Sobha City, Abu Dhabi

Sobha City marks the developer's entry into Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a long-term residential and investment market, supported by population growth and sustained infrastructure investment. Sobha Realty's first master-planned community in the capital reflects this momentum.

As one of the UAE's leading Tier-1 developers, Sobha is making its Abu Dhabi debut with Sobha City, a 38 million sq ft waterfront development in Al Bahia, positioned adjacent to Yas Island, and 14 minutes from Zayed International Airport. The development sits within one of the capital's fastest-growing destinations, Al Bahia, and the wider development sits under Abu Dhabi's Vision 2030.

Phase 1 launches 28 April 2026, comprising 470 homes across three unit types, with handover scheduled for December 2029.

100 standalone villas | 100 townhouses | 270 waterfront apartments.

Watch Now: Is Abu Dhabi about to become the next Dubai?

With Sobha City launching on 28 April, Tom and Ollie from Source Investments break down what's really happening in Abu Dhabi's real estate market, and why they believe we're still in the early phase before the mainstream headlines catch up.

Sobha City features three unit types, with multiple configurations available

1-bedroom apartments

River Cove Residences
From AED 1.3M
566–609 sq ft

2-bedroom apartments

River Cove Residences
From AED 2.4M
1,013–1,212 sq ft

3-bedroom townhouses

The Terraces
From AED 4.96M
2,578–3,453 sq ft

4-bedroom townhouses

The Terraces
From AED 6.07M
4,194–4,524 sq ft

4-bedroom villas

The Orchard
From AED 9.06M
4,309–4,516 sq ft

5-bedroom villas

The Orchard
From AED 11.18M
5,318–5,418 sq ft

6-bedroom villas

The Orchard
From AED 13.4M
6,383 sq ft

Get in touch to discuss your goals

Ollie Smith, Managing Director, Source Investments

"Abu Dhabi's long-term fundamentals are strong, and the fact that Sobha has chosen this moment to make its Abu Dhabi debut speaks for itself."

Speak to Ollie about Sobha City

Sobha City masterplan

Screenshot

Amenities at Sobha City

Retail & lifestyle

300,000 sq ft of retail and mall space, alongside restaurants, cafés, and everyday services within the community.

Community & social spaces

Amphitheatre, pavilion and social decks, sculptural gardens, tai-chi and wellness lawns, outdoor dining zones, and multi-purpose lawns.

2 km waterfront promenade

A landscaped promenade with artificial beaches running along the water's edge, with seating, dining, and leisure access throughout.

Active & outdoor facilities

Open-air gym, multi-sport courts, climbing and adventure park, meditation zones, and shaded walkways integrated throughout the community.

Greg Norman golf course

A signature golf course designed by one of the world's most famous players, set within the landscaped grounds of the community. Each cluster has its own clubhouse.

Family & community

Three international schools on site, children's play areas, family parks, community lounges, and a mosque.

Why invest in Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi's property market is experiencing robust, sustainable growth. The off-plan sector in the area has seen residential sales volumes surge 76.2% year-on-year, powered by strategic launches in several communities that appeal to long-term investors.

This growth is underpinned by long-term government strategy rather than short-term profit cycles. The emirate's Economic Vision 2030 and continued investment in diversification supports employment growth and population stability, which in turn sustains housing demand.

Price appreciation has been very strong, with villa prices climbing 14.7% YoY to AED 1,567 per sq ft, while the rental market shows equally impressive momentum. Villa rents are up a similar 15.6% and apartment rents rising 14.8%. What makes this growth particularly compelling is its foundation: 62.4% of new rental contracts in Q3 were renewals, demonstrating genuine end-user demand rather than transient speculation.

With a combination of good potential for capital appreciation, rental yield growth, and demand driven by established residents, Abu Dhabi heads into 2026 as a healthy and sustainable market. Against a backdrop of ongoing regional uncertainty, the emirate has demonstrated notable resilience - its diplomatic standing, political stability and diversified economy positioning it as one of the Gulf's most secure destinations for long-term capital. For investors seeking stability alongside returns, Abu Dhabi presents a compelling opportunity in the Gulf property market.

Download the Sobha City brochure to discover more

View the brochure

Where is Sobha City?

Al Bahia occupies a prime position on the tranquil outskirts of Abu Dhabi, offering exceptional connectivity for residents seeking both convenience and coastal peace. It will benefit from convenient accessibility, positioned between the E10, E11, and E12 highways with direct access via the Exit 34B.

