Abu Dhabi's Lulu Island Set for Major Transformation as Eagle Hills Properties Confirms Development Plans

An Abu Dhabi island left largely untouched for decades is primed for transformation as part of the capital's long-term expansion drive. Eagle Hills Properties has confirmed it is overseeing a development project on the man-made Lulu Island.

The island, located about 500 metres from Abu Dhabi's Corniche, was built in the 1990s to serve as a breakwater against high tides and is currently accessible only by boat. Featuring large beaches, clear waters, and panoramic views of the city, it has long been viewed as a site with immense potential for major residential and development projects. Although previous masterplans failed to materialize over the years, the sprawling island is now moving closer to welcoming its first residents.

“We can confirm that the development will be undertaken by Eagle Hills Properties,” the developer stated to The National, without disclosing specific project details. “Further information regarding the project, including any additional details, will be communicated in due course through our official channels and those of our partners,” the company added.

Boats from Blue Shark Boat Rental have been actively ferrying workers to the island, where cranes and excavators are already in operation. Additionally, a handful of show homes have recently been constructed facing the city. Headed by Mohamed Alabbar—the Emirati real estate visionary behind Emaar, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall—Eagle Hills operates in more than 20 countries and previously developed the masterplanned Ramhan Island luxury waterfront community in Abu Dhabi.

Originally named Al Lulu (meaning "pearl" in Arabic), the 400-hectare island was created from reclaimed sand between 1986 and 1992. Development contracts date back to 2002, when Al Geemi Contracting secured a Dh25 million development contract. The island briefly opened to the public in 2007 with amenities including two restaurants, four coffee shops, a horse and camel riding track, two artificial lakes, and a passenger ferry service. Sorouh Real Estate also appointed Miami's Arquitectonica to draft a masterplan that same year.

However, the 2008 financial crisis stalled progress, leading to Sorouh merging with Aldar Properties in 2013. The ferry service was suspended in January 2009, restricting public access. More recently, the island welcomed visitors during the 2023 Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative, where buses toured the abandoned land and art installations enlivened the landscape.

Under the Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 framework, the island's projected population is estimated at 20,000 residents, with plans for abundant beaches and green spaces. Recent aerial photography reveals a canal being excavated through the center of the island. Described in official planning documents as a vital component of the Capital City Framework, the site holds deep symbolic importance for displaying Abu Dhabi's history, culture, and achievements.

Industry experts anticipate swift progress for the project. Lasse Frederik Pedersen, a senior investment adviser at Equiti Real Estates in Dubai, notes expectations for low-rise buildings, apartments, villas, and mansions spanning three to four floors. Bridges are also anticipated to connect Lulu Island to Abu Dhabi Island and the Mina Zayed development.

Eyal Ashur, a UAE property sales consultant and founder of Nooma Properties, emphasized the strategic location of Lulu Island, noting potential connections to Marina Mall, the Corniche, and Mina Zayed. Supported by a growing influx of high-net-worth individuals and favorable foreign freehold property ownership laws introduced in 2019, Abu Dhabi continues to experience robust demand in its luxury real estate market.