Abu Dhabi has announced the launch of a massive residential sanctuary being developed over a sprawling 4-million-sq-m area near the Yas Island at an estimated cost of Dh5 billion ($1.36 billion) that will offer its 6,000 residents plots ranging in size from 1,500 to 5,000 sq m as well as villas ranging in size from 300 to 1,200 sq m in a stunning natural setting surrounded by mangrove forests teeming with wildlife.

Strategically located between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, the Jubail Island boasts a pristine 13-km waterfront mainly designed to appeal to wellness and nature enthusiasts, said the project developer Jubail Island Investment Company (JIIC).

Announcing the official launch, JIIC said 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.

The mammoth project is set to 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 stated.

The development is a short 15-minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi and only a 50-minute drive from Dubai Marina. It is also within easy access to key attractions such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall, Al Maryah Island and Abu Dhabi Island.

Comprising 400 single-family and 400 multi-family homes, the project is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2022, varied ownership options mean that plots can be arranged for handover as early as Q1 2021.

Once completed, Jubail Island will be home to between 5,000 and 6,000 residents, stated the developer.

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.

The major facilities will include food and beverages (F&B) outlets, a beach club, a business centre, a sports centre, schools, supermarkets, nurseries, a community club, specialised clinics and other commercial establishments.

JIIC has roped in leading UAE consultant, Lead Development, as the development management firm for the mega project, while a consortium of international architects and planners, including US-based Arquitectonica and Spanish group Ramón Esteve besides the global practice Broadway Malyan, will be part of the ambitious project.

Unveiling the development, JIIC Chairman Hamad Rashid Al Nuaimi said: "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."

"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," he added.

JIIC Managing Director Mounir Haidar 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 Economic Vision 2030," stated Haidar.

"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," said the top official.

"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," he revealed.

"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," he added.

Haidar pointed out that JIIC had engaged a group of acclaimed designers, architects, and engineers to help the company achieve its vision, and said that it remained committed to the timely delivery of Jubail Island in accordance with the highest international construction standards.

"With a Pearl Rating from Abu Dhabi’s Estidama certification system, the project is also set to 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," stated Haidar.

"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," he added.-TradeArabia News Service