In the heart of Abu Dhabi’s dynamic Al Reem Island, a revolutionary concept in workforce accommodation is taking shape. Century Village, a groundbreaking AED 320 million joint venture between Emirates Stallions Group (ESG) and Q Holding, is set to transform the landscape of employee housing in the UAE capital. This visionary project, designed to accommodate up to 5,000 residents, represents a paradigm shift in how companies approach staff accommodation, moving beyond traditional housing models to create a vibrant, inclusive community that enhances the overall quality of life for its residents.
The Century Village project embodies the evolution of the co-living concept, which has gained significant traction globally as urban centers grapple with housing challenges and changing lifestyle preferences. By reimagining staff accommodation as a comprehensive living experience rather than merely a place to stay, Century Village is pioneering a new standard for employee well-being in the region. This innovative approach aligns perfectly with Abu Dhabi’s vision of creating sustainable, people-centered urban environments that foster community, collaboration, and well-being.
As the UAE continues its remarkable journey of economic diversification and sustainable development, projects like Century Village highlight the growing emphasis on creating holistic living solutions that address the diverse needs of the workforce across various sectors. This article explores the Century Village project in depth, examines the co-living accommodation concept that underpins it, and provides insights into Emirates Stallions Group and their commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles in their business operations.
Century Village: A New Paradigm in Staff Accommodation
Century Village represents a significant milestone in the evolution of staff accommodation in the UAE. Announced in June 2023, this joint venture between Emirates Stallions Group and Q Holding aims to develop and manage a cutting-edge co-living community on Abu Dhabi’s prestigious Al Reem Island. With an investment of AED 320 million (approximately US $87 million), the project is designed to accommodate up to 5,000 staff members from various industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, and more.
What sets Century Village apart from conventional staff accommodation is its holistic approach to community living. Rather than focusing solely on providing basic shelter, the project aims to create an environment where residents can thrive personally and professionally. The development features a comprehensive range of community facilities and shared amenities designed to foster a strong sense of belonging and enhance the overall quality of life for its residents.
The strategic location on Al Reem Island, one of Abu Dhabi’s premier residential and commercial districts, further enhances the appeal of Century Village. This prime location ensures that residents have convenient access to the city’s key business centers, cultural attractions, and recreational facilities, making it an ideal home base for professionals working in various parts of the emirate.
The development of Century Village has been entrusted to a team of industry leaders, with GBH International Contracting appointed as the main contractor and Royal Development Company (RDC) serving as the development management company. Over the past year, RDC has completed extensive groundwork for the project, including feasibility studies, comprehensive design development, meticulous construction planning, and streamlined procurement procedures, ensuring that Century Village is built to the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
According to Kayed Khorma, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Stallions Group, “This transformative project showcases our unwavering commitment to revolutionizing workforce housing and providing exceptional living solutions for employees in diverse industries in the capital. With the creation of this joint venture, we aim to meet the diverse housing needs of professionals in different sectors.”
Similarly, Majed Odeh, Group CEO of Q Holding, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “We are thrilled to announce the launch of Century Village, this groundbreaking joint venture will foster collaboration, convenience, and well-being, offering a dynamic and inclusive living environment.”
The Co-Living Accommodation Concept: A Global Trend with Local Relevance
The co-living concept that underpins Century Village is part of a broader global trend that has been gaining momentum in recent years. Co-living represents a modern approach to communal living, where residents have private personal spaces but share common areas and amenities, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. This model has proven particularly appealing to young professionals, digital nomads, and urban dwellers seeking more affordable, flexible, and socially engaging living arrangements.
While the concept has its roots in addressing housing affordability challenges in major global cities, its application in the context of staff accommodation in the UAE represents an innovative adaptation that addresses the specific needs of the region’s diverse workforce. By applying co-living principles to staff housing, Century Village creates an environment that not only meets the basic accommodation needs of employees but also enhances their overall well-being and work-life balance.
The co-living model offers numerous benefits for both employers and employees. For employers, providing high-quality accommodation in a vibrant community setting can be a powerful tool for attracting and retaining talent, particularly in competitive industries. It can also contribute to improved employee satisfaction, productivity, and loyalty, ultimately benefiting the company’s bottom line.
For employees, the advantages extend beyond having a comfortable place to stay. The community-oriented nature of co-living fosters social connections and networking opportunities, which can be particularly valuable for expatriate workers who may be far from their home countries and social networks. The shared amenities and facilities also provide access to services and experiences that might be unaffordable or impractical on an individual basis.
Century Village takes these principles and elevates them to create what its developers describe as a “cutting-edge co-living community.” The project aims to address the diverse housing needs of employees across various sectors by providing not just accommodation, but a comprehensive living experience. With its range of shared amenities and community spaces, Century Village is designed to cultivate a strong sense of community while offering additional benefits through exceptional facilities.
As Khorma noted, the project “marks a significant milestone in ESG’s journey to redefine employee housing standards and create sustainable, holistic communities.” This statement underscores the transformative potential of the co-living model when applied thoughtfully to staff accommodation, creating living environments that contribute positively to residents’ quality of life and well-being.
