$220 million Halong Bay (Vietnam)

The $220 million Halong Star, the first project for Limitless in South East Asia broke ground at Halong Bay near Hanoi, Vietnam.

The event was marked by a soil turning ceremony at the project's 125 hectare site, attended by dignitaries from the UAE and Vietnam, including Nguyen Quang Khai, Vietnam Ambassador to UAE and political leaders of the country's Quang Ninh province.

Halong Star, announced in September this year, is a joint venture between Limitless, Phuong Hung Joint Stock Company and International Property Investment Partners LLC. The project will include the area's first five-star hotel, conference facilities, high-end residential units and recreational, cultural and education amenities, all with extensive views of Halong Bay - a UNESCO-sanctioned world heritage site.

Speaking in Halong Bay, Saeed Ahmed Saeed, CEO of Limitless, said: "Halong Star is our first international project to break ground. The event marks the beginning of a development that will fulfil Halong Bay's massive demand for high-end tourist and residential facilities, especially those with views. I am honoured that Limitless is to play such a major role in enhancing this beautiful part of the world."

The start of the work on Halong Star comes just two days after Limitless marked the official launch of its regional operations for SE Asia, based out of Singapore.

Saeed Ahmed Saeed said: "Limitless was established with the aim of capitalising on Dubai's real estate experience by developing distinctive projects around the world. SE Asia is a strong market for us: Halong Star is one of many Limitless projects in the pipeline for the region."

Limitless will engage well-known architects to draw on traditional Vietnamese, French Colonial and modern Asian design characteristics for the hotel and residential elements of Halong Star. In addition, grounds will be landscaped, featuring lakes and tropical gardens to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of Halong Bay.

The project is expected to be completed over five years.