Georgian PM says Ambassadori Island project shows ambitious ideas can be implemented quickly

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Saturday said the construction of the first skyscraper of the Ambassadori Island Batumi project in the country’s Black Sea resort city demonstrates that even the most ambitious ideas can be implemented quickly and effectively in Georgia.

Speaking at the ceremony marking the start of construction of the project’s first high-rise building in Batumi, Kobakhidze said the development would set a new standard for the region and the wider Black Sea coastline.

“Today’s event is truly historic in its content. Today we are laying the foundation for the first and largest building of Ambassadori Island, which will establish a qualitatively new standard in this region and across the Black Sea coast,” the Prime Minister said.

He added the initiative is unprecedented in scale, involving the formation of 84 hectares of land in the sea, which he described as a complex engineering challenge. Kobakhidze noted that more than 50 per cent of the land works have already been completed, while 48 hectares of land are already in operation.

“This is a clear confirmation that the rapid and effective implementation of the boldest and most ambitious ideas in Georgia is entirely realistic,” he said.

Kobakhidze emphasised the economic dimension of the project, noting that $200 million will be invested in the construction of the first skyscraper alone. Once the island becomes fully operational, he said, it is expected to generate about $65 million in annual tax revenues for the state budget.

He added that the scale and economic importance of the development demonstrate the results that can be achieved through the synergy of Georgian business potential and state policy.

The Prime Minister also noted that 49 per cent of the new island’s territory will be allocated to recreational zones. The project is being implemented with the involvement of leading international engineering and urban planning companies, including the British firm Arup, which he said will help ensure high standards of “smart city” and sustainable development principles.

Kobakhidze said the first skyscraper is expected to be completed by 2029 and will become “a new symbol of development and progress” that will further strengthen Batumi’s position on the global investment and tourism map.