Abu Dhabi-based real estate development company Modon Holding has widened its international reach via an investment in the US equestrian and luxury lifestyle developer Wellington Lifestyle Partners (WLP). It is the company’s first investment directly in an equine-led development in the US and its first step outside the UAE in its global portfolio.
The Wellington International Project
The investment targets the Wellington International equestrian showgrounds in Wellington, Florida - an International hot spot for equestrian sports. The development is an ambitious planned scheme for a totally integrated ultra-luxury community combined with world-class equestrian facilities, as well as associated residential, hospitality and recreational developments.
The masterplan includes elements to make Wellington the global capital of equestrian sport. Its heart is the internationally renowned Wellington International showgrounds, which host the Winter Equestrian and Adequan International Dressage Festival. These competitions attract more than 250,000 spectators a year, making them the largest annual hunter/jumper and dressage events in the world.
Portfolio of Lifestyle Assets
Wellington Lifestyle Partners has an extensive portfolio outside of the equestrian facilities. The Wanderers Club provides members access to a private, family-oriented country club featuring golf, tennis, swimming, and fine dining experiences. The Wellington, an exclusive private club community, will hand over in 2028 with 253 premium residences built to the highest standards of luxury living.
It will also include a championship golf course by architect David McLay Kidd, a luxury boutique hotel and upscale homes, retail shops, offices and restaurants. This approach develops a self-sufficient lifestyle destination for the equestrian-minded and for the wealthy residents who want an exclusive community lifestyle.
A Strategic Alignment with Modon’s Vision
Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of Modon Holding, said the investment demonstrated its wider ambition to partner with top international operators that have “the same vision of excellence in destinations”. With its reach into the United States, Modon solidifies its position as a developer of culturally connecting, innovative, sustainable, high-quality destinations.
Modon Holding Group Chief Executive Officer Bill O’Regan said the partnership fits with the company strategy of developing integrated lifestyle destinations, which include living, sports and hospitality in one place. The collaboration opens up new knowledge exchange opportunities in operations, master planning and design expertise that will benefit both Wellington International and Modon’s existing developments.
Premier Sponsorship Role
As part of the deal, Modon will become the premier sponsor of this Winter Equestrian Festival and of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Such a sponsorship positions the Abu Dhabi company at the forefront of the global equestrian community, reaching out to high net worth people, international athletes and equestrian fans at these major competitions.
That sponsorship, in turn, gives Modon significant brand visibility in the North American luxury real estate market and may draw international investors to its UAE projects while establishing credibility in the competitive Florida real estate market.
Impact on Wellington’s Development
The capital investment and expertise from Modon Holding will help accelerate the long-term masterplan for Wellington International. The development hopes to create a contained environment for residents, visitors and equestrian athletes to live, work and compete in a luxury and sport focused community.
Wellington is a global equestrian centre and so is an attractive location for such integrated development. Already in the competitive season, the city attracts international participants and spectators, thereby creating demand for premium residential options, hospitality services and recreational facilities.
