Dubai’s real estate developers continue to showcase their ambitious vision and market confidence, with Sobha Realty, a leading name headquartered in Dubai, announcing a monumental Dh40 billion ($10.9 billion) residential project in Abu Dhabi. This strategic expansion into the UAE capital underscores the developer’s robust growth trajectory and the enduring strength of the wider UAE property market, even amidst global uncertainties.
Dubbed “Sobha City,” this expansive development will span an impressive 38 million square feet in Al Bahiya, strategically located near Zayed International Airport and the vibrant Yas Island. When fully complete, the master-planned community is slated to feature a substantial offering of 4,000 apartments and 2,500 villas, catering to a diverse range of discerning buyers and investors.
Beyond residential units, Sobha City is designed as a self-sustaining ecosystem. Future residents can anticipate a luxurious lifestyle enriched by a two-kilometer waterfront promenade, a modern mall, extensive retail spaces, and essential community facilities like mosques. Furthermore, the development will boast a par-3 golf course meticulously designed by Australian former professional golfer Greg Norman, three state-of-the-art schools, and comprehensive healthcare complexes, creating a truly integrated living environment. A commitment to green living is also evident, with plans to incorporate 50,000 trees and dedicate 60 percent of the master plan to open and green spaces.
Francis Alfred, Sobha’s Managing Director, expressed strong confidence in the project’s success, highlighting the robust demand within the UAE capital. He noted that the Abu Dhabi market remains “strong,” propelled by consistent population growth and a healthy balance between residential demand and supply. The first phase of Sobha City, comprising approximately one-third of the total units, is already on sale, with a targeted handover in the fourth quarter of 2029. Pricing for these premium units begins at Dh1.31 million for a one-bedroom apartment and Dh4.96 million for a villa, designed to attract significant local interest.
Alfred emphasized that the attractive pricing reflects Sobha’s strategic approach for its inaugural master development in Abu Dhabi, rather than being influenced by current regional tensions. He assured buyers of timely delivery, reinforcing confidence in the long-term viability and stability of the investment.
This significant venture by a prominent Dubai-based developer into Abu Dhabi not only diversifies Sobha’s impressive portfolio, which already includes projects in Dubai and Umm Al Quwain, but also signifies a broader, positive outlook for the UAE’s real estate sector. It demonstrates that developers, nurtured by Dubai’s dynamic environment, are confidently extending their expertise and high standards across the Emirates, delivering world-class communities that meet evolving market demands.
