Aldar Properties, Abu Dhabi’s prominent luxury real estate developer, has revealed the masterplan for the emirate’s next iconic island destination, Fahid Island, boasting a 11km coastline and a gross development value exceeding AED40 billion ($10.9 billion). With 4.6km of pristine beachfront on one side and tranquil mangrove forests on the other, this island serves as a wellness sanctuary, providing a seamless connection to the water.
Every corner of the 2.7 million sqm island is within a five-minute stroll to the water’s edge, promoting a vibrant island culture enriched with refined coastal residences, curated leisure experiences, and 5-star hospitality. Furthermore, Aldar Properties has teamed up with a leading international institution to offer an elevated educational experience at Fahid Island, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a regional hub for educational excellence. This school will play an integral role in the community, serving as a vital differentiator for family life on the island.
Read more: Aldar Properties awards $6 billion development contracts in 2023
City life meets natural serenity
Nestled between Abu Dhabi’s most sought-after lifestyle destination, Yas Island, and its cultural center, Saadiyat Island, Fahid Island is where entertainment and culture converge with wellness. A celebration of contrasts, the island presents a distinctive blend of city and sand, retail and relaxation, energy and serenity, all while ensuring exceptional connectivity—Yas Island’s thrilling theme parks, Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District, and Zayed International Airport are all reachable in under 15 minutes.
H.E. Mohamed Al Mubarak, chairman of Aldar, stated: “Abu Dhabi is a thriving, global destination where heritage and innovation combine to create a world-class environment to live, work, and explore. Sustainable and inclusive development has been a critical part of this success, which is why Aldar remains focused on delivering communities that reflect the values and ambitions of the UAE. Fahid Island is the latest chapter in that journey—building on the success of Saadiyat and Yas Islands to offer a new benchmark in premium waterfront living, wellness, and sustainable design.”
Wellness at the forefront
Talal Al Dhiyebi, group chief executive officer of Aldar, commented: “Our plans for Fahid Island support a thriving real estate market in Abu Dhabi, where we are observing incredible demand from buyers both locally and overseas. With a gross development value exceeding AED40 billion, Fahid Island stands as one of the largest mixed-use residential masterplans launched in Abu Dhabi and will solidify the emirate’s status as one of the world’s most desirable locations to live, invest, and visit.”
Wellness is intricately woven into the very essence of life on Fahid Island, with thirty percent of the area reserved for natural spaces—ranging from lush vegetation and restorative gardens to invigorating green trails. A 10km landscaped Berm Park will not only provide a natural visual and acoustic buffer but also serve as the island’s wellness and fitness corridor, featuring running tracks and three cycling routes that seamlessly connect to Abu Dhabi’s cycle loop. Strategically placed water stations, shaded rest areas, and fitness nodes will cater to athletes of all levels.
Life on the water defines Fahid Island, offering activities such as kite surfing, paddle boarding, illuminated night swimming, and volleyball for residents. The island’s 2km waterfront promenade will function as the social hub—featuring a dynamic mix of retail, dining, and artistic experiences—creating a communal space to stroll, pause, relax, and soak in the island’s vibrant energy. Coral Drive, the island’s boutique retail boulevard, will showcase a unique array of trendy outlets, concept stores, art galleries, a ballet school, cafés, as well as eclectic street furniture and public artworks.
Luxury residential offerings
Fahid Island is further distinguished as the world’s first Fitwel certified island, underscoring the health-focused design of the destination. It has also achieved LEED City and Communities Platinum precertification and aims for an Estidama 3-Pearl rating. Moreover, the masterplan has been thoughtfully crafted to encourage eco-friendly mobility and connectivity, featuring pedestrian bridges that link both sides of the island and a streetscape designed to prioritize foot traffic, complemented by innovative shading strategies for outdoor thermal comfort.
Aldar has enlisted some of the world’s most esteemed architects to design the island’s residential offerings, including Japanese architects Kengo Kuma and Koichi Takada, who have conceptualized two distinct residential models on the island. Additional residential developments are being designed by London-based ACME and UAE-based NAGA Architects.
Over 6,000 luxury residences are planned for the island, encompassing apartments, townhouses, and ultra-luxury villas. The first residential project to debut on Fahid Island, Fahid Beach Residences, sets a new benchmark for exclusive beachfront living in Abu Dhabi. This limited collection of seven buildings, each containing 65 residences, embodies a carefully considered approach to privacy and world-class design.
