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Welcome to Fahid Island: UAE’s first wellness-focused coastal destination

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Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector is making waves again with the launch of Fahid Island, a Dh40 billion masterplanned community by Aldar that’s being hailed as the capital’s first coastal wellness island.

Unveiled on Monday, the ambitious 2.7 million square metre destination is set to redefine waterfront living, offering over 6,000 upscale homes, 4.6km of pristine beaches, a 10km wellness corridor, and a vibrant waterfront promenade.

Strategically located between Yas and Saadiyat islands, Fahid Island promises residents easy access to Abu Dhabi’s top leisure, cultural and transport hubs, including Zayed International Airport, all within a 15-minute drive.

“Fahid Island is the latest chapter in our journey to create world-class communities that reflect the values and ambitions of the UAE,” said Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of Aldar.

A Global First in Wellness Living

The island has already made history by becoming the first in the world to receive Fitwel certification, a globally recognised standard for healthy buildings.

Over 30 per cent of the island will be dedicated to nature, with mangrove forests, shaded trails, and lush green spaces woven into its layout. The centrepiece will be the 10km Berm Park, a landscaped wellness corridor featuring three cycling routes that connect to Abu Dhabi’s wider cycle loop.

Signature Residences and Thoughtful Design

Residential offerings will feature designs by some of the world’s leading architects, including Japan’s Kengo Kuma and Koichi Takada, UK-based ACME, and UAE’s NAGA Architects.

The first phase of homes, the Fahid Beach Residences, will consist of seven mid-rise buildings with 65 apartments each. The masterplan also includes townhouses and ultra-luxury beachfront villas, offering a diverse mix for buyers and investors.

Lifestyle Meets Community

At the heart of the island will be a 2km waterfront promenade lined with retail and dining outlets, public art installations, and gathering spaces. Coral Drive, the project’s retail boulevard, will bring boutique shopping, cafes, concept outlets, and even a ballet school to the community.

In support of Abu Dhabi’s goal to become a hub for educational excellence, Aldar has partnered with a leading international provider to open a school on the island.

As Aldar continues to shape the future of waterfront living in the UAE, Fahid Island is poised to become a lifestyle destination.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Business

Big 5 Global returns to Dubai this November with over 2,800 exhibitors

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Big 5 Global, the largest construction and urban development event in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), is set to return to Dubai World Trade Centre from November 24 – 27 for its 46th edition.

The event is expected to gather more than 2,800 exhibitors and welcome over 85,000 professionals from across the global construction value chain, from planning and design to operations.

Big 5 Global comes as the Middle East and Africa account for $7 trillion in pre-construction projects, driven by large-scale urban development programmes and national visions such as We the UAE 2031 and Saudi Vision 2030.

“The global construction sector is at a tipping point,” said Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President, Construction at dmg events. 

“The scale of urban development underway in the MEASA region is historic, but the pressure to deliver is just as significant. Big 5 Global provides direct access to active projects, key stakeholders and insights, enabling the sector to navigate complexity with clarity.”

This year’s edition will feature nine specialised events, highlighting shifts in construction trends and innovation. Companies from more than 20 countries, including Germany, Italy, China, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the UK, are confirmed to participate.

Big 5 Global continues to serve as a key platform for collaboration, networking, and shaping the future of construction in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

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Companies

Dubai warns engineering firms over costly villa designs

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Dubai Municipality has issued warnings to several engineering consultancy offices after finding that they exaggerated structural designs for citizens’ villas.

According to officials, these inflated designs went against the Dubai Building Code and led to unnecessary construction costs for property owners, without any real engineering need.

The move is part of the Municipality’s efforts to regulate Dubai’s construction sector and protect residents from extra financial burdens. Consultancy offices across the emirate had already been reminded through circulars to strictly follow approved engineering standards.

Eng. Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency, said:

“Compliance with the Dubai Building Code is not only a legal requirement but also a professional and ethical responsibility. The goal is to ensure safe, high-quality construction without forcing citizens to pay more than necessary.”

She added that Dubai Municipality will continue to monitor consultancy offices and contractors to prevent excessive use of building materials, including steel, and ensure construction remains efficient, safe, and cost-effective.

Repeat offenders could face disciplinary measures, including poor annual evaluations or even suspension. Earlier this year, two consultancy offices were banned from licensing new projects for six months due to violations.

By cracking down on such practices, Dubai Municipality says it aims to strengthen the emirate’s construction sector, cut waste, and support sustainable urban growth.

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Lifestyle

British millionaires eye UAE amid UK wealth tax fears

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Amid mounting concerns over a possible wealth tax in the UK, the UAE is increasingly being seen as a preferred relocation hub for British millionaires, ranking alongside established tax havens such as Monaco and Malta.

A new survey by consultancy Arton Capital found that nearly 60 per cent of British millionaires believe they could have a better life abroad, with more than half saying they would consider leaving the UK if Chancellor Rachel Reeves implements new wealth-based taxes.

The research, carried out among 1,009 wealthy UK residents with assets of at least £1 million, revealed that the UAE ranked fourth globally as a preferred relocation option. The United States topped the list (35 per cent), followed by Canada (33 per cent) and Australia (25 per cent), while 17 per cent of respondents named the UAE as their destination of choice.

Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital, said the findings show the UK is “at a tipping point” as the government considers new levies on high-value homes and global inheritance tax for non-domiciled individuals. “The uncertainty around the government’s proposed wealth tax mirrors the ongoing economic uncertainty seen around the world, from Trump’s tariffs to conflict in the Middle East,” he said.

“The longer that unpredictability persists, the greater the risk of losing capital, talent, and long-term investment to countries that offer greater security for individuals, families, and their futures.”

The UAE, which has consistently ranked as one of the world’s most attractive hubs for wealthy expatriates, continues to draw global high-net-worth individuals thanks to its tax-free environment, political stability, and investor-friendly policies.

According to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report, the UK is expected to lose a record 16,500 millionaires in 2025, part of a broader global trend that could see 142,000 millionaires relocate this year alone.

Industry experts note that the UAE’s appeal has been bolstered by long-term residency programmes such as the Golden Visa, its diversified economy, and world-class lifestyle offering.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in particular, have cemented their status as safe havens for global wealth, attracting investors not only from Europe but also from Asia and Africa.

Meanwhile, more Conservative-leaning millionaires in Canada are also weighing the option of moving abroad compared to their Liberal counterparts, as the right-leaning party faces the prospect of losing a fourth consecutive election.

An Arton Capital Ltd. survey revealed that among Canadians with a net worth of at least C$1 million ($721,000), 34 per cent of Conservative voters said they are now more likely to leave the country than they were during the 2021 election, while 28 per cent said they are less likely.

The findings highlight the growing trend of wealthy Canadians reassessing their future in light of political and economic shifts, with affluent individuals increasingly considering relocation to jurisdictions that offer greater stability, lower taxation, and stronger wealth-preservation policies.

For the UAE, this presents another opportunity to position itself as the destination of choice for individuals seeking stability, growth, and long-term prosperity.

Source: Azertag/Bloomberg

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