Cosmo Developments launches The Wadi, a car-free community on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island

Cosmo Developments has unveiled The Wadi, a new residential community on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi built around a simple idea: put cars and parking below ground and keep the surface for people. According to Khaleej Times (19 September 2026), the master plan carries an estimated investment of Dh6 billion and spans 140,700 square metres along the Yas Canal. For buyers, the pitch is a walkable, family-oriented neighbourhood rather than a single tower.

What Cosmo Developments launched

The Wadi places vehicle access and parking underground, leaving the surface largely free of traffic. Khaleej Times reports the plan includes a running route of about 6 kilometres, plus pedestrian and cycling paths, parks, children's areas, water features and a central valley that gives the project its name.

The community mixes homes with retail, restaurants, sports and hospitality, and adds a waterfront with a yacht marina. Cosmo Developments' group managing director, Andrea Nucera, framed the layout and native ghaf and palm planting as ways to shade the paths and move air across the site.

Homes, prices and phasing

The developer plans 3,950 homes in total, from studios to larger residences. According to Khaleej Times (19 September 2026), studios start at Dh850,000, while four-bedroom homes reach roughly Dh7.5 million, and some larger residences offer balconies or terraces of up to 150 square metres.

Delivery is split into phases over a stated 55 to 60 months. The first phase covers about 700 homes across two buildings, and Khaleej Times reports that 350 to 360 of them were sold within hours of the launch on 18 September 2026.

What it means for buyers and investors

A car-free surface and a phased handover are the main points to weigh. The design targets families and residents who want to walk to amenities, and the entry price on studios sets a lower ticket than many waterfront launches in Abu Dhabi.

As with any off-plan purchase, confirm the escrow account, project registration and payment schedule through official channels before committing, and treat the launch-day sales figures as the developer's own numbers reported by Khaleej Times, not a forecast of future value.