With well-established residential areas including Al Shahama and Al Reef to the east, with the popular tourist destination of Yas Island to the south and Al Rahba to the northwest, this strategic location delivers seamless connections to Abu Dhabi's key destinations - and beyond.

Easy access from the other Emirates and beyond

13 mins to Yas Mall
14 mins to Zayed International Airport (AUH)
15 mins to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
15 mins to Etihad Arena
15 mins to upcoming Disneyland Abu Dhabi
16 mins to Sea World Abu Dhabi
16 mins to CLYMB Yas Island
19 mins to Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
25 mins to Louvre Abu Dhabi

What happens next?

Official launch: 28/04/2026

Phase 1 opens for reservation on 28 April. Our team has assessed the opportunity in person and is ready to guide you through the process.

Secure your unit with an EOI

From 20/04/2026, expressions of interest (from AED 35,000) are strongly recommended with this development expected to be popular.

Payment plan: 60/40

20% on booking, with staged payments during construction and 40% on completion. Designed to spread commitment across the build.

Handover: December 2029

We'll be on hand to support you at every stage, from making your reservation through to receiving the keys.

About the developer, Sobha Realty

Sobha Realty is a leading UAE developer, recognised for build quality and consistent delivery across large-scale residential projects.

Find out more about this development

Why work with Source Investments?

UAE experts, based in the UK

We work alongside UAE developers on a select number developments that meet our criteria for location, pricing, delivery, and long-term value.

Recognised by Sobha as an 'Excellent Channel Partner'

We have a strong relationship with Sobha Realty, working closely with the developers throughout the build.

Trusted network of partners

Our network of contacts covers everything from legal to finance, so we can help you at every stage.

Sobha City Frequently Asked Questions

What is the payment plan for Sobha City?

Sobha City operates on a 60/40 payment plan: 20% on booking, 25% during construction paid in 5% instalments every three months, 15% during construction paid in 5% instalments every six months, and 40% on completion. Handover is scheduled for December 2029.

When do sales open?

Phase 1 launches on 28 April 2026. Units are available to reserve now via an Expression of Interest ahead of the formal opening.

What is an EOI and how much does it cost?

An EOI secures your place in the queue ahead of launch and is applied against your purchase price. EOI amounts are: AED 35,000 (1-bed apartment), AED 70,000 (2-bed apartment), AED 150,000 (3-bed townhouse), AED 200,000 (4-bed townhouse), AED 225,000 (4-bed villa), AED 250,000 (5-bed villa), AED 300,000 (6-bed villa).

How many units are available in Phase 1?

Phase 1 is limited to 470 units: 100 standalone villas (The Orchard), 100 townhouses (The Terraces), and 270 waterfront apartments (River Cove Residences).

What are the service charges?

Service charges are AED 5 per sq ft for villas and townhouses, and AED 16 per sq ft for apartments. This is notably low for the area.

What are the registration fees in Abu Dhabi?

The standard registration fee in Abu Dhabi is 2% of the purchase price.

Will this development be a good off-plan investment?

Abu Dhabi continues to present a compelling environment for off-plan investment, supported by population growth, infrastructure spending and increasing end-user demand. Sobha City's scale, location adjacent to Yas Island, and delivery by a Tier-1 developer all add further weight, particularly given Sobha's track record in the UAE luxury residential market.

What is the quality of Sobha builds like?

Sobha Realty has a global reputation for premium craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. With over 140 million sq ft of delivered developments worldwide, Sobha is known for robust construction standards, high-end finishes, and sustainable design. Source Investments holds Sobha's 'Excellent Channel Partner' status, reflecting a close working relationship throughout the build process. This quality reputation supports both long-term value and rental appeal.

Is property in Abu Dhabi a good investment?

Abu Dhabi continues to show strong fundamentals. Steady price and rental growth, a measured supply pipeline, no income or capital gains tax, and a growing international buyer base. Villa prices are up 14.7% year-on-year, apartment rents up 14.8%, and 66% of 2025 sales were off-plan, reflecting strong investor confidence. These factors combine to make the emirate a stable, long-term investment destination.

Can international buyers purchase at Sobha City?

Yes. Sobha City is a 100% freehold development, open to buyers of all nationalities with no residency requirement. Qualifying purchases valued at AED 2 million or above are also eligible for UAE Golden Visa status. Source Investments works with international buyers regularly and can connect you with trusted legal and financial partners to support the process.