ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

Modon Holding has announced a strategic investment in Wellington Lifestyle Partners (WLP), marking a significant expansion of its global portfolio in luxury lifestyle destination development, a statement from the company said on Wednesday.

The Abu Dhabi–based holding company has joined a consortium of existing investors to support a landmark, multi-asset real estate and sports-led development in Wellington, Florida — considered a global centre of equestrian sport.

According to the statement, Modon’s investment will back the long-term development of the Wellington International equestrian showgrounds and the creation of an ultra-luxury destination incorporating high-end residences, a boutique hotel, a commercial marketplace, and a championship golf course. The move also represents Modon’s first direct investment in an equestrian-led development in the United States and reinforces its strategy of partnering with leading international organisations to expand its footprint in premium lifestyle and mixed-use destinations.

Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of Modon Holding, said: “This strategic investment reflects Modon’s ambition to invest alongside world-class partners that share our vision for excellence in destination development. Wellington Lifestyle Partners represents a unique collaboration that brings together expertise in real estate, equestrian, hospitality and sports-led communities. By extending our reach to the United States, we are furthering Modon’s role in delivering sustainable destinations that embody quality, innovation and cultural connection.”

The portfolio Modon is joining includes several major assets: the world-renowned Wellington International showgrounds; The Wanderers Club, a private family-oriented country club offering golf, tennis, swimming and dining; and The Wellington, a new private residential club community comprising 253 residences and a championship-level golf course designed by David McLay Kidd, expected to open in 2028. A large lifestyle marketplace featuring a boutique hotel, shops, residences, offices, and restaurants is also part of the long-term masterplan.

The investment also covers a strategic licence agreement granting Modon rights to use Wellington International’s brand and intellectual property across several key markets when developing future lifestyle and community destinations. In addition, Modon will become a premier sponsor of the Winter Equestrian Festival and the Adequan Global Dressage Festival — the world’s largest and longest-running hunter/jumper and dressage competitions, drawing more than 250,000 spectators and exhibitors annually.

Bill O’Regan, Group Chief Executive Officer of Modon Holding, said: “Our partnership with Wellington Lifestyle Partners aligns with Modon’s strategy to develop integrated lifestyle destinations that combine community, sport and hospitality. Wellington International is recognised globally for its equestrian excellence, and this collaboration provides a valuable opportunity to exchange expertise in operations, master planning and design. It complements our portfolio across Hudayriyat Island, Ras El Hekma and La Zagaleta, reinforcing Modon’s commitment to delivering transformative, world-class destinations.”

Mark Bellissimo, Founder of Wellington Lifestyle Partners, welcomed Modon as an investor. “The addition of Modon Holding to Wellington Lifestyle Partners brings together an exceptional blend of expertise. With Modon’s world-class destination development experience, Doug McMahon and NEXUS’ leadership in luxury community development, and equestrian Murray Kessler as CEO of Wellington International, we are uniquely positioned to accelerate our vision to set a new standard of quality for an equestrian lifestyle destination here in Wellington,” he said.