7 Exciting Mega Projects to Look Forward to in Abu Dhabi

After a quick recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact, the real estate industry in Dubai has returned to a state of growth with new mega projects altering the city’s skyline. Abu Dhabi is no different—the city has many exciting projects scheduled for the near future. In the last few years, Abu Dhabi has completed several major projects, including the National Aquarium, the Yas Bay Waterfront, and the WB Hotel.  

For investors eager to get involved with the next project or end users excited about new prospects, read on for seven projects causing the most buzz. 

1. Reem Hills  

Q Properties has plans to develop the eastern side of Reem Island into Reem Hills, an oasis with parks, beaches, rolling hills, and a canal. The project is an upscale, gated community of villas although several attractions will be open to the public, including playgrounds, running and biking tracks, and pools. The area will also include space for shops and restaurants. As the name implies, a central feature of the community will be manufactured hills meant to provide sweeping views of the surrounding area. These hills will allow stunning views without blocking anyone else’s line of sight. 

2. Abrahamic Family House  

First announced by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2019, Abrahamic Family House is an impressive and inspiring project that will house a church, a synagogue, and a mosque on the same campus. Architect Sir David Adjaye has designed the project to reflect the core values shared by these religions and inspire mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. The project, on Saadiyat Island, is followed by both Pope Francis and the Grand Imam. The completed structure is said to be unlike anything else in terms of scale and message.  

3. Saadiyat Grove  

A key part of the complete layout of Saadiyat Island will be Saadiyat Grove, a residential, commercial, and leisure project. This development will help bridge the cultural projects on the island and the beachfront entertainment district Mamsha Al Saadiyat. The Saadiyat Grove developers have confirmed a launch at some point in 2023. The heart of the project is a town square with a cinema, gym, and dining and commercial space. Builder Aldar is working to make the space engaging with digital murals and interactive works of art. The final project will also include the Louvre Abu Dhabi residences. 

4. Zayed National Museum 

Planned as a true architectural marvel, the Zayed National Museum will tell the story of the visionary founder of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Lord Norman Foster, a winner of the Pritzker Prize, designed the structure that juts from the ground into massive, ornate discs. The museum will be one of the most impressive structures on Saadiyat Island when completed. Functionally, the building will serve as a both civic and public space. It will be a spot for discussion and celebration of the nation’s history and development into a global leader. The museum will have an inspiring set of exhibitions exploring the nation’s history and modern impact on the world.  

5. Jubail Island 

A quaint spot between Yas and Saadiyat, Jubail Island is currently covered with lush mangroves and other greenery. Lead Development is spearheading a development project for the island that will include sustainable, low-impact homes blending seamlessly with surrounding nature. The heart of the project is The Souk, an ecofriendly community hub for the six villages planned for the island. Proposed amenities for four of the villages include a marina, beach clubs, and an educational center, but details on the two other villages have not yet been released. The island will come complete with luxury hotels, pools, world-class dining, and more. 

6. Mina Zayed Redevelopment 

Named after the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, Mina Zayed is a thriving portside community that has been around for more than four decades. This community has played a key role in establishing Abu Dhabi as a major trading hub. Now there is an exciting rehab project planned to expand the neighborhood and include more housing, tourism, and entertainment without detracting from the commerce of the area. The project includes a new fish market and seasonal market, as well as a redevelopment of the plant souq. Builders Aldar and Modon are involved with the revitalization project. 

7. Reem Mall  

Called The World’s First Omnichannel Mall, Reem Mall is poised to change what people expect from a shopping experience. The project is a fully digitally enabled mall with an integrated logistics hub. This novel retail concept blends online shopping seamlessly with a brick-and-mortar experience. While the final experience of this type of shopping remains a bit of a mystery, Reem Mall will offer some unique features, such as tailored promotions based on personal shopping data. Shoppers worldwide are excited for this project to open its doors.