CONSIDERED to be the biggest real estate and tourism project in the history of Jordan, the Marsa Zayed project [www.marsazayed.com] is currently under development. It is developed by Al Maabar Aqaba Real Estate Development Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Al Maabar International Investments, and is one of the largest mixed-use real estate development projects in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.
Marsa Zayed covers 3.2 million sq m of land area in Aqaba including two kilometres of prime waterfront along the scenic coast of the Red Sea. Upon completion, the development promises to become a bustling centre of commerce, tourism and living. The project will feature residential communities, hotels, marine facilities comprising of yachts and boat berths, a modern terminal and commercial facilities including shopping centres, cafés, fitness centres, other amenities and financial and business centres.Yousef Al Nowais, managing director of Al Maabar International Investments, says: “Al Maabar is committed to helping Aqaba and its community develop and flourish as part of its vision to revive communities and create landmark destinations. Al Maabar is committed to renewing and reviving Aqaba as an emerging economic and touristic hub.”The Marsa Zayed development will be built in several phases with Phase One to be completed in 2015. Infrastructure works of Phase One are spread across 200,000 square metres of land and includes two major milestones, the Sheikh Zayed Masjid and Al Raha Village.Sheikh Zayed Masjid, inspired by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, was inaugurated in December 2012 on the development’s northern edge and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2014. Amman-based Central Contracting Est. was appointed as the main contractor for the construction of the iconic 4,000 sq m mosque. The mosque will accommodate 2,000 worshippers and will include two main prayer halls, an additional hall for holiday prayers and teaching the Holy Quran, and a garden area decorated with water basins.Marsa Zayed’s first residential neighbourhood, Al Raha Village, will feature more than 500 residential units comprising an array of exquisite apartments and townhouses, which are all equipped with deluxe finishing, air conditioning, modern amenities and state-of-the-art kitchens, in addition to private parking. All residential units to offer a serene lifestyle for the residents of Aqaba, the units are serviced by a wide range of community living facilities including a club house, retail and community centre, outdoor playgrounds and parks.At the 2012 and 2013 Arabian Property Awards, Al Raha Village, part of Marsa Zayed’s Phase One development, was presented with two consecutive five-star awards. Al Raha Village received the “Best Mixed-use Architecture” Award in October 2012 and the award for Five-Star Best Mixed-Use Development in 2013.Al Maabar is committed to creating job opportunities and long-term prosperity in Jordan that will fulfil the economic, social and cultural needs of the Aqaba community. It is anticipated that the Marsa Zayed development is expected to create more than 17,000 job opportunities upon completion in addition to facilitating long-term talent and knowledge transfer.