Al Fahid Island in Abu Dhabi is an emerging destination that combines natural beauty with modern development. Located along the pristine coastline, it offers stunning views, luxury residences and a variety of leisure facilities.
Designed to provide an exceptional lifestyle, the island features upscale amenities, waterfront living and convenient access to the city. Besides, its unique location and thoughtfully planned infrastructure make it an attractive choice for residents and investors alike.
This guide will provide essential insights into Al Fahid Island, highlighting its features, opportunities and what makes it stand out in Abu Dhabi’s real estate landscape.
- Overview
- Location
- Residences
- Features
- Things to Do
- King’s College School Wimbledon
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Al Fahid Island, Abu Dhabi – Overview
Al Fahid Island, developed by Aldar Properties, is a landmark coastal project in Abu Dhabi, strategically situated between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island along the emirate’s northern shoreline. Spanning approximately 2.7 million square metres, it offers over 11 kilometres of coastline and 4.6 kilometres of unspoilt beaches bordered by tranquil mangrove forests.
Moreover, the master plan reserves 30 per cent of the island for natural spaces, including a 10-kilometre “Berm Park” with running tracks, cycling routes, shaded rest areas and water stations. Al Fahid Island is the world’s first Fitwel-certified island, with LEED Platinum and Estidama 3-Pearl certifications underway.
More than 6,000 residences will be developed, ranging from apartments and townhouses to ultra-luxury villas, each within a five-minute walk of the water. Lifestyle highlights include a 2-kilometre waterfront promenade with dining, retail, and art spaces.
Al Fahid Island – Strategic Location
Al Fahid Island’s location is a prime one in Abu Dhabi, positioned between Yas Island, Jubail Island and Saadiyat Island, with seamless access to key destinations across the emirate. Its setting along the northern coastline ensures residents enjoy both natural tranquillity and urban connectivity.
Located just off Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Highway (E12), the island offers swift travel to leisure hubs, business districts and transport links. Proximity to renowned attractions, cultural landmarks and significant infrastructure enhances its appeal for both residents and investors.
For example:
- Yas Island – 5 minutes away
- Saadiyat Island – 15 minutes away
- Dubai – 50 minutes away
- Zayed International Airport – 15 minutes away
- Downtown Abu Dhabi – 20 minutes away
How to Get There
Al Fahid Island enjoys excellent connectivity, situated between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island along Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Road (E12), which runs directly through the island and links it to Abu Dhabi’s key destinations.
By Car or Taxi
The most straightforward route is via a private vehicle, taxi, or ride-hailing service such as Uber or Careem. A journey from Yas Island takes around 15 minutes, while reaching Saadiyat Island requires approximately 25 minutes.
By Public Transport
At present, there is no direct bus or metro service to Al Fahid Island. Visitors may use bus services to areas nearby and then complete the journey via taxi or ride-hailing. The public transport infrastructure in the vicinity is expected to improve as the island’s development progresses.
By Boat (Scenic Option)
Although not commonly used, boat access offers a more scenic approach and is feasible from designated coastal points in Abu Dhabi. This alternative can enhance the arrival experience, particularly for leisure visitors.
Residences at Al Fahid Island – Villas, Apartments, Townhouses
Al Fahid Island is planned as a premium waterfront community, offering a range of future residential options to suit different lifestyles. The development will include spacious villas, townhouses, and modern apartments.
The Beach House
The Beach House will comprise 11 elegant residential towers, inspired by the island’s natural surroundings. It will offer a selection of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with maid residences.
Designed to integrate architecture, landscape, lifestyle and wellness, the Beach House will provide refined coastal living with a focus on comfort and community.
Amenities include:
- Two resort-style swimming pools
- Children’s play areas
- Lounge areas and community zones
- Co-working lounges
- Two state-of-the-art fitness centres
- Multipurpose rooms
- Bicycle parking station
The Penthouses
Penthouse Residences at Fahid Beach Residences will be ultra-luxurious, offering private terraces and panoramic waterfront views.
Amenities Include:
- Infinity pools
- State-of-the-art gyms
- Kids’ splash pads and swimming pools
- Multipurpose social spaces
- Landscaped podium gardens
- Squash courts
- Pet spas
- Private treatment rooms for massages
- Social kitchens
- Wellness Spas and more.
The Beach Residences
Located in the heart of Al Fahid Island, the Beach Residences will offer direct access to an array of leisure and lifestyle experiences. Residents will be moments away from boutique shopping along Coral Drive, premium dining on the waterfront promenade, a beach club and a watersports hub.
In addition, the development will feature one- to four-bedroom apartments, townhouses and penthouses, each designed to maximise sweeping sea views.
Features of Al Fahid Island
Al Fahid Island is a wellness-focused waterfront destination that blends expansive natural landscapes with luxury living and a variety of leisure experiences. It features:
1. Expansive Green Spaces
The island is home to approximately 940,000 square metres of landscaped greenery, offering shaded seating areas, walking paths, and open lawns perfect for outdoor leisure. Not just that, the best part is that the residences are at least 250 metres from the park or green area.
