​Emaar’s €2 Billion Transformation of Durrës Port

Albania is entering a new phase in its real estate and tourism trajectory following the announcement of a €2 billion investment by Dubai-based Emaar Group. The project, centered on the redevelopment of the Port of Durrës, represents one of the largest foreign direct investments in the country’s history and marks a significant shift in how Albania is positioned within the Mediterranean landscape.

A Visionary Development

The Albanian government has partnered with Emaar Group to transform the historic Port of Durrës from a traditional cargo hub into a large-scale luxury marina and mixed-use waterfront district. The proposed masterplan includes residential developments, hospitality assets, retail areas, and leisure infrastructure designed to attract high-end tourism and international capital.

Beyond its physical scale, the project signals a structural repositioning of Durrës — from an industrial port city to a flagship coastal destination aligned with global waterfront regeneration models.

Relocation of Industrial Port Operations

A core component of the project involves the relocation of existing commercial port activities to a newly planned logistics facility in Porto Romano, north of Durrës. This strategic move aims to separate industrial shipping from the urban waterfront, reducing congestion and environmental pressure while freeing valuable coastal land for redevelopment.

The new port infrastructure is expected to require an investment of approximately €390 million, funded through a combination of public resources and potential private-sector participation. If executed as planned, this transition would significantly alter the urban, economic, and environmental profile of the Durrës metropolitan area.

Economic and Geopolitical Significance

Emaar’s involvement carries implications that extend beyond real estate development. As one of the world’s most recognizable developers, the group’s entry into Albania reflects growing international confidence in the country’s institutional direction, regulatory framework, and long-term tourism strategy.

From a geopolitical perspective, the investment reinforces Albania’s increasing integration into global capital flows, particularly from the Gulf region, and strengthens its positioning as a Mediterranean destination capable of attracting large-scale, long-horizon investment.

Investment Perspective

The transformation of the Port of Durrës should be viewed within a broader context of infrastructure modernization, tourism expansion, and capital inflows reshaping Albania’s coastal markets. While the project has generated debate and scrutiny — particularly around governance, implementation timelines, and urban impact — its strategic intent is clear.

If delivered in line with international standards, the redevelopment has the potential to redefine Durrës as a key node within the Adriatic and Ionian corridor, with spillover effects across residential, hospitality, and mixed-use real estate markets.

Sources:

• AlbaniaTech: Emaar Group from Dubai to Transform the Port of Durres

• Tirana Times: 2 Billion USD Investment Set to Transform Port of Durres

• Balkan Insight: Albanian Govt Fails to Attract Bidders for New Durres Port

• Albanian Times: Albanian Democrats Call for Inquiry into Durres Port Project