Abu Dhabi: Aldar’s new masterplan for super-luxury Fahid Island

Dubai: Aldar has finalized the masterplan for its next island development in Abu Dhabi – Fahid Island, where each part of it will be within a ‘5-minute walk to the water’s edge’. The intention is to create a luxury-focused residential and mixed-use destination with a gross development value estimated over 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.”

Aldar already oversees Abu Dhabi’s Yas and Saadiyat islands, anchoring them with cultural and entertainment landmarks apart from all the residential options. (Aldar also has ownership of the Nurai Islands in Abu Dhabi, which it bought in July 2022.)

A 2.7 million square meter destination, Fahid Island will have ‘coastal’ homes and ‘curated’ leisure trappings. There is a 4.6 kilometer beachfront on one side of the island and mangrove forests on the other.

Fahid Island location

The new Aldar development’s location will be between Yas Island and Jubail Island. The villas will be available in formats of 4-, 5- and 6-bedroom units and with ample waterfront.

More than 6,000 residences are planned, ranging from apartments and townhouses to villas. The first residential development - Fahid Beach Residences –will be a limited collection of seven buildings, each with 65 residences.

Japanese architects Kengo Kuma and Koichi Takada have designed two separate residential concepts on the island. Further residential options are being designed by London headquartered ACME and UAE based NAGA Architects.

“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."

Going by property sales data from early 2023, Abu Dhabi has been successful in positioning itself as a prime location for global investors. Aldar’s sales during this time also reflect this in ample terms, especially the pace at which some of the more recent launches – especially the luxury themed ones – have been selling.

The numbers show it – group revenue backlog totaled Dh55.7 billion at the end of March last, and a gain on the Dh54.6 billion end-December 2024.

Fahid Island’s ‘social hub’

Future residents at Fahid Island will have a 2-kilometer waterfront promenade to congregate at. This will be the destination’s ‘social hub’, which Aldar says will serve as a ‘community space to stroll, pause, relax and absorb the energy of the island’.

 Coral Drive - the island’s boutique retail boulevard - will have a ‘selection of trendy outlets’, concept stores, art galleries, ballet school and cafés as well as ‘eclectic street furniture and public artworks’.

More to follow…