UAE spends $55 million on Virginia property for future compound

The United Arab Emirates government purchased 18 acres of land along the Potomac River in McLean, Virginia, for $55 million, with plans of building a compound.

In 2022, the UAE bought three lots from a trust connected to UUNet Technologies founder Richard L. Adams Jr. in a single off-market sale, according to the Washington Business Journal. The parcels of land are located 3 miles from the CIA headquarters at 1019, 1049, and 1079 Crest Lane with no existing structures except for an outbuilding. 

Proposals filed with the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Zoning last week revealed the UAE plans to build “a single diplomatic residence” on each lot. Documents revealed one of the residences will span 23,947 square feet, including between 13 and 17 bedrooms. All three residences will be encircled by a cart path and have an arrival court providing access to all three homes. 

The UAE is also proposing to build a 2,000-square-foot paddle tennis court and an 11,500-square-foot exercise building that includes a cryo chamber, yoga and boxing studios, and a Japanese spa with a cold plunge. However, no building permits have been filed for any of the proposed projects.

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The UAE “intends to host a significant number of family members and family friends, potentially twice a year.”

The UAE owns property at 1005 Crest Lane that it purchased in 2006 for $11 million.