Sobha Stakes Abu Dhabi Claim with 353ha ‘City within a City’
Luxury developer Sobha Realty is making its long-anticipated move into the UAE capital, unveiling plans for a sprawling masterplanned community that prioritises green space and long-term liveability.
Dubbed Sobha City, the 353ha project is the group’s first large-scale residential play in Abu Dhabi—a strategic expansion that aligns with the emirate’s push toward more sustainable, lifestyle-oriented urban growth.
Positioned in Al Bahiya along the key E10 and E12 corridors, the development is near economic and leisure hubs, including Zayed International Airport and Yas Island.
But rather than leaning into density, Sobha’s pitch is deliberately countercyclical—a low-density, nature-led “city within a city” anchored by open space and wellness infrastructure.
About 60 per cent of the masterplan will be dedicated to green and open areas, including more than 50,000 trees, forest-inspired landscaping and shaded pedestrian networks.
An 18km wellness loop will thread through the precinct, reinforcing a pedestrian-first approach and a slower, more intentional pace of living.
Sobha chairman Ravi Menon said the move reflected a long-term view on Abu Dhabi’s evolution beyond a conventional real estate play.
“Abu Dhabi holds a unique position as a city that balances cultural authenticity with forward-looking ambition,” he said.
“Sobha City has been envisioned as a living environment that feels calm, enduring and deeply connected to its surroundings.”
The masterplan comprises a 2km waterfront promenade and marina precinct, which would bring together retail, leisure and social uses in a more curated, community-focused setting.
The broader development would integrate schools, healthcare facilities, mosques and a Par-3 golf course designed by Greg Norman Golf Course Design—part of a push to create a fully self-sustained ecosystem rather than a traditional residential subdivision.
Housing diversity is central to the masterplan with apartments, villas and mansions on offer, targeting both end-users and global investors seeking stable, long-term markets.
Sobha’s vertically integrated delivery model—where design, engineering and construction are handled in-house—remains central to its expansion strategy.
Managing director Francis Alfred said the approach would underpin both quality and resilience as the developer entered a new market.
“As we expand into Abu Dhabi, Sobha City will embody our integrated approach, ensuring not only exceptional quality but also long-term value,” he said.
The model has been a defining feature of Sobha’s growth across the UAE, including projects such as Sobha Siniya Island and Downtown UAQ, where the company has focused on design-led, masterplanned communities.
The development will tap into Abu Dhabi’s next growth cycle as it positions itself as a global investment and lifestyle destination.
