A new wave of neighbourhoods is set to reshape how the capital lives and grows
Aldar and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) have signed a major partnership to unlock over 20 million square metres of new communities across the emirate.
Announced at the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit 2026, the plan spans five key locations, including Muwaylih, Mussafah, Al Zahiya, Al Faya, and the newly activated Al Mihsinah Island.
These upcoming developments will create neighbourhoods that feel more connected, more liveable, and more designed around everyday life.
On the way are walkable communities, green spaces, schools, retail, and all the essentials built in from the start, so residents can genuinely live, work, and unwind in the same place without the long commute across the city.
Under the agreement, DMT will provide the land while Aldar takes the lead as master developer, drawing on its experience shaping some of Abu Dhabi’s best-known destinations like Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and Al Raha Beach.
One of the biggest talking points is Al Mihsinah Island, which is being developed for the first time. It’s set to become a new waterfront neighbourhood, blending coastal living with community spaces, lifestyle amenities, and a slower, more relaxed pace by the water.
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The wider plan also feeds into Abu Dhabi’s Value Housing Programme, which is focused on making high-quality rental homes more accessible while still keeping a strong focus on design, planning, and community living.
Speaking at the summit, Aldar’s Group CEO Talal Al Dhiyebi said the partnership reflects “an important step in shaping Abu Dhabi’s next phase of urban growth,” adding that there’s growing demand for well-planned destinations that expand housing choice and improve quality of life.
From DMT’s side, Abdulla Mohamed Al Blooshi described it as “a new model for Abu Dhabi’s urban development,” where government planning and private expertise come together to speed up delivery while keeping standards high.
The partnership also builds on earlier plans to deliver 9,000 homes across Mohamed Bin Zayed City and Baniyas, adding even more momentum to the city’s housing pipeline.
It’s a clear signal of where Abu Dhabi is heading next, featuring more connected communities, more lifestyle-driven neighbourhoods, and a stronger focus on how people actually live day to day, not just where they live.
For further information, visit aldar.com
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