Latest news with #JubailIsland
Zawya
15-07-2025
- General
- Zawya
Founding Principal announced for flagship Gordonstoun School on Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The first Gordonstoun school campus outside of Scotland has announced the appointment of Mr. Brendan Law as the Founding Principal for Gordonstoun Jubail, under the International Education Holding (IEH). Brendan Law has an impressive track record and wealth of regional experience establishing high-quality educational institutions. He will join IEH in September 2025 and supervise the opening of the new school for September 2027 before serving as the school's first Principal. Gordonstoun, the world-famous Scottish independent school, is known around the world for its ethos of developing character, leadership, and service; values that are extremely pertinent for the UAE. Set in the heart of Abu Dhabi on Jubail Island and surrounded by pristine mangroves, the new campus will form a centrepiece of one of the UAE's most exclusive residential developments. Planned for multi-generational living and deeply inspired by Emirati tradition, Jubail Island shares many of the values that Gordonstoun espouses: resilience, responsibility, and a profound appreciation for the value of community. Mr. Law is a familiar figure in the education sector in the UAE. He was the Director of Education at TDIC in Abu Dhabi and the Founding Headmaster of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi. He has held leadership positions at Brighton College and GEMS Education. Most recently, he served as Director General of Wuxi Dipont School of Arts and Science in China, and before that, he was the CEO of Misk Schools in Riyadh, bringing global education to local communities in the Kingdom under Vision 2030. 'It is a tremendous honour to bring Gordonstoun's vision to life in Jubail Island,' said Mr. Law. 'We look forward to shaping a new generation of leaders in a school environment like no other.' Gordonstoun's ethos echoes Jubail Island's overarching vision to create a community where young people learn about challenges, compassion, responsibility and resilience. Students will not only have the opportunity to attain academic success through the English GCSE and A Level educational program but also draw from learning experiences rooted in nature and action-based learning that work in harmony with the setting and culture of the island. A low-density masterplan, conservation-led environment and unique lifestyle proposition, make Jubail Island the perfect location to launch world-class education in Abu Dhabi that is synonymous with Gordonstoun. This collaboration reflects a joint vision, to nurture future leaders who are as rooted in their heritage as they are open to modern technology and ideas.
The National
04-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The National
Jubail Island is fast emerging as the place to 'grow and live naturally'
In an age of vertical cities and tight grids, Abu Dhabi's emerging Jubail Island community pledged to go the other way. Life there follows the land, not the other way around, says its developer, stating that few places offer such proximity to the UAE capital's centre while preserving uninterrupted access to nature. Jubail Island is surrounded by kilometres of protected mangroves, waterways and forested trails, all of which make it 'the place to be' for families wanting more than just a place to live. Conceptualised and developed by LEAD Development, the 4,000-hectare waterfront master-planned community is redefining what it means to live well at 'human speed'. It is surrounded by nature with space to grow for generations to come, the company says. 'Our first design decision wasn't about buildings, it was about respecting the land,' explains Mounir Haidar, co-founder and managing partner at LEAD Development. 'The masterplan was intended to protect natural contours, preserve views, and create a sense of calm private life - without sacrificing social connectivity.' This means wide setbacks, organic road networks, and walkable neighbourhoods woven together by green spaces, and a low-density footprint in contrast to many of the UAE's community developments. Branding it as six 'villages' and one integrated life, LEAD Development describes Jubail Island as not a single location, but many. Each village yields a 'unique residential personality', offering a diverse selection of neighbourhoods, from seafront mansions to apartments and custom-built villas. They are all highly pedestrianised with direct access to landscaped parks, shaded pathways and village centres. From the Redwood Nursery to the skatepark, to sunset cycles along the mangroves, every journey is designed to feel effortless, so movement is not a chore but is 'woven into the rhythm of your day'. 'People are choosing Jubail because they want to feel connected to nature, to their families, and to a community with shared values,' continues Haidar. 'That's why our emphasis is on open space and human-scale design where 'life happens, organically'. 