7 Major Real Estate Developments in the Middle EastBy Ehsan Bayat

Due to rising demand and improved economic conditions in recent years, the real estate development industry in the Middle East has experienced significant growth, with domestic and foreign investors pouring billions of dollars into commercial and residential projects.

In fact, according to a report from Research and Markets, the Middle Eastern market is among the most rapidly growing real estate sectors in the world.

Amid the construction boom, a number of developments stand out for their innovative designs and modern amenities. The following seven projects are among the most notable:

The Residence Collection - Al Habtoor City —United Arab Emirates

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Although it is famous for its luxurious high rises, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) city of Dubai also has earned acclaim for its high-end, mixed-use living space called The Residence Collection - Al Habtoor City, which is located along the new Dubai Water Canal.

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This development features three luxury residential towers and extensive retail space, including a supermarket and restaurants.

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Residents and their guests have access to a tennis academy, one of the largest pools in the UAE, and a permanent Las-Vegas-style theatrical production by Dragone.

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The hotel and the surrounding community are also situated near downtown Dubai, the Dubai International Financial Centre, and Business Bay.

Burj Rafal—Saudi Arabia

• In 2013, the tallest residential tower in Saudi Arabia opened in the country’s capital of Riyadh.

• The Burj Rafal is comprised of 70 floors with over 400 apartments, all with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide 360 degrees of exposure to natural light.

• Located in the northern part of Riyadh near King Abdullah Financial City, the luxury development contains conference facilities, cafes, two restaurants, and a number of wellness centers and spas.

• The tower also includes the Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski, which boasts 349 rooms and suites, as well as lavish apartments.

• What makes the hotel unique is the way it mixes European-style, cutting-edge facilities with the region’s traditional Najdi architecture to create a serene and inviting interior.

Golf Views—Egypt

• An award-winning residential real estate project, Golf Views is located in 6th of October City, a larger residential development in Cairo, Egypt.

• The Golf Views community offers a variety of home designs, including townhomes, twin homes, and villas.

• Spread across more than 2 million square meters of lush natural landscape, the Golf Views community appeals to young couples, urban professionals because of its customized architectural designs and aesthetics.

• The adjacent 27-hole golf course is also a major draw, as it was designed by Nicklaus Design, the prestigious firm founded by golfer Jack Nicklaus.

The 360 Mall—Kuwait

• For residents and visitors alike, one of Kuwait’s most iconic real estate developments is the 360 Mall in the city’s Al Zahra area.

• The mall provides a variety of entertainment and shopping experiences in an 82,000-square-meter circular facility that features classic Arabic architectural elements.

• In addition to hosting regional, local, and international retailers, 360 Mall offers 38 restaurants and cafes, a 20-lane bowling area, a movie theatre, and a family entertainment center.

• The mall also includes a fully-equipped Boeing 737 simulator and an indoor garden area with walls of greenery.

Qurm Gardens—Oman

One of the most significant new real estate developments in Qatar is called The Pearl-Qatar, a mixed-use development that sits atop a 985-acre man-made island.

The property is divided into 10 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own theme. Housing options include luxury apartments, beachfront villas, penthouses, and townhomes.

A truly unique community, The Pearl is the country’s first global luxury residential development to allow foreign investors to obtain freehold title ownership.

Like many modern real estate developments, The Pearl contains restaurants, retail stores, and five-star hotels. However, unlike most, it also has several marinas. With pristine beaches and sweeping water views, The Pearl has often been called the Arabian Riviera.

Saleem Caravan City—Afghanistan

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To help stimulate the economy in Afghanistan’s capital of Kabul, numerous real estate developers are creating new residential communities.

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One such project is Saleem Caravan City, a multimillion-dollar suburban housing community that features 500 luxury apartments and homes with prices that vary based on their proximity to Kabul.

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Built in a contemporary style, the homes in Saleem Caravan City include home cinemas, modern kitchens, and as many as six bedrooms.

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The development also offers a community atmosphere with schools, green spaces, and a mosque.