performance environments.
Francesco Totti's involvement goes a step further. The Italian icon has collaborated with Major Developers to launch a limited-edition collection of ten VIP Signature Residences. Each unit is paired with exclusive elements such as a hand-signed jersey, platinum-tier concierge services, and an invitation to a private dinner hosted by Totti himself at the time of handover.
However, beyond the amenities and bespoke offerings, it is Ras Al Khaimah's economic trajectory that appears to be shaping investor sentiment. The emirate is undergoing what regional analysts are calling one of the most ambitious transformation strategies in the Middle East. With over Dh15 billion in residential pipeline and an additional Dh19 billion committed to the Wynn Resort alone, tourism-led development has reached Dh34 billion, a signal of serious momentum for long-term capital appreciation.
Major Developers' decision to focus on Ras Al Khaimah rather than more saturated markets is being viewed by industry experts as a calculated move. With new acquisitions in the pipeline, including plots in the emirate's upcoming innovation district, the company appears to be positioning itself as a defining player in the next chapter of UAE real estate growth.
Andre Charapenak, CEO of Major Developers noted in a recent statement: 'Ras Al Khaimah is not just a location, it is a statement of where the future is headed.'
In that context, the involvement of international athletes, individuals who have built careers on precision, performance, and long-term strategy, adds further weight to the region's investment appeal. Their choice reflects confidence not just in a specific project, but in the broader vision being shaped by developers who are thinking beyond immediate returns.
For Major Developers, the growing list of global investors seems to validate an approach that is as much about foresight as it is about form. And for the athletes, the decision to invest appears rooted in more than prestige; it's a long play on legacy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
an hour ago
- The National
'Enough space' on Yas Island for one new attraction a year
Yas Waterworld has unveiled its largest upgrade since opening more than a decade ago, adding more than 20 attractions and an indoor dining restaurant across 13,445 square metres in phase two of its development. Mohamed Al Zaabi, group chief executive of Miral, says the team are 'proud and excited' about the expansion. 'It's designed for and caters to all family members. We'd love to see a dad with his son racing each other and playing and enjoying their time here,' he tells The National. The waterpark remains popular among both tourists and residents, with Al Zaabi pointing to a spike in summer visitation that reflects Yas Island's overall growth in recent years. In 2024, the destination recorded more than 38 million visits – a 10 per cent annual increase, and a 20 per cent rise in theme park attendance. The top three visitor markets to Yas Waterworld during this period were Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with travellers also coming from India, China, the UK and Germany. Although the UAE isn't traditionally seen as a peak travel destination in summer – with many families heading abroad during the hotter months – the numbers suggest that trend may be shifting. This is not the first time Miral has launched a major theme park during the summer: Warner Bros World in July 2018, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi in May 2023 and now the Yas Waterworld expansion. Originally opened in 2013, the waterpark pays tribute to Emirati culture and heritage. Its theme is based on The Legend of the Lost Pearl, an original story about a young Emirati girl searching for a mythical pearl that once brought prosperity to her village. The latest phase continues this narrative with a 'lost city' setting, brought to life through rides such as Bahamut Rage, a log flume ride with a 15-metre drop, and Al Daloob, the region's first barrel twist raft ride designed for three people. 'We want people, when they come to UAE, to see the flavour of our culture, of our heritage. Here in Yas Island, we have done this at Yas Waterworld and SeaWorld, wherever we can,' says Al Zaabi. The road to opening hasn't been without setbacks. A major fire broke out at the park in March, raising concerns about whether the new area would be completed on time. 'It was an unfortunate incident. I'm very glad there were no injuries,' says Al Zaabi. 'We give credit to emergency services here in Abu Dhabi, who acted very fast to control it, and to the health and safety team at Miral. With all that, yet we open on time.' The expansion marks another step in Yas Island's aim to become a go-to spot for leisure and family fun. Each new feature adds to its variety, drawing in more visitors. 'We have very clear strategy: to build Yas Island as one of the top family entertainment destinations in the world where people come to enjoy different experiences,' says Al Zaabi. The announcement of Disneyland Abu Dhabi is a prime example of this vision. The landmark project signals a new era for not just for the UAE capital, but also the wider region's theme park and tourism industry. 'We're very, very proud of this achievement. It's a reflection of how successful Abu Dhabi is to attract an international [entertainment resort] like Disney,' says Al Zaabi. 'Disney has been looking to expand and open a new theme park in this region and Abu Dhabi successfully managed to be selected.' He adds that there aren't many places in the world that offer multiple international theme parks all within a five-minute drive of each other, along with hotels for all budgets. And the work isn't done yet. As part of a long-term strategy, Miral has set out a 10-year plan to try and add at least one new attraction to Yas Island every year. The aim is to ensure that returning visitors always have something fresh to discover. While many are eagerly awaiting updates on Disneyland Abu Dhabi, Al Zaabi says Miral and Disney are still in the design and development phase. With further developments on the horizon, a natural question is whether there will be enough space for it in the coming years. 'Yes, there is enough space. We have a land bank,' says Al Zaabi, referring to undeveloped land set aside for future use. Lightshow announces launch of Disneyland Abu Dhabi – video While he acknowledges the significance of adding Disney to the portfolio, Al Zaabi says Yas Island has built its reputation through the steady rollout of theme parks, attractions and leisure offerings over the past decade. The partnership, he says, reflects years of strategic development aimed at putting Yas Island on the global map. Al Zaabi adds: 'Closing that deal is just a reflection of Abu Dhabi's success to be a tourism international hub and, of course, Yas Island's vision over the last 16 years of building such a destination.'
