Cars go underground at THE WADI as Dh6bn Yas Island community launches with 3,950 homes
Nature-led master plan puts walking, cycling and outdoor living at its centre
ABU DHABI – A new Dh6 billion mixed-use residential community has launched on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, bringing 3,950 homes, a waterfront and yacht marina, commercial spaces and extensive outdoor amenities to a 140,700-square-metre site along Yas Canal.
Called THE WADI, the development is being positioned as a nature-led community where cars and parking facilities are placed underground, leaving much of the surface free for pedestrians, cyclists and runners.
The project was launched on Friday by Cosmo Developments, a joint venture between Abu Dhabi-based Flag Holding Group and Reportage Group.
THE WADI
One of the defining features of THE WADI is its vehicle-free surface environment. The master plan includes a running route of about six kilometres, together with dedicated pedestrian and cycling paths that connect different parts of the development.
The decision to move cars underground is intended to create a safer and more walkable setting, particularly for families with children. Residents will be able to move between residential, retail and recreational areas without navigating conventional surface traffic.
Andrea Nucera, Managing Director at Cosmo Developments and Group Managing Director at Reportage Group, said the concept was designed around movement through natural elements, including trees, grass, water and canals.
Nature-led design
At the heart of the master plan will be a central valley surrounded by landscaped areas, open pathways and water features. Native planting, including ghaf and palm trees, will be incorporated throughout the community, while green spaces and landscaped balconies will add further vegetation around residential buildings.
The layout of buildings and open pathways has also been planned to facilitate air movement across parts of the development. Shaded pedestrian areas, landscaped zones and water elements form part of the wider climate-responsive approach.
THE WADI will comprise studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with the wider development also incorporating commercial, recreational, sports and hospitality uses. A hotel is planned within the master plan.
Residents will have access to tennis clubs, gyms, spas and dedicated children's areas, while restaurants and retail outlets will provide everyday services within the community. Parks and pedestrian routes will link these facilities with residential buildings.
Homes will feature fitted kitchens, fully tiled bathrooms, double-glazed windows and central air conditioning systems. Parking facilities will be located underground, while selected larger residences will include balconies or terraces measuring up to about 150 square metres.
Waterfront living
The development will extend along Yas Canal and include a waterfront and yacht marina, adding a leisure and boating component to the residential community.
Its location places THE WADI approximately five minutes by car from Zayed International Airport and around nine minutes from Ferrari World Yas Island, according to the developer. Central Abu Dhabi is approximately 23 minutes away.
The project is designed around a combination of residential, commercial and leisure uses rather than standalone apartment buildings. Its central valley, waterfront, parks, sports facilities, retail areas and hospitality component are intended to operate as interconnected elements of one master plan.
The development will be delivered by Cosmo Developments, with Reportage Group responsible for overseeing development and delivery before continuing with long-term management and operations.
Homes from Dh850,000
Sales began this week, with prices starting at approximately Dh850,000 for studios and reaching about Dh7.5 million for larger four-bedroom homes.
The first release comprises around 700 homes across two buildings. Approximately 350 to 360 units were sold within hours of the launch, while studios in the initial release had already sold out.
THE WADI will be delivered in two phases. Construction of the first phase is expected to begin following an initial preparatory period, while the overall development is estimated to take approximately 55 to 60 months to complete. The two phases will be delivered separately.
The project represents an estimated Dh6 billion investment and is designed to bring residential, retail, hospitality, sports and leisure facilities together within the Yas Island master plan.