Cyprus is popular in Europe and worldwide for its beaches and history and attractive conditions for foreign investment. But that's not what we're focusing on right now. The island planned something massive in 2018 — man-made islands. Could it become the next Dubai?
Dubai built Palm Jumeirah and The World, turning sand into luxury. So, Cyprus wanted (and probably still wants) a piece of that action. A Mediterranean paradise mixed with futuristic development — sounds exciting, right?
Eden City Cyprus: A Bold Vision
The plan was grand — over €3.5 billion. At the heart of it was Eden City Cyprus, set to rise near Paphos. Who’s behind it? Atum Developments — experts in creating unique lifestyle communities catering to luxury and business needs. The project aimed to cover over 220 hectares and be completed within 20 years. If successful, it would be one of the biggest construction projects in Cyprus's history.
According to the project, Eden City Cyprus would have three main zones:
Divina Island
This artificial island will have luxury resorts, private villas, a marina, and high-end homes. Developers say some villas will start at €5 million. The marina will fit over 200 yachts, including superyachts. Early investors from the UAE and Europe have already shown interest. Some experts predicted the property value could increase by 30% in the first five years.
Risks? In a project of this scale, risks are unavoidable! A recent survey found that 65% of high-net-worth individuals consider Mediterranean marinas a top priority for investment. They rank higher than those in France and even Spain.
The Peninsula
A seaside hotspot with a five-star hotel, spa, wellness centers, and beachfront apartments. A major hotel brand was rumored to be interested. The hotel will likely have 400+ luxury suites, an infinity pool, and even a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Cyprus’s tourism board expected this area to generate over €150 million annually. Some locals, however, worried that mass tourism might increase traffic and drive up living costs in the region. A study by the Cyprus Tourism Organization showed that 70% of visitors were looking for high-end, wellness-focused vacations.
Garden of Eden
The project’s brainy side. It will feature a university campus, research centers, and an art academy. Over €300 million was set aside for this. The university was expected to welcome 5,000+ students, offering marine biology, sustainability, and hospitality degrees. Studying with an ocean view? Not bad. Cyprus’s education sector could get a boost, attracting international students and researchers.
Economic Boost
The scale of the project meant a major transformation for the local economy, with new infrastructure, hospitality, and real estate developments set to reshape the region. Experts predicted Eden City Cyprus would bring:
- 10,000+ new jobs.
- €750 million in state revenue.
- Over €2 billion in foreign investments.
- A surge in real estate prices in surrounding areas.
If everything went as planned, Cyprus could see a new wave of high-spending tourists, investors, and businesses.
How Things Changed by 2020
The ambitious Eden City project faced significant delays and challenges. The initial enthusiasm faded as environmental concerns, archaeological discoveries, and local opposition grew. By 2020, the project was officially canceled. Here’s why:
- Environmental concerns: The project threatened marine life. Developers were warned about possible damage to coral reefs and the impact on local fisheries. Experts feared it could reduce fish populations by 15-20%.
- Archaeological finds: Ancient ruins were discovered on the site, forcing delays. Excavations had to be done carefully, slowing construction. Cyprus’s strict heritage laws added more complications.
- Local opposition: Many locals worried about the project’s effect on the island’s identity. They feared it would replace Cyprus’s natural beauty with artificial landscapes. Concerns over development and losing local culture made it hard to move forward.
Together, these factors led to the project's cancellation. The Eden City project didn't ask for foreign investors' help — it was too risky for investment. The dream of Eden City faded, but Cyprus's plans for development are still ongoing, albeit with a different focus.
What’s Next?
While Eden City is no longer developing, the vision of a luxury, sustainable Mediterranean island is still alive in other forms. The municipality of Geroskipou is working on alternative projects to revitalize the area, focusing on eco-tourism and sustainable development. The dream of transforming Cyprus into a year-round luxury destination is far from over — it’s just evolving.
Watch Atum Developments and Cyprus’s tourism and investment news for the latest updates and possible new projects. The island is still aiming for the next big leap, though it might take a different form than initially envisioned.
Can Cyprus Compete with Dubai?
Dubai made its islands work with massive investments and global branding. Cyprus has beauty, location, and ambition but lacks Dubai’s financial power. Palm Jumeirah cost $12 billion to build, while The World islands stalled due to financial struggles. Cyprus must learn from these lessons to avoid similar pitfalls.
Once poised to be Cyprus’s version of Dubai’s islands, the Eden City project has been officially canceled due to environmental, archaeological, and local opposition challenges. While the vision for a luxury Mediterranean destination remains, the path forward is uncertain.
Cyprus could still carve out its niche in sustainable, eco-friendly development, but it must carefully balance growth with preservation. The dream of a Mediterranean paradise may not be dead, but it needs to be reimagined. For updates, keep an eye on local tourism and investment news.
