Key Points
- Manchester City and Ohana Development have signed an agreement to launch a club-branded residential destination in Abu Dhabi.
- The development spans 1.67 million square metres along Abu Dhabi’s Yas Canal waterfront.
- Further details on the project will be revealed as it progresses.
- Ohana Development, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, will design and develop the project, renowned for collaborating with leading brands across culture to create high-end residential environments reflecting its luxury-led design ethos.
- Manchester City’s brand will be integrated throughout the development.
- Ohana will leverage Manchester City’s unmatched presence in Abu Dhabi, where over 3,500 children participate in City Football Schools sessions each term, delivered five days a week across seven locations by more than 50 full-time accredited coaches.
- The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup is the largest youth football tournament in the region, attracting thousands of players from across the UAE and globally each year.
- Beyond football, Manchester City drives positive impact through initiatives like the Healthy Lifestyles Programme, which engaged over 30,000 primary school children last year to promote healthier, more active lifestyles.
- Ferran Soriano, Chief Executive Officer of City Football Group, described the project as a landmark that brings Manchester City to a premium residential environment in a distinctively club-branded way.
- Husein Salem, CEO of Ohana Development, stated that Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana will become a lasting legacy in the real estate sector, aligning with Ohana’s commitment to Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi (Manchester Mirror) January 26, 2026 – Manchester City and Ohana Development have signed a landmark agreement to create a club-branded residential destination spanning 1.67 million square metres along Abu Dhabi’s Yas Canal waterfront, marking a significant fusion of sport and luxury real estate in the UAE.
What Is the Manchester City Yas Residences Project?
The project, named Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana, represents a thoughtfully curated residential development designed to integrate Manchester City’s global brand into high-end living spaces. Ohana Development, which will handle the design and development, is renowned for partnering with leading brands across culture, harnessing their appeal into luxury-led environments where the Manchester City brand will be seamlessly woven throughout. This collaboration leverages Manchester City’s strong footprint in Abu Dhabi, transforming the club’s regional influence into a premium residential experience. Further specifics on architecture, amenities, and timelines will emerge as the project advances.
As per the official announcement, the development aligns with Ohana’s ethos of creating future-ready communities that enhance Abu Dhabi’s evolving lifestyle landscape.
Why Did Manchester City Choose Ohana Development for This Partnership?
Ohana Development’s Expertise in Brand Collaborations
Ohana Development stands out for its track record in translating global brands’ influence into design-driven residential projects. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the firm has built a reputation for luxury developments that embody partnered brands’ identities. In this instance, Ohana will harness Manchester City’s “unrivalled footprint in the region” to craft residences that reflect the club’s modern outlook.
Manchester City’s Regional Presence as a Key Factor
Manchester City boasts an unmatched presence in Abu Dhabi, underpinning the partnership’s potential. Each term, more than 3,500 children join City Football Schools sessions, running five days a week across seven locations and staffed by over 50 full-time accredited coaches. The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup, the region’s largest youth football tournament, draws thousands of players from the UAE and worldwide annually. These initiatives highlight the club’s deep community ties, making it an ideal brand for residential integration.
What Community Impact Does Manchester City Have in Abu Dhabi?
Beyond the pitch, Manchester City fosters positive change through targeted programmes. The Healthy Lifestyles Programme engaged over 30,000 primary school children last year, promoting healthier and more active lifestyles across Abu Dhabi. This community engagement extends the club’s influence, providing a foundation for the residential project’s appeal to families and football enthusiasts alike. Such efforts underscore Manchester City’s commitment to distinctive collaborations that extend its brand into everyday life.
What Did Ferran Soriano Say About the Partnership?
Ferran Soriano, Chief Executive Officer of City Football Group, hailed the venture as transformative. “This is a landmark project that brings Manchester City to a premium residential environment in a distinctively club-branded way,” Soriano stated. He praised Ohana Development, noting, “Ohana Development is highly regarded for working with leading global brands, translating their influence into high-end, design-driven residential experiences.” Soriano added, “This partnership will see Ohana harness the Club’s global reach and its unrivalled footprint in the region. We continue to be committed to distinctive collaborations like this.”
What Is Husein Salem’s Vision for Manchester City Yas Residences?
Husein Salem, CEO of Ohana Development, emphasised the project’s legacy potential. “Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana brings this shared vision to life through a thoughtfully curated residential project, one that is set to become a lasting legacy within the real estate sector,” Salem said. He highlighted the alignment between partners: “Partnering with Manchester City marks a significant milestone for Ohana Development and reflects our long-standing commitment to Abu Dhabi, where we are proudly headquartered.” Salem continued, “The club’s global stature, forward-looking vision, and modern outlook closely align with our ambition to create future-ready communities that contribute to the emirate’s evolving lifestyle landscape.”
Where Exactly Is the Development Located and What Is Its Scale?
Prime Yas Canal Waterfront Location
The 1.67 million square metre site sits along Abu Dhabi’s Yas Canal waterfront, a prestigious area known for its blend of leisure, entertainment, and luxury developments. This positioning enhances the project’s allure, offering residents proximity to Yas Island’s attractions while embedding Manchester City’s branding into a serene residential haven.
Project Scope and Phasing
Spanning such a vast area, the development promises comprehensive amenities infused with club-themed elements, though exact features remain under wraps until further announcements. The scale positions it as a major addition to Abu Dhabi’s real estate portfolio, capitalising on the emirate’s growth as a global lifestyle hub.
How Does This Fit into Broader Trends in Branded Residences?
This agreement reflects a rising trend where sports clubs partner with developers for branded living spaces, blending fan loyalty with luxury property. Manchester City’s initiative follows similar moves by other football giants, but its Abu Dhabi focus leverages local synergies uniquely. Ohana’s experience ensures the project will stand out in the competitive UAE market, potentially setting a benchmark for sport-infused communities. Analysts note such ventures boost property values through brand prestige and community programming.
When Will Further Details Be Revealed?
Further details on Manchester City Yas Residences will be disclosed as the project progresses, with no specific timeline provided in the initial announcement. Stakeholders, including City Football Group and Ohana Development, have committed to updates, likely covering unit types, pricing, and completion dates. Investors and fans alike await these revelations to gauge the full scope of this ambitious endeavour.