2. Generous Open Space Allocation
With around 7.5 acres of open space for every 1,000 residents, the community is designed to feel spacious and breathable, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
3. Scenic Berm Park
A 10-kilometre berm stretch runs along the shoreline, protecting against erosion while doubling as a scenic route for walking, jogging,and cycling. There is also a 3-kilometre mangrove boardwalk connecting residents to one of the UAE’s biodiverse habitats.
4. Waterfront Promenade
The island’s 2-kilometre walkable promenade, 15 kilometres of public walkways and a 10-kilometre dedicated running loop are perfect for early morning jogs, sunset strolls, or simply relaxing by the water while enjoying the vibrant café and dining scene.
5. Extensive Coastline
Stretching for 11 kilometres, the coastline offers pristine beaches, offering you stunning ocean views and ample opportunities for waterfront activities and leisure.
Things to Do at Al Fahid Island
The following are some of the many family activities at Al Fahid Island:
Al Fahid Island Watersports
Dive into adventure with opportunities for kite surfing, paddle boarding, jet skiing, and even illuminated night swimming at the beach club and watersports hub.
Al Fahid Island Cycling Trails
Three purpose-built cycling routes cater to all cycling enthusiasts, from family rides to high-performance lanes and mountain biking tracks, seamlessly linked to Abu Dhabi’s main cycle loop.
Al Fahid Island Tracks
Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the dedicated 10 km running loop and 15 km network of walking tracks, designed for safe, invigorating strolls and training sessions.
Al Fahid Island Mangrove Walk
A scenic 3-km mangrove boardwalk invites residents to explore one of the region’s vital ecosystems, offering peaceful encounters with nature.
Swimming Pools
Enjoy a range of aquatic experiences, from infinity-edge and resort-style pools to family-friendly splash zones, set amid landscaped gardens and panoramic sea views.
Sports Activities
Outdoor spaces host courts and fields for basketball, football, squash and other recreational favourites, perfect for gatherings, friendly matches and organised community events.
Gym
Stay fit with access to modern, fully equipped gyms available 24/7 and supported by steam rooms, saunas and wellness studios.
Shopping Malls
Explore Coral Drive’s boutique retail stores, art galleries, cafés and a waterfront promenade brimming with dining and shopping venues.
Fun Activities at Al Fahid Island
The island’s social calendar includes seasonal festivals, open-air concerts, exhibitions and community programming, ensuring there’s always something delightful to experience.
King’s College School Wimbledon at Al Fahid Island
Aldar Education has confirmed that the prestigious K–12 institution, King’s College School Wimbledon, will open its first regional campus on Fahid Island in September 2028, subject to ADEK and regulatory approvals.
The new super-premium school will cover 50,000 square metres, accommodating up to 2,220 students. Designed with cutting-edge academic facilities, extensive sports amenities and dedicated wellbeing spaces, the campus embodies Fahid Island’s vision of balanced, nature-connected living and educational excellence.
Key Takeaways
Al Fahid Island offers an exceptional lifestyle in Abu Dhabi, combining premium waterfront residences with world-class leisure and wellness facilities. Future developments will feature a diverse range of properties, including penthouses, beach houses, beach terraces and beach residences, all designed to maximise sea views and provide luxury amenities.
Residents will enjoy resort-style pools, 24/7 gyms, cycling and jogging tracks, a mangrove walk and a variety of watersports, alongside boutique shopping and fine dining on Coral Drive. With abundant green spaces, open waterfronts and a vibrant events calendar, the island promises a perfect blend of luxury living, recreation and natural beauty.
FAQs
The first phase, including main infrastructure, Fahid Beach Residences, Coral Drive, a beach resort and the school, is expected to be operational by early 2029. Further phases will unfold gradually, with full completion anticipated between 2029 and 2032.
Al Fahid Island is known as Abu Dhabi’s premier coastal wellness destination, featuring 4.6 km of beaches, serene mangrove forests and a master plan of luxury residences with vast green spaces. It spans approximately 2.7 million square metres and features an 11 km coastline, a 2 km promenade and a 10 km Berm Park.
There is currently no general entrance fee for accessing Al Fahid Island. However, the seasonal Fahid Beach Club (by Barbossa) charges AED 150 per person, which is fully redeemable on food and drinks.
At present, no permanent hotels are operating on Al Fahid Island, though the development plan includes future luxury hospitality offerings. In the meantime, high-end hotels on nearby Yas Island and Saadiyat Island offer convenient alternatives.
Yes, it’s. The island is explicitly designed as a family-friendly as well as a pet-friendly community, featuring excellent schools, dog parks, playgrounds, healthcare centres, community hubs, pet spas and educational and recreational programming in a safe and nurturing setting.
Al Fahid Island is set to become one of Abu Dhabi’s most sought-after destinations, blending luxury living, world-class amenities and rich natural landscapes. With its diverse residential offerings, premium leisure facilities and upcoming landmarks, the island promises an unmatched lifestyle for residents of all ages.
Meanwhile, here’s a guide about things to do at Saadiyat Island, to help you explore the area around Fahid Island.
