Gonio Marina (Emaar in Batumi) — The Launch of a Major Resort Cluster in Western Georgia. What’s Known So Far?

In the western part of Georgia, near Batumi, construction has begun on a unique project — Gonio Marina. According to the current concept, it is a mixed-use resort and residential cluster covering more than 260 hectares, combining apartments, villas, hotels, a yacht marina, restaurants, and a private promenade. The developer is Eagle Hills Georgia (an Emaar-affiliated structure in Georgia), a renowned company from the UAE that has delivered landmark projects in Belgrade, Cairo, and Dubai.

The scale is truly ambitious — essentially a “city within a city,” with an estimated investment value exceeding $5 billion. For Batumi, this can be compared to how Belgrade Waterfront transformed Serbia’s capital. Similarly, Gonio Marina is expected to become a new landmark on the Black Sea coast and a key stage in the region’s development.

Now, as the first details of the master plan are unveiled, an investment window opens for early investors. More information is emerging about the future districts, marina, and initial sales conditions. This is the phase when entry prices are at their lowest — and growth potential at its highest. In this article, we’ll review what is currently known.

What the Gonio Marina Master Plan Includes

According to available information, the 260-hectare project in Gonio will combine premium residences, villas, and international hotels. The total investment volume is estimated at $5–6.6 billion.

Territory will include aquacenters, shopping galleries, restaurants, co-working and fitness spaces. The highlight of the complex will be a yacht club with over 180 berths and an artificial lagoon nearly 1 km long. In addition, there will be pedestrian boulevards, parks, and family recreation areas.

The location is also a major advantage. Gonio is known for its clean beaches and eco-friendly environment. Batumi International Airport is about 20 minutes away, and the Turkish border is less than 10 minutes. Thanks to this, Gonio Marina can become a transit hub for yachts and high-end tourists.

The project aims to create a full-fledged infrastructure for living, recreation, and investment — combining apartments, managed residences, gated villa communities, and international hotel brands. Altogether, it forms a new resort ecosystem where lifestyle and Georgian real estate investment are intertwined.

Who Stands Behind Gonio Marina and Why It Matters for Investors

The project is being developed by Emaar and Eagle Hills, companies founded by Mohammed Alabbar. They are globally recognized for projects such as Downtown Dubai and Marassi Egypt. Their involvement in Batumi guarantees international quality standards.

For investors, this means three key things:

1. Reliability and quality assurance.
   The participation of Emaar in Batumi ensures confidence in construction timelines and quality. The Dubai-based developer is known for its systematic approach and strict oversight at every stage, minimizing the risk of delays.
   
2. Entry of global hotel brands.
   The presence of Emaar Batumi and Eagle Hills Batumi paves the way for leading international hotel chains. For such brands, both scale and reputation of the developer matter. Emaar’s previous collaborations include Address Hotels, Vida, Rove, The Ritz-Carlton and others. Even a partial presence of these brands could position Batumi as a competitive European-class resort, ensuring a steady flow of affluent guests and strong rental demand.
3. Capital growth potential.
   Based on previous Eagle Hills projects in Belgrade, Cairo, and Abu Dhabi, property values in those developments rose by 25–40% by the middle of the construction phase.
   

Finally, the entry of a UAE developer into Batumi elevates the local real estate market to a new level. It signals strong confidence from international investors and reinforces Georgia’s position as a rising investment hub on the Black Sea.

When Will Sales Start and Which Buildings Come First

According to the latest public presentations, Emaar Batumi and Eagle Hills Batumi have opened a sales office and showroom featuring the first layouts. The initial phase will include waterfront apartments with sea views and residential towers, while villas and townhouses will follow later.

Flexible payment plans with installment options are expected, making the purchase accessible to a wide range of investors.

Sales are conducted in off-plan format (prior to active construction), with estimated completion between 2028 and 2029. This gives investors a clear time horizon for capital growth and an opportunity to enter at the lowest price. Notably, certain early-stage offers are available exclusively through the developer’s partners.

For example, BD Realty works directly with the project and can provide early building lists and up-to-date price sheets.

Investment Potential and Scenarios

At this stage, Gonio Marina is viewed as one of the most promising assets on the Georgian coast. The developer forecasts 8–10% annual rental yields for apartments, though the potential is broader.

Growth may come from two main factors:

• Rising land values in Gonio (currently lower than in central Batumi), and
• The premium value added by the Emaar brand and the yacht marina infrastructure.
  

Together, these factors make Gonio Marina properties more desirable for buyers seeking international standards and unique resort amenities.

Possible investment scenarios:

1. Early entry.
   Buying at the first phase secures the lowest price. As seen in other Eagle Hills projects, early investors typically gain 25–35% capital appreciation by the time the next phases are launched. Ideal for those ready to wait 2–3 years for higher returns.
2. Rental strategy.
   Once the marina, hotels, and facilities are operational, Gonio will transform into a fully developed resort cluster. Apartments here could yield 8–10% annually, particularly in peak season, while owners may combine personal stays with professional management services.
   
3. Portfolio resale.
   Some investors purchase 2–3 apartments early on and later sell part of them as demand rises, locking in profit while keeping others for rental income. This way, the capital works in several directions simultaneously.

Ultimately, buying an apartment in Gonio Marina means investing in an asset that combines resort liquidity with strategic long-term growth.

What’s Still Under Development

According to the master plan, construction will proceed in stages: first the coastal area, then residential and hotel zones. The road network and engineering systems are part of a unified development plan for Georgia’s southern coastline, meaning the area’s infrastructure will improve year by year.

For investors, it’s crucial to work with local brokers who have direct access to verified developer information, as unreliable sources online can be misleading.

Gonio Marina by Emaar & Eagle Hills is one of the most ambitious projects in the history of Batumi and all of Western Georgia. It brings together cutting-edge architecture, a world-class marina, pristine nature, and the expertise of a leading UAE developer.

The market is currently in its early-launch phase — the best moment for investors to secure the lowest prices and the widest selection of units.

Contact BD Realty to request the early building list, payment plans, and layouts. We work directly with the developer and can provide insider details not available on the open market.