Experience Centre Opens for World’s First Manchester City-Branded Residential Community.
Ohana Development and Manchester City have officially broken ground on Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana, marking the start of construction on the world’s first Manchester City-branded residential community.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the development’s newly opened Experience Centre overlooking Yas Canal in Abu Dhabi. Officials from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) attended alongside senior executives from Ohana Development and City Football Group.
Located along Yas Canal, the development is envisioned as a complete residential neighbourhood inspired by the values associated with Manchester City, with a focus on wellness, sport, performance and an elevated approach to everyday living.
Husein Salem, CEO of Ohana Development, said the vision was to create a destination where he would want his own family to live, combining distinctive design and quality with what the developer describes as attainable luxury in a strategic location.
“The breaking ground ceremony is a major milestone because it represents the first tangible step in bringing the project to life,” Salem said. “It is the transformation from just vision, ideas, and planning into real-life execution. This community is the first in the world to be branded by Manchester City. And I believe it will not only be a major destination at Yas Canal but also an important addition to Yas Island and Abu Dhabi’s growing real estate landscape.”
Ferran Soriano, CEO of City Football Group, said the partnership with Ohana was a natural fit because both organisations share a focus on performance, innovation and progress.
“We’re a champion team, we design and build to win,” Soriano said. “We look for performance and progress and innovation. We needed to do this with a company, in a place that looks for the same things. And that’s what we found. So, this place is going to reflect what Manchester City is for the people who will live here on a daily basis.”
Strong demand ahead of construction
Interest in the development was evident even before construction began.
Ohana Development, known for its attainable luxury residential projects and collaborations with brands including ELIE SAAB and Jacob & Co., said Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana recorded Dh6 billion in sales within just 72 hours of its launch.
The groundbreaking marks the next major stage for Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana, taking the development from a strong sales launch into the construction phase.
It also signals the start of what is expected to become a significant addition to the growing residential offering along Yas Canal and across Abu Dhabi.
Immersive Experience Centre
For prospective homeowners and investors, the newly opened Experience Centre provides a closer look at the development beyond its initial concept.
An immersive audio-visual room showcases the Manchester City partnership and the lifestyle behind the project, while detailed models of the residences give visitors a clearer picture of the community’s design, scale and overall vision.
The gated waterfront development spans 1.67 million square metres, with more than 55% of the community allocated to landscaped areas and green spaces.
Sport and wellness form a central part of the development. Planned amenities include a Manchester City training academy, recovery-focused wellness facilities, fitness centres, a marina sports club, a canal-front promenade, City Lounge and City Café.
The concept reflects a broader shift in luxury residential development, as buyers increasingly look beyond location, views and premium finishes towards communities that offer a more comprehensive lifestyle.
The association with Manchester City adds another element to the project, bringing the identity and expertise of one of the world’s most recognisable football clubs into a residential setting.
Investment potential
With construction officially under way following strong pre-sales, Ohana Development’s focus is now shifting towards delivering the community.
Mustafa El Sammak, COO of Ohana Development, said the ambition extends beyond simply handing over homes to buyers.
“It’s making sure that the community is delivered with all aspects of living, from the Manchester City training academy to advanced fitness centres, alongside lifestyle and wellness experiences, so that the entire project is a destination by itself, and people can live in that well-executed living environment, which they feel as an extension of their home,” El Sammak said.
That approach could become increasingly relevant as Abu Dhabi’s residential market evolves and attracts buyers seeking a combination of investment potential, lifestyle amenities and exclusivity.
Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana brings together several of these elements, including a globally recognised sports brand, a waterfront setting, luxury residential design and a strong emphasis on sport, wellness and green spaces.
Having progressed from its sales launch to the start of construction, the next phase will be focused on turning that vision into a functioning residential community.
The aim is to offer residents more than a luxury home, creating a broader lifestyle experience inspired by Manchester City’s values and supported by Ohana Development’s focus on quality, wellbeing and community living.
