The Merchant developer

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Amazulu World is expected to cost R44 billion over 25 years with the first phase completed in 2014.

One of the reasons for Ruwaad's steady ship in less than favourable conditions is that it has diversified its interests across other territories.

Most notable is the multi-billion dollar Amazulu World mixed-use development that Ruwaad has master-planned across 16,500 stunning acres of South Africa's Kwazulu-Natal province.

Incorporating a theme park, hotels, a mall, a marina and nature reserves, along with homes, educational and healthcare facilities, Ruwaad describes the project as a "work-stay-play-live environment for local and international consumers, tenants and investors."

"Our South African project has a 25-year plan. This clearly requires much more foresight, both in terms of time and landscape. Wherever we develop, we look for certain criteria. South Africa is the gateway to the African continent in much the same way as the United Arab Emirates is the Middle East's hub. As we move forward, we'll be looking at the wider Middle East and Asia and applying the same rules: locations with promise."

And the UAE's developers, according to Merchant, are ideally positioned to move into these new territories, having gained international acclaim for their expertise in real estate and investment. That said, a new region brings new challenges and demands; Amazulu World differs greatly from the projects typical of the UAE.

"It's a vast development but we'll be building very, very low density homes there, with two-thirds of the project dedicated to landscaping or water. We have no intention of just going in there, making buildings and leaving; that's simply not an option. We're collaborating with the government at both national and local levels - a big part of Ruwaad's strategy for the future - and taking a social and community perspective. Of course, we'll be creating employment locally, but we'll also be more active. Our intention is to influence and improve the community."

It's the big talk we've come to expect from developers regarding liability and sustainability but, in the majority of cases, those responsible for shaping the GCC's cities have come up some way short of their promises.

"The situation is different for standalone developments and master developments," explains Merchant. "All developers have certain responsibilities.

Sub-developers must follow the guidelines set by the master developer. They have restrictions and procedures to adhere to, such as those based on traffic projections.

"Master developers are responsible for the bigger picture. Parking, energy sources, transport, logistics, waste...infrastructure should breed sustainability." And as for Ruwaad - the thinking man's developer - what, exactly, is its approach?

"We're very focused on sustainability, concerning ourselves with the whole life of a project. It's important to bear in mind that there's a knock-on-effect to everything we do. As both a sub-developer and master developer, we make sure we get it right."

If the office from where he calls the shots is anything to go by, Hayan Merchant and his team at Ruwaad are doing just that.

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