UAE to Invest $28.8B in 40,000 Emirati Homes Across Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, UAE – September 25, 2025: In a landmark announcement aimed at transforming the housing landscape for Emiratis, Abu Dhabi has unveiled a USD 28.8 billion (AED 106 billion) master plan to develop 13 new residential communities, delivering more than 40,000 homes and land plots over the next five years.

The large-scale initiative, revealed during a high-profile ceremony at Qasr Al Bahr attended by President Sheikh Mohamed, represents a significant step in the UAE’s efforts to enhance living standards and provide high-quality, sustainable housing for its citizens.

Five-Year Plan for 40,000 Homes and Plots

Under the new strategy, 25,244 housing units will be built at a total cost of USD 25.6 billion (AED 94 billion). In addition, 14,876 residential plots will be developed for Emirati families at a cost of USD 3.3 billion (AED 12 billion), according to state news agency WAM.

The master plan aims to create fully integrated communities equipped with essential services, green spaces, and recreational facilities to promote a balanced, modern lifestyle. Each neighborhood will feature:

• Commercial centers and retail hubs
• Mosques and schools
• Public parks and landscaped green areas
• Sports facilities and leisure amenities

Sustainability will be at the core of the design, with all developments aligned with the UAE’s long-term environmental and urban planning goals.

President Sheikh Mohamed emphasized that the initiative highlights “the housing sector's status as a national priority,” reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring quality living standards for every Emirati family.

Key Developers and Agreements Signed

The ambitious housing strategy will be executed through partnerships with several leading UAE developers, including Aldar Properties, Bloom Holding, Modon Properties, Wahat Al Zaweya Real Estate, and Imkan Properties.

During the ceremony, the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority and the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre signed a series of agreements to bring the plan to life, signaling strong collaboration between government agencies and the private sector.

Breakdown by Region

Abu Dhabi City

Six fully integrated residential communities will be developed within the city of Abu Dhabi, providing 14,444 housing units at a total cost of USD 15.1 billion (AED 55.38 billion). These projects will be delivered by Aldar Properties, Bloom Holding, and Modon Properties.

Al Ain

Five agreements were announced to build five residential communities in Al Ain, comprising 10,480 homes at a cost of USD 10 billion (AED 36.95 billion). The developments will be managed in partnership with Aldar Properties, Bloom Holding, Wahat Al Zaweya Real Estate, and Imkan Properties.

Al Dhafra Region

Two housing projects will be constructed in Al Sila and Madinat Zayed, delivering 320 homes at a total cost of USD 433 million (AED 1.59 billion). Aldar Properties will lead both developments, which aim to support the unique needs of these growing communities.

Population Growth Driving Housing Demand

The plan comes amid a period of rapid population growth in Abu Dhabi. Figures released in June show the emirate’s population exceeded four million for the first time, reaching 4,135,985 residents by the end of last year. This represents a 7.5% annual increase, driven largely by a 9.1% expansion in the workforce.

Over the past decade, Abu Dhabi’s population has grown by 51%, rising from 2.7 million in 2014 to over 4.1 million today. This surge has been fueled by the emirate’s emergence as a global hub for business, investment, and tourism.

The new housing projects underscore the government’s commitment to keeping pace with this growth by delivering quality, sustainable housing solutions for Emiratis.

Strong Real Estate Market Momentum

Abu Dhabi’s property market has been showing robust performance. In the first half of 2025, property transactions surged 42% year-on-year, reaching a total value of USD 14.7 billion (AED 54 billion).

Residential unit sales were a key driver of this growth, climbing 38% to USD 6.8 billion (AED 25 billion), according to the latest data from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre.

This surge in activity highlights strong investor confidence and reinforces the timing of the government’s large-scale housing initiative.

Supporting National Priorities

The 13 new residential communities will play a vital role in shaping Abu Dhabi’s urban future. By creating modern, fully serviced neighborhoods, the government aims to:

• Support population growth and family stability
• Enhance community living standards
• Strengthen infrastructure across urban and rural areas
• Promote environmental sustainability

The presence of top developers such as Aldar and Bloom underscores the scale and importance of this transformative initiative, which is expected to reshape the housing landscape across Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.

As Abu Dhabi continues to grow, this project reflects a clear vision: ensuring every Emirati has access to a home in a well-planned, thriving community.