Yas Island is getting another major residential development. THE WADI by Cosmo Developments is an AED 6 billion mixed-use project planned beside Yas Canal in Abu Dhabi.

The development covers about 140,700 sq m and will contain 3,950 residential units. The wider plan also includes commercial areas, sports facilities, leisure spaces, a hotel, waterfront areas and a yacht marina. The scale places THE WADI among the larger new residential developments announced on Yas Island.

One part of the plan deserves particular attention. Cars and parking will sit below ground level. This allows the main outdoor areas to focus on pedestrians, cyclists, runners and green spaces.

For buyers considering Yas Island property, these planning choices offer another way to assess the project beyond its price and unit selection.

What is THE WADI in Abu Dhabi?

THE WADI is a mixed-use project planned for Yas Island. Cosmo Developments is behind the development. The company is a joint venture between Flag Holding Group and Reportage Group.

Reportage Group will handle development, delivery and long-term management, according to WAM.

The residential mix includes studios and one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Commercial areas, hospitality facilities and sports spaces will form part of the wider community.

The first phase is already on sale. Studios were launched from around AED 850,000. Larger four-bedroom residences were reported at about AED 7.5 million. These larger properties were included in the initial release reported by the developer. They sit outside the main apartment mix described for the 3,950-unit master plan.

Easily Accessible Location on Yas Island

THE WADI sits beside Yas Canal, within a part of Abu Dhabi known for tourism, entertainment and residential development.

According to project information, Zayed International Airport is about five minutes away. Ferrari World Yas Island is around nine minutes away. Central Abu Dhabi can be reached in about 23 minutes.

Other major destinations nearby include Yas Waterworld and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. This places several of Yas Island's established attractions within a relatively short drive.

The area is still growing. Disney has announced plans for a theme park and resort on Yas Island. Sphere Abu Dhabi is another major project planned for the island.

These additions could bring more visitors, jobs and services to Yas Island over time. For THE WADI, this means its location should be viewed within the wider growth of the island rather than as an isolated residential site.

Underground Parking Changes the Ground-Level Plan

One of THE WADI's most interesting features is easy to understand. Vehicles and parking will be moved underground.

This decision frees a larger share of the ground level for people rather than cars. Residents will have pedestrian routes and cycling paths connecting different parts of the development.

Plans also include parks, planted areas and water features. A running route of about six kilometres will pass through the community.

This could have a practical benefit for families and residents who spend time outdoors. Fewer vehicles at surface level can also reduce conflicts between pedestrians and regular traffic within shared areas.

Many residential developments devote considerable ground space to roads, entrances and parking. THE WADI plans to use much of that space for walking, exercise and recreation instead.

Water and Green Space Shape the Master Plan

The project's name comes from the natural wadis found across the UAE. That idea also influences the way its central open areas are arranged.

A valley will run through the development and serve as one of its main outdoor spaces. Plans show water features, trees, walking areas and planted sections around this central zone.

Native plants are expected to include ghaf and palm trees. Open routes and the positioning of buildings are also intended to support airflow through parts of the development.

Yas Canal adds another dimension to the site.

THE WADI will include canal-facing areas and a planned yacht marina. Residents will therefore have access to both internal green spaces and waterfront areas within the same development.

The combination could be particularly relevant for people comparing THE WADI with apartment projects that rely mainly on indoor facilities and podium-level amenities.

Residences and Amenities at THE WADI

THE WADI is planned to contain 3,950 residential units across the full development.

The main apartment choices include:

• Studios
• One-bedroom apartments
• Two-bedroom apartments
• Three-bedroom apartments

The wider community will include a hotel alongside retail and dining spaces. Planned sports and leisure facilities include tennis clubs, gyms, spa facilities and children's areas.

Some residences will include private balconies or terraces. Reported specifications also include fitted kitchens, tiled bathrooms, double-glazed windows and central air conditioning.

These features are useful when assessing the project, but buyers should also study the details of individual units. Floor area, orientation, floor level and views can create significant differences between properties within the same building.

Why THE WADI?

THE WADI enters Yas Island at a time when the area continues to receive new residential, tourism and entertainment investment.

Its scale is one part of the story. The way the development uses its land is equally relevant.

Moving parking underground creates additional surface space for walking and recreation. The six-kilometre running route gives residents a dedicated outdoor exercise option. Yas Canal provides the waterfront setting, while the central valley creates another large shared area within the site.

Investors should watch how prices change across future releases. Payment plans, service charges, rental demand and competing Yas Island supply will also influence the investment case.

End users may look at the project differently. Access to daily services, outdoor areas, transport connections and the quality of completed shared facilities could carry greater weight.

THE WADI therefore adds a different type of residential option to Yas Island. Its AED 6 billion investment, 3,950 units, canal location and pedestrian-focused ground plan give buyers several clear points to assess as the project moves from launch into construction.