Jared Kushner’s Bold Plans for Sazan Island

Jared Kushner, son-in-law of Donald Trump, has received preliminary approval from Albania’s government for a $1.4 billion luxury development. The project aims to turn a small, disused military base on Sazan Island into an upscale resort.

With a planned investment of €1.4 billion, the “Sazan Island Touristic Resort” project meets all the criteria outlined by strategic investment laws, according to an official government decision cited by Balkan Insight. This decision, approved by Albania’s Strategic Investment Committee led by Prime Minister Edi Rama on December 30, 2024, recognizes Atlantic Incubation Partners LLC as a special procedure strategic investor.

With this status, Kushner’s company must negotiate an agreement with Albania’s Strategic Investment Corporation. Government ministries, including Infrastructure, Defense, Environment, and Economy, are tasked with transferring property and preparing necessary paperwork to facilitate construction.

The Sazan Island resort project will hold “Strategic Investment/Investor with Special Procedure” status for 10 years, which provides fast-tracked approvals per the country’s strategic investment rules. Construction will follow a phased approach, divided into three stages.

The agreement, finalized after legal reviews and negotiations in later stages, will outline key obligations. These include:

• A full timeline for completing the investment.
• Mutual commitments and responsibilities between the parties involved.
• Detailed support measures in compliance with current laws.

Here’s a snapshot of this massive undertaking:

• Location: Sazan Island, a 5-square-kilometre patch of land 30 kilometres from Vlora.
• Size: 1,400-acre plot, with about 45 hectares planned for construction.
• Features: Luxury villas, infinity pools, yacht docks, and unparalleled views of the Mediterranean.
• Jobs: The project could create up to 1,000 jobs during construction and operations.

Before the luxury development plan, Sazan Island sat largely abandoned. This outcrop once served as a key military base. Initially developed by Italy after World War I, it later became a strategic post for Albania following World War II.

Although abandoned until December 2024, Sazan Island remained a nominal military base. Its designation changed following a presidential decision to repurpose the land, seeing that its decaying fortifications attract curious tourists, with dozens of boats from Vlora running trips to the island during summer.

Kushner Plans to Make Sazan a “Paradise Where Luxury Meets Adventure”

Kushner’s planned resort promises to balance comfort with environmental care. Official documents emphasize minimal impact on the island’s lush vegetation. Villas blend into the landscape, offering privacy and uninterrupted ocean views.

The project’s website highlights its aim to preserve Sazan’s untouched beauty. It also touts features like private terraces, infinity pools, panoramic vistas, and villas designed to harmonize with the island’s natural environment.

• Open ocean views while preserving the wild vegetation on the island. The design focuses on minimal environmental harm while still delivering a standard of comfort and elegance.
• Minimal environmental disturbance guided by nature-focused development. The terrain’s natural contours inspire the layout, keeping much of the native vegetation intact.
• Panoramic sea vistas framed by rugged coastlines: Residents wake up to 360-degree sights of sparkling waters and dramatic shorelines.
• A serene haven for both relaxation and exploration: Sazan Island offers a unique retreat where high-end living meets adventure.

Kushner’s ambitions stretch beyond Sazan. He’s also proposed developing the Zvernec area, an environmentally protected region near Vlora. Locals have expressed concerns about how these projects will impact the area’s delicate ecosystem. Despite the debates, Kushner promises sustainable practices and eco-friendly designs for his developments.

Jared Kushner’s vision for Sazan Island stands out for its ambition. With construction sites ranging from abandoned military bases to environmentally sensitive zones, these projects blend luxury with controversy. Sazan’s transformation could mark a new chapter in Albania’s tourism industry—or spark debates about overdevelopment. Only time will tell.