Latest news with #coastalwellness
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi's Fahid Island units sale to begin after Eid; community details revealed
Abu Dhabi's first coastal wellness project Fahid Island, launched by Aldar Developments, is set to deliver beachfront living with shaded promenades, wellness zones, and a school following the British curriculum, with main infrastructure due for completion by 2029. Located between Yas and Saadiyat islands, the project spans over 3.4 million square metres and includes 11 kilometres of coastline. Sales for the first phase are set to begin shortly after Eid. Prices have not been disclosed yet, but Aldar CEO Jonathen Emery confirmed that the offering will cater to a wide demographic. 'This isn't just any real estate development,' said Emery, at a media briefing and site tour. 'This is where you actually want to live your life, where you want to socialise, relax, raise your family. Every detail has been designed to elevate life for both residents and visitors.' The first phase of the development is the Fahid Beach Residences — a collection of seven mid-rise buildings offering 464 units, including one- to five-bedroom apartments, ground-floor townhouses, and penthouses with panoramic sea views. The buildings feature 'cantilevered, delicate white balconies' designed to mimic the softness of ocean waves, according to the project's architects. A self-sustained coastal community Fahid Island is envisioned as a car-optional, wellness-oriented community. Its layout prioritises pedestrians, with 15km of shaded walkways, dedicated cycling routes, and pedestrian bridges connecting the northern and southern districts of the island. No home will be more than 250 metres from a green space or a five-minute walk to the beach. 'We want people to be walking from A to B, not jumping in their cars,' Emery explained, adding that the use of natural shading, low-heat-absorbing materials, and water features will help extend the comfort of outdoor living even in the hotter months. The island's two main districts, Fahid Beach District in the north and the Mangrove Shoreline District in the south, are separated by the E12 highway but connected by the Berm Park. This linear landscaped hill, which doubles as a noise and visual buffer, will house a 10km running track, cycling paths, yoga zones and shaded rest areas. It is intended to be open to the public and will host wellness clubs and fitness activations. Cultural and community infrastructure Anchoring the beachfront is a five-star resort and a marina, alongside the Coral Drive boulevard, which will offer a curated mix of boutique retail, art galleries, cafés and a ballet school. 'It's five-star quality in terms of the selection, not necessarily the price point,' Emery said of the island's retail and dining options, which are expected to range from boutique to accessible wellness-focused offerings. 'This is not your typical retail; we are going for a more creative and community-focused mix at different price points,' he added. An international school following the British curriculum is also planned for the island, with further details expected to be announced soon. 'I've never been so excited about a school,' commented one of the project managers while pointing to the school's planned location during the onsite tour. 'It's going to be one of the defining features of the community.' In addition, the Palmary, a waterfront wellness and racket sports club, will offer residents exclusive access to state-of-the-art fitness facilities and courts, reinforcing the project's focus on healthy living. Lifestyle by the water Fahid Island's layout takes full advantage of its diverse waterfronts. The northern coast will feature white sandy beaches ideal for swimming and leisure, while the southern side embraces its natural mangrove ecosystem. A dedicated water sports hub will offer activities such as paddleboarding, kitesurfing, including a planned kitesurfing school, and even illuminated night swimming. All main infrastructure, including the school, beach resort, and Coral Drive retail areas is expected to be operational by Q1 2029. Environment and tourism potentials Fahid Island is the first globally certified Fitwel community and has received pre-certification for LEED Platinum for cities and communities. Thirty per cent of the land is dedicated to open, natural spaces, and sustainability has been considered at every stage, from building orientation and materials to marine conservation efforts. The project's proximity to major Abu Dhabi landmarks, including Yas Island, Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi International Airport and ADGM, adds to its appeal. Its location, coupled with planned resort offerings, is expected to boost tourism in the capital. 'We see Fahid Island as more than just residential,' Emery concluded, 'it will be a living, breathing destination for residents and visitors alike.'
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi to have first wellness island, launches Dh40-billion project
Abu Dhabi's real estate landscape is set to expand with the launch of Fahid Island — a new Dh40 billion masterplanned destination by Aldar that promises to redefine coastal living with a focus on wellness, sustainability and community. The 2.7 million square metre island, unveiled on Monday, will feature more than 6,000 high-end homes, a 10km fitness corridor, 4.6km of beaches, and a dedicated waterfront promenade. It is being billed as Abu Dhabi's first coastal wellness island and has already received Fitwel certification, making it the first island in the world to meet the global healthy building standard. Located between Yas and Saadiyat islands, Fahid Island is designed to offer seamless access to Abu Dhabi's leisure, cultural and aviation hubs, including Zayed International Airport, all reachable in under 15 minutes. Aldar said the development includes residential offerings by renowned architects such as Japan's Kengo Kuma and Koichi Takada, along with London-based ACME and UAE-based NAGA Architects. The first homes to be released, the Fahid Beach Residences, will comprise seven mid-rise buildings, each with 65 apartments. Plans also include townhouses and ultra-luxury villas. "Fahid Island is the latest chapter in our journey to create world-class communities that reflect the values and ambitions of the UAE,' said Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of Aldar. 'It builds on the success of Saadiyat and Yas Islands to offer a new benchmark in premium waterfront living, wellness, and sustainable design. With more than 30 per cent of the masterplan dedicated to natural spaces — including mangrove forests, gardens, and shaded trails, the island aims to integrate nature into daily life. The 10km Berm Park will serve as a landscaped wellness corridor with three cycling routes connected to Abu Dhabi's larger cycle loop. Aldar has also partnered with a leading international education provider to establish a school on the island, in line with the emirate's ambitions to position itself as a regional hub for educational excellence." The development's social heart will be a 2km promenade featuring retail, dining, art installations, and public spaces, while the Coral Drive retail boulevard will include boutique stores, cafes, a ballet school, and concept outlets. Aldar Group CEO Talal Al Dhiyebi said the launch comes at a time of "incredible demand from both local buyers and overseas investors,' adding that Fahid Island is one of the largest mixed-use residential masterplans to be launched in Abu Dhabi. Alongside Fitwel certification, the island has also received LEED City and Communities Platinum precertification and is targeting Estidama 3-Pearl accreditation, reinforcing its sustainability credentials.
