Abu Dhabi Government reveals plans for new island mega project to deliver luxury living and leisure opportunities

The Abu Dhabi has unveiled a master plan for its Hudayriyat Island megaproject that will deliver luxury living along with sport and recreation facilities across a site covering more than 51 million metres².

Aiming to transform Hudayriyat Island into a leading residential and leisure attraction, the megaproject - to be spearheaded by developer Modon Properties - has been hailed by the Abu Dhabi Media Office (ADMO)as a “milestone in Abu Dhabi’s journey of innovation and progress”.

As the city seeks to bolster its urban expansion plans, the statement from ADMO continued “Hudayriyat Island is a pioneering project that is the first of its kind for the city in terms of size and area.

“The appeal of Hudayriyat Island lies in its distinctive natural environment and prime location.”

Being driven forward under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the development will feature residential communities, offering panoramic views of Abu Dhabi city and its waterfront, perched on a series of hills up to 50 metres above ground.

The scheme will also add 53.5 kilometres of coastline to the city's landscape, including 16 kilometres of beaches while also delivering an array of new amenities, with a focus on bringing top-class sporting facilities to the Emirate.

Already a popular tourism site, home to Bab Al Nojoum glamping resort, Marsana Beach, OCR Park, Trail X, Bike Park and 321 Sports, new venues will include Velodrome Abu Dhabi, Surf Abu Dhabi, a wide range of sport, commerce, and leisure amenities, the largest urban park in the emirate, and a 220 kilometre-long network of cycle tracks.

Jassem Al Zaabi, Chairman of both Abu Dhabi's Department of Finance and Modon Properties, said the project is in line with the UAE's ambitions for its future development.

He advised “the Hudayriyat Island development project is a milestone in Abu Dhabi’s journey of innovation and progress as it embodies the city's futuristic vision for sustainable urban planning, building vibrant communities and developing a diversified economy that boosts the emirate's competitiveness in all fields.”

Hudayriyat Island’s upcoming attractions

Surf Abu Dhabi
Described as what will be “the biggest and most advanced artificial wave facility in the world” by ADMO, Surf Abu Dhabi, which is set to open by the end of the year, will provide the world’s longest ride, biggest barrel and largest man-made wave pool.

Aimed at both seasoned surfers and novices it is hoped that it will play host to major international surfing events.

Velodrome Abu Dhabi
Velodrome Abu Dhabi is due to open to the public in 2025 and will feature the region's first Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) category one indoor cycling track, suitable for staging global championships.

It will include a rooftop track, connected to the ground via a 600-metre cycling ramp winding around the outer walls, giving 360-degree views of Hudayriyat and the Abu Dhabi skyline.

The cycling centre of excellence will boost Abu Dhabi's bike-friendly city vision.

The UAE's largest urban park
A new green space will span more than 2.25 million metre², making it the largest urban park in the Emirate.

The nature-centric destination will feature a variety of amenities, including an elevated cycling track, an eco-tourism platform and mangrove walk.

It will also be home to an eco-farm, food and beverage outlets, playgrounds and events valley.

Modon Properties is to focus on construction of key infrastructure for the scheme over the next 18 months.

Images (from top): An aerial viewof the master plan for Abu Dhabi's Hudayriyat Island, the planned sporting facilities, Surf Abu Dhabi and the Island's planned green space will span more than 2.25 million metre². All images courtesy of Abu Dhabi Media Office.