Abu dhabi: Aldar and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) have announced a landmark public-private partnership to deliver new integrated communities spanning more than 20 million square metres across five strategic locations in Abu Dhabi. The new communities will bring together residential, retail, educational, and lifestyle offerings within thoughtfully planned, walkable neighbourhoods featuring green public spaces and seamless connectivity to Abu Dhabi's wider transport networks. The master developments will draw on Aldar's extensive expertise delivering some of Abu Dhabi's most iconic destinations such as Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and Al Raha Beach.
According to Emirates News Agency, the collaboration directly supports the emirate's broader urban development and housing priorities, including the expansion of the Value Housing Programme, a DMT-led initiative that increases access to high-quality, affordable rental housing in Abu Dhabi. The agreement also represents a new model for urban development in the emirate, one that aligns housing accessibility, community building, and long-term economic growth within a single, coordinated framework, with DMT contributing land and Aldar serving as master developer.
The partnership was inaugurated during the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS) 2026 in the presence of Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport - Abu Dhabi; and Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Aldar. The agreement was signed by Abdulla Mohamed Al Blooshi, Director-General of the Urban Planning and Permits Centre at the Department of Municipalities and Transport, and Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Aldar.
Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Aldar, stated that the strategic partnership marks an important step in shaping Abu Dhabi's next phase of urban growth. As the emirate continues to attract residents, businesses, and investment, there is a growing need for thoughtfully planned destinations that expand housing choice across multiple market segments while enhancing quality of life. Through this collaboration with DMT, communities will be shaped to meet evolving market needs and support the emirate's long-term development ambitions.
Abdulla Mohamed Al Blooshi, Director-General of the Urban Planning and Permits Centre at the Department of Municipalities and Transport, highlighted that the partnership with Aldar represents a new model for Abu Dhabi's urban development. By collaborating with a trusted partner like Aldar, DMT can accelerate the delivery of the housing and mixed-use communities Abu Dhabi needs, while maintaining the highest standards of planning, sustainability, and quality of life.
At the heart of the partnership is a commitment to expanding housing choice for both sale and rent, while raising the standard of community living across Abu Dhabi. At Muwaylih, Mussafah, Al Zahiya, and Al Faya, the partners will create a mix of lifestyle-focused developments and Value Housing Programme homes, serving residents across a range of market segments. These communities are designed to offer a quality of life defined by walkable neighbourhoods, green public spaces, schools, retail, and places to gather, connected to the wider city.
The partnership marks a significant expansion of the Value Housing Programme, building on a recently announced commitment to develop two integrated communities in Mohamed Bin Zayed City and Baniyas that will deliver 9,000 residential units to Abu Dhabi's rental market. Additionally, the partners will activate Al Mihsinah Island for the first time, creating a landmark waterfront community that combines natural coastal surroundings with thoughtfully planned residential neighbourhoods and lifestyle amenities.
The partnership is a direct expression of Abu Dhabi's urban development strategy, one that places integrated community planning, housing accessibility, and long-term liveability at its core. By combining public-sector land stewardship with private-sector development expertise, Aldar and DMT are establishing a model for purposeful and inclusive development that can be replicated across the emirate.