What has been announced
According to The National (2 June 2025), Aldar unveiled the Fahid Island master plan with these points:
- A 2.7 million square metre island between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, with an 11 km coastline.
- More than 6,000 residences, from apartments and townhouses to ultra-luxury villas, plus two hotels.
- 30% of the island set aside as natural space, a 10 km landscaped berm park with running tracks, and three cycling routes connecting to Abu Dhabi's cycle loop.
- A waterfront promenade, a retail street called Coral Drive and an international school.
- The first residential development, Fahid Beach Residences, with seven buildings of 65 residences each.
- Core infrastructure, including schools and bridges, to be ready for residents of the first development to move in during the first quarter of 2029.
Aldar acquired the island in January 2023, according to the same report.
Is Fahid Island right for you?
Fahid is a long-horizon purchase. Handover of the first phase is tied to infrastructure scheduled for 2029, and the island will be built out in phases after that. It suits buyers who can wait for completion and want a new waterfront community close to Yas and Saadiyat. If you need a home or rental income sooner, compare it with completed communities on those islands.
What to check before reserving
- The investment-zone status of the plot and the right you will hold. To check: we could not find Fahid Island on the UAE government portal's list of nine investment areas, which was last updated in December 2024. Confirm the zone designation on DARI for your unit.
- The payment plan and the handover date written into the SPA, not just the brochure.
- DARI registration within 21 days of signing and who pays the 2% fee.
- The escrow account for the specific phase.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Fahid Island in Abu Dhabi?
Fahid Island lies between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, off the Abu Dhabi coast. Aldar Properties acquired it in January 2023 and unveiled the master plan in June 2025. The island covers about 2.7 million square metres with an 11 km coastline, and bridges and schools are planned as part of its core infrastructure.
When will Fahid Island be completed?
Aldar has said core infrastructure, including schools and bridges, will be ready for residents of the first development, Fahid Beach Residences, to move in during the first quarter of 2029, according to The National. The island will be built in phases, so later neighbourhoods will complete after that. Always rely on the date written in your SPA.
How many homes are planned on Fahid Island?
More than 6,000 residences are planned, ranging from apartments and townhouses to ultra-luxury villas, along with two hotels, according to Aldar's June 2025 announcement reported by The National. The first development, Fahid Beach Residences, has seven buildings with 65 residences in each. About 30% of the island is set aside as natural space.
Get a shortlist for Fahid Island
Tell Tarek your budget, timeline and whether you want to live in the home, rent it out or apply for a Golden Visa. He will send matching launches and ready alternatives with the full cost of each, and check registration and escrow with you before you pay.
Sources
- Aldar unveils $11bn Fahid Island project in Abu Dhabi (2 June 2025), The National. Checked 30 September 2026.
- Expatriates buying a property in the UAE, UAE Government portal (u.ae). Checked 30 September 2026.
- Register the Sale of an Off-Plan Plot or Unit, DARI (ADREC). Checked 30 September 2026.
- Off-Plan Unit Sale Registration (fees and 21-day rule), DARI Help Centre (ADREC). Checked 30 September 2026.