Aldar Unveils $27.23 Billion Marsa Al Saadiyat Waterfront Destination

ABU DHABI, UAE – Aldar has unveiled Marsa Al Saadiyat, a landmark $27.23 billion (AED100 billion) waterfront destination that activates the final phase of the Saadiyat Island masterplan, marking a defining milestone in the island's transformation into one of the world's premier cultural, residential and lifestyle destinations.

The masterplanned development 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, who visited the project launch site to review the masterplan alongside His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Aldar, and Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Aldar.

During the visit, His Highness directed the renaming of the project from Saadiyat Marina District to Marsa Al Saadiyat. Spanning 6.4 million square metres, the waterfront destination positions Aldar as the master developer responsible for the overall design, planning and delivery of the project's primary infrastructure.

A New Chapter for Saadiyat Island

Marsa Al Saadiyat represents the final chapter in the long-term vision for Saadiyat Island, expanding one of Abu Dhabi's most prestigious addresses with a destination inspired by Arabian coastal living and integrated with the island's globally recognised cultural landscape.

Commenting on the launch, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Aldar, said:

"Marsa Al Saadiyat marks the activation of the final phase of the Saadiyat Island masterplan, and with it, the beginning of the most ambitious chapter yet in the island's evolution. Abu Dhabi today stands among the world's most compelling destinations for long-term capital, offering a combination of vision, economic momentum and a quality of life that continues to attract the most discerning investors and residents from around the world. Marsa Al Saadiyat is a direct expression of that confidence: a development of genuine global scale, conceived with an ambition that reflects Abu Dhabi's place on the world stage."

Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer at Aldar, added:

"Marsa Al Saadiyat is a landmark development for Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the emirate's emergence as a powerful force in the global luxury landscape. With a development value of AED 100 billion, the masterplan will add significant scale and character to the island, a destination already recognised as one of the most compelling cultural and lifestyle addresses in the world."

Luxury Waterfront Living on a Global Scale

Designed to accommodate more than 58,000 residents, Marsa Al Saadiyat will feature a diverse mix of private mansions, luxury villas, waterfront apartments, branded residences and a distinctive 22.5-metre hillside community of standalone villas overlooking the surrounding landscape.

At the heart of the destination will be Abu Dhabi's largest marina, offering more than 350 berths for vessels ranging from sailing boats to superyachts. The marina will anchor an eight-kilometre waterfront stretching across the development, creating a vibrant lifestyle destination centred around hospitality, dining and leisure.

The masterplan has been designed to prioritise outdoor living and wellbeing, incorporating 5.6 kilometres of beach, approximately 140 kilometres of interconnected walking trails and a 46-kilometre cycling network, with every home located within 150 metres of the cycling route.

Residents will also benefit from landscaped green corridors, a central waterfront park, community clubhouses with outdoor swimming pools, sports facilities, premium healthcare services and three schools, creating a fully integrated community where essential amenities are within walking, cycling or short driving distance.

Culture, Hospitality and Connectivity

Marsa Al Saadiyat will strengthen Saadiyat Island's position as Abu Dhabi's cultural and lifestyle hub, directly connecting residents to the Saadiyat Cultural District through a scenic pedestrian route.

The island is already home to world-renowned institutions including Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and the forthcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

Within the development itself, a one-kilometre waterfront promenade will feature retail, dining destinations, a yacht club and two luxury hotels, while a new theatre district will be anchored by Dar al Funoon, a performing arts venue with capacity for more than 6,000 guests, hosting musicals, live productions and international performances.

Families will also benefit from proximity to leading educational institutions including New York University Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, American Community School of Abu Dhabi and Harrow International School Abu Dhabi.

Enhanced Infrastructure and Sustainable Design

The development will be supported by significant infrastructure upgrades, including new roads and tunnels providing direct access to Umm Yifeenah Island and Reem Island, reducing travel times between Saadiyat Island and the Abu Dhabi mainland.

A new bridge will also connect Marsa Al Saadiyat to a future island development by Aldar off the Saadiyat coastline.

In addition, an Etihad Rail underground high-speed rail station, integrated within a Transit-Oriented Development hub, will further strengthen regional connectivity while supporting sustainable mobility across the UAE.

Marsa Al Saadiyat is targeting an Estidama 2 Pearl masterplan rating and will incorporate Fitwel wellbeing principles throughout the development. Key buildings are expected to achieve LEED Silver and LEED Gold certification, supported by advanced digital infrastructure and integrated smart city technologies.

Sales for the first residential phase are scheduled to begin during the second half of 2026, with enabling and infrastructure works set to commence in the third quarter of 2026.