Abu Dhabi unveils its first coastal wellness destination worth over Dhs40 billion

Aldar on Monday unveiled the masterplan for Abu Dhabi’s next iconic island destination, Fahid Island, which has an 11km coastline and a gross development value of over Dhs40 billion.

With 4.6km of pristine beachfront on one side of the island and serene mangrove forests on the other, the island is a wellness sanctuary offering a seamless connection to the water.

Every part of the 2.7 million sqm island is no more than a five-minute walk to the water’s edge, creating a vibrant island culture complete with refined coastal residences, curated leisure, and 5-star hospitality.

Aldar has also partnered with a leading international institution to introduce an elevated education experience to Fahid Island in line with Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a regional hub for excellence in education.

The school will become an integral part of the community, providing a key differentiator for family life on the island.

Stretching between Abu Dhabi’s most desirable lifestyle destination, Yas Island, and its cultural centre, Saadiyat Island, Fahid Island is where entertainment and culture meet wellness. A celebration of contrasts, the island offers a unique mix of city and sand, retail and relaxation, energy and serenity, and all with exceptional connectivity – Yas Island’s thrilling theme parks, Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District, and Zayed International Airport are all accessible in under 15 minutes.

Wellness is woven into the very fabric of life on Fahid Island, with thirty per cent of space dedicated to natural spaces – from lush vegetation and restorative gardens to invigorating green trails.

A 10km landscaped Berm Park will not only create a natural visual and acoustic buffer but will also be the island’s wellness and fitness corridor with running tracks and three cycling routes that seamlessly connect to Abu Dhabi’s cycle loop. Water stations, shaded rest areas, and fitness nodes are strategically placed throughout to cater to athletes of all levels. 

 Life on the water defines Fahid Island, with kite surfing, paddle boarding, illuminated night swimming, and volleyball all available to residents. The island’s 2km waterfront promenade will serve as the island’s social hub – with a vibrant mix of retail, dining, and art experiences – offering a community space to stroll, pause, relax and absorb the energy of the island. 

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

Fahid Island is the world’s first Fitwel certified island, highlighting the health-focused design of the destination.

The island has also received LEED City and Communities Platinum precertification and is targeting an Estidama 3-Pearl rating. In addition, the masterplan has been thoughtfully designed to ensure and promote eco-friendly mobility and connectivity, with pedestrian bridges linking the two sides of the island, as well as a streetscape designed to prioritise foot traffic paired with a shading strategy using innovative design for outdoor thermal comfort.

 Aldar has engaged some of the world’s most renowned architects to design the island’s residential offering, including Japanese architects Kengo Kuma and Koichi Takada who have designed two separate residential concepts on the island. Further residential developments are being designed by London headquartered ACME and UAE based NAGA Architects.

 More than 6,000 luxury residences are planned for the island, ranging from apartments and townhouses to ultra-luxury villas. The first residential development to be introduced on Fahid Island - Fahid Beach Residences -sets a new standard for exclusive beachfront living in Abu Dhabi. This limited collection of seven buildings, each featuring 65 residences, reflects a carefully crafted approach to privacy and world-class design.

Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of Aldar said: “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."

Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Aldar, said: “Our plans for Fahid Island support a thriving real estate market in Abu Dhabi, where we are seeing incredible demand from buyers within the local market as well as overseas investors. With a gross development value of over Dhs40 billion, Fahid Island is one of the largest mixed use residential masterplans launched in Abu Dhabi and will ensure the emirate consolidates its position as one of the world’s most desirable destinations to reside, invest, and visit.”