Lulu Island revival: What’s next for Abu Dhabi’s 400-hectare waterfront site?

An untouched Abu Dhabi island, known as Lulu Island, is set to undergo a major development as part of the capital's long-term expansion plan. Eagle Hills Properties, a prominent real estate firm in Abu Dhabi, has confirmed that it will oversee the development on the man-made island, which is located 500 meters from the Corniche.

The island, built in the 1990s to protect against high tides, has long been considered a prime location for residential and development projects due to its large beaches, clear waters, and panoramic city views. Despite previous masterplans failing to materialize, the prospect of Lulu Island welcoming residents in the coming years is becoming a reality.

Eagle Hills, headed by Mohamed Alabbar, the founder of Emaar and the developer of the Burj Khalifa, has projects in over 20 countries. The island, named Al Lulu or Pearl in Arabic, was created from reclaimed sand in 1986 and was completed in 1992. While the island was opened to the public in 2007, a financial crisis halted progress in 2008.

The island was partially accessible to visitors in 2023, and a canal is currently being formed through its center. Property experts believe that Lulu Island, with its prime location and low-rise building plans, could see a significant property boom in the near future.