Abu Dhabi real estate: Aldar announces $10.9bn Fahid Island development with plan for 6,000 homes
Aldar has launched a massive new Abu Dhabi island real estate development project as it plans 6,000 new residences in the city.
Aldar unveiled the masterplan for Fahid Island in Abu Dhabi, which has an 11km coastline and a gross development value of more than AED40bn ($10.9bn).
The development will have 4.6km of pristine beachfront on one side of the island and mangrove forests on the other.
Fahid Island in Abu Dhabi
Every part of the 2.7 million sq m 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.
Fahid Island stretches between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi.
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 AED40bn, 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.'
Aldar said thirty per cent of space on Fahid Island will be dedicated to natural spaces – from lush vegetation and restorative gardens to invigorating green trails.
A 10km landscaped Berm Park will form 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 mix of retail, dining, and art experiences.
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.
Aldar has unveiled Fahid Island, Abu Dhabi's first coastal wellness community and its latest landmark destination. pic.twitter.com/CSaU658JRp
— Aldar (@aldar) June 2, 2025
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Emotional RCB fans in Dubai celebrate long-awaited IPL victory
For the past seven years, 'Ee Sala Cup Namde,' which means 'This year, the cup is ours' in Kannada, was a hopeful chant by Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans around the world. Introduced in 2018, the phrase became a symbol of loyalty and firm belief, despite years of heartbreak. But on Tuesday night, that hopeful slogan finally turned into reality — 'Ee Sala Cup Namdu,' meaning 'This year, the cup is truly ours' — as RCB lifted their maiden IPL trophy. It was a night to remember for RCB fans worldwide, as the team finally lifted the IPL trophy after 18 years of waiting. Emotions ran high among supporters, many of whom celebrated the historic moment with their families, friends, and fellow fans in places like Karama, Al Qusais, and Tecom. For many RCB supporters originally from Karnataka, the victory was not just about cricket. 'I was in college when the IPL started. Now I am 34, with two daughters who are also RCB fans,' said Shahbaz Ali, a longtime UAE resident and businessman. 'We have been watching matches as a family for the last four years. As soon as it was clear we were going to win on the second ball of the last over, I couldn't hold back my tears. We had come close a few times, but this time, it really happened. We waited 18 years for this moment.' Shahbaz marked the special night by taking his entire family out for ice cream, saying, 'It was our way of celebrating this win. My daughters have grown up with RCB, and this victory is just as meaningful for them.' Rajeev Rao, another RCB fan from Mangalore, Karnataka, working in Dubai's hospitality sector, described the moment as pure magic. 'We have been mocked for years, and many said that we would never win. But we always had faith,' said Rao. 'When that last over began, my hands were trembling. By the second ball, we knew it was ours. I called my relatives and friends in Mangalore and we all congratulated each other on video call.' Sunitha Prakash, a teacher and long-time Dubai resident from Mysuru, said her neighborhood in Al Qusais turned into a celebration zone. 'People came out with RCB flags, kids were dancing, and even our building watchman was cheering with us. 'We couldn't do much for winning celebrations due to work and professional engagements the next day. However, we have now saved our celebration for the long weekend. We will be celebrating the win as well as Eid Al Adha with friends during the long weekend. It's a double celebration for us.' RCB's journey in the IPL has always been an emotional rollercoaster for their fans. They reached the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016 but lost each time. 'Despite our team having some of the best players, including legends like AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli, the trophy slipped away from us a couple of tournaments. We have reached the playoffs (top 4) in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2020, 2021, and 2022, but could never cross the final hurdle,' said Prakash. Not just fans from Karnataka, but people from across India who support RCB were overjoyed. Nirmal Shah, a sales executive at a jewelry store and a resident of Al Nahda, originally from Gujarat, said that he supports RCB solely because of Kohli. 'I have always admired Kohli. His aggression, his passion, and his loyalty to the team. Although I am from Gujarat, I have never been able to cheer for any other team. Kohli has been the face of RCB for so long and even the Indian cricket team, and he deserves this trophy more than anyone. Watching him finally lift the cup gave me goosebumps. It's like India has won the trophy and not just a regional team,' said Nirmal. Another passionate RCB supporter, Anurag Kumar, an engineer working with a fintech company in Dubai, is originally from Jaipur, Rajasthan, a neighbouring state to Punjab, which RCB defeated in the finals. 'People ask me why I don't support Rajasthan Royals or Punjab Kings. But for me, it was always about Virat Kohli. His dedication, his leadership, and how he carried the team year after year, that's what won my loyalty,' said Anurag whose wife and sons are also big RCB fans. "We all wore our RCB jerseys and watched the match at a cafe in Tecom last night. The moment we won, we screamed, danced, and even had a cake-cutting ceremony.' All across Dubai, from Karama to Tecom, RCB fans gathered in cafes, homes, and lounges to watch the final showdown. As the long Eid weekend approaches, many fans said that they are planning to make the most of it. 'We are planning a big get-together this weekend with RCB-themed decorations, music, and food,' said Prakash. 'We waited 18 years. We are going to celebrate this win like it's our own festival.' For RCB fans in Dubai, this victory is more than cricket triumph. It's a dream fulfilled, a promise kept, and a long-awaited reward for unwavering loyalty.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Study abroad criteria for UAE students: All you need to know
