DOWNTOWN UAQ, the $20-billion masterplanned coastal city by Sobha Realty and UAQ Properties in partnership with the Government of Umm Al Quwain, is rapidly transitioning from vision to reality, having been officially launched in April this year.

The 25-million-sq-ft development has already achieved significant commercial momentum, reinforcing its position as the Northern Emirates’ next major coastal hub.  

In an exclusive interview with Gulf Construction, Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty, the master-developer of the project,says: “The guiding philosophy behind Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty is to create the UAE’s ‘Coastal Skyline of the Future’, a master-planned community where nature, modernity, and heritage converge.

“Rooted in Sobha Realty’s ‘The Art of Detail’ ethos, every element, from the rippling tower façades to the shaded promenades, is crafted to enhance comfort, functionality, and the quality of everyday life, ensuring that each space resonates with openness, light, and a connection to the sea.”

Construction work is progressing on schedule, with groundwork already under way and the first handover by mid-2028, he says.

The masterplan spans 11 km of Umm Al Quwain’s pristine waterfront and includes over 7 km of uninterrupted natural beach, two marinas, landscaped boulevards, and future-ready mobility solutions such as water taxis. It will also feature the UAQ Trade Centre, premium office space, and leisure attractions to strengthen its position as a mixed-use destination. Upon completion, the new city will accommodate over 150,000 residents.

The project integrates premium residences, commercial hubs, hospitality offerings, and lifestyle amenities to create an exceptional living experience.

Downtown UAQ is a mixed-use development structured into three distinct core districts: North Beach, South Beach, and the Trade Centre. The latter will form the commercial nucleus, operating as a 15-million-sq-ft free zone designed to attract multinational corporations and SMEs with Grade-A offices and co-working hubs.

The initial phase of construction is focused on the North Beach district, with two key residential clusters already launched. The project will be executed by Sobha Construction, a key arm under the Sobha Group, a spokesperson for the company told Gulf Construction.

The first residential cluster, Sobha Aquamont, was unveiled earlier in the year. It comprises three residential towers of varying heights – 42, 34 and 26 floors plus a ground floor level – featuring one-, two-, and three-bedroom waterfront apartments. Handover for this first phase, which includes the Aquamont cluster, is anticipated around Q2 2028.

The second residential cluster, Sobha AquaCrest, was launched last month. This sub-community is a larger offering, consisting of five towers featuring one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes, with its handover scheduled for June 2029.

Excerpt of the interview with Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty:

What inspired Sobha Realty and UAQ Properties to launch a large-scale project like Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty in Umm Al Quwain?

At Sobha Realty, our ambition has always been to expand the boundaries of luxury living while contributing to the UAE’s long-term development vision. A testament to this commitment, Sobha Realty has entered into a joint venture with UAQ Properties to launch Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty, marking a new chapter in its journey in one of the most promising UAE emirates.

Umm Al Quwain offers a rare combination of natural beauty, strategic location, and accessibility. Its pristine coastline, proximity to Dubai, and strong government vision for sustainable growth made it the ideal canvas for creating a new coastal destination.

Sobha Realty recognised this unique blend of accessibility and untouched beauty, beginning its journey in UAQ with Sobha Siniya Island in 2024 - a low-density, one-of-its-kind natural island development where nearly 60 per cent of the land will remain as open space.

The masterplan spans 11 km of Umm Al Quwain’s pristine waterfront and includes over 7 km of uninterrupted natural beach.

Building upon this, we introduced Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty; a bold new vision for a connected coastal city that integrates urban vibrancy with 7 km of uninterrupted beachfront.

Both masterplans are in partnership with the Government of Umm Al Quwain, and reflect our commitment to creating futuristic, integrated destinations in the UAE, where luxury meets sustainability, and where communities can thrive amidst nature without compromising connectivity, convenience, or modern comforts.

How do you see Umm Al Quwain evolving as a destination, and what role will Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty play in shaping its urban identity and economic landscape?

Umm Al Quwain is entering a transformative phase, guided by a strong governmental vision for sustainable growth and economic diversification. Over the next few years, we see it evolving into one of the UAE’s most promising coastal destinations, where nature, modernity, and opportunity coexist.

