Haaland Buys Luxury Property in UAE Mega-Development Owned by Man City Bosses

Erling Haaland and his father, Alfie Haaland, have bought two properties in a luxury development being built by Manchester City's owners in the United Arab Emirates.

The project, named Yas Residences by Ohana, is located in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi. The real estate mega-development is valued at an estimated €3.92 billion (£3.3 billion).

The investment comes at a turbulent time for Manchester City, owned by Sheikh Mansour — the UAE's Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and royal family member. An independent commission found the club guilty of systematic financial rule breaches spanning nine seasons, convicting them on 114 charges and leaving the Premier League champions facing potentially severe sanctions.

The announcement was unveiled in a promotional video featuring the striker. "Hi everyone. I’m very happy to be joining the Manchester City project with Ohana. I just bought a house, and my dad did too, so we’ll be neighbours soon," the City forward revealed in the clip screened at the launch event.

Around 4,000 guests attended the ceremony, where Alfie Haaland took to the stage shortly after former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who is serving as a brand ambassador for the project. The Spanish coach delivered a 30-minute speech praising the host city and describing it as his "second home". The striker's father admitted it was "hard to follow" the manager before addressing his son's absence: "Erling would have loved to be here."

"We really love the area, so I’m genuinely excited about this," the Norwegian international added in the promotional video.

Situated along the Yas Canal on Yas Island, the development boasts amenities including a gym, go-kart track, amphitheatre, spa, wellness centre, restaurants, climbing walls, and skate parks.

According to British newspaper The Sun, two-bedroom townhouses in the complex average around €935,000 (£800,000), while 600-square-metre, five-bedroom villas fetch around €2.8 million (£2.4 million). The most exclusive homes start at €8.4 million (£7.2 million). Property purchases also grant owners a UAE Golden Visa, providing a 10-year residency permit.

When asked about the Middle East property deals involving Erling and Alfie Haaland, "Team Haaland" financial adviser Egil Ostenstad declined to comment: "I have nothing to say about that. If you've already seen [the video and the event], you don't need any comment. I've said all I have to say on that matter."

Erling Haaland already holds a substantial property portfolio, including an apartment in Oslo's Sommerro complex, another in his hometown of Bryne, and a luxury villa in Marbella. British media have also reported his recent purchase of a home in Cheshire, near Manchester.