UAE unveils massive 25mn sq ft ‘Downtown UAQ’ development project

The Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain, Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, has unveiled plans for an extensive new development called Downtown UAQ during a ceremony at the UAQ Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

The project, described as a ‘Coastal City Within a City’, spans 25 million square feet and features 11 kilometres of shoreline, including 7 kilometres of beach and beach park, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) said in a statement.

The development is structured around three districts: North Beach, Trade Centre, and South Beach.

Crown Prince launches Umm Al Qaiwain’s 11km UAE waterfront city development

Downtown UAQ will include a trade centre, commercial offices, five-star hotels and resorts, entertainment facilities, retail destinations, and residential communities.

The project is designed to accommodate approximately 150,000 residents and aims to balance residential, commercial, and public spaces.

Sobha Realty, a multinational developer, has partnered with the Government of Umm Al Qaiwain for the project. The first phase will include residential, commercial, and hospitality communities.

“Downtown UAQ is not merely a project, but a vision brought to life. We are proud to partner with the Government of Umm Al Quwain to create a destination that embodies innovation, sustainability, and serene luxury,” PNC Menon, Founder of Sobha Group said.

A key feature of the development is a 15 million square foot Trade Centre Free Zone, which will operate under an independent legal framework to attract international businesses and investment.

The project emphasises environmental sustainability, with over 50 percent of the land dedicated to open and green spaces.

The development will also implement water-sensitive landscaping and marine conservation strategies.