Sobha Launched Two UAE Master Developments in 2026
Sobha Expands UAE Footprint with Two Strategic Launches
Sobha Realty has launched its largest master-planned development, a fully integrated, mixed-use destination residential community, Sobha Sanctuary at Al Yufrah Dubai, marking the first of two major announcements in 2026. Sobha Realty has entered the UAE capital with the launch of Sobha City, a 38 million square foot residential development in Al Bahiya, completing a portfolio expansion that brings the company's total to 16 masterplans across the UAE.
Sobha Sanctuary: Dubai's Largest Single Development
Spanning a total site area of 37.5 million square feet, Sobha Sanctuary is a lifestyle destination rooted in nature and built for the future. The development on Dubai-Al Ain Road will feature 20,000 residential units, including around 18,000 apartments and 2,000 villas across categories, delivered across multiple phases. The mixed-use development is valued at Dh50bn ($13.6bn).
The first phase of launch will focus on villa living, with a limited release of 250 units across villa categories, with handover starting from 2030. At the heart of Sobha Sanctuary lies an expansive destination park, envisioned as the social, recreational, and ecological core of the community. Complementing this central park is a Community Mall offering retail, dining, and leisure experiences, alongside a wellness centre.
The January launch coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Sobha Group. Managing Director Francis Alfred stated the project represents a landmark moment for Sobha Realty, with this masterplan reflecting a long-term vision to create a community where nature, wellness, and thoughtful design come together at scale.
Sobha City: First Large-Scale Abu Dhabi Entry
Sobha Realty has announced its entry into Abu Dhabi with the unveiling of Sobha City, a master-planned community that reflects a deliberately quiet and serene approach to urban living in the UAE capital. Located along the E10 and E12 corridor, close to Zayed International Airport and Yas Island, Sobha City is planned as a low-density development with a mix of residential, retail and leisure components.
The 38 million square foot, AED 40 billion waterfront development is located in Al Bahiya, adjacent to Yas Island. The project will include a wellness loop and marina district. Phase 1 offers approximately 400 units — apartments from AED 1.31 million, garden villas from AED 4.96 million, and estate villas from AED 9.05 million — on a 60/40 payment plan with handover scheduled for Q4 2029.
Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty, said the project is aligned with demand for integrated communities, noting the expansion into Abu Dhabi will embody Sobha's vertically integrated approach to development, ensuring exceptional quality and long-term resilience and value.
Developer Track Record and Portfolio Scale
Sobha Group was founded in 1976 by PNC Menon, and is a multinational, multiproduct group with developments and investments in the UAE, India, and UK. In 2003, Menon expanded his entrepreneurial footprint to Dubai, establishing Sobha Realty in a location known for its world-class infrastructure, sustainable economic growth, and access to international talent.
The launch further strengthens Sobha Realty's presence in the UAE, complementing its portfolio of developments across Dubai and Umm Al Quwain, including destinations such as Sobha Siniya Island and Downtown UAQ. Dubai's Sobha Realty saw record-breaking sales of AED23bn ($6.3bn) for its projects in 2024, and recently reported AED 30 billion in sales for FY 2025, reflecting a 30% year-on-year increase.
Strategic Timing and Market Context
The Abu Dhabi launch aligns with Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, which seeks to foster a knowledge-based economy supported by thoughtfully planned, high-quality communities. Sobha Realty's entry with nature-led master community signals both confidence and commitment, positioning the developer at the forefront of the emirate's next growth chapter.
Dubai property transactions hit more than 270,000 in 2025, with values rising 20% to Dh917bn ($249.8bn), underscoring buoyant market conditions and investor inflows. The two launches represent a continuation of Sobha's strategy of creating large-scale, amenity-rich, integrated communities across the UAE's premium residential markets.