Developer hopes $10bn Masra Zayed will act as economic stimulus for the country and wider region

Developer Al Maabar has hired US firm KEO International Consultants to program manage the $10bn (£6bn) Marsa Zayed scheme in Aqaba, Jordan’s maritime gateway.

Marsa Zayed is a mixed-use residential, tourism and commercial project that developers claim will be the largest project the region has ever seen.

Stretching over 3.2km2, it will include high-rise residential towers, retail, leisure, business and financial districts. Several marinas will also be built in the hope of transforming Aqaba into a premier yachting destination.

Donna Sultan, chief executive of KEO, said: “This project occurs at a critical time in the global economic downturn, as developers seek best value and returns.â€

Abdallah Hageali, Al Maabar’s chief executive, said: “A project of this scale will act as a major economic stimulus and its impact will not only be felt in Aqaba but also throughout Jordan and the wider region.â€

Phase one of construction will start by the first half of 2010.