United Arab Emirates Firm Joins in Developing Wellington, Florida as “Ultra-Luxury Destination”

An United Arab Emirates company announced plans to join in developing Wellington, Florida as an “ultra-luxury destination” with long-term development of the horse show grounds, high-end homes, a boutique hotel, commercial marketplace and a championship golf course.

The announcement of the strategic investment was made Wednesday by Modon Holding P.S.C. of Abu Dhabi and Wellington Lifestyle Partners that includes Mark Bellissimo, who has led development since 2007 of the dressage and hunter-jumper show grounds. The facility was created in 1974 and attracts competitors from across the Americas and about 55 nations.

The showgrounds that host the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) of hunters and jumpers and the Global Dressage Festival are in the midst of a major expansion and consolidation into a single equestrian facility named Wellington International and based at the original WEF site. Global is scheduled to move from its separate stand-alone facility into Wellington International facilities by the beginning of 2027, making the Global venue available for much of the development. The original proposal led to some opposition but the governing Village of Wellington approved the plans.

“Modon’s investment will support the long-term development of Wellington International equestrian showgrounds and deliver a landmark ultra-luxury real estate development featuring high-end residences, a boutique hotel, a commercial marketplace and a championship golf course located in Wellington, Florida,” according to a joint statement by the two groups, describing Wellington as “a global icon of equestrian sport.”

“This investment marks Modon’s first direct investment in an equestrian-led development in the United States, complementing its existing global portfolio, and reinforcing its strategy to partner with leading international organizations in expanding its presence across ultra-luxury destination developments. The partnership further strengthens Modon’s position as a globally recognized investor in large-scale, high-value real estate and lifestyle projects.”

Modon joins Wellington Lifestyle Partners group of existing investors and operators that includes Mark Bellissimo, Lisa Lourie, Roger Smith, Jeff Skoll, Mike Smith and NEXUS Luxury Collection as a real estate, hospitality and sports management company. The entity is led by Chief Executive Officer Douglas McMahon and President Paige Nuñez.

It operates a portfolio that includes the new private residential club community of The Wellington, Wellington International showgrounds, The Wanderers Club and a commercial marketplace to include a luxury boutique hotel, residences, shops, offices and restaurants. The portfolio includes Wellington International showgrounds; The Wanderers Club, a private country club offering golf, tennis, swimming and dining; The Wellington, a new private residential club community comprising 253 residences set to open in 2028 and featuring a championship-level golf course designed by David McLay Kidd, and a planned lifestyle marketplace featuring a luxury boutique hotel, residences, shops, offices and restaurants.

Modon will also become a premier sponsor of WEF and Global, the world’s largest and longest-running hunter-jumper and dressage competitions with competitors from across North America and attracting over 250,000 spectators and exhibitors each year, focused primarily over the three months of winter in sub-tropical Wellington.

Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, chairman of Modon Holding, said: “This strategic investment reflects Modon’s ambition to invest alongside world-class partners that share our vision for excellence in destination development. Wellington Lifestyle Partners represents a unique collaboration that brings together expertise in real estate, equestrian, hospitality and sports-led communities. By extending our reach to the United States, we are furthering Modon’s role in delivering sustainable destinations that embody quality, innovation and cultural connection.”

Bill O’Regan, Group Chief Executive Officer of Modon Holding, added: “Our partnership with Wellington Lifestyle Partners aligns with Modon’s strategy to develop integrated lifestyle destinations that combine community, sport and hospitality. Wellington International is recognized globally for its equestrian excellence, and this collaboration provides a valuable opportunity to exchange expertise in operations, master planning and design. It complements our portfolio across Hudayriyat Island, Ras El Hekma and La Zagaleta, reinforcing Modon’s commitment to delivering transformative, world-class destinations.”

Mark Bellissimo, founder of Wellington Lifestyle Partners, said: “The addition of Modon Holding to Wellington Lifestyle Partners brings together an exceptional blend of expertise. With Modon’s world-class destination development experience, Doug McMahon and NEXUS’ leadership in luxury community development, and equestrian Murray Kessler as CEO of Wellington International, we are uniquely positioned to accelerate our vision to set a new standard of quality for an equestrian lifestyle destination here in Wellington.”

Photo: Wellington International show grounds. Photo: Ken Braddick