Investors queued outside the sales office as Ohana Development opened bookings for its Manchester City-branded waterfront community last weekend. By Monday morning, the tally stood at $1.63 billion—a new record for Abu Dhabi’s property market.
The figure represents the fastest residential sales cycle the emirate has witnessed. Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana, positioned along Yas Canal, attracted buyers from 47 countries across three days in mid-March.
Thirty-five per cent of purchasers were Emirati nationals. The remaining 65% came from expatriate and international investors, according to data released by the developer on 17th March 2026.
Ohana Development now plans to release additional inventory. The rush caught even seasoned market watchers off guard—Abu Dhabi’s luxury segment has performed strongly since 2024, but nothing at this velocity.
Husein Salem, chief executive of Ohana Development, attributed the response to government policy. “We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the UAE government and its visionary leadership for fostering a stable and forward-looking investment environment,” he said. “This strong foundation continues to strengthen confidence among investors and developers, supporting the resilience and growth of Abu Dhabi’s thriving real estate sector, despite any evolving circumstances.”
The project spans 1.67 million square metres. More than half—55% of the masterplan—has been allocated to landscaped gardens and green spaces, a deliberate design choice that sets it apart from denser urban developments in neighbouring Dubai.
What’s driving demand? Three factors appear central: the Manchester City brand association, the Yas Island location, and the sports-focused amenities package. Yas Island has evolved from a leisure destination into a residential hub over the past five years, anchored by the Formula 1 circuit, theme parks, and golf courses.
Salem added context to the sales surge. “The strong response to Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana, and the sales record in just 72 hours, reflects the continued trust from investors locally and internationally, as well as the appeal of the project’s unique offering in the emirate,” he noted.
The community will feature integrated training and recovery facilities designed in consultation with Manchester City Football Club’s performance team. A waterfront promenade will house retail outlets, dining venues, and lifestyle amenities. Plans also include a marina sports club offering water sports, alongside resort-style fitness facilities and multiple swimming pools.
Sports-branded real estate has gained traction across the Gulf over the past three years. Similar projects tied to European football clubs have launched in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, though none have matched this sales velocity. The Manchester City partnership gives Ohana Development access to the club’s design expertise and brand equity—a draw for investors seeking differentiation in a crowded luxury market.
Abu Dhabi’s property sector has lagged behind Dubai’s for much of the past decade. That gap has narrowed since 2023, when the emirate introduced long-term visa schemes and eased foreign ownership restrictions. International buyers now account for a growing share of transactions, particularly in waterfront and island developments.
The 35-65 split between Emirati and international buyers signals broad-based demand. Domestic investors typically favour established neighbourhoods and freehold zones, while expatriates and foreign buyers gravitate toward branded developments with lifestyle components.
Yas Island itself has undergone rapid transformation. What began as an entertainment district has added residential communities, international schools, and healthcare facilities. The island now houses approximately 12,000 residents, according to Abu Dhabi government data, with projections suggesting that figure could triple by 2030.
Ohana Development declined to specify unit prices or the number of homes sold during the 72-hour window. Industry analysts estimate average transaction values in the Yas Canal area range between $800,000 and $3 million, depending on unit size and water views.
The sales record arrives as regional property markets face headwinds from global economic uncertainty. Yet Abu Dhabi continues to attract capital—foreign direct investment into the emirate’s real estate sector climbed 41% year-on-year in 2025, outpacing Dubai’s growth rate for the first time since 2014.
For Ohana Development, the challenge now shifts to delivery. Construction timelines for projects of this scale typically span four to five years. The company has previously completed luxury developments in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, though nothing approaching the 1.67 million square metre footprint of Manchester City Yas Residences.
The question facing competitors is whether other branded developments can replicate this performance. Several developers have partnerships with European sports clubs in the pipeline, but the Manchester City tie-up benefits from the club’s recent success and global fanbase. Whether brand alone drove these sales, or whether location and timing played equally decisive roles, remains a matter of debate among property consultants.
What’s certain is that the 72-hour window has reset expectations. Abu Dhabi’s developers will study the formula closely, and buyers who missed out will be watching for the next inventory release.