The UAE's Council for Education, Human Resources, and Community Development has approved a set of standards and regulations governing the enrollment of Emirati students in higher education institutions abroad. These standards require students to enrol in internationally recognised universities and academic programmes, ensuring the quality of academic qualifications and their alignment with the needs of the national labour market and future development directions. For students currently pursuing their studies abroad, they can adjust their status in accordance with the newly adopted criteria. To ensure fairness and account for special cases, especially students studying abroad, Emirati students continuing their education overseas, whether self-funded or sponsored, will have a one-year grace period from the date this decision takes effect to adjust their academic status. This was announced during a virtual media briefing on Wednesday. New adjustments Speaking to Khaleej Times, Dr Mohamed Ebrahim AlMualla, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, clarified that the decision applies to all citizens wishing to study abroad or those already on scholarships to pursue education outside the UAE. This is regardless of whether they are sponsored by official entities, self-funded, or nominated by their employers. The decision applies to all levels of higher education, from diploma to PhD, and encompasses professional qualifications equivalent to these academic degrees. AlMualla explained, 'There are two categories of students currently studying abroad. The first category includes those who meet the criteria, and they are only required to ensure that their current university and major fall within the approved standards.' 'As for the second category, which does not meet the criteria, they have two options: the first is to adjust their academic path by switching to another major within the same university — if that major is classified or meets the criteria — or to transfer to another university that does meet the criteria.' He confirmed that the Ministry will provide the necessary support to students in the process of adjusting their status, by guiding them to universities that meet the standards and assisting them through embassies and cultural attachés abroad, enabling them to make the required changes. AlMualla also added that students may apply for an exemption through the Ministry's website. The exemption request will be referred to the Exemptions Committee, chaired by the Council for Education, Human Resources, and Community Development, which will review the applications and decide whether to grant the exemption or request that the student adjust their academic situation. He stated, 'Today, we are announcing a decision that reflects the UAE's commitment to regulating the education of its citizens abroad to ensure they receive high-quality education in line with the best global standards. Studying abroad is an investment by the student, the sponsoring entity, and the employer if the student is employed. It is also an investment of the student's own time and effort. Therefore, this investment must be properly placed, and this is what the decision seeks to ensure.' He explained that the decision is based on rigorous global university rankings. Students are required to enroll in the top 50 universities for their major, or among the top 100 universities in countries with high student populations, such as the United States and Australia, and up to the top 300 universities in non-English-speaking countries — an approach aimed at promoting both academic and cultural diversity. He elaborated, 'We rely on two primary rankings: the overall university ranking and the specific major ranking. Students must be enrolled in a university ranked within the top 100, 200, or 300, depending on the country, and in a major that falls within the approved rankings. As for exemptions, they are received through the Ministry and forwarded to the committee chaired by the Education Council." The Council emphasised the importance of adhering to the specified standards to avoid non-recognition of degrees obtained from abroad. Failure to meet the criteria may affect the use of such qualifications for employment, promotion, study leave, exam leave, thesis defense, or qualification-based benefits within the federal government sector in the UAE. Also, the Ministry's website offers services related to the recognition of higher education qualifications, providing a set of digital tools to help users make informed decisions. These tools include a search service for approved study programmes, a list of eligible universities and majors, and an online platform for submitting exemption requests. These services are available to all students, parents, and sponsoring institutions.
Dubai Eye
an hour ago
- Dubai Eye
UAE, Kuwait sign multiple agreements to boost cooperation
The UAE and Kuwait have signed a comprehensive set of agreements aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation across sectors including AI, health, energy, education, defence and diplomacy. The agreements were formalised at Kuwait's Bayan Palace during the official visit of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court of the UAE. In the defence sector, UAE's EDGE Group signed a AED9 billion (US$2.45 billion) contract with Kuwait's Ministry of Defence for the acquisition of 'Falaj 3' class missile boats. It represents the largest naval shipbuilding export in the region and ranks among the most valuable naval exports globally. Additionally, Kuwait Real Estate Company, through its subsidiary IFA Hotels and Resorts, signed a AED198 million contract with UAE-based Darwish Engineering to execute infrastructure works for the Al Tay Hills residential project in Sharjah. Another agreement saw Kuwait Investment Authority joining the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership along with MGX, BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners, and Microsoft, to boost AI infrastructure investment. The newly signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) also cover health, diplomacy, road and land transport infrastructure, social development, advanced technology, education, oil and gas, energy and investment. Several MoUs also address cooperation in combating human trafficking, legal cooperation, data protection and information exchange in joint security initiatives. These agreements reflect a shared commitment to expanding bilateral relations and fostering sustainable economic and technological development in both countries.
