The United Arab Emirates government has recently acquired 18 acres of land in McLean, Virginia, along the Potomac River for $55 million. The plan is to construct a compound on the purchased land.
The acquisition took place in 2022, with the UAE purchasing three lots from a trust linked to UUNet Technologies founder Richard L. Adams Jr. These lots, located at 1019, 1049, and 1079 Crest Lane, are in close proximity to the CIA headquarters. The land currently only has an outbuilding, with no existing structures.
According to information submitted to the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Zoning, the UAE intends to build a single diplomatic residence on each lot. One of the residences will cover 23,947 square feet and feature between 13 and 17 bedrooms. A cart path will encircle all three residences, with an arrival court granting access to each home. Additionally, the UAE plans to construct a 2,000-square-foot paddle tennis court and an 11,500-square-foot exercise building that includes various amenities like a cryo chamber, yoga and boxing studios, and a Japanese spa with a cold plunge. However, no building permits have been issued for these projects yet.
In addition to the new compounds, the UAE also owns property at 1005 Crest Lane, which was purchased in 2006 for $11 million. The UAE intends to use these new compounds to host a significant number of family members and friends, potentially twice a year.