Arabian Business
2 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai Airshow 2025 opens registration with new night events, runway networking, and focus on innovation
Dubai Airshow has officially opened registration for its 19th edition, set to take place from November 17 to 21 at Dubai World Central. The event is set to be the most innovative and future-focused yet, featuring first-of-its-kind experiences including night-time programming, runway networking events, and a strengthened focus on sustainability and talent development. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the aviation sector currently contributes $92bn to the UAE's GDP — equivalent to 18.2 per cent — with the Middle East's commercial aircraft fleet expected to grow at a rate of 5.1 per cent annually over the next decade. Dubai Airshow 2025 Major General Dr. Mubarak Saeed bin Ghafan Al Jabri, Executive Director of the Military Committee organising Dubai Airshow, said the event offers a platform to highlight the UAE's growing leadership in the aviation and defence sectors. He said: 'With the industry evolving rapidly, the Ministry of Defence remains committed to advancing innovation and building the capabilities that will define the future of the military sector. Supporting and empowering the next generation of talent is central to this vision, ensuring the UAE remains at the forefront of global progress'. Key new features include: Runway networking event at SkyDive Dubai: A first-of-its-kind gathering of top aviation figures, featuring drone shows, skydiving performances, live music, and premium hospitality Night-time programming: For the first time, the show will extend into the evening on Day 2, with activities continuing until 9pm, including aircraft viewing, receptions, and drone displays under the stars Sustainability focus: Demonstrating industry-wide commitment to environmentally efficient technologies and greener aviation solutions Dubai Airshow 2025 will continue to showcase global aviation, aerospace, and defence innovation through a series of dedicated platforms, including: VISTA: The region's leading hub for aviation and space start-ups NextGen Leaders programme: Aimed at inspiring and mentoring emerging aviation talent The Academy: A newly launched initiative to equip youth with skills for future industry careers Aerospace Executive Club: Private discussions among senior industry decision-makers AI-powered matchmaking system: Streamlining networking across thousands of delegates through the official app Timothy Hawes, Managing Director of Informa Markets, said: 'Dubai Airshow has always been centred on driving the aviation and defence sectors forward. He noted that the 2025 edition will be the most comprehensive and future-focused to date, bringing global industry players together through purposeful and unprecedented events that create more room for networking, showcasing pioneering technologies, and supporting the region's ambitious growth strategies.' Skyview, the only platform of its kind in the UAE, will return for the 2025 edition, offering more than 15,000 public visitors exclusive access to live flying displays, interactive activities, and family-friendly entertainment over the five-day event. The Airshow will once again be co-hosted by the UAE Ministry of Defence, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and the Government of Dubai, reinforcing its global reputation as a premier platform for aerospace collaboration.
Arabian Business
3 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Yas Waterworld unveils massive expansion with over 20 new rides in Abu Dhabi
Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, has officially opened the doors to its highly anticipated expansion — adding over 13,445sqm of attractions. The newly launched area, dubbed the 'Lost City,' builds on the waterpark's storytelling legacy of The Legend of the Lost Pearl and includes more than 20 new rides, slides and experiences. The expanded destination was unveiled in a ceremony attended by Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral. This launch brings Yas Waterworld's total offering to more than 60 rides and attractions — making it one of the most extensive waterparks in the region. Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Key highlights of the new expansion include several rides debuting in the Middle East for the first time: Al Falaj Race: The region's first side-by-side duelling tube raft ride Bahamut's Rage: A dramatic log flume experience with high-impact splashes Al Sahel Junior: The region's first mini zero-gravity boomerango designed especially for younger guests Al Mafras: A desert-themed water slide with a splash landing. Red Dunes: A twisting enclosed aqua tube built for younger thrill-seekers Dawwama Junior: A child-friendly version of the iconic vortex ride Mataha Madness: A family raft ride with disorienting spins and surprises Sadaf Swirl: The region's first high-speed raft ride with spin-powered thrills The new zone also features a brand-new dining venue.
