Ruwaad Holdings
Ruwaad is a real estate, hospitality, tourism investment and development company and a subsidiary of the Dubai 9 Group. Established in November 2006, Ruwaad’s key objective is to diversify and globalize the Dubai 9 Group’s portfolio of companies into the real estate and hospitality sector. The company’s real estate developments are initially planned for the UAE and South Africa, with outlines for subsequent expansion into the MENA region and Asia through a combination of sustainable and integrated destination master-planned communities of residential and commercial properties and signature hospitality projects. Ruwaad aims to create distinct product concepts for each individual real estate and development project; ranging from pioneering entertainment parks and commercial premises for diverse business uses, to well-planned and well-designed residential and hospitality neighborhoods. Each development will be characterized by the utilization of a destination, integrated design, strategic location, the use of local and international brands, and sensitivity to the culture and heritage of the local community. Ruwaad continually seeks to secure business partnerships with leading global brands in the lifestyle, hospitality, and tourism and leisure entertainment industry. In 2007 Ruwaad announced a key partnership with Paramount Pictures from Hollywood (part of Viacom Inc. – one of the largest entertainment corporations in the world) plans to develop a Paramount-themed destination at a development cost of USD 2.5 Billion. The project will comprise of theme parks, movie studios, residences, hotels, resorts and retail areas. Paramount Pictures provides a vast portfolio of intellectual properties, which includes Academy Award winning films such as Titanic, Mission Impossible and Braveheart; In 2008, Ruwaad has announced Amazulu World, the largest development to be initiated in African history comprising a land size of approximately 16,566 hectares (approximately 170 square kms). Amazulu World will be home to Africa's first world-class internationally branded entertainment theme park, as well as Africa's largest shopping destination, Africa's most comprehensive and advanced sports village development, Africa's largest lifestyle community and Africa's first dedicated education and health village; alongside a number of hotels, resorts and spas, a marina, a variety of residential offerings, community facilities, and nature reserves. THE TEAM The Founder and Chairman of Ruwaad is Mr. Hanif Merchant. The Group Chief Executive Officer is Mr. Hayan Merchant. Additionally, a senior team of experienced Ruwaad personnel has been selected to undertake the company's forthcoming projects, alongside a complementary team of consultants that have international, national and local experience. This senior team’s experience involves leading, developing and managing a number of world-class developments across the globe including: • UK (Canary Wharf) • France (Euro Disney Resort) • United States (1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Disneyworld) • Australia (Palazzo Versace Resort) • Hong Kong (SeaWorld/ Ocean Park resort) • Japan (Disneyland Tokyo) • Malaysia (Mandarin Oriental Hotel) • India (Lavassa Township) • Qatar (Pearl Qatar Island) • Singapore (Sentosa Resort) • UAE (Dubai Festival City, Lagoons)