Aldar Unveils AED 100 Billion Marsa Al Saadiyat Waterfront Development in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi | EcoPulse24

Aldar has unveiled Marsa Al Saadiyat, the final phase of the Saadiyat Island masterplan, with a gross development value (GDV) of AED 100 billion, marking one of Abu Dhabi's largest waterfront developments and a major milestone in the emirate's long-term urban and economic expansion.

The project was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, during a visit to the project site accompanied by His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Aldar, and Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Aldar.

During the visit, Sheikh Khaled directed that the project be officially renamed "Marsa Al Saadiyat", replacing its previous name, "Saadiyat Marina District."

Final Chapter of Saadiyat Island's Masterplan

Marsa Al Saadiyat represents the final stage in the long-term development of Saadiyat Island, one of Abu Dhabi's flagship destinations for culture, luxury living, and tourism.

As the master developer, Aldar will oversee the project's overall design and delivery of its primary infrastructure, creating a waterfront district inspired by Arabian coastal living and integrated with Saadiyat's globally recognized cultural landscape.

The development spans 6.4 million square metres and includes 8 kilometres of coastline, making it one of the UAE's largest mixed-use waterfront masterplans.

Abu Dhabi's Largest Marina

At the heart of the project will be Abu Dhabi's largest marina, featuring more than 350 berths capable of accommodating sailing boats and superyachts.

The marina will be surrounded by waterfront restaurants, retail outlets, a yacht club, and two luxury hotels, creating a new leisure and hospitality destination overlooking the Arabian Gulf.

More Than 58,000 Residents

Marsa Al Saadiyat is planned to accommodate more than 58,000 residents across a diverse residential offering that includes:

• Private mansions

• Luxury villas

• Waterfront apartments

• Branded residences

The masterplan also features a 22.5-metre elevated hillside community comprising standalone villas positioned to maximize views of the surrounding landscape.

Walkable Community with Rail Connectivity

The development has been designed as a fully walkable community focused on sustainability and quality of life.

Key infrastructure includes:

• 140 km of interconnected walking paths.

• 46 km cycling loop.

• 5.6 km of natural beaches.

• Every residence located within 150 metres of the cycling network.

The project will also include an underground Etihad Rail high-speed station, integrated into a transit-oriented development hub to improve regional connectivity and promote sustainable mobility across the UAE.

Marsa Al Saadiyat will also be connected directly to Reem Island and Umm Yifeenah Island through a new network of roads and tunnels, while a new bridge will link the destination to another island currently being developed by Aldar off Saadiyat's coast.

Expanding Abu Dhabi's Cultural Destination

A scenic waterfront promenade will connect Marsa Al Saadiyat directly with the Saadiyat Cultural District, providing residents with easy access to internationally renowned museums, galleries, luxury hotels, and fine dining.

Within the development itself, Aldar will establish a dedicated theatre district, anchored by the recently announced Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi, a performing arts venue with capacity for more than 6,000 guests.

The wider island already hosts several globally recognized cultural institutions, including:

• Louvre Abu Dhabi

• Zayed National Museum

• Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi

• teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi

• Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (under development)

Residents will also have access to leading educational institutions including NYU Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, American Community School of Abu Dhabi, and Harrow International School Abu Dhabi.

Sustainability and Smart City Design

The masterplan is targeting a 2 Pearl Estidama rating while incorporating Fitwel wellbeing principles throughout the community.

Major assets will pursue LEED Silver and Gold certifications, supported by advanced digital infrastructure and integrated smart-city technologies.

First Residential Sales Begin This Year

Aldar said sales of the first residential units at Marsa Al Saadiyat will begin during the second half of 2026, while site enabling and infrastructure works are scheduled to commence during the third quarter of 2026.

Executive Commentary

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Aldar, said the project represents the beginning of the most ambitious chapter in Saadiyat Island's evolution and reflects Abu Dhabi's growing appeal as a destination for long-term capital, global investment, and high-quality living.

Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group CEO of Aldar, described Marsa Al Saadiyat as a landmark development that will strengthen Abu Dhabi's position within the global luxury real estate market while adding significant scale and character to Saadiyat Island.

EcoPulse24 Analysis

Marsa Al Saadiyat is more than another luxury real estate project - it represents a strategic expansion of Abu Dhabi's long-term economic diversification strategy through integrated urban development.

With a gross development value of AED 100 billion, the project ranks among the largest real estate masterplans announced in the UAE in recent years. By combining premium residential communities, hospitality, cultural attractions, transportation infrastructure, and smart-city technologies within a single masterplan, Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as a global destination for investment, tourism, and high-net-worth residents.

The inclusion of an Etihad Rail underground station significantly enhances the project's long-term strategic value by integrating it into the UAE's future national transportation network, while its direct connection to the Saadiyat Cultural District reinforces Abu Dhabi's ambition to compete internationally as both a luxury lifestyle destination and a global cultural capital.

Key Highlights