UAE Investments in Georgia Reach $6.6 Billion: Flagship Project — Gonio Marina

Photo: www.gov.ge

The volume of investment from the United Arab Emirates in Georgia has increased to $6.6 billion. This figure stems from agreements with developers Eagle Hills and EMAAR Group concluded during the UAE Sheikh’s visit to Tbilisi.

In spring 2025, a figure of $5.5 billion was mentioned, later $6 billion—the amount for which Abu Dhabi’s Eagle Hills signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Georgia. The document outlined two major projects: one in Tbilisi and one in Gonio, a coastal area south of Batumi.

In Tbilisi, the planned Krtsanisi Park is a large residential development on the Mtkvari River covering 590 ha, featuring residential quarters, retail zones, and a premium spa center. The second initiative is Gonio Marina—a 260 ha development on the Black Sea coast, including hotels, residences, a shopping and entertainment center, and a modern yacht marina.

Eagle Hills Chairman Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties, called Georgia a country “with tremendous prospects and potential.” He emphasized that the combination of stability, architectural character, and dynamic development has made the country attractive for investment.



In September, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met in Tbilisi with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It was noted that four Emirati companies are already operating in Georgia, and plans were discussed to expand cooperation in trade, energy, and culture. During the visit, an important agreement was signed to implement projects involving the developers Eagle Hills and EMAAR. At a business meeting, Irakli Kobakhidze announced that the total investment amount had been increased to $6.6 billion.

“This is one of the most important investments that will strengthen our economy,” Kobakhidze stressed. “This visit will significantly contribute to deepening the partnership between us and the UAE. Beyond EMAAR’s investments, we discussed many other areas—economic cooperation and the development of trade ties.”



This decision is considered especially important for the development of the Gonio coastal district in Adjara. The area south of Batumi is seen by the government as a site for a next-generation resort and an investment hub. A state development plan prepared with international consultants provides for the creation of an artificial lake, preservation of part of the territory as a nature park, extension of Batumi’s Seaside Boulevard, and construction of a new highway to Sarpi. Together, these measures should not only enhance the area’s tourist appeal but also ease regional transport flows, transforming Gonio into a modern center for living and leisure.

International hotel brands—Radisson, Wyndham, and Rotana—are already building in the area. Now Abu Dhabi developer Eagle Hills is commencing work there as well. According to the Ministry of Economy, the implementation of the Gonio Marina project alone could raise GDP by 1.5% and create thousands of jobs. The combination of branded hotels, modern infrastructure, and strategic location makes Gonio one of the most promising Black Sea resorts for investors, tourists, and residents.

For the Georgian authorities, these investments are not only economic but also strategic: participation by a developer like Eagle Hills signals confidence in the country from leading players in the Persian Gulf region. Attracting UAE capital at such scale confirms that Georgia is gradually establishing itself as a stable platform for long-term international business.