Manchester City has officially entered the UAE real estate market with the launch of Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana, a new multibillion-dirham branded residential development on Abu Dhabi's prestigious Yas Island. Developed in partnership with Ohana Development, the project underscores the surging demand for branded luxury homes as high-net-worth individuals continue to invest heavily in UAE property.
A Landmark Waterfront Community on Yas Island
The upcoming residential community will be located along the Yas Canal waterfront, one of Abu Dhabi's most desirable lifestyle destinations.
Spanning an impressive 1.67 million square metres, Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana is positioned as a large-scale, premium neighbourhood designed around waterfront living, exclusivity, and global branding.
While the developer has not disclosed the project's total value or completion timeline, the scale alone places it among the most ambitious branded residential launches in the capital. Property listings indicate an expected completion date of December 2029, with units starting from AED 1.7 million.
Manchester City Brings Club Identity to Luxury Living
Ferran Soriano, Chief Executive of City Football Group, described the development as a landmark collaboration, bringing the Manchester City brand into a high-end residential environment in a distinctly club-inspired way.
The project is expected to integrate elements associated with the club's global identity, innovation, and premium lifestyle positioning — marking a rare crossover between elite football branding and large-scale residential development. Amenities include a Football Academy, rooftop pitches, crystal lagoons, and canalfront promenades, with over 55% of the masterplan devoted to green and leisure spaces.
Ohana Development's Growing Luxury Portfolio
Abu Dhabi-based Ohana Development is known for delivering ultra-luxury branded projects across the UAE, with a portfolio valued at approximately $5 billion in assets.
Its flagship developments include:
- Jacob & Co. Beachfront Living by Ohana - Elie Saab Waterfront by Ohana - Ohana by the Sea
The Manchester City partnership further strengthens Ohana's position as a major player in the UAE's high-end branded real estate sector.
Abu Dhabi's Rise as a Branded Residences Powerhouse
The launch comes as Abu Dhabi rapidly emerges as one of the Gulf's fastest-growing branded residence markets.
Driven by strong economic fundamentals, international wealth migration, and expanding luxury developments, branded residences in the capital are witnessing record growth.
Transaction volumes for branded residences in Abu Dhabi surged by 126 per cent year-on-year in the first nine months of last year, reflecting growing investor appetite for premium, globally branded homes.
Why Branded Residences Command Premium Prices
Branded residences in Abu Dhabi are achieving price premiums of up to 87 per cent compared to standard homes in the same locations.
This premium is driven by:
- Limited supply of ultra-luxury units - Association with global lifestyle and hospitality brands - High-quality design, services, and exclusivity
These factors continue to attract international buyers seeking secure, long-term investments and lifestyle-driven properties.
Future Outlook for Abu Dhabi's Luxury Property Market
The branded residences market in Abu Dhabi is expected to grow significantly through the rest of the decade.
From 2025 to 2030, more than 2,700 branded residential units are set to be delivered across over 20 luxury projects, primarily located on Yas Island, Al Saadiyat Island, and Al Maryah Island.
While hospitality brands currently dominate the sector, lifestyle and designer brands — including sports and fashion labels — are expected to take a much larger share of new developments from 2027 onward.
This shift is set to elevate Abu Dhabi's global profile as a premier destination for luxury living and international real estate investment.
