Erling Haaland Acquires Home at Manchester City-Branded Residential Project in Abu Dhabi
Football star joins buyers at Manchester City Yas Residences, a major housing development featuring villas, townhouses and sports-inspired lifestyle facilities
Abu Dhabi’s residential property market is attracting attention from international sports personalities, with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland acquiring a home at the Manchester City Yas Residences development by Ohana.
The Norwegian footballer announced his purchase in a video message during the launch of the project's second phase on October 12, 2026. The development is located along Yas Canal, close to Yas Island, and combines residential living with facilities inspired by the English football club.
Haaland shared that his father, former Manchester City footballer Alfie Haaland, had also bought a home in the development, meaning they are set to live next door to each other once the properties are completed.
Although the footballer's individual purchase price has not been disclosed, the reported average price of a five-bedroom villa in the development is AED 10.7 million, equivalent to approximately $2.9 million.
Manchester City brand enters Abu Dhabi's residential market
Manchester City Yas Residences is being developed by Ohana and is presented as the first residential project to carry the football club's brand.
The master-planned community is expected to include more than 2,000 homes, with properties being introduced and delivered in stages through 2029.
The development's residential options are planned to include villas, townhouses, duplexes and waterfront homes, offering a range of layouts for different household requirements.
By combining housing with a globally recognised football brand, the project seeks to create a residential environment that connects sports, leisure and everyday living.
Sports and wellness facilities planned for residents
The community's proposed amenities extend beyond conventional residential facilities. Plans include football pitches and a Manchester City training academy, alongside fitness and recovery spaces.
Residents are also expected to have access to tennis and basketball courts, cycling and jogging routes, a skate park and a promenade running alongside the canal.
These facilities are designed to give the development a lifestyle-focused identity, with opportunities for physical activity, recreation and outdoor socialising.
The mix of residential properties and sports-related amenities positions the project within the branded housing segment, where developers combine real estate with the identity and experience associated with an established brand.
Haaland's purchase adds visibility to the project
Haaland's decision to acquire a home brings additional international attention to the Abu Dhabi development. His connection with Manchester City also gives the project a direct link to the football club whose name it carries.
The purchase highlights how sports partnerships and celebrity buyers can help raise awareness of residential developments, particularly those targeting international audiences.
However, the significance of the project extends beyond its association with the footballer. Its scale, range of homes and planned recreational facilities make it a notable addition to Abu Dhabi's residential development pipeline.
Construction and delivery planned in phases
Manchester City Yas Residences remains under development, with completion planned in stages through 2029. Buyers will therefore need to consider the construction schedule and applicable handover timelines when assessing the project.
As Abu Dhabi continues to develop residential communities that combine housing with leisure and lifestyle features, the project represents another example of how international brands are entering the property sector.
For Ohana, the development brings together residential construction, sports branding and community amenities in a location close to Yas Island, one of the emirate's established entertainment and leisure destinations.
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