Downtown UAQ will play a pivotal role in shaping this transformation. The masterplan is envisioned as the nucleus of Umm Al Quwain’s new economy, offering an integrated urban centre that brings together residential, commercial, hospitality, and lifestyle components within one cohesive ecosystem. Designed to accommodate more than 150,000 residents, it will create a vibrant, self-sustained community that fuels employment, supports local businesses, and attracts foreign investment.

Beyond its immediate economic impact, Downtown UAQ is set to position Umm Al Quwain on the regional and international map of business, investment, and real estate destinations. By combining economic growth with lifestyle-led urban planning, the development will transform the emirate into a magnet for entrepreneurs, investors, and global brands seeking sustainable, high-potential markets within the UAE.

The development spans 25 million sq ft with extensive green and waterfront zones. Could you share the guiding design philosophy behind such a large and integrated coastal community?

The guiding philosophy behind Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty is to create the UAE’s “Coastal Skyline of the Future”, a master-planned community where nature, modernity, and heritage converge. Rooted in Sobha Realty’s “The Art of Detail” ethos, every element, from the rippling tower façades to the shaded promenades, is crafted to enhance comfort, functionality, and the quality of everyday life, ensuring that each space resonates with openness, light, and a connection to the sea.

Spanning 25 million sq ft, Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty features a bold vision for a connected coastal city along 11 km of pristine coastline, including 7 km of uninterrupted beachfront. The design draws inspiration from the rhythm of the waves, reflected in fluid architectural forms, seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, and landscaped waterfront zones that encourage exploration and community interaction.

Designed as a walkable, E-bike, and pedestrian-friendly city, it integrates jogging tracks, beach parks, and a vibrant retail and F&B avenue. The urban design fosters a city where everyday essentials are steps away, creating a perfect balance between dynamic urban life and serene seaside leisure, while honoring the emirate’s coastal heritage and celebrating its future-forward vision.

How does Sobha ensure architectural coherence and aesthetic harmony across such a vast mixed-use masterplan, combining residential, commercial, hospitality, and leisure elements?

At Sobha Realty, achieving a unified architectural identity and consistent quality across our portfolio is made possible by our unique ‘backward Integration’ model; a foundation we have perfected for nearly 50 years and one that truly sets us apart in the real estate industry. We have complete in-house control over the entire development process, from design and engineering to manufacturing, development, construction, and post-handover facility management.

This fully integrated approach, recognised as a case study by Harvard Business School, ensures that every component of the development, whether residential towers, commercial hubs, hospitality spaces, or leisure zones, follows a unified architectural vision and a consistent standard of quality. Each material, fixture, and design element is meticulously produced and inspected by our teams, guaranteeing precision, quality, and long-term durability.

This model also allows us to align closely with sustainability goals, adapt swiftly to design enhancements, and ensure timely delivery without compromising on quality.

Provide highlights and USPs of each of these offerings.

The masterplan comprises three distinctive districts and will feature the UAQ Trade Centre, premium commercial office spaces, a hospitality zone with a five-star hotel, a vibrant entertainment and recreational hub, a flagship retail destination, and diverse residential communities, all thoughtfully planned to create a dynamic, future-ready urban ecosystem.

The initial phase will feature close to 5,000 thoughtfully designed residences, in addition to a beach park and a variety of retail and F&B zones, stretching across seven kilometers of pristine beaches.

At the heart of Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty lies a visionary approach to urban mobility, creating a walkable city designed to minimise reliance on cars and promote sustainable, community-centric living. The masterplan encourages movement through pedestrian pathways, cycling and jogging tracks, and E-bike routes that connect every zone seamlessly.

Sustainability is embedded into every layer of the development. Over 50 per cent of the land is dedicated to open spaces, green areas, and natural corridors. Eco-sensitive landscaping, marine conservation measures, and integrated infrastructure promote a balanced “Live, Work, Play” lifestyle; positioning Downtown UAQ as a model for responsible, future-facing urban development.

