Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, a prominent member of Abu Dhabi’s royal family and one of the most influential figures in the UAE, continues to deepen his investment presence in Greece. His latest venture involves the construction of a luxury five-star hotel in Ermioni, with a projected cost exceeding €200 million.
The ambitious project will be developed in the coastal town of Ermioni, targeting high-end tourism. Plans include premium accommodation, upscale dining and entertainment venues, sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and a private marina. The investment recently received the green light from the Council of State, clearing the way for construction along the Porto Heli–Ermioni road, just north of Kranidi Bay.
A member of one of the six ruling families of the United Arab Emirates and a scion of one of the wealthiest families in the world, Sheikh Tahnoun began identifying strategic opportunities in the Greek real estate market as early as 2018.
That year, he gained public attention by acquiring a landmark property at the intersection of Dionysiou Areopagitou and Makrygianni streets, directly overlooking the Acropolis. The five-story neoclassical building once belonged to businessman Yiannis Tzivelis.
His investment activity has since intensified. Less than three years ago, Alpha Dhabi Holding—a subsidiary of the powerful IHC investment conglomerate—acquired a stake in the renowned Nammos Group, further reinforcing the Sheikh’s presence in Greece’s high-end hospitality sector.
Sheikh Tahnoun’s ventures extend beyond tourism and real estate. He has also invested in renewable energy and the Greek agricultural sector. His company, Olivian Groves, is active in olive oil production, managing two large olive groves in Ermioni and Messinia with approximately 40,000 trees.
These developments are seen not as isolated moves, but as part of a broader strategic plan that places Greece in a central role. His influence and global reach are reflected not only through his business empire but also in international recognition, including a visit to the White House under the Trump administration, where he was photographed in his trademark sunglasses, surrounded by media.
At just 23, Sheikh Tahnoun founded First Gulf Bank, which later merged with the National Bank of Abu Dhabi to form First Abu Dhabi Bank, one of the largest financial institutions in the Middle East. Today, he also chairs ADQ, a state-owned holding company that ranks among the UAE’s most active investors.
As his multifaceted investment strategy unfolds, it’s clear that Sheikh Tahnoun sees long-term potential in Greece, not only as a tourism hub but as a critical node in his expanding global portfolio.
