DAMAC Properties - the luxury lifestyle provider and Middle East's largest private sector master developer - announced recently its plans in Kurdistan, Iraq, with the launch of the Tarin Hills master development in Erbil. Located in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the project is a conglomeration of residential, retail, commercial, hospitality, entertainment, health and sports components interwoven within the picturesque terrain of Erbil. The master development, DAMAC's first in Iraq, follows the success of its master development “Gamsha Bay” in Egypt. The development, to spread across a massive 170 million square feet, will offer residential communities and the best of retail environments and recreational offerings. Phase 1 of the development has a value of $4.5 billion. DAMAC's development plans in Erbil were announced at a press conference in the presence of Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister of Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, and a number of ministers from the region. Barzani said: “The Tarin Hills development will not only help promote the global face of Erbil, it will also create jobs and support growth in related sectors, such as tourism and hospitality. We thank DAMAC for taking this initiative which is very positive statement and symbol of the stability and growth potential of the Kurdistan Region. We are confident of the success of this project and pledge our full cooperation with Damac and its investors in making Tarin Hills a world class development.” DAMAC's Chairman Hussain Sajwani said: “We are very confident that Erbil's unique topography has great potential to become an attractive destination for both high-end and mass tourism. We are happy to contribute to the development of a new Kurdistan and believe that this investment will contribute towards the growth phase of the region and a landmark in Iraq development. The Tarin Hills development is a distinctive lifestyle expression and extends the perfect choice of amenities creating a destination for discerning homebuyers and businesses alike.” Peter Riddoch, CEO of DAMAC Properties, said: “The hills of Tarin will be transformed into a golf course residential community with villas surrounding and intertwined amongst the 18-hole course. This community will be augmented with a golf club and health center, which will be a focal point destination for recreation and leisure. __
