Egyptian billionaire unveils coastal city in UAE

Key Points

• Bayn’s first phase introduces 464 luxury residences across four gated clusters, blending waterfront serenity with vibrant city living between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
• Over 55% of Bayn’s masterplan is dedicated to parks, landscaped paths, and recreation spaces, enhancing sustainability and quality of life for residents.
• Strategically linked to major highways and future railway projects, Bayn promises exceptional connectivity to Downtown Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and across the UAE.

ORA Developers, led by Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris, has officially unveiled Bayn, a sprawling coastal city development in Ghantoot, strategically situated between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The move marks the first phase of Bayn’s coastal community vision in Ghantoot, UAE, a transformative 4.8 million square metre development blending vibrant urban living with serene waterfront experiences.

Blending vibrant urban life with serene waterfront living, Bayn features 1.2 kilometers of Arabian Gulf beachfront and over seven kilometers of waterfront residential experiences, setting a new standard for master-planned communities in the UAE.

A $39.2 billion waterfront vision: Where city energy meets coastal calm

Bayn, set for handover by 2028, will feature a private clubhouse, curated retail, and dining, designed with sustainability at its core — and aligning with the UAE’s carbon-cutting goals — the Phase 1 will deliver 464 residences across four gated clusters, offering three- to five-bedroom homes in 10 distinctive designs, all within a compact model where schools, retail, sports, and wellness hubs are a 15-minute walk or ride away.

Its master plan includes 9,000 homes — from grand mansions to sleek apartments — with over 55 percent of land dedicated to parks, trails, and open-air recreation. Anchored by a marina, beach town, and business park, Bayn redefines waterfront living, reconnecting residents with the site’s natural heritage.

A 100,000-square-metre sports club will offer world-class facilities for athletes and families alike, fostering an active, community-driven lifestyle. Ideally linked to Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid and Al Fayah Roads, Bayn sits 35 minutes from Downtown Dubai, 45 minutes from Abu Dhabi, with future GCC railway links enhancing its appeal.

Naguib Sawiris, Chairman and CEO of Ora Developers, emphasized the project’s transformative ambition: “Our vision with Bayn is to create a destination that enhances how people experience time and space. We are bringing together the dynamism of city living and the calm of a coastal retreat in a sustainable, thriving community.” 

Ora Developers: Shaping global real estate excellence

Founded in 2016, Ora Developers has swiftly emerged as a global force in real estate, managing over $4 billion in assets and a development portfolio exceeding $45 billion across Egypt, Cyprus, Pakistan, the UAE, and Iraq.

Under the leadership of Naguib Sawiris—ranked among Bloomberg’s top 500 wealthiest individuals with a $7.72 billion net worth—the subsidiary of Orascom Investment Holding, Ora has expanded aggressively. Today, Ora, specializing in luxury mixed-use developments across the Middle East and North Africa, controls a land bank of more than 76 million square meters and oversees 17 projects across seven countries.

Signature projects such as Ayia Napa Marina in Cyprus, Eighteen in Pakistan, and Silversands in the Caribbean showcase Ora’s distinctive approach—blending cultural sensitivity with world-class standards. With Bayn, Ora continues its tradition of creating transformative spaces that combine excellence, sustainability, and community well-being, reinforcing its reputation as a global real estate pioneer.