Al Reem Island or Fahid Island?
Side by side on published prices, yields, new developments and drive times.
Pictured: ONE Residence by One Development
Where each one leads
Drawn only from published figures and the developments we list, each with its source.
Lower price per sq ft
Al Reem Island averages AED 1,769 per sq ft against AED 3,899 in Fahid Island, about 55% less (Bayut, from advertised asking prices, October 2026).
Lower entry price
The lowest developer price we list in Al Reem Island is AED 1,400,000 at ONE Residence, against AED 4,588,027 at The Beach House Fahid in Fahid Island.
Closer to Zayed International Airport
Fahid Island is about 15 minutes from Zayed International Airport by car, against about 25 minutes from Al Reem Island.
Side by side
| Measure | Al Reem Island | Fahid Island |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi |
| Tenure | Freehold | Freehold |
| Asking price per sq ft | AED 1,769Bayut, October 2026 | AED 3,899Bayut, October 2026 |
| Developments we list | 1 | 3 |
| Lowest developer price | AED 1,400,000ONE Residence | AED 4,588,027The Beach House Fahid |
| Drive to Zayed International Airport | about 25 minutes | about 15 minutes |
Each figure is shown as its publisher states it, with the period it covers. A row appears only where both areas have a figure. Read 12 November 2026.
New developments in each
Fahid Island
- The Beach House FahidAldarAED 4,588,027
- Fahid Beach TerracesAldarAED 6,484,900
- Fahid Beach ResidencesAldarAED 6,637,310
What each area is like
Al Reem Island
Abu Dhabi's high-rise apartment island, 600 metres from the city and now part of the ADGM financial free zone. Suits professionals and investors who want city access at lower prices than Saadiyat.
Who it suits
- Professionals working in ADGM or downtown Abu Dhabi
- Investors looking for apartments with an established rental market
- Buyers who want city living at lower entry prices than Saadiyat
- Families using the island's British and international schools
In its favour
- Designated investment zone: freehold ownership is open to foreign nationals
- Within ADGM jurisdiction since April 2023, with ADGM handling property registration since January 2025
- Reem Mall (opened May 2024), Reem Central Park and three international schools on the island
Worth weighing
- Supply is the main risk. Dozens of towers are selling off plan with handovers between 2027 and 2031, on top of the largest existing stock in any investment zone
- Quality varies sharply between developers and between older and newer towers. Compare service charges and build standards building by building
Fahid Island
A 2.7 million sq m island between Yas and Saadiyat that Aldar is developing as a wellness-themed beach community. Entirely off plan: first apartments are due in 2029.
Who it suits
- Buyers who want beach access between Yas and Saadiyat at lower prices than Saadiyat
- Families attracted by King's College School Wimbledon
- Investors willing to wait until 2029 or later for completion
- Second-home buyers focused on outdoor and fitness amenities
In its favour
- Listed as a designated investment zone; sold freehold to foreign nationals
- 11 km coastline with 4.6 km of beach, per Aldar's masterplan
- Between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, each within 15 minutes by car (Aldar)
Worth weighing
- Nothing is complete. The first homes are due in 2029 and the island's school, hotels and retail will follow their own timetables
- A single developer controls the island, its pricing, its service charges and the pace of future releases
Al Reem Island or Fahid Island: quick answers
Is Al Reem Island or Fahid Island cheaper per square foot?
Al Reem Island is cheaper on the published figures: AED 1,769 per sq ft against AED 3,899 in Fahid Island (Bayut, from advertised asking prices, October 2026). Averages move with the mix of homes sold, so compare like with like before relying on the gap.
Which is closer to Zayed International Airport, Al Reem Island or Fahid Island?
Fahid Island, at about 15 minutes by car against about 25 minutes from Al Reem Island. Drive times are approximate and vary with traffic.
Can foreigners buy property in Al Reem Island and Fahid Island?
Al Reem Island is a designated freehold area, open to buyers of any nationality. Fahid Island is a designated freehold area, open to buyers of any nationality. Sales in Abu Dhabi are registered with the ADREC.
Which new developments can I buy in Al Reem Island and Fahid Island?
In Al Reem Island: ONE Residence from AED 1,400,000. In Fahid Island: The Beach House Fahid from AED 4,588,027, Fahid Beach Terraces from AED 6,484,900 and Fahid Beach Residences from AED 6,637,310.
Not sure which area fits?
Tell us your budget, your timing and whether you will live there or let it, and we will set the two areas against each other for you.
- Current price list and availability, direct from the developer
- No fee to you on off-plan purchases: the developer pays us
- One salaried adviser, not on commission, from first call to handover
