Jubail Island Investment Company (JIIC) says its $1.36bn Jubail Island development is, “poised to become Abu Dhabi’s most desirable residential sanctuary designed to appeal to wellness and nature enthusiasts.”

A 400ha site is being developed as an Abu Dhabi investment zone with Richard Russell’s Lead Development acting as the development management firm, alongside a consortium of international architects and planners including: US-based Arquitectonica, Spain’s Ramón Esteve from Spain and Broadway Malyan.

“The diverse and meticulously planned low-density community – designated as an Abu Dhabi investment zone, will comprise a mix of serviced plots, high end and midrange properties that cater primarily to the requirements of nationals and the rental market,” added JIIC in a statement.

Jubail Island will feature six investment zone villages – Marafaa Al Jubail, Nad Al Dhabi, Seef Al Jubail, Ain Al Maha, Souk Al Jubail and Bed’a Al Jubail. It will also comprise a 13-kilometre waterfront and “a stunning natural setting surrounded by mangrove forests teeming with wildlife”.

Plots will range 1,500 to 5,000 sqm with villas ranging in size from 300 to 1,200 sq m. 400 single-family and 400 multi-family homes will be built and is expected to be completed in Q4 2022. Once completed, Jubail Island will be home to between 5,000 and 6,000 residents.

“In the heart of this environmentally conscience and sustainable community will be the Town Centre – an intimately cosmopolitan hub featuring apartments, an office park, office villas, and a hotel. Facilities will include F&B outlets, a beach club, a business centre, a sports centre, schools, supermarkets, nurseries, a community club, specialised clinics and other commercial establishments,” added JIIC.

In keeping with its Pearl Rating from Abu Dhabi’s Estidama certification system, JIIC claims the project will significantly enhance the island’s natural ecosystem “through planting new mangrove forests as well as adding over 10 kilometres of canals and other new marine habitat that will be home to migratory birds, fish populations, sea turtles, and gazelles. The development will also boast generous outdoor areas to include parks, hiking paths, kayaking stations and cycling routes for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts.”

“The launch of Jubail Island is inspired by the founding father of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his abiding love for nature and its preservation,” said Hamad Rashid Al Nuaimi, chairman of JIIC’s Board of Directors.

“This prestigious project has commenced with the blessing of Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. We are keen to safeguarding this important real estate area of Abu Dhabi city by preserving the environment and creating residential, commercial as well as recreational spaces, inline with the island’s natural appeal and importance to the real estate market in Abu Dhabi city.”

Speaking at a press conference to announce the launch of the development, Mounir Haidar, Managing Director of JIIC, said Jubail Island will cater to families, wellness, wildlife and nature enthusiasts, including water sports activities as well as offering a unique quality of life for homeowners and visitors alike.

“With its wide variety of residential, retail, hospitality, entertainment, and education offerings, the project is poised to become an important contributor to the Abu Dhabi real estate market in line with the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030,” Haider commented.

“The breath-taking development will significantly enhance the capital’s market offering for quality properties. Jubail Island will offer investors well-priced and sizable plots in a low-density community surrounded by spectacular natural elements, such as beautiful waterfronts, beaches, mangroves and neighbourhood parks. A five-hectare heritage site, where pottery and other relics of early civilisation that have been discovered on the site will be on display, is set to be another key attraction.”

“In close collaboration with relevant government entities, JIIC is committed to the preservation and enhancement of Jubail Island’s unique mangrove forests. Our strategic investments in this regard will boost the Emirate’s real-estate sector and preserve the natural ecosystem.”

In closing, he said: “We have engaged a group of acclaimed designers, architects, and engineers to help us achieve our vision, and are committed to the timely delivery of Jubail Island in accordance with the highest international construction standards.”