Abu Dhabi's Next Big Address: Sobha City.

12 May 2026 · 3 minutes ·

Most developers entering a new market bring a single project. Sobha Realty arrived in Abu Dhabi with a 38 million sq.ft. masterplan, a AED 40 billion development value, and a clear intention to build something self-sustaining. Sobha City in Al Bahiya marks the developer's first large-scale community in Abu Dhabi, expanding its footprint beyond Dubai.

The site sits in Al Bahiya - minutes from Yas Island, with direct access to the highway network and close proximity to Zayed International Airport. One more factor worth noting for long-term positioning: the project is near Abu Dhabi's upcoming Disney World attraction, placing it at the centre of one of the capital's most active investment corridors.

The Developer and the Model

Sobha Realty operates on a backward-integrated model - design, engineering, manufacturing and construction all managed in-house. This is not standard practice in the region, where most developers outsource construction to third-party contractors. The result, in Sobha's completed projects, is a more consistent finish quality and tighter delivery timelines. Phase 1 is scheduled for handover in Q4 2029.

Scale and Density

The total masterplan covers 38 million sq.ft., with Phase 1 spanning around 8 million sq.ft. The approach is deliberately low-density. Roughly 60% of the masterplan is dedicated to open and green spaces, with more than 50,000 trees, forest-inspired landscapes, and shaded pedestrian pathways throughout. An 18km wellness loop encourages a slower pace of life, while pedestrian-first pathways reinforce a lifestyle centred on movement and ease.

When complete, the community will include approximately 4,000 apartment units and 3,000 villas. Phase 1 is limited to around 400 units across all product types.

Three Communities, Three Products

The Orchard covers the estate villa segment - 4, 5, and 6-bedroom homes on private plots. A 4-bedroom villa starts from AED 9.05 million at approximately AED 2,100 per sq.ft., with plot sizes between 4,379 and 5,849 sq.ft. Five-bedroom units open at AED 11.16 million, and 6-bedrooms at AED 13.40 million. These are large, private homes on tree-lined streets, built for families who want substantial space without compromising on community infrastructure.

The Terraces handles the garden villa segment - 3 and 4-bedroom homes with Majlis, in middle, corner, twin, and standalone configurations. Entry point is AED 4.96 million for a 3-bedroom middle unit of 2,578 sq.ft., priced at approximately AED 1,924 per sq.ft. Corner plots and larger formats reach AED 6.60 - 8.70 million. The layouts open outward to private gardens and elevated terraces.

River Cove Residences is the apartment component - towers positioned along the canal promenade with waterfront views. One-bedroom apartments start at AED 1.31 million from 566 sq.ft. (approximately AED 2,313 per sq.ft.), and two-bedroom units from AED 2.40 million across 1,013 - 1,212 sq.ft. These are the entry points into the masterplan for investors and first-time buyers, with full access to the community's infrastructure.

What the Masterplan Contains

A key feature is a two-kilometre waterfront promenade and integrated marina, combining leisure, retail, and social spaces. The masterplan also integrates three international schools, healthcare facilities, mosques, and an executive Par-3 golf course designed by Greg Norman Golf Course Design, which incorporates 80 mansions.

The full amenity list across the masterplan runs to 35 mapped zones: jogging and forest cycling loops, open-air gym, multi-sport courts, climbing and adventure park, parkour zone, botanical garden, sensory garden, fragrant garden, amphitheatre, pet park, and a canal-side jogging track, among others.

Why Al Bahiya Works Long Term

Al Bahiya is one of the few remaining corridors in Abu Dhabi where land exists at a scale to support community-level development. Freehold ownership is available to all nationalities, which matters for investor demand and secondary market liquidity. The proximity to Yas Island - already Abu Dhabi's most established lifestyle and entertainment district - means the community benefits from existing draw without being priced into the Yas premium. As Disney Abu Dhabi comes online, the corridor's profile and land values are likely to shift meaningfully.

Payment terms are structured for accessibility: 20% on booking, 5% installments across the construction period, and 40% on handover.

In Short

Location: Al Bahiya, Abu Dhabi - near Yas Island and Zayed International Airport
Developer: Sobha Realty - first Abu Dhabi masterplan
Three communities: The Orchard (estate villas), The Terraces (garden villas), River Cove Residences (apartments)
Estate villas from AED 9.05M; garden villas from AED 4.96M; apartments from AED 1.31M
Greg Norman Par-3 golf course, marina, three schools, healthcare, mosque

ADM: 202402335860

Permit Number: 202600008817260038

Project Registration: 20260000881258