'True lifestyle isn't styled - it's planned with purpose. With amenities that cater to all generations, the island is constructed around movement, social connection, health and wellness.' For families with children, Jubail Island features more than 100km of pedestrian pathways, and 1.2 million sqm of landscaped parks to explore. Several playgrounds, pools, an indoor play hall, and family-oriented clubhouses are on the way. Health-conscious residents can enjoy specialised sports facilities. These include tennis and basketball courts, a paddle club, a football pitch, an equestrian school, and fitness studios, alongside an expanding calendar of community-led classes and events. For nature lovers, there is the opportunity to kayak from the public docks, hike a mangrove boardwalk, or witness nesting birds along the island's preserved ecological corridors. All things lady-centric are celebrated at Ain Al Maha Women's Centre, from yoga and kayaking to cycle training, specifically programmed for the community's female residents. LEAD Development says Jubail Island stands apart from its promises on paper as it is already a functioning, growing community. Individuals who bought plots have begun constructing their homes - from the start of 2023; by the end of 2024, more than 400 units had been delivered, with hundreds more under construction. With amenities such as Spinneys supermarket, the Redwood Centre, and Gordonstoun's first school campus outside of Scotland, through to the Jubail Island Paddle Club and Mangrove Park, the community's 'key pillars of daily life' are already in place. LEAD Development says the island isn't waiting to be lived on, it is already thriving - and that 'the difference' is the degree of integration on Jubail Island. It says it is all part of a larger philosophy that places a premium on mental and physical health, from school drop-off to connections to the community, to access to nature. Jubail Island is touted as a location that is more than the sum of its homes, its architecture and amenities, but is an emerging 'actual community'. The developer says social events will add 'rhythm and connection' to the area's growing lifestyle so that owners are part of a place where life feels balanced and linked - both close to the city, yet also far from the noise. While offering tranquility, Jubail Island is within easy reach of Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and downtown Abu Dhabi. Such accessibility means that residents don't have to decide between 'retreat and convenience', while it also makes the island a perfect home choice for professionals, business owners and families who 'want it all'. 'People always say they feel like they're on holiday - at home,' adds Haidar. 'That's what we set out to do…create a place where people can feel like they can breathe, grow, and thrive.' Looking ahead, as LEAD Development continues with phased handovers and the next stage of construction, it describes its vision as straightforward - to 'keep developing with care'. It says the masterplan will be defined by the same restraint and long-term thinking that have made the project possible in the first place. And that amid the pace of Abu Dhabi's development, Jubail Island offers a curated lifestyle that its residents have already begun to embrace.
Zawya
02-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jubail Island celebrates Spinneys grand opening,
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Jubail Island Investment Company (JIIC) announced the grand opening of a new Spinneys supermarket at Souk Al Jubail, the vibrant central hub of Jubail Island. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held earlier, was attended by Mr. Ali S Mr. Ali Saeed Juma Al Bwardy, Chairman of Spinneys, Engineer Abdulla Al Shamsi, General Manager of JIIC, and Mr. Sunil Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of Spinneys. The opening marks a significant milestone in the island's ongoing development, enhancing convenience and delivering a premium retail experience to residents and visitors alike. Engineer Abdulla Al Shamsi commented, 'Spinneys' arrival marks a pivotal moment for Jubail Island, elevating our retail offering with a brand synonymous with excellence in the UAE. Their unwavering commitment to sustainability, premium quality, and community-focused retail mirrors our own vision for a holistic, future-ready lifestyle. Together, we are not just opening a supermarket—we are creating a destination that enriches daily life for residents and sets a new benchmark for integrated living in Abu Dhabi.' The new 1,000 square-metre standalone Spinneys store, located at the main entrance of Jubail Island, features dedicated parking and is easily accessible via the Jubail Island bridge (Exit 17) on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Highway (E12). It will serve the island's growing community, as well as office workers and visitors. Mr. Sunil Kumar, CEO of Spinneys, said: 'The opening of our new store on Jubail Island marks another exciting step in our journey to bring Spinneys' fresh food promise to more communities across the UAE. We're delighted to be part of one of Abu Dhabi's most exciting new communities and look forward to welcoming customers to enjoy our fresh, premium grocery experience.' The opening of Spinneys is part of a broader vision to create a fully integrated lifestyle destination on Jubail Island, where lush landscapes and thoughtfully designed community amenities blend seamlessly. Residents can enjoy everything from parks and sports facilities to retail and dining options, all within a walkable, interconnected environment. Following Spinneys' debut, Jubail Town Centre, the