Abu Dhabi’s luxury real estate landscape is set for a major transformation as Ohana Development partners with Manchester City to launch a landmark branded residential project on Yas Island.

Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana will be developed along the prestigious Yas Canal waterfront, spanning an impressive 1.67 million square metres. The multi-billion-dirham development reflects the surging demand for ultra-luxury and branded properties driven by global wealth migration into the UAE.

While the total project cost and completion timeline have not yet been disclosed, the scale and strategic location position the project as one of Abu Dhabi’s most significant residential launches.

A Landmark Partnership

Commenting on the collaboration, Ferran Soriano, CEO of City Football Group, described the project as a “landmark development” that will introduce Manchester City into a premium residential environment through a distinctive club-branded concept.

Abu Dhabi-based Ohana Development, a leading luxury property developer, holds a portfolio exceeding $5 billion in assets. Its flagship developments include Jacob & Co. Beachfront Living by Ohana, Elie Saab Waterfront by Ohana, and Ohana by the Sea, reinforcing its strong presence in the ultra-luxury segment.

Abu Dhabi: The Next Branded Residence Powerhouse

According to CBRE, the UAE continues to attract global demand for luxury living and branded real estate, supported by strong economic fundamentals, international wealth inflows, and a growing development pipeline across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah.

CBRE’s latest UAE Branded Residences Report highlights Abu Dhabi as the Gulf’s fastest-emerging branded residence powerhouse, offering a compelling alternative to Dubai’s more mature luxury market.

The sector has recorded explosive growth, with a 126% year-on-year increase in transaction volumes in Abu Dhabi during the first nine months of last year. Additionally, branded residences command an average price premium of 87% compared to standard properties within the same locations, driven by limited supply and association with globally renowned brands.

Market Evolution and Future Supply

Currently, hospitality brands dominate branded residence deliveries, a trend expected to continue through 2026. However, from 2027 onwards, lifestyle and designer brands are projected to gain market share, accounting for 44% of new supply in 2028 and 42% in 2029.

The market share of branded residences in Abu Dhabi has already risen from less than 1% in 2019to around 2% in the first nine months of last year, supported by major project announcements such as Disneyland Abu Dhabi, which have significantly boosted investor confidence.

This momentum is expected to accelerate further, with branded residences forecast to represent 18% of total residential deliveries by 2029.

Between 2025 and 2030, more than 2,700 branded residential units are scheduled for delivery across over 20 projects, primarily located in premium destinations including Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and Al Maryah Island.

According to CBRE, this influx of high-end developments will significantly elevate Abu Dhabi’s residential offering, strengthen its international profile, and further stimulate demand from global investors.

Original source: https://www.zawya.com/en/business/real-estate/ohana-unveils-manchester-city-branded-residences-in-abu-dhabi-hica18u1