Sotheby’s enters Abu Dhabi with record Four Seasons Residence sale

Abu Dhabi, UAE – October 8, 2025: Sotheby’s International Realty, the world’s leading name in luxury real estate, has officially entered the Abu Dhabi market through the Four Seasons Private Residences Abu Dhabi at Saadiyat Beach, developed by ALAIN, a premier Abu Dhabi-based developer.

A residence within the project recently sold at USD 3,811 (AED 14,000) per sq ft, setting a new benchmark for luxury property values in the UAE capital.

Headquartered at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi Sotheby’s International Realty marks the natural progression for the brokerage, which has dominated Dubai’s prime and super-prime real estate sector for more than 12 years.

A milestone for Abu Dhabi’s luxury property market

Following successful expansions into Saudi Arabia and the UK in 2023, Sotheby’s International Realty now brings its global expertise to Abu Dhabi, a city rapidly emerging as one of the world’s most dynamic luxury real estate destinations.

The record-breaking Four Seasons transaction highlights the rising demand for ultra-luxury residences in the capital, where exclusivity, service, and lifestyle are increasingly valued by ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs).

According to the developer, ALAIN combines trusted local expertise with the prestige of the Four Seasons brand, strengthening the appeal of Saadiyat Island as Abu Dhabi’s most sought-after address for investors and homeowners alike.

Leadership with deep roots in the UAE’s prime market

To lead the brand’s expansion, Leigh Borg, one of Dubai’s most accomplished super-prime agents and Executive Partner at Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty, has been appointed Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Sotheby’s International Realty.

With over 17 years of experience handling luxury developments across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including Emirates Hills and Palm Jumeirah, Borg brings extensive knowledge of the region’s high-end market.

“It is a privilege to lead Abu Dhabi Sotheby’s International Realty as we establish ourselves in one of the world’s most exciting real estate markets,” said Borg. “Abu Dhabi is undergoing a remarkable transformation, from world-class cultural landmarks like the Louvre and Guggenheim to its rise as a global financial hub through ADGM and ADQ. This milestone sale demonstrates the strength of the city’s luxury market and the appetite among discerning global buyers for prestigious, world-class residences.”

Abu Dhabi’s property boom continues

According to data from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), the capital has already recorded USD 25 billion (AED 92 billion) in real estate transactions so far in 2025.

Over the past five years, Abu Dhabi’s property market has expanded by more than 200%, fueled by millionaires, centimillionaires, and billionaires choosing to relocate to the emirate for its stability, cultural depth, and global connectivity. “After witnessing Dubai’s tremendous growth in recent years, Abu Dhabi is now primed to step into the spotlight,” said George Azar, Chairman and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty in the UAE, UK, and KSA. “The city combines visionary government planning with world-class infrastructure, sustainability, and culture. With our record-breaking debut at Four Seasons Private Residences Abu Dhabi at Saadiyat Beