Plans to redevelop Lulu Island have been revived with Sorouh Real Estate, one of Abu Dhabi’s leading real estate developers, now fielding an initial concept model that turned quite a few heads at the recent Cityscape Abu Dhabi.

A giant 96 sq m architectural model showcasing the initial vision for Lulu Island – an island long close to the heart of Abu Dhabi residents – was unveiled by Sorouh at the property exhibition which was held in May.
The project, which is now in the process of receiving official approval, has been designed by Sasaki Associates and Arquitectonica. Located 500 m offshore from the Abu Dhabi corniche, the development spans an area of almost 1,400 acres (approximately 5.79 sq km).
Sorouh’s Lulu Island model shows high-end, low-rise developments with large open spaces and a wide range of services, facilities and leisure activities. It features a range of residential, resort and retail areas, and capitalises on the Island’s water features with canals, marinas and a public beach. Community facilities are planned at both neighbourhood and island-wide levels. Educational and sports facilities are highlighted in the park area, where playing fields are integrated into the landscape. A single tower will rise above Lulu Island, acting as the focal point of the development.
Construction work on the island is expected to start during the course of next year, and be completed in around seven to eight years.Commenting on the challenges of this massive development, Mounir Haidar, CEO, Sorouh Real Estate tells Gulf Construction: “The main challenge will be the construction of the infrastructure of the island. For this and subsequent construction activities, we will have to transport people and materials to and from the island, which will also be another concern. In a broad sense, our biggest challenge for this project is how to develop the island in a way that does not affect the surrounding environment and build the project so that it enhances the lifestyle of people.
“Hence, Sorouh is working closely with the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning
Council to ensure the development is fully in line with Plan Abu Dhabi 2030.”
Lulu Island’s vision, according to him, is to offer a landscape of outstanding natural and architectural beauty. “Fabulous architecture will integrate with natural spaces and a 20 km public beach, making the island the destination of choice for Abu Dhabi and its visitors,” he says.
Besides the interesting architecture, the other outstanding features of the development are its open spaces, low density of buildings, access to public beaches and various public and civic amenities, he adds.
Another factor benefiting the Lulu Island development is the location of the island itself.
“Anyone who has walked along Abu Dhabi’s Corniche has seen Lulu Island and the potential this prime location offers the city. Located at the head of Abu Dhabi Island, every trip into the city culminates with a view of Lulu.
“Sorouh will mobilise all its resources and working with the best international architects, designers and consultants at global best practice standards, we will create a location of which Abu Dhabi can be proud,” Haidar says.
Will other investors be invited to develop some of the components of the projects?
According to Haidar, the company is studying all available options from the development, planning as well as architectural and commercial point of view, which would enhance the value of the project.