ALBANIA: New superyacht marina could be biggest in the Med

Abu Dhabi-based property developer Eagle Hills plans to launch a superyacht marina in the ancient city of Dürres in Albania. Dürres Yachts & Marina is set to redefine luxury lifestyle, as well as strike a new pose as potentially the biggest superyacht marina in the Mediterranean.

The city of Dürres, located 34km (21mi) from the Albanian capital Tirana, is said to be the oldest city in the world (dating back to 627BC), and is home to the country’s largest port.

In addition to a marina specifically designed to accommodate the world’s largest yachts, the project includes 12,000 luxury marina homes, a terminal for international cruise liners – the first of its kind on the Albanian coast; premium open-air retail experiences with unique shopping and dining concepts; parks and open spaces; opulent luxury hotels and branded hotel residences; world-class wellness clubs and spas; and exclusive beach and marina clubs.

Eagle Hills chairman Mohamed Alabbar said: “This development is the pinnacle of luxury living, whilst at the same time bringing immense new investment, infrastructure and long-term growth opportunities to Albania. We are proud of our partnership with the extraordinary citizens and government officials of this remarkable nation on a groundbreaking transformational project that took two years of planning and design by internationally acclaimed architects, engineers, public realm consultants and artists.”

Through careful urban planning and management, Dürres Yachts & Marina will be designed as one of the most sustainable new cities in the world, incorporating eco-friendly practices, green spaces and smart technology to reduce air pollution and CO² emissions, enhance air quality and protect natural resources. This goal will be achieved with an infrastructure that includes energy, water and traffic management as well as the latest means of urban mobility. The project will also use cutting-edge technology to enable it to be smart and innovative.

Alabbar added: “We are not just opening up the destination for high-end visitors, we are also creating the Monaco of the Adriatic. You have this incredible history in the background, alongside what will be a whole new luxury destination. We’ve done a lot of special projects over the years across the world, but I have no doubt this is right up there with the very best of them.”