Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Company, guided by chairman Sheikh Yousef Al Shelash, is the preeminent real estate firm in Saudi Arabia. Since its inception in 1994, the company has been expanding globally by building properties at the intersection of luxury and functionality that cater to high net worth individuals. It made a big announcement during Q4 2022 and confirmed it signed an agreement with former president of the United States Donald Trump’s business organization to develop a Trump-brand resort in its top-of-the-line Oman project, Aida.
Sheikh Yousef Al Shelash stated, “We are always looking to enhance Dar Al Arkan’s unique projects with premium facilities and experiences, and our partnership with Trump will distinguish our first project in Oman and put it on the global map.”
In addition to Trump-branded features, the development will include fine-dining restaurants and the awe-inspiring hanging suites dangling above the shores of the capital port city of Muscat. The Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Company chairman said nothing like that has ever been done before in the world from an engineering perspective. The company is creating them to equal the experience of a five-star hotel.
Aida is a mixed-use development valued at $4 billion. It will feature a Trump-brand hotel, villas, and a golf course. Al Shelash predicts the Aida development, especially the floor-to-ceiling-glass suspended pods, will be a must-see destination for adventure seekers. “[I think] they will want to spend a night in these pods, which are hanging suspended 100 meters above the sea,” stated the chairman.
The Trump Organization Expands in Oman
Sheikh Yousef Al Shelash oversees the Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Company’s project in Oman’s capital, Muscat. The luxurious development, spanning 3.5 million square meters, is projected to take 10 years to complete. According to the Saudi developer, the state-of-the-art Trump-branded golf course is being “designed by a renowned golf professional.”
Al Shelash added that The Trump Organization’s “superior quality, detail, and perfection are the standards that [it] demands throughout its projects — from residential to resort, from golf, and from commercial office to retail” are the reason for the partnership. The Oman Tourism Development Company is also working with Dar Al Arkan on the Aida Project.
According to Golf Digest, the former president of the United States owns 19 golf properties worldwide, including Aberdeen, Scotland; Doonbeg, Ireland; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Bedminster, New Jersey; Los Angeles; and Miami.
However, it seems that the appeal of working with Yousef Al Shelash and Dar Al Arkan on the development, perched high above the Gulf’s sparkling turquoise waters, drew The Trump Organization to Oman to create another course in such a scenic location. “When we were looking at our next project and where we wanted to expand our footprint, we knew it had to be in an outstanding location and with an amazing team,” stated Eric Trump. He is The Trump Organization’s executive vice president. He foresees the two companies working together to create something truly extraordinary.
“Together with Dar Al Arkan, we are going to deliver an exceptional Trump golf resort with the finest residential villas, a world-class hotel, and an iconic golf course, all in one of the most beautiful settings,” stated the executive vice president.
What You Need To Know About Muscat, Oman’s Capital City
Deserts and mountains with breathtaking panoramic views surround the port capital. The beaches of Al Qurum are renowned for golden sand and aquamarine waters. However, the humidity is very high because it’s a coastal city with nearly constant high temperatures year-round.
In addition to the region’s natural beauty, stunning architecture is also on display throughout Muscat. While in Muscat’s city center, visitors can check out the Burj Al Sahwa clock tower. It was constructed in 1985 at the entrance to the city in honor of the Omani Renaissance marking the inauguration of Sultan Qaboos Bin Said.
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a masterpiece of arches, domes, decorated walls, lanterns, and glass drawings. The Al Alam Palace, which features Oman’s traditional architecture through polished marble and wood balconies, was built over 200 years ago by Imam Sultan Bin Ahmed.
Speaking of tradition, the Muscat Festival is a global cultural celebration held annually in January and February. Visitors can explore authentic Omani products while taking in performances, folk dancing, and costumes.
Muttrah is renowned for its souq, a street market. Visit the scenic corniche carved into the cliff that offers views of the tranquil waters along with the city’s oldest houses and majestic mountains.
Sheikh Yousef Al Shelash on Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Company’s Other Projects and Partnerships
Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Company is also expanding its expertise in Riyadh, the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia. The company is building the Shams Ar Riyadh, a mixed-use project.
It’s one of the company’s most ambitious projects at 5 million square meters of residential and commercial space. According to Al Shelash, Dar Al Arkan has “developed many communities, but because Shams Ar Riyadh was close to Riyadh, the company has the option of developing some of the most luxurious villas in that area.”
The development will include luxury living spaces and branded residences, including the Upside Living Villas with Interiors by Versace Home, and a collaboration with fashion icon Elie Saab. Sheikh Yousef Al Shelash explained that Dar Al Arkan could create more premium products because of the Shams Ar Riyadh’s proximity to the city center. “That is one of the many master plans that the company does,” he said.
It’s an excellent time for the real estate development company to expand in the region, since a recent report stated that Riyadh plans to more than double its population and has aspirations of becoming one of the 10 wealthiest cities in the world. It’s currently responsible for approximately 50% of Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy.
The real estate developer is also going to build residential units in an integrated community project called Sedra, located in northern Riyadh. Al Shelash said the company “will deliver beautiful and well-appointed villas in the community.” He added that it will “further raise the bar for luxury residences in Saudi Arabia.”
Yousef Al Shelash has guided the real estate development company to deliver high-quality projects and services for 28 years. It’s putting its renowned talent, technology, and traditional Saudi values into everything it does, including this partnership with the Trump brand.
