Widad Business Group Sdn Bhd (WBG), an integrated facility management, property and construction conglomerate, has formed a partnership with Bin Zayed International LLC (BZI) to build a RM40 billion mixed-use development known as Widad@Langkasuka in Langkawi.
The collaboration agreement was signed by WBG’s executive director Dato’ Dr Rizal and BZI’s managing director Sheikh Midhat Kidwai, paving the way for both parties to jointly develop and construct Widad@Langkasuka. The partners will also be working together to coordinate with the state government and relevant contractors and consultants concerning the infrastructural development, construction and other works comprised in the project.
BZI is part of the Bin Zayed Group, a Dubai-based conglomerate that specialises in construction and energy, trading and industry, real estate, technology and financial services. The company was first established in 1988 by Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a senior member of the Abu Dhabi royal family as well as a prominent business leader and philanthropist in the Gulf states.
WBG is a wholly Bumiputera private company in Malaysia, owned by Tan Sri Muhammad Ikmal Opat bin Abdullah, who is also a majority stakeholder of Bursa-listed Widad Group Berhad and Dataprep Holdings Berhad.
“Widad@Langkasuka is a development that is set to transform the landscape of Langkawi and the state of Kedah. For a project of such size and significance, it is important that we collaborate with a partner that possesses the necessary technical expertise and shares the same vision as we do,” said Tan Sri Muhammad Ikmal. “Therefore, WBG is honoured for the opportunity to work with Bin Zayed Group and Sheikh Khaled, and we look forward to combining our strengths to ensure its successful completion.
“The WBG-BZI strategic partnership demonstrates the great confidence in this high impact project, which will put Langkawi on the global map and transform it into a centre of regional and worldwide attractions.”
The signing ceremony for the collaboration agreement was held in Kuala Lumpur on 30 March 2021, but the announcement of the project commencement was made earlier in Kedah on 20 January 2021. The development is expected to be completed within 15 to 20 years.
Widad@Langkasuka is a modern development featuring an Islamic and tropical vernacular concept that is set to change the landscape of Pulau Langkawi and become the main attraction of the island. Currently, almost 90% of the 1,979-acre site consists of the ocean, and therefore WBG intends to erect a man-made island which will eventually span approximately 1,000 acres or 50% of the entire area.
Once completed, Widad@Langkasuka will comprise tourism components such as five and six star hotel and resorts, an international golf course located beside the ‘Marina Yacht Club’, an international business and office complex, shopping malls, higher learning institutions, healthcare facilities and luxury residences.
