Aldar and DMT Partner on Abu Dhabi Urban Growth Plan

ABU DHABI, UAE – Aldar and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) have announced a landmark public-private partnership to deliver new integrated communities spanning more than 20 million square metres across five strategic locations in Abu Dhabi.

The new communities will bring together residential, retail, educational and lifestyle offerings within thoughtfully planned, walkable neighbourhoods featuring green public spaces and seamless connectivity to Abu Dhabi’s wider transport networks.

The master developments will draw on Aldar’s extensive expertise in delivering some of Abu Dhabi’s most prominent destinations, including Saadiyat Island, Yas Island and Al Raha Beach.

The collaboration directly supports the emirate’s broader urban development and housing priorities, including the expansion of the Value Housing Programme, a DMT-led initiative that increases access to high-quality, affordable rental housing in Abu Dhabi.

The agreement also represents a new model for urban development in the emirate, aligning housing accessibility, community building and long-term economic growth within a single, coordinated framework, with DMT contributing land and Aldar serving as master developer.

Public-private partnership

The partnership was inaugurated during the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit 2026 in the presence of Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport - Abu Dhabi; and Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Aldar.

The agreement was signed by Abdulla Mohamed Al Blooshi, Director-General of the Urban Planning and Permits Centre at the Department of Municipalities and Transport, and Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Aldar.

Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Aldar, said, “This strategic partnership marks an important step in shaping Abu Dhabi’s next phase of urban growth. As the emirate continues to attract residents, businesses, and investment, there is a growing need for thoughtfully planned destinations that expand housing choice across multiple market segments while enhancing quality of life. Through this collaboration with DMT, we will shape communities that will meet evolving market needs and support the emirate’s long-term development ambitions. The scale and breadth of these projects reflect Aldar’s strong conviction in the long-term fundamentals of Abu Dhabi’s real estate market and our continued confidence in the emirate’s economic growth trajectory.”

Abdulla Mohamed Al Blooshi, Director-General of the Urban Planning and Permits Centre at the Department of Municipalities and Transport, said, "This partnership with Aldar represents a new model for Abu Dhabi’s urban development, one that brings together strategic master planning, private-sector execution capability, and government oversight to deliver transformational growth. By collaborating with a trusted partner like Aldar, DMT can accelerate the delivery of the housing and mixed-use communities Abu Dhabi needs, while maintaining the highest standards of planning, sustainability, and quality of life.”

Expanding housing choice

At the heart of the partnership is a commitment to expanding housing choice for both sale and rent, while raising the standard of community living across Abu Dhabi.

At Muwaylih, Mussafah, Al Zahiya and Al Faya, the partners will create a mix of lifestyle-focused developments and Value Housing Programme homes, with design inspiration taken from the unique character and qualities of each area.

The communities are intended to serve residents across a range of market segments, supporting Abu Dhabi’s need for diverse housing options as the emirate continues to grow.

Each destination is being planned around walkable neighbourhoods, green public spaces, schools, retail and places to gather, creating environments connected to the wider city and shaped around the lifestyle needs of residents.

Strategically located along major road networks, the developments are designed to provide seamless connectivity across Abu Dhabi while fostering a strong sense of place and belonging.

Value Housing Programme

The partnership marks a significant expansion of the Value Housing Programme, building on a recently announced commitment to develop two integrated communities in Mohamed Bin Zayed City and Baniyas.

Those communities are expected to deliver 9,000 residential units to Abu Dhabi’s rental market, supporting the emirate’s efforts to broaden access to quality housing and strengthen long-term residential supply.

The wider collaboration between Aldar and DMT reinforces the role of coordinated public-private delivery in addressing future housing demand while maintaining high standards of planning, sustainability and liveability.

Al Mihsinah Island

The partners will also activate Al Mihsinah Island for the first time, creating a landmark waterfront community.

Designed to combine natural coastal surroundings with thoughtfully planned residential neighbourhoods and lifestyle amenities, the development will offer a living experience that blends wellness, tranquillity and connectivity within a waterfront setting.

The activation of Al Mihsinah Island adds a new dimension to Abu Dhabi’s development pipeline, introducing a coastal destination that supports the emirate’s broader approach to integrated urban growth.

Long-term urban development

The partnership is a direct expression of Abu Dhabi’s urban development strategy, placing integrated community planning, housing accessibility and long-term liveability at its core.

By combining public-sector land stewardship with private-sector development expertise, Aldar and DMT are establishing a model for purposeful and inclusive development that can be replicated across the emirate.

The agreement also reflects growing demand for well-connected, mixed-use communities that balance housing, mobility, public space and lifestyle infrastructure as Abu Dhabi continues to expand its residential and economic base.