Untapped potential

Ancient berber granary in Libya.

MIH is a joint venture between the Kuwaiti National Real Estate Company and Corinthia, a Maltese company with a long-standing relationship with Libya. “Corinthia has been operating in Libya for over 25 years, initially in the catering business, where it provided meals for thousands of workers on rigs and oil fields, as well as airline catering,” explained Reuben Xuereb, managing director of MIH.

“When the new Tripoli airport was inaugurated, Corinthia was also responsible for the duty free shops and other facilities at the airport. Later on in 1999, Corinthia took a bold decision to invest in and develop what became the first and only five-star hotel in Tripoli.”

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Corinthia’s second Libyan venture, as part of MIH, was Palm City, a residential development launched in 2006. “In just four years, a flat, 170,000m² plot of land has been transformed into a village comprising 413 residential units and a piazza in the heart of the village that has become the place for tenants to meet and shop for their daily needs, as well as enjoy the services of a beauty salon, a bank, a large supermarket, a café, a laundry and a kids play area.”

Health and leisure facilities include a large clubhouse with an indoor pool, spa, squash court, gym, kids play area, four tennis courts and a five-a-side football pitch. The development also offers a private beach and a Movida fine-dining restaurant.

“Clearly, Corinthia has believed in what Libya has to offer for decades and not just in recent years. This is a country that boasts numerous archeological and World Heritage sites, enjoying 2,000km of coastline on the Mediterranean sea, the finest Sahara desert, and the beautiful Cyrene and Green mountains, as well as the very distinct Acacus mountains.

“Add to that an abundance of natural resources and a country that has not spent much over the last 30 years, and Libya provides some very interesting opportunities for investment, in a wide ranging spectrum of industries, not least in real estate and tourism.”

Naturally, a market in such early stages of development also presents significant challenges, GAJ’s Pintado pointed out. “Libya has only recently started developing its infrastructure so you’re not only facing physical obstacles in terms of supporting services to your project, but also evolving policies and regulations. However, those challenges that we encounter also present opportunities for GAJ. As consultants we are able to provide additional support in an advisory capacity, or identify other design opportunities beyond our project.

“A close relationship with your client is essential when working in Libya, as are regular site visits and close communications. Face-to-face discussions are crucial, but be mindful that feedback usually takes longer than you’re perhaps used to,” she warned.

When it comes to interior design, Libya remains “under developed and largely ethnic”, according to Wilson Associates’ Palmer. But as people begin to travel more widely, this is changing rapidly, and demand for high-quality design in Libya is undeniably on the up.