Zaya to build water villas off Abu Dhabi

Dubai: Zaya, a new Abu Dhabi-based developer, has unveiled Nurai - a private community of limited edition resort beachfront estates and water villas on a natural island off the coast of Abu Dhabi, a company statement said.

Zaya LLC is a joint venture between Tasameem Real Estate and Assas, whose combined portfolio exceeds $15 billion

Nurai is a 3.3 million square foot (equivalent to approximately 306,000 square metres) island located northeast of Abu Dhabi city centre, near the northernmost tip of Saadiyat Island.

Derived from the Arabic word "nour" meaning light, Nurai is surrounded by clear waters and ringed with pristine sandy beaches.

Nurai will include a boutique luxury hotel resort with 60 suites, 31 resort beachfront estates and 50 resort water villas.

Island amenities will include three restaurants, multiple lounges, private helipad and marina with arrivals lounge, Espa spa and fitness centre.

Lying immediately northeast of Abu Dhabi, the island is set in isolation away from the hustle and bustle of city life yet is within minutes from the mainland.

Zaya chief executive Nadia Zaal hand-picked a world class team with a shared passion to bring her vision of Nurai to life.

"Zaya has a passion for creating unique lifestyle solutions that goes beyond bricks and mortar. Using our unique understanding of the clientele and refusing to be bound by convention, Nurai is the most stylish contemporary living experience in the world."

"On Nurai, you can have your own piece of paradise and still be just minutes from Abu Dhabi. On this inlush island, you will find a distinctive collection of limited edition resort beachfront estates and water villas, along with all the comforts of a world class boutique resort," added Zaal.