Hudayriyat Island Buyer's Guide for UK Investors (2026): Golf Estates, South Hill & What's Next

Why London money is looking at Abu Dhabi, how Hudayriyat Island launches have sold out in hours, and how to be ready for the next phase, expected to be South Hill.

Why UK Investors Are Looking at Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi's property market has been one of the strongest in the world in 2026. Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre data for the first half of 2026 shows AED 117 billion of transactions, up 112% year on year, with residential sales up 178% to AED 70.4 billion. Buyers from 116 nationalities purchased property in that period, and foreign investment more than tripled.

Much of the momentum comes from finance. Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the capital's financial centre, has been attracting major global firms, including London-headquartered Man Group, which announced its Abu Dhabi presence in May 2026. ADGM's jurisdiction also covers Al Reem Island next door to Al Maryah. Modon itself has ties to London, having partnered with Broadgate REIT (British Land and GIC) on prime London real estate.

• Freehold for all nationalities in designated investment zones such as Hudayriyat, Saadiyat, Yas and Reem.
• No UAE income tax or capital gains tax on property for individuals (UK residents remain liable to UK tax on worldwide income and gains; take UK tax advice).
• Lower buying costs than Dubai: Abu Dhabi registration is 2% versus 4% in Dubai.
• 10-year Golden Visa for property worth AED 2 million or more.

Hudayriyat Island at a Glance

• Master developer: Modon, Abu Dhabi's largest developer by sales value in H1 2026 (AED 26 billion).
• Location: off the Abu Dhabi coast, about 20 minutes from downtown and 30 minutes from Zayed International Airport.
• Lifestyle: over 16 km of beaches and waterfront, Surf Abu Dhabi, the Velodrome, cycling and running tracks, and an 18-hole golf course designed by Lobb and Partners.
• Status: Abu Dhabi investment zone with 100% freehold ownership for all nationalities.
• Market share: Hudayriyat generated about AED 19 billion of residential sales in H1 2026, around 27% of the Abu Dhabi total.

A Track Record of Selling Out

Every recent Hudayriyat release has sold out within hours or days. That is why preparation matters more here than almost anywhere else in the UAE.

Launch	Date	Reported sales	How fast
Nawayef Village (townhouses)	May 2025	~AED 2 billion	Within hours
Wadeem (villa plots)	July 2025	~AED 5.5 billion	Within 72 hours
Bashayer (157 villas, 330 apartments)	December 2025	~AED 3 billion	Within a day
Hudayriyat Golf Estates (~1,700 homes)	July 2026	AED 13 billion+	Within days

Source: Modon announcements and press coverage (WAM, The National, AGBI). Figures as reported at launch.

Hudayriyat Golf Estates alone attracted buyers of whom 81% were new to Modon and around 15% were non-UAE residents, showing how far international demand has spread.

What's Next: South Hill

Brokers attending Modon briefings expect the next residential phase on the island to be South Hill, following Nawayef East Hill and Golf Estates. It is expected to be one of the most exclusive addresses on Hudayriyat, with homes surrounded by golf-course views, open green landscape and the island's private beaches.

South Hill has not yet been officially announced by Modon. Its name, product mix, prices, payment plan and launch date may change. See our South Hill launch page and register interest to receive confirmed details first.

For reference, Golf Estates launched with 3-bedroom townhomes from around AED 4.2 million, villas from around AED 7–10 million and golf mansions above AED 35 million, on a plan of 40% during construction and 60% on handover.

Hudayriyat Homes Available Now

Hudayriyat projects currently on our site. Some phases are sold out from the developer and only available on resale; ask us for current stock.

Project	Location	From	Handover & plan
Bashayer Apartment by Modon Modon Properties	Hudayriyat Island - Abu Dhabi	AED 2.5M	Q1 2030 40/60
Hudayriyat Golf Estates Townhouses Modon Properties	Hudayriyat Island - Abu Dhabi	AED 4.2M	March 2030 40/60
Bashayer Townhouses Modon Properties	Hudayriyat Island - Abu Dhabi	AED 4.3M	Q1 2030 40/60
Al Naseem Community Villas Modon Properties	Hudayriyat Island - Abu Dhabi	AED 7.8M	Q4 2027 40/60
Wadeem Gardens Modon Properties	Hudayriyat Island - Abu Dhabi	AED 8.7M	March 2031 45/55
Hudayriyat Golf Estates Villas Modon Properties	Hudayriyat Island - Abu Dhabi	AED 10.2M	March 2030 40/60
Bashayer Standalone Villas Modon Properties	Hudayriyat Island - Abu Dhabi	AED 15M	Q1 2030 40/60
Hudayriyat Golf Mansions Modon Properties	Hudayriyat Island - Abu Dhabi	AED 35.5M	March 2030 40/60

How to Be Ready on Launch Day

1. Register interest early with an adviser who receives Modon briefings, so you hear about the launch and allocation process first.
2. Decide your brief: budget, home type, view (golf, beach, park) and whether it is for use, rental or Golden Visa.
3. Prepare documents: passport copy, proof of address, and for companies the corporate documents.
4. Have the booking deposit ready in AED or GBP; international transfers can take a few days, so arrange them before launch.
5. Understand the fees: Abu Dhabi registration (2%) and admin fees, plus annual service charges after handover.
6. Plan your exit: resale before handover is usually allowed once a set percentage has been paid; confirm the rules for your unit.

Risks to Consider

• Off-plan homes depend on the developer delivering on time; Modon is government-linked, but timelines can move.
• Fast sell-outs can encourage rushed decisions. Compare price per sq ft, payment plan and view before committing.
• Currency: your returns in GBP depend on the GBP/AED exchange rate (the dirham is pegged to the US dollar).
• UK tax: UK-resident investors must declare overseas rental income and gains. Take advice from a UK tax adviser.

Also see our Abu Dhabi off-plan guide and Golden Visa guide.

Disclaimer

This guide is for information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. South Hill has not been officially announced by Modon; all details about it are based on market expectations and may change or not proceed. Sales figures are as reported by Modon and the press at the time of each launch. Prices and availability change frequently; contact us for current information.

Speak to an adviser for current availability, floor plans and the latest prices.