SHA Wellness shares vision for “the world’s first healthy residential island” in the UAE

Spanish wellness brand SHA Wellness Clinic is busy preparing to strengthen its wellness portfolio in 2026 with a hyper-exclusive wellness enclave on the island in AlJurf, UAE.

SHA Emirates Island at AlJurf – created by Abu Dhabi-based development partner IMKAN – will bring together an SHA Wellness Clinic, a spa, 137 beachfront residences and multiple pavilions dedicated to health and wellness.

The 12.5 hectare site will be surrounded by hundreds of thousands of planted trees forming a green forest in the middle of the desert, so guests will always be immersed in nature.

The upcoming opening marks the second phase of SHA’s ambitious global expansion strategy – following the successful inauguration of SHA Mexico in January 2024, which marked the brand’s first venture beyond Spanish borders.

“The destination is being created following an investment of AED600 million (US$163.4 million, €146.8 million, £124.5 million) and will include 110 treatment rooms, 120 suites and a large real estate component with 150 residences,” SHA vice said President Alejandro. Bataller in a spa company.

“Our dream is to create the world’s sixth Blue Zone – places recognized as having the highest concentration of centenarians. We envision a tranquil wellness island, surrounded by nature, that will be an escape from busy city life. It will be a real first for the region and attract travelers from all over the world.”

SHA says the destination will offer a brand new residential model for the region, completely focused on wellbeing, while ensuring that every resident enjoys the highest standard of wellbeing and tranquility.

Bataller added: “We traveled to dozens of locations in search of the perfect natural environment, warm weather and accessibility to create the world’s first fully integrated wellness island and found everything we could imagine and more at the coastal destination AlJurf. ”

The low-density UAE development will be home to a range of on-site amenities, including:

Tailor-made wellness and fitness programs:
• An on-site spa for relaxation and rejuvenation, as well as quality medical treatments.
• A holistic pavilion focused on mental and spiritual well-being with yoga and meditation.
• A Wellness Kids Club.
• A Sports Pavilion for fitness enthusiasts and athletes.
• Common area and events.
• A maritime pavilion with an overview of water sports and sea activities.
• Exclusive club access.
• A family pavilion for family-oriented activities and leisure
• A beach club.
• Cycle paths.

A team of international and local architects and designers – NMDC, SAOTA, HBA, SIEC and OTAK – has been assembled to make this vision a reality.

SHA Emirates Island was established with the aim of achieving the WELL building certification system, from Delos, a global authority in green building standards and practices.
Prioritizing natural materials, organic design and landscaping with existing vegetation will support the healthy living concept unique to the island.

Within the homes, a range of passive design strategies, such as thoughtful orientation and the integration of wind and sun protection elements, play a crucial role in minimizing energy consumption.

Furthermore, the integration of energy-efficient appliances, intelligent monitoring and control systems and solar heating and electricity sources underlines their commitment to sustainability.