£8bn Fahid Island in Abu Dhabi to Feature 6,000 Homes and UK Private School
£8bn Fahid Island: 6,000 Homes and UK School in Abu Dhabi

A new island community valued at approximately £8.1 billion is under construction in Abu Dhabi, promising luxury living with a focus on wellbeing and featuring a campus of one of Britain's most prestigious private schools. Fahid Island, developed by Abu Dhabi-based Aldar, is scheduled for full completion by 2029.

Project Scale and Features

The development, costing 40 billion UAE dirhams (around £8.1bn), will deliver more than 6,000 homes across a masterplanned waterfront community. Spanning 2.7 million square metres between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, it will include an 11km coastline with beaches, waterfront promenades, parks, and extensive walking and cycling routes. Aldar states that every aspect of the development is designed to support residents' physical and mental wellbeing, creating a wellness-focused coastal sanctuary.

Residential and Commercial Offerings

The island will feature a mix of luxury apartments, townhouses, and villas, alongside shops, restaurants, cafés, leisure facilities, and two hotels. Green spaces are integral, with landscaped parks and outdoor recreation areas promoting an active lifestyle.

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King's College School Wimbledon Campus

A key attraction for British families is the announcement that King's College School Wimbledon will open its first regional campus on Fahid Island. Founded in London in 1829, the school is widely regarded as one of the UK's leading private schools, regularly sending students to Oxford, Cambridge, and other top universities. The new campus is scheduled to welcome pupils from September 2028, catering for children aged three to 18 and accommodating up to 2,220 students. Facilities will include specialist science laboratories, performing arts spaces, extensive sports amenities, and dedicated wellbeing areas.

Strategic Importance

Developers say the renowned British school is a key part of Fahid Island's appeal, attracting international buyers and families relocating to Abu Dhabi. It forms the first stage of a wider education strategy, with more institutions expected to follow.

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