The Mayor of Ulcinj, Genci Nimanbegu, submitted a letter to the Government of Montenegro and the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property on March 26, offering five locations for investment by UAE investor Mohamed Alabar in Ulcinj, including the famous Velika Plaža. The letter, which was exclusively published by Pobjeda, proposes these locations for development, with a focus on tourism and sustainable growth.
One of the key proposals includes the “Module II Velika Plaža” project, which would span 76 hectares and offer 6,000 beds, with facilities such as hotels, resorts, a shopping center, and sports fields. The letter stresses Ulcinj’s enthusiasm for these investments, emphasizing that the local government and citizens are eager for such development, particularly in Velika Plaža, which is seen as one of Europe’s largest tourism potentials.
Other proposed locations include the Ada river island, Mavrijan tourist complex, and a marina near the Old Town, all with a focus on eco-friendly, sustainable tourism. However, the letter contains a shift in tone, cautioning against aggressive development that could harm the local ecosystem. Nimanbegu also expressed concerns over large-scale projects and their potential negative impact on local communities and the environment.
In a subsequent letter to the European Commission, Nimanbegu raised alarms about the fast-tracked agreement between Montenegro and the UAE, which he claims has not allowed local residents to protect their rights. He criticized the potential influx of foreign workers and the environmental risks associated with the project, particularly regarding the Velika Plaža and Solana Ulcinj.
Nimanbegu’s letter highlights the importance of preserving Ulcinj’s identity, environment, and the rights of its citizens, especially the Albanian minority, in the face of large-scale foreign investments.