island's vibrant commercial hub, will welcome a series of new openings, further enriching daily life. Here, 8,000 square metres of retail space and 18,000 square metres of offices will sit alongside premium food and beverage pavilions, wellness spaces, and a curated mix of cafés and restaurants. Every convenience is designed to be just steps away, reinforcing Jubail Island's position as one of the UAE capital's most sought-after addresses. Spinneys is a leading premium supermarket chain, working with growers worldwide to bring the finest produce to its stores and serving over 100,000 customers daily. It operates more than 65 branches across the UAE, and the Jubail Island supermarket will be the 12th store in Abu Dhabi. Owned by JIIC and developed and managed by LEAD Real Estate Developer, Jubail Island comprises six residential villages nestled among the breathtaking natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the mangroves. The low-density, low-impact landmark community offers residents convenience and amenity, seamlessly blending sustainable living, luxury, and wellness in an iconic new addition to Abu Dhabi's real estate landscape. For more information, please contact +971 2 448 0011 or email info@ About Jubail Island The Jubail Island development will be an idyllic collection of villages located between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island and will become Abu Dhabi's leading sanctuary designed to appeal to wellness and nature enthusiasts, positioned amid the rich biodiversity of the mangroves. The luxury project will offer wholesome F&B outlets and a wide range of amenities, including a beach club, a business centre, a school, a supermarket, a nursery, a specialised clinic, sports facilities, community centres, and other commercial establishments. For more information, please visit Keep up to date with the latest updates @jubailisland: Instagram Facebook
The National
06-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Abu Dhabi's Fahid Island plans give us another peek at the city's extraordinary future
Developer Aldar Properties this week announced its plans for Fahid Island, the sliver of land that sits between Abu Dhabi's Yas and Jubail islands and connects via the road-and-bridge network with Saadiyat. By doing so, we now have a more complete picture of the plan for this quartet of isles that cluster from the mainland near Zayed International Airport to the top of Abu Dhabi city and the Mina Zayed district – and a better sense of the city's present and its prospective future. The developer said at the launch of its Fahid master plan that it will deliver a range of luxury apartments, townhouses and villas to the island, as well as a range of other amenities. Aldar described the project as being designed to draw people from around the city to use its leisure facilities and it was expecting international interest in the scheme. Next door, development of Jubail Island carries on at pace as regular users of the Saadiyat highway will testify. JIIC, the investment company at the heart of the island's development, has previously said the project will combine six residential village estates. Jubail will also be home to a branch of Gordonstoun school, via a licensing agreement that will use the storied Scottish institution's expertise and curriculum. The plan also allows for the majority of the island to remain as a salt marsh and mangrove sanctuary. The natural beauty of Jubail's Mangrove Walking Park is already a fixture of the city's ever-expanding visitor experience. With each passing year, both Saadiyat and Yas, which bookend Jubail and Fahid, become more impressive environments. On Saadiyat, the multi-sensory experience that is TeamLab Phenomena opened in the cultural district earlier this spring. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum are rapidly moving from architectural dream to built reality. So too the Natural History Museum, which promises to be a time capsule that takes visitors back to millions of years ago. Louvre Abu Dhabi has been a much-loved fixture of Saadiyat since it opened in late 2017. Banks of housing stock are fast emerging from the ground, which also hosts prominent education establishments, restaurants, hotels and a long ribbon of luxury housing at its far boundary, known as Hidd. With each passing year, both Saadiyat and Yas, which bookend Jubail and Fahid, become more impressive environments Yas, the buffer before the mainland, rightly stakes its claim as a world-class entertainment destination with its concert arena, F1 track, multiple theme parks - Warner Bros, Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World and Seaworld - as well as hotels, offices, several hues of residential stock and a full suite of leisure pursuits. The latest announcement, delivered last month, is arguably the biggest headliner of them all: the arrival of Disneyland within a decade. Experts say the Disney effect is already in motion, with the announcement instantly creating more interest in the residential property market in the city. That may provide mixed news for those seeking to move to the island, with prices likely to increase, but the overall impact of Disney's arrival is largely positive. Certainly, its presence will also accelerate growth in some sectors of the job market, too. If the Disney effect is at work at one end of that chain of