Lulu Island: Abu Dhabi’s Next Waterfront Investment Opportunity

For decades, Lulu Island has remained one of Abu Dhabi’s most prominent yet largely underdeveloped waterfront locations. Situated approximately 500 metres off Abu Dhabi Corniche, the man-made island occupies a rare position between the capital’s city centre and the Arabian Gulf.

Its long-awaited transformation is now gaining momentum. Eagle Hills Properties has confirmed that it will undertake the redevelopment of Lulu Island, marking an important step towards unlocking one of the capital’s largest remaining waterfront sites.

Although the new master plan, property types and launch timeline have not yet been announced, Lulu Island’s central location, substantial land area and waterfront setting could make it one of Abu Dhabi’s most anticipated future developments.

What Is Happening to Lulu Island Abu Dhabi?

Lulu Island is moving towards major redevelopment after remaining largely untouched for several decades.

The approximately 400-hectare man-made island was created between the late 1980s and early 1990s using reclaimed land. It was initially designed to function as a breakwater, helping protect Abu Dhabi Island and its coastline from waves and high tides.

Several development plans have been proposed for the island over the years, but none resulted in its complete transformation. Eagle Hills Properties has now confirmed that it will undertake the development, while recent activity on the island indicates that work is progressing.

The final Lulu Island master plan, project value, construction timeline and residential offering have not yet been officially disclosed. Further information is expected to be announced through the developer and its authorised partners.

Where Is Lulu Island Abu Dhabi Located?

Lulu Island is located in the Arabian Gulf, approximately 500 metres off Abu Dhabi Corniche and directly opposite central Abu Dhabi.

Its position could provide several advantages:

• Panoramic views of Abu Dhabi’s skyline
• Close proximity to Abu Dhabi Corniche
• Convenient access to central city districts
• A combination of island living and urban connectivity
• Potential future road and water transport connections

Unlike waterfront communities located farther from the city centre, Lulu Island could offer a private island environment within close reach of Abu Dhabi’s established commercial, residential and lifestyle destinations.

Previous planning concepts considered possible connections to the Corniche, Marina Mall and Mina Zayed. However, the access network for the new Eagle Hills development has not yet been officially confirmed.

Who Is Developing Lulu Island Abu Dhabi?

Eagle Hills is an Abu Dhabi-based private real estate investment and development company chaired by Mohamed Alabbar. The developer specialises in large-scale residential, hospitality and mixed-use destinations across the UAE and international markets.

The company is also behind Ramhan Island, a premium waterfront development in Abu Dhabi featuring villas, residences, a marina, hospitality offerings and lifestyle facilities.

Eagle Hills’ involvement brings extensive waterfront and master-planning experience to the Lulu Island redevelopment. However, the developer has not yet released detailed plans for the project.

Lulu Island Master Plan: What Could Be Built?

The new Lulu Island master plan has not yet been officially revealed. As a result, no property types, facilities or design elements should currently be considered confirmed.

Previous master-planning studies envisioned Lulu Island as a low-rise, mixed-use waterfront destination. Earlier concepts included:

• Luxury residential communities
• Villas and premium homes
• Low-rise apartment buildings
• Hotels and hospitality destinations
• Public and private beaches
• Parks and landscaped spaces
• Retail and dining facilities
• Recreational and cultural attractions
• Pedestrian-friendly waterfront areas

Historical planning frameworks also placed considerable importance on public space, waterfront access, cultural tourism and development that respected the island’s natural setting.

Property advisers expect the new project to favour low-rise residences, potentially including apartments, villas and mansions. These expectations remain speculative until Eagle Hills releases the official Lulu Island master plan.

Why Lulu Island Could Become Abu Dhabi’s Next Luxury Waterfront Destination

Abu Dhabi has been transforming its coastline through carefully planned destinations that combine residential properties with culture, leisure, nature and waterfront experiences.

Saadiyat Island is recognised for its cultural institutions and beachfront properties, while Yas Island offers entertainment attractions and family-oriented communities. Hudayriyat Island focuses on nature and active living, while Ramhan Island introduces a more private waterfront lifestyle.

Lulu Island could add a different proposition to Abu Dhabi’s waterfront portfolio: central island living within close proximity to the city.

Its location opposite Abu Dhabi Corniche could allow the future community to offer privacy, sea views and waterfront surroundings without placing residents far from the capital’s established districts.

Is Lulu Island Abu Dhabi a Good Investment?

Lulu Island could become a compelling future investment opportunity, but its full potential can only be assessed once the developer announces the properties, prices, payment plans, ownership terms and delivery schedule.

Several factors make the development worth monitoring.

Prime Waterfront Location

Lulu Island occupies a prominent position opposite Abu Dhabi Corniche. Waterfront sites of this size and proximity to the city centre are limited, giving the island a distinct position within the capital’s property market.

Limited Waterfront Supply

Waterfront homes with sea views, lifestyle facilities and convenient city access remain highly sought after. The limited availability of centrally located island developments could support buyer and tenant interest if Lulu Island is developed as a premium residential destination.

Growing Demand for Luxury Homes

Abu Dhabi continues to attract affluent residents and international buyers seeking larger properties, greater privacy and access to beaches, landscaped spaces and waterfront amenities.

If the development includes villas, mansions or low-density residences, it could appeal to buyers seeking premium homes within easy reach of central Abu Dhabi.

Experienced Waterfront Developer

Eagle Hills has experience developing residential, hospitality and mixed-use waterfront destinations. Its involvement could support the creation of an integrated community rather than a standalone collection of properties.

Long-Term Development Potential

Lulu Island forms part of Abu Dhabi’s broader evolution as a residential, tourism and investment destination. Its transformation could create new homes, hospitality offerings, attractions and public spaces while extending the city’s waterfront environment.

Investors should nevertheless wait for verified project information before assessing potential returns, rental demand or capital appreciation.

Abu Dhabi Real Estate Market and Future Growth

The redevelopment of Lulu Island comes as Abu Dhabi’s property market attracts growing interest from residents, international buyers and long-term investors.

Demand has been particularly visible across:

• Waterfront developments
• Luxury villas and apartments
• New master-planned communities
• Off-plan properties
• Lifestyle-led residential destinations
• Freehold opportunities for international buyers

Lulu Island’s redevelopment aligns with Abu Dhabi’s long-term approach to creating thoughtfully planned destinations focused on quality of life, sustainability, connectivity and the natural environment.

Its central location could make the island particularly attractive if the final master plan balances premium residential properties with beaches, green spaces, leisure facilities and convenient access to the city.

What Makes Lulu Island Different From Other Abu Dhabi Developments?

Each of Abu Dhabi’s major island destinations offers a distinct residential and lifestyle proposition.

Lulu Island’s potential comes from four defining qualities:

• A central location opposite Abu Dhabi Corniche
• A private island environment close to the city
• Limited and potentially valuable waterfront land
• Scope for a premium, low-density master-planned community

Rather than competing directly with Abu Dhabi’s existing islands, Lulu Island could introduce a new residential proposition centred on accessible island living.

The Future of Lulu Island Abu Dhabi

Lulu Island represents more than a new property development. Its redevelopment could transform a long-underused coastal site into an important residential, hospitality and lifestyle destination.

Eagle Hills’ involvement has brought renewed attention to the island, but important details remain unconfirmed. Buyers are still waiting for the official master plan, property types, ownership structure, prices, payment plans and launch date.

Until those details are released, Lulu Island should be viewed as a future opportunity worth monitoring rather than an active investment offering.

For buyers and investors exploring Abu Dhabi real estate, the project provides an opportunity to follow one of the capital’s most significant waterfront transformations from its earliest stages.