Royal Development Holding and Rotana Launch Premium Branded Residences on Al Reem Island

A Strategic Partnership Built on Brand Strength

The agreement brings together two strong names. Royal Development Holding contributes deep real estate development expertise, while Rotana adds its trusted hospitality and residential management experience.

The project has an estimated total value of AED 900 million, making it a significant addition to Abu Dhabi’s residential landscape. It also reflects Royal Development Holding’s long-term strategy of developing brand-led residential communities that meet the evolving expectations of buyers and investors.

Why Al Reem Island Was Chosen

Al Reem Island is already one of Abu Dhabi’s most mature residential areas. The new premium residential towers will be located within a well-connected community that offers both comfort and convenience.

Residents will benefit from:

• Views overlooking landscaped parks and internal community spaces
•  Close access to major business districts
• Easy connectivity to Abu Dhabi mainland through key bridges

The island is also home to leading educational institutions such as Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, GEMS World Academy, Nord Anglia International School, and Repton School Abu Dhabi, making it attractive for families and long-term residents.

Premium Residential Towers Designed for Long-Term Value

The development will feature a carefully planned mix of apartments and penthouses, designed to support modern living while maintaining strong long-term value. Rather than focusing only on luxury finishes, the project emphasizes livability, smart layouts, and lasting appeal. This approach aligns with current buyer demand for high-quality homes that combine comfort, location, and trusted branding.

The towers are being planned as part of a wider residential portfolio expansion by Royal Development Holding in Abu Dhabi.

Strong Market Momentum Supports the Project

Royal Development Holding has seen rapid market absorption across its residential launches during 2025, especially on Al Reem Island. This strong performance reflects increasing buyer confidence and trust in the company’s developments.

The success of recent launches has encouraged the Holding to continue expanding its premium residential offerings, particularly branded residences that align with current market demand.

The Rotana partnership builds directly on this momentum and supports the delivery of additional branded residential projects in the future.

Project Timeline and Launch Expectations

The project is currently progressing through planning and development stages, with an anticipated launch in early 2026.

This timeline allows the development team to carefully plan the design, amenities, and overall residential experience, ensuring it meets both market expectations and long-term urban planning goals for Abu Dhabi.

Leadership Insights on the Collaboration

Tariq Nazzal, CEO of Royal Development Holding, highlighted the strength of Abu Dhabi’s residential fundamentals. He emphasized that infrastructure, education, and lifestyle destinations continue to drive long-term demand, making Al Reem Island a strategic location for future-focused residential developments.

Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana, shared that the partnership reflects Rotana’s focus on long-term relationships and disciplined development. He also noted that the project builds on the success of The Residences by Rotana, reinforcing confidence in Abu Dhabi’s strong real estate fundamentals.

About Royal Development Holding

Royal Development Holding is a UAE-based real estate holding company and a subsidiary of ESG Emirates Stallions Group, which is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.

The company builds on the strong legacy of Royal Development Company, which has managed more than 60 projects across over 15 countries and achieved AED 10.2 billion in sales. Its services cover the full real estate lifecycle, including development management, hospitality strategy, investment management, and sales and marketing.

Royal Development Holding also oversees a group of specialized companies, expanding its reach across architecture, hospitality, land development, and luxury real estate management.

About Rotana Group

Founded in Abu Dhabi in 1992, Rotana is one of the region’s leading hospitality companies. It operates and develops more than 120 properties across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Türkiye.

Rotana manages six well-known brands and is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance, offering residents and guests access to global lifestyle benefits. Its branded residential offering focuses on quality, consistency, and trusted service.

What This Means for Abu Dhabi’s Real Estate Market

This partnership signals growing confidence in branded residential developments and confirms Al Reem Island’s role as a long-term residential hub.

With strong developer credibility, a trusted hospitality brand, and a strategic location, the project is well-positioned to attract both end users and investors seeking stable value and premium living experiences.

The collaboration between Royal Development Holding and Rotana marks an important step in Abu Dhabi’s evolving residential sector. By combining development expertise with hospitality-driven living, the project responds directly to modern buyer expectations.