islands, the Bilbao or Guggenheim effect has also been long talked about at the other end, in the context of the cultural district. The introduction of the Guggenheim to the Spanish port city, now almost 30 years ago, helped kickstart economic development and urban regeneration. Its impact will be felt differently in Abu Dhabi, however, sitting as it will do within Saadiyat's constellation of cultural stars, but there is also little doubt the Guggenheim will have an effect in Abu Dhabi, too. It is easy to forget now that Saadiyat and Yas were only connected to the city in 2009, with the opening of the Sheikh Khalifa Bridge and associated motorway that linked these islands with the mainland and the city and the complete offering we see now. The opening of that infrastructure was the moment that the exquisitely detailed scale models of what the future might look like began their journey towards the present. Around the same late aughts period, famed architect and urbanist Rem Koolhaas remarked 'the Gulf is not just reconfiguring itself, it's reconfiguring the world', in reference not just to the plans that were emerging across in the region. Perhaps people also took it to mean that the spectacular was possible in a way that had once been impossible, such as the world's tallest building opening in Dubai in 2009. It also used to be traditional to frame pieces about Abu Dhabi internationally with the idea of something extraordinary happening in the desert environment. With hindsight, those portrayals only told a fragment of the whole story, being overly focused on the possibility of structures emerging from barren ground rather than what was supporting that development in the first place. What they missed were the intangible assets of the city and the country, such as the safety of society – UAE cities are consistently ranked the safest in the world – and the certainty and confidence that means those visions were always destined to become reality. As much as the renderings and sketches are there to entice – in Fahid today, just as they were for yesteryear Saadiyat – it is that certainty about today that makes the possibility of tomorrow so exciting.
Khaleej Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi rents surge up to 12%: What is driving soaring rental prices in 2025?
Abu Dhabi's residential market has rapidly absorbed new supply over the past 18 months, driven by exceptionally high occupancy and surging demand, pushing rents up by as much as 12 per cent. Around 1,200 residential units, including 700 apartments and 500 villas, were delivered during Q1 2025 in Jubail Island, Bloom Living, and Al Raha Beach. Yet, occupancy levels remain robust, exceeding 95 per cent in many investment zones, according to Asteco. The development pipeline remains active, projecting nearly 5,500 further residential handovers by year-end, concentrated in key areas such as Yas Island, Masdar City, Saadiyat Island and Al Reem Island. A sharp rise in population, reaching 3.789 million as of September 2023, has significantly boosted demand from both tenants and buyers. "High occupancy rates were maintained across all Investment Zones, effectively absorbing the steady delivery of new supply over the past 18 months. Exemplifying this trend, newly constructed developments in areas such as Al Raha Beach report occupancy levels surpassing 95 per cent and achieving strong rental rates,' said the real estate consultancy. 'This widespread positive performance, characterised by increasing rents and high occupancy, underscores the fundamental strength and consistency of demand within Abu Dhabi's residential sector throughout the last three years,' it said. In the first quarter of 2025, average apartment rental rates increased by 4 per cent quarter-on-quarter and showed a significant 10 per cent rise year-on-year. 'Growth was particularly strong in the high-end segment, which experienced average rental increases between 8 per cent and 12 per cent. The mid-tier market also saw notable growth, with rents increasing between 5 per cent and 8 per cent, on average,' Asteco added. In the villa market, the luxury segment continued to lead rental growth, especially in prime locations such as Saadiyat and Yas Islands. Rental rates in some communities surged by as much as 15 per cent compared to last year. High-end villa communities also recorded significant gains, with average rental rates rising between 4 per cent and 7 per cent. Haider Ali Khan, CEO of Bayut, said Abu Dhabi's real estate sector in 2025 continues to build on last year's strong momentum, remaining an attractive destination for global investors. 'The influx of capital from sovereign wealth funds and the growing entrepreneurial landscape drive renewed interest in the emirate. With over 30 new projects launched, Dh7.8 billion in foreign investment recorded in 2024, and an increased focus on transactions, Abu Dhabi is establishing itself as a smart, future-ready hub for property investment,' he said. Recently, developer confidence remained evident throughout the first quarter, reflected in several significant residential projects' launches and/or announcements. With many developments encompassing residential and mixed-use components currently in the planning and early development phases, additional new project announcements are anticipated throughout 2025, said property brokerage firm Asteco.