Emirates Stallions Group: Building a Resilient Future
Behind the ambitious Century Village project stands Emirates Stallions Group (ESG), a diversified holding company that has established itself as a leader in various sectors across the UAE and beyond. As a subsidiary of International Holding Company (IHC), one of the UAE’s largest conglomerates, ESG brings substantial resources, expertise, and vision to the development of Century Village and its other projects.
ESG operates across multiple verticals, offering specialized services in manpower and accommodation solutions, real estate development, retail, interior decoration, and manufacturing. The company’s divisions collaborate within a cohesive ecosystem to provide clients with a full spectrum of services tailored to various industries. This integrated approach ensures the delivery of seamless turnkey solutions while allowing for specialized expertise in areas such as development, consultancy, design, engineering, project management, construction, landscaping, and hospitality.
The company’s vision to “be a leading force in building a resilient future” reflects its commitment to creating sustainable, forward-thinking solutions that address the evolving needs of businesses and communities. This vision is complemented by a mission “to provide comprehensive solutions across industries, empowering businesses and individuals to thrive” through a steadfast commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability.
ESG’s portfolio extends beyond Century Village to encompass a wide range of projects and initiatives. In May 2024, the company participated in a mangrove restoration project at Umm Yifenah Island, demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability. In October 2023, ESG unveiled its hospitality arm, with plans to launch a significant hospitality project in the UAE before the end of the year.
The company’s approach to business is deeply rooted in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, creating an interesting alignment between the company’s name and its operational philosophy. On the environmental front, ESG demonstrates its commitment through participation in restoration projects and a focus on sustainable development in its real estate ventures. Socially, the company prioritizes improving living standards for the workforce through projects like Century Village and creating inclusive community environments. In terms of governance, ESG maintains transparency through its listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX:ESG) and operates under the leadership of a professional management team headed by CEO Kayed Khorma.
The Intersection of Co-Living and ESG Principles
The Century Village project represents a fascinating intersection of the co-living accommodation concept and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. This convergence creates a unique opportunity to develop a living environment that not only meets the immediate housing needs of employees but also contributes positively to broader sustainability and social responsibility objectives.
From an environmental perspective, co-living models like Century Village can offer significant advantages over traditional housing approaches. By sharing resources and facilities, residents typically have a smaller environmental footprint compared to those living in conventional single-occupancy accommodations. Shared spaces, utilities, and amenities lead to more efficient use of resources, reduced energy consumption, and lower waste generation. While specific details about Century Village’s environmental features have not been disclosed, the project’s alignment with ESG’s sustainability focus suggests that eco-friendly design elements and operational practices are likely to be incorporated.
The social dimension of ESG principles is perhaps most evident in Century Village’s community-oriented approach. By creating a vibrant, inclusive living environment that fosters connection and collaboration, the project directly contributes to social well-being. The emphasis on shared amenities and community spaces encourages interaction among residents from diverse backgrounds and industries, potentially leading to valuable cross-cultural exchange and professional networking. This social infrastructure can be particularly beneficial for expatriate workers, helping to combat isolation and enhance their overall experience of living and working in Abu Dhabi.
From a governance perspective, the transparent joint venture structure between ESG and Q Holding, both reputable companies with established track records, provides a solid foundation for the project’s development and management. The involvement of professional contractors and development managers further ensures that Century Village will be built and operated according to high standards of quality and accountability.
The Century Village project also aligns with broader governmental initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Abu Dhabi and positioning the emirate as a global leader in sustainable urban development. By raising the bar for staff accommodation, the project contributes to Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a destination that prioritizes the well-being of all its residents, including its essential workforce.
A Vision for the Future of Workforce Housing
Century Village represents more than just a staff accommodation project; it embodies a forward-thinking vision for the future of workforce housing in Abu Dhabi and beyond. By reimagining employee accommodation through the lens of co-living and ESG principles, Emirates Stallions Group and Q Holding are pioneering an approach that recognizes the profound impact that living environments have on individual well-being, community cohesion, and overall quality of life.
As the project progresses toward completion, Century Village is poised to set a new standard for staff housing in Abu Dhabi, offering a convenient and comprehensive community experience that enhances the work-life balance of professionals across diverse industries. The project’s focus on creating a thriving and comfortable community environment represents a significant evolution in how companies approach employee accommodation, moving beyond basic provision to a more holistic consideration of workforce needs and aspirations.
In the broader context of Abu Dhabi’s development, Century Village aligns perfectly with the emirate’s vision of creating sustainable, inclusive, and people-centered urban environments. By investing in high-quality accommodation for the workforce, projects like Century Village contribute to Abu Dhabi’s attractiveness as a destination for global talent and reinforce its reputation as a city that values all segments of its population.
As the concept of co-living continues to evolve and gain traction globally, Century Village offers valuable insights into how this model can be adapted and applied in the context of staff accommodation in the Gulf region. The project’s success could potentially inspire similar developments across the UAE and neighboring countries, leading to a widespread improvement in the standard of workforce housing throughout the region.
Ultimately, Century Village exemplifies how innovative thinking, strategic collaboration, and a commitment to ESG principles can come together to reshape the future of employee accommodation in a rapidly changing world.
