Sarajevo Resort Osenik is the first ‘Arab town’ in Bosnia and Herzegovina, given that the owners of all the houses are Arabs and that during the summer season entrance for Bosnians and other tourists is forbidden.
This is the first enclosed settlement in BiH, surrounded by high fence and gate, with private security.
The settlement currently consists of about 160 houses and a number of supporting facilities, with a large lake in the middle. The construction of new houses and facilities is underway.
According to the source of the BiznisInfo website, most of the houses have already been sold and the buyers are exclusively Arabs.
This small town, located in Tarcin, is now deserted and those who come to visit are allowed to enter and have a walk or coffee.
However, during the summer the town was full of Arabs, and Bosnians could not get in, except for those who work there, such as waiters, maids, security … It will be the same next summer.
“Homeowners are Arabs, and they do not want to mix with local population. They have their own tradition and habits when it comes to clothing, behavior, prayer, etc., and want to feel comfortable,” says the source who asked to remain anonymous.
This makes the settlement perfect for them, because they can feel like home, at the same time being surrounded by water and greenery. They will be spending summer months in a pleasant climate, and then return to their homes.
Source says that the houses were sold at 150,000 to 160,000 Euros, and that they were not offered for sale or advertised in Bosnia, but only in Kuwait, the country of the owner of the settlement.
Resort during the construction
There is not even a website in Bosnian or English language where any information about this resort can be found. The only webpage is gulfdoo.com and it is in Arabic.
The construction of the complex which will provide accommodation for 1,125 tourists began in 2013 and cost about 50 million KM (25 million Euros). The resort was opened in October last year, but its expansion continues.
The owner refused to answer the BiznisInfo e-mail on how many houses were sold or leased.