What is the estimated investment envisaged in the overall development?

The total estimated development cost is approximately $20 billion.

At what stage is construction on the project?

Construction is progressing on schedule, with groundwork already under way and the first handover by mid-2028.

Is Sobha Realty and UAQ Properties responsible for the entire development, or will there be third-party developers?

Sobha Realty and UAQ Properties are in a joint venture developing Downtown UAQ and the master developer for the entire project.

In later phases, there may be opportunities for other developers to participate, further enhancing the scale and diversity of the project.

Following the success of the first residential cluster, Sobha Aquamont, what are the next key milestones or phases you anticipate will drive the project’s long-term growth?

We launched our second cluster, Sobha AquaCrest, in October 2025, comprising four towers, with plans to roll out more building before the end of this year. The success of the first residential clusters has set a solid foundation for what’s to come, reaffirming market confidence in the project’s potential and the growing appeal of Umm Al Quwain as a prime waterfront destination.

As we progress, our focus remains on expanding the residential offerings while introducing key components of the commercial, hospitality, and leisure districts that will define the next phase. Each milestone will bring us closer to realizing a fully integrated coastal city that combines lifestyle, business, and recreation.

Could you share insights into the buyer demographic: are you seeing stronger uptake from domestic residents, regional investors, or international buyers?

Our buyers represent a diverse and dynamic profile, reflecting the broad appeal of Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty across markets, nationalities, and age groups.

Nearly 99 per cent of our buyers are first-time homeowners, underscoring the project’s accessibility and compelling value proposition within a rapidly evolving coastal market.

Attracting a broad, high-value audience, Europe accounts for ~34.6 per cent of total buyers, the second country to feature at the top of the chart is Russia at ~9 per cent, followed by India at ~8.8 per cent.

The core age segments are 40–50 (38 per cent) and 50–60 (22 per cent), reflecting a mature, investment-focused buyer base and emphasizing UAQ’s growing global appeal.

We are also seeing robust engagement from seasoned regional and international investors who recognise Umm Al Quwain as the UAE’s next growth destination, one that offers long-term investment potential, competitive entry points, and the opportunity to be part of a landmark master development backed by Sobha Realty’s proven legacy of quality and trust.

When fully realised, what kind of legacy do you envision Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty creating for Umm Al Quwain?

When fully realised, Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty will stand as a defining milestone for both Sobha Realty and Umm Al Quwain. For us, it represents the next evolution of our legacy in creating world-class, mixed-use communities that combine quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility. It showcases the power of our “The Art of Detail” philosophy and Backward Integration model in delivering large-scale developments that are both luxurious and sustainable.

For Umm Al Quwain, it marks the beginning of a new urban era. Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty and Sobha Siniya Island will catalyse economic diversification, attract global investment, create thousands of jobs, and establish the emirate as a modern coastal destination rooted in nature and community.

What is your key takeaway or message to the construction and investment community regarding the growing momentum of mixed-use coastal projects and the market potential of the Northern Emirates?

The growing momentum of mixed-use developments reflects a powerful shift in how the UAE’s real estate landscape is evolving. Buyers and investors today are seeking more than premium homes; they are looking for integrated ecosystems that offer connectivity, lifestyle, and long-term value within sustainable, well-planned environments.

Umm Al Quwain presents an attractive entry point for investors, with property prices showing consistent upward momentum since 2020; reflecting the emirate’s growing maturity and appeal.

Emerging markets like UAQ often deliver strong capital appreciation in their early growth stages. For instance, prices in Sobha Siniya Island have appreciated by around 20-22 per cent since launch, while investors can expect annual rental yields in the range of 7–9 per cent, making this a compelling opportunity for both passive income and asset growth.

The Northern Emirates, particularly Umm Al Quwain, present immense potential in this regard. With supportive governance, expanding infrastructure, price advantage, and untouched natural beauty, these regions offer a new frontier for real estate development and investment.

At Sobha Realty, we see this as a defining moment for the industry. The success of projects like Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty demonstrates that the market is ready for large-scale, integrated communities that deliver both quality and resilience.