Contents
Reviewed by: Josh Bullen, Head of Investment, Source
Data: Q4 2026 | Last Updated: October 2026
Positioned between Yas and Saadiyat Islands, Fahid Island is Aldar’s new $11bn wellness island currently taking shape in Abu Dhabi.
As one of the emirate’s newest residential masterplans, Fahid is at a much earlier stage of development than established locations such as Yas, Saadiyat and Al Reem.
This guide looks at how Fahid is developing, the properties currently available, pricing and early sales activity, and what investors should consider when assessing the island.
About Fahid Island
Fahid Island is a 2.7 million sqm natural island located between Yas and Saadiyat Islands. Aldar unveiled the $11bn masterplan in 2025, with more than 6,000 homes planned across the island.
Fahid is being developed as Abu Dhabi’s first coastal wellness destination, with 11km of coastline, 4.6km of beachfront and almost one million sqm of green space. The masterplan will also include walking and cycling routes, a 10km fitness corridor, hotels, retail, dining and education.
The island is being developed in phases, with the first residential handovers expected from 2029 and further communities planned into the early 2030s.
Its positioning is deliberately different to Abu Dhabi’s other major islands. Where Yas is centred around entertainment and tourism and Saadiyat around culture and luxury, Fahid’s masterplan is focused on wellness, nature and coastal living.
Fahid Island: Location & Connectivity
Fahid Island is positioned between Yas and Saadiyat Islands, with direct road access via Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Highway (E12), connecting it to some of Abu Dhabi’s key residential, leisure and business destinations.
| Location | Approx Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Yas Island | 5 minutes |
| Saadiyat Island | 10-15 minutes |
| Zayed International Airport | 15 minutes |
| Al Reem Island | 15-20 minutes |
| Abu Dhabi (city centre) | 20-25 minutes |
| Al Maryah Island / ADGM | 20-25 minutes |
| Dubai (city centre) | 50-60 minutes |
The island itself is being designed around walkability, with pedestrian routes, bridges and cycling infrastructure forming part of the wider masterplan.
Why Invest in Fahid Island?
Fahid is still at an early stage of its development, meaning investors are buying into the island before its wider residential community, infrastructure and amenities are established. For those with a longer investment horizon, the opportunity is therefore closely linked to how the masterplan develops over the coming years.
Early-stage opportunity
The first residential launches only began in 2025, with initial handovers expected from 2029. This gives investors the opportunity to enter while Fahid is still in the early phases of its development, rather than once the island is established.
Aldar masterplan
Fahid is being developed by Aldar, Abu Dhabi’s largest listed developer and the company behind many of the residential communities across Yas and Saadiyat Islands. Its experience delivering large-scale communities provides an established track record behind what remains a new masterplan.
Between Yas and Saadiyat
Fahid sits between two of Abu Dhabi’s most established island destinations. Its location gives residents access to Yas Island’s leisure and entertainment offering, Saadiyat’s cultural district and Zayed International Airport, while Fahid develops its own amenities and community.
Future demand drivers
More than 6,000 homes are planned alongside hotels, retail, dining, green space and leisure infrastructure. King’s College School Wimbledon is also due to open its first international campus on Fahid in 2028, creating an additional reason for families to consider living on the island as the residential community develops.
Early sales have also shown strong buyer interest, with AED 3.5bn of homes sold during Fahid’s first week on the market.
