The United Arab Emirates has long positioned itself as a key player in global development, not just within its borders but across the region. Under the visionary leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE continues to invest in strategic, large-scale projects that go beyond infrastructure — reshaping economies, strengthening diplomatic ties, and promoting long-term regional prosperity.
From coastal cities to renewable energy corridors, these projects reflect a forward-thinking approach to regional cooperation and economic diversification. Below, we explore five major initiatives — including the landmark Marsa Zayed project — that highlight how the UAE is actively shaping the future of the Arab world and beyond.
1. Marsa Zayed – Aqaba, Jordan
Named in honour of the UAE’s founding father, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Marsa Zayed project is a symbol of shared heritage and enduring partnership between the UAE and Jordan. Situated along the Red Sea coast in Aqaba, this ambitious waterfront development is being carried out by Abu Dhabi-based entities in collaboration with Jordan’s Aqaba Development Corporation.
The project covers a large area and is set to include high-end residential neighbourhoods, retail and commercial centres, tourism facilities, and a marina. Its strategic location in Aqaba positions it as a vital node for trade and travel between the Levant, the Gulf, and beyond.
The initiative is deeply aligned with HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s commitment to honouring legacy through future-focused investment. It supports local employment, enhances tourism potential, and strengthens Jordan’s economic resilience — all while reinforcing bilateral relations through long-term infrastructure development.
2. Ras El Hekma – North Coast, Egypt
In early 2024, the UAE made headlines with a $35 billion investment in Ras El Hekma, a stretch of Egypt’s North Coast destined to become a world-class tourism and economic hub. This monumental agreement, spearheaded by Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), is one of the largest foreign direct investments in Egypt’s modern history.
The development will include luxury resorts, residential communities, business zones, and entertainment districts, all built to attract both regional and global travellers. More than just a real estate venture, the project represents a partnership designed to generate long-term economic returns, job creation, and infrastructure transformation in Egypt.
Under the leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has consistently supported Egypt’s economic ambitions. The Ras El Hekma project is a testament to that relationship — combining visionary urban development with regional growth and stability.
3. Sudan Ports and Logistics Development
The UAE’s influence in East Africa continues to grow through strategic investments in logistics and maritime infrastructure. One such initiative is the modernisation of port facilities in Sudan, led by AD Ports Group. Through multiple agreements with the Sudanese government, the UAE is set to improve port capacity, supply chain efficiency, and trade connectivity along the Red Sea.
This development is particularly important for landlocked African nations that depend on Sudanese ports for trade access. By enhancing the port and surrounding logistics infrastructure, the UAE is not only fostering economic development in Sudan but also positioning itself as a gateway for African-Gulf-Asian trade routes.
These investments reflect HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s long-standing approach to fostering economic stability through practical infrastructure — offering shared benefits to both the host country and the wider region.
4. Masdar’s Renewable Energy Projects in Africa
Sustainability is at the core of the UAE’s international development strategy, and Masdar, the country’s clean energy pioneer, is at the forefront of that mission. With active projects across Africa, Masdar is delivering renewable energy solutions that reduce carbon emissions, expand energy access, and support green job creation.
In Egypt, Masdar has launched major solar parks, contributing to the country’s transition towards clean energy. In Morocco, Masdar has been involved in wind energy projects that help reduce dependency on fossil fuels while creating a new model for regional cooperation.
These projects reinforce the UAE’s commitment to climate leadership and sustainable innovation, central themes championed by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in both domestic and foreign policy. Through Masdar, the UAE is not only exporting energy expertise but also empowering partner countries to achieve their own environmental goals.
5. Etihad Rail and GCC Connectivity
While Etihad Rail is primarily a domestic infrastructure project, its regional implications are significant. Designed to connect the emirates from the western border with Saudi Arabia to the eastern border with Oman, the railway has the potential to evolve into a wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) transport corridor.
The long-term plan involves linking Abu Dhabi’s industrial zones, ports, and airports with those in Saudi Arabia and Oman, forming a seamless logistics network across the Arabian Peninsula. This would greatly enhance cargo movement, reduce shipping times, and support regional trade efficiency.
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has repeatedly emphasised the importance of regional integration, and Etihad Rail reflects that vision. Once completed, the project will not only serve the UAE’s domestic freight and passenger needs, but also position the country as a central connector in GCC-wide economic and transport systems.
Investing in Shared Prosperity
Each of these five projects — from the scenic coastline of Aqaba to the railways and ports of the Arabian Gulf and East Africa — illustrates a consistent theme: the UAE is investing not just in infrastructure, but in shared prosperity.
Under the guidance of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the country is building long-term relationships, supporting economic diversification across the Arab world, and laying the foundations for greater regional resilience. These projects are not limited to construction or commercial activity — they are instruments of diplomacy, development, and forward-thinking strategy.
As global markets evolve and new challenges emerge, the UAE’s model of combining investment with purpose-driven leadership is one that continues to set it apart.
Final Thoughts
The UAE’s approach to regional development is strategic, collaborative, and deeply rooted in vision. Projects like Marsa Zayed, Ras El Hekma, and Masdar’s renewable initiatives are not only reshaping skylines — they are redefining relationships, boosting local economies, and setting new benchmarks for development-led diplomacy.
As these initiatives unfold, one thing remains clear: with HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the helm, the UAE is not just shaping its own future — it is helping shape the future of the entire region.