The master plan for Aldar’s upcoming island development in Abu Dhabi, Fahid Island, has been finished. Every area of the island will be within a “five-minute walk to the water’s edge.” The goal is to build a mixed-use, luxury-focused residential destination with a gross development value of more than Dh40 billion.
“Fahid Island is one of the largest mixed-use residential masterplans launched in Abu Dhabi,” said Talal Al Dhiyebi, CEO of Aldar. “And will ensure the emirate consolidates its position as one of the world’s most desirable destinations to reside, invest, and visit.”
In addition to all the housing alternatives, Aldar already manages Abu Dhabi’s Yas and Saadiyat islands, anchoring them with landmarks for leisure and culture. (In addition, Aldar purchased the Nurai Islands in Abu Dhabi in July 2022.)
Fahid Island, a 2.7 million square meter destination, will feature “curated” recreational amenities and “coastal” residences. The island has mangrove forests on one side and a 4.6-kilometer shoreline on the other.
Fahid Island location
Jubail Island and Yas Island will be separated by the new Aldar development. The villas will have plenty of waterfront and come in four-, five-, and six-bedroom sizes.
There are plans for about 6,000 homes, including villas, townhomes, and flats. Fahid Beach Residences, the first residential development, will consist of a small group of seven structures, each housing 65 people.
On the island, Japanese architects Koichi Takada and Kengo Kuma have created two distinct home designs. ACME, a London-based firm, and NAGA Architects, a UAE-based firm, are designing further residential choices.
“Aldar remains focused on delivering communities that reflect the values and ambitions of the UAE,” said Mohamed al Mubarak, Chairman of Aldar.
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.”
Based on early 2023 real estate sales data, Abu Dhabi has successfully established itself as a top destination for international investors. This is also evident in Aldar’s sales throughout this period, particularly in the speed with which some of the more recent launches—particularly those with a luxury theme—have been selling.
The figures demonstrate this: at the end of March of last year, the group revenue backlog was Dh55.7 billion, with a gain of Dh54.6 billion by the end of December 2024.
Fahid Island’s ‘social hub’
There will be a 2-kilometer beachfront promenade for future residents to gather at on Fahid Island. According to Aldar, this will be the “social hub” of the place, a “community space to stroll, pause, relax and absorb the energy of the island.”
Along with “eclectic street furniture and public artworks,” Coral Drive, the island’s boutique retail strip, will have a “selection of trendy outlets,” concept stores, art galleries, a ballet school, and cafés.
