Hudayriyat Island

Hudayriyat Island is a large island immediately south-west of Abu Dhabi city, facing Al Bateen across the water and master-developed by Modon. It began as the capital’s sports and leisure island, with Surf Abu Dhabi, the Velodrome, 321 Sports, Trail X and Circuit X, and Marsana Beach, and is now adding residential districts around that infrastructure. The buyers are families and international clients who want space, elevation and sea views within minutes of the city, and who would rather own a villa than an apartment.

Why buyers choose Hudayriyat Island

Two reasons stand out. The first is land: Wadeem, launched in July 2025, was described by Modon as the first new offering of plots this close to the city’s most exclusive areas in more than 15 years. The second is topography. Nawayef is the only elevated villa land in Abu Dhabi, with hilltop plots that look back over the skyline and out to the Gulf. Everything else on the island, from the cycling network to the upcoming urban park, is a bonus. Hudayriyat Island is freehold for all nationalities and registered through ADREC. From Dubai the drive is roughly 90 minutes, slightly longer than Saadiyat because the island sits on the far side of the city.

What’s available: homes and price context

Hudayriyat Island is a villa market, not an apartment market. Homes range from four-bedroom villas to eight-bedroom mansions on the Nawayef hills, plus plots for buyers who want to design their own. Modon’s own indicative pricing has placed Nawayef East villas from around AED 6.6M, hilltop Heights plots from around AED 19.3M and Wadeem Gardens villas from around AED 8.7M at launch; treat these as approximate and confirm current availability with your advisor. Modon’s payment structures have been construction-weighted, which suits buyers who prefer to pay as the island matures.

New developments and off-plan in Hudayriyat Island

Renaissance currently presents two Modon collections on Hudayriyat Island.

• Nawayef East: four- to eight-bedroom villas and mansions on the elevated Nawayef land, under construction with handover due Q3 2028. Payment plan 10/30/60. The hilltop Heights plots are the island’s most distinctive positions.
• Wadeem Gardens: four- to six-bedroom villas in the Wadeem district opposite Al Bateen, launching in 2026 with handover due Q2 2031. Payment plan 5% on booking, 20% during construction, 75% on handover, with ADIB finance available up to 75%. This is the first chance to own a built villa in Wadeem from launch.

Living in Hudayriyat Island

Life here is outdoors. Residents have the surf park, the velodrome, obstacle and trail courses, sports fields, beaches and a long cycling and running network, and Wadeem is planned with its own community centre, school, mosque and central park. The island connects by bridge to the mainland; Al Bateen, the Corniche and the Marina Mall are around 15 to 20 minutes, Al Maryah Island around 25 minutes and Zayed International Airport around 40 minutes. The honest caveat is that the island is still being built, so a buyer in 2026 is purchasing the finished picture rather than the current one.

What to prioritise

Elevation and view first: on Hudayriyat Island, a plot that holds a skyline or sea view from height is the asset, and those positions are limited. Next, distinguish between buying a finished villa and buying a plot; a plot gives control over the architecture but demands a design, approval and build programme that typically takes three to four years. Then weigh the handover date against your plans. Nawayef East at 2028 is an earlier-cycle purchase; Wadeem Gardens at 2031 is a longer hold with a lighter payment schedule. Finally, consider how the island’s phasing may affect resale: early buyers benefit most when later, more expensive releases set the market.

How Renaissance advises on Hudayriyat Island

Renaissance works only above AED 5M and presents Abu Dhabi collections by appointment. A client receives a dedicated advisor who has walked the Nawayef hills, understands Modon’s release sequence and can compare Hudayriyat Island candidly with Saadiyat and Fahid. We coordinate plot selection, payment-plan and finance options and the ADREC registration process for Dubai-based and international buyers, and we keep clients informed as further Hudayriyat Island districts come to market.

Hudayriyat Island: questions buyers ask