Luxury homes are getting bigger. Smart homes are getting smarter. But the UAE's next mega-development is aiming for something much bigger than sea views or designer interiors.
It wants to help people live longer.
SHA Island UAE is officially on track to become the world's first dedicated longevity and wellness island, creating an entirely new category of luxury real estate where health, preventive medicine, and daily lifestyle are built into every aspect of the community.
Located on Al Jurf Island between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the development is expected to welcome its first residents in 2027. Long before completion, however, it has already become one of the region's most talked-about luxury property launches.
For buyers looking beyond traditional waterfront villas, this could represent the future of high-end living.
This Isn't Just Another Luxury Island
The UAE has no shortage of premium island developments.
Palm Jumeirah, Bluewaters Island, Saadiyat Island, and Al Marjan Island have all attracted global attention over the years.
SHA Island is taking a completely different approach.
Instead of building around entertainment or tourism, the entire masterplan revolves around one idea: improving residents' long-term health and wellbeing.
Developed by IMKAN Properties in partnership with internationally renowned SHA Wellness, the project combines residential living with science-backed wellness programs that have already gained worldwide recognition.
The goal is simple but ambitious: create a community where everything—from architecture to nutrition—is designed to support healthier living.
Why Everyone Is Talking About SHA Island
The development sits on Al Jurf Island along the Sahel Al Emarat coastline, strategically positioned between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
That means residents can enjoy a quieter coastal lifestyle while remaining within convenient driving distance of both cities, major airports, and key business districts.
The location also benefits from future infrastructure improvements, including planned transport connections that will make commuting even easier.
Rather than feeling isolated, SHA Island is designed to offer privacy without sacrificing accessibility.
For many luxury buyers, that balance is becoming increasingly valuable.
Luxury Homes With Wellness Built Into Every Detail
The community will include only 137 residences, making it one of the UAE's most exclusive residential developments.
The masterplan includes:
- 51 luxury apartments
- 19 garden villas
- 67 beachfront and shoreline villas
Depending on the property type, prices range from approximately AED 9 million to AED 130 million.
But what truly separates these homes from traditional luxury villas is what happens inside.
Rather than focusing solely on premium finishes, the residences incorporate features specifically designed to support healthier living.
Future homeowners can expect integrated circadian lighting systems that adapt throughout the day to encourage healthier sleep cycles.
Advanced air purification technology is also included throughout the homes to improve indoor air quality.
Natural materials such as stone and wood dominate the interiors, creating spaces intended to reduce stress while maintaining a timeless aesthetic.
It's luxury designed around wellbeing instead of simply appearance.
Wellness Stops Being an Amenity and Becomes the Lifestyle
Most residential communities offer gyms, swimming pools, and perhaps a spa.
SHA Island is expanding that concept dramatically.
The island will feature dedicated wellness facilities covering multiple aspects of physical and mental health.
Among the planned facilities are:
Movement Pavilion
A dedicated space focused on fitness, rehabilitation, mobility, and physical performance.
Hydrotherapy Circuit
Designed around water-based recovery techniques that support relaxation, circulation, and muscle recovery.
Mind & Body Pavilion
Meditation spaces, mindfulness programs, stress reduction therapies, and holistic wellbeing all come together here.
Healthy Nutrition Pavilion
Residents will have access to carefully designed nutrition programs emphasizing organic ingredients and balanced eating.
Beyond the physical facilities, residents will also receive access to personalised longevity programs supported by medical professionals and wellness specialists.
This isn't simply about having access to a luxury spa.
It's about creating an environment where healthcare becomes part of everyday living.
The Team Behind the Billion-Dirham Vision
SHA Wellness has already established itself internationally through its award-winning wellness clinics, serving tens of thousands of clients seeking preventive healthcare and longevity-focused treatments.
Its collaboration with IMKAN Properties marks one of the company's most ambitious projects to date.
According to project leaders, the island represents years of experience brought together into one residential community.
Knight Frank MENA, the project's exclusive sales partner, has described SHA Island as one of the region's most significant wellness-focused real estate developments, reflecting growing demand for homes that prioritize health alongside luxury.
The UAE's Wellness Property Boom Is Just Getting Started
SHA Island isn't appearing in isolation.
Across the UAE, developers are increasingly incorporating wellness into residential projects.
Features like recovery lounges, meditation spaces, cold plunge pools, air purification systems, and health-focused amenities are becoming major selling points for premium developments.
The shift reflects changing buyer priorities.
Instead of simply asking how large a property is, many wealthy buyers are now asking how the environment contributes to healthier living.
Developments that once competed over views and architecture are now competing over wellness technology and preventative healthcare.
Industry experts believe this trend will continue as health-conscious lifestyles become an even greater priority among global investors.
Why This Matters
Luxury real estate has always evolved alongside changing lifestyles.
Years ago, buyers wanted beachfront villas.
Later came branded residences, smart homes, and sustainable communities.
Today, wellness appears to be the next major evolution.
SHA Island reflects a growing belief that premium living should improve quality of life—not just offer luxury finishes.
If successful, it could influence future developments across the UAE and beyond, setting a new benchmark for residential communities built around health, longevity, and preventive care.
For the UAE, it also reinforces the country's ambition to remain at the forefront of innovative real estate and lifestyle developments that attract international investors and high-net-worth residents.
With first handovers expected in 2027, SHA Island is already proving that the future of luxury living may not be defined by bigger homes—but by healthier ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is SHA Island located?
SHA Island is located on Al Jurf Island along the coastline between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
When will SHA Island open?
The first residential phase is expected to be completed and handed over in 2027.
How much do homes cost?
Prices currently range from approximately AED 9 million to AED 130 million, depending on the residence.
Who is developing SHA Island?
The project is being developed by IMKAN Properties in partnership with SHA Wellness, with Knight Frank MENA serving as the exclusive sales partner.
Why is SHA Island different?
Unlike traditional luxury communities, SHA Island is designed around longevity science, preventive healthcare, holistic wellness, and everyday healthy living rather than conventional resort amenities alone.
