The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to develop a seemingly Edenic residential community on Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi.

The AED5bn (US$1.3bn, 1.2bn, £1bn) scheme will see the semi-arid isle transformed into an 800-home village that will be able to accommodate between 5,000 and 6,000 residents.

The development will also feature a beach club, hotel, and sports centre, plus a number of restaurants, retail outlets, offices, and municipal buildings.

Landscaped cycling and hiking routes will round out the property's recreational offerings, while its surrounding mangrove forests and estuaries will be designated as wildlife sanctuaries.

Mounir Haidar, managing director at the Jubail Island Investment Company – the firm behind the project – commented: "Jubail Island will cater to families, wellness, wildlife and nature enthusiasts, including water sports activities, as well as offering a unique quality of life for homeowners and visitors alike."

Design practices firms attached to the master plan include Arquitectonica, Ramón Esteve Estudio, and Broadway Malyan.

The project is expected to be completed in 2022.