Ohana is a private real estate developer based in the UAE, mostly works in luxury residential development across Abu Dhabi and other international markets. This company has obtained its visibility in the recent years through branded residential collaborations and high-level off-plan projects.
Identity & Founding of Ohana
Ohana real estate is a private leading private firm in the Middle East. With over 35 years of work behind it, the firm has built its name on crafting homes that mix good design with real value. The word "Ohana" means family in Hawaiian, and that spirit, at least on paper, runs through how they treat their buyers and teams.
The CEO is Husein Salem, who has put out a clear message: luxury should have meant and not just looks. His view is that every home should give people a real sense of place and connectivity. The firm is private, meaning it is not listed on any stock market.
Business Highlights
Ohana claims over 9,000 units delivered, more than 2,000 staff, and assets worth above $5 billion. According to the published data, it has worked across 3 continents. These are big claims for a private firm, though they do line up with the scale of their recent deals.
Landmark Sales
In early 2026, Ohana did something that caught the whole market off guard.
- In March 2026, the firm sold AED 6 billion worth of units in just 72 hours, a new sales record in Abu Dhabi, tied to their Manchester City Yas Residences project.
- Before that, in December 2024, Ohana and Jacob & Co. unveiled a project worth AED 4.7 billion called Jacob & Co. Beachfront Living by Ohana.
Hitting AED 6 billion in 72 hours is the kind of result most firms in the UAE would take a year to reach. It says a lot about how buyers are responding to their brand tie-ups.
In Abu Dhabi, the projects of Ohana are built around some important spots, Yas Island, Al Reem, and Al Jurf. Each area has a different buyer in mind.
Manchester City Yas Residences by Ohana
Located on the Yas Canal in Abu Dhabi, this project offers apartments, villas, and marionettes starting from 850 sq ft. It blends sport culture with high-end coastal living. The link to Manchester City FC gives it a global pull that few local names can match.
Jacob & Co. Beachfront Living by Ohana
Jacob & Co. Beachfront Living is located in Al Jurf, Abu Dhabi, this project offers units from 2,650 sq ft, apartments, penthouses, villas, and mansions. The whole design of this project is rooted in coastal calm with luxury watch brand Jacob & Co. setting the style tone.
Elie Saab Waterfront by Ohana
Based on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, this one project has the vibe of fashion. There are luxury apartments and penthouses starting from 873 sq ft and shaped by the design codes of the Elie Saab brand.
Ohana by the Sea
Ohana by the Sea is a villa-only project in Al Jurf, sitting between the lines of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The units there start from 295 sqm and come with easy beachfront access. Ohana by the Sea attracts families who want space and direct sea access without the city crowd.
Projects in Lebanon
Ohana also has three small projects in Lebanon, Ohana Villas by Elie Saab Maison in Damour (from 550 sqm), Ohana Hills, a private villa set with sea views also in Damour, and Escape Villas in Rmeileh, a gated community starting from 185 sqm near the Beirut main road. The Lebanon work shows Ohana is not purely an Abu Dhabi play. They have roots in the Levant market as well, which adds a layer of depth to their story.
Ohana’s Business Sectors
Ohana is, at its core, a residential real estate firm. There is no public work on them owning separate hotel groups, retail chains, or finance arms. Their focus is on building and selling homes, mainly at the luxury and semi-luxury end of the market.
What sets them apart is their use of brand tie-ups. Ohana also signed a multi-year deal with West Ham United FC, making them the official global partner of the club. This is a sports marketing move as much as a real estate one. It builds name recall with global buyers who follow football.
Ohana Competitors
Abu Dhabi has big developer names in this space, Aldar, Imkan, Reportage, and many others. Aldar is the complete market giant, publicly listed with a huge portfolio. Imkan focuses on mixed-use and master plans while Reportage goes more mid-market.
Ohana sits in a different lane. They are private, brand-led, and focused on luxury residential. Their edge is the fashion and sports brand deals, Elie Saab, Jacob & Co., Manchester City, West Ham. None of the local rivals are doing quite the same thing at this scale. That is both a strength and a risk. If the brand buzz fades, so might the pricing premium.
Ohana for Buyers & Investors
The firm offers 100% ownership for foreign buyers, which fits the UAE's broader rules on property investment. They also highlight the potential for Golden Visa eligibility through property purchase. For renters and end users, Ohana's projects are in well-linked spots, Yas Island for those who want theme parks and F1-adjacent life, Al Reem for city access, and Al Jurf for those who want quiet beach living.
The unit sizes, especially at Jacob & Co., start large, so this is not a budget option. For investors, the resale and rental data is still forming on newer projects. The AED 6 billion sales record in 72 hours does signal strong off-plan demand, which often points to healthy resale interest down the line.
Conclusion:
Ohana is not a newcomer company. Thirty-five years of work, over 9,000 units delivered, and a $5 billion-plus asset base tell the story of a firm that has been doing this for a long time. What is new is their approach in the UAE, bold brand deals, record-breaking sales, and a clear push to stand out in a crowded Abu Dhabi market.
For buyers who want a home tied to a global name, or investors looking at off plan plays in Abu Dhabi's growing market, Ohana is worth a close look. Just go in with clear eyes, branded luxury carries a price premium, and not all of it comes back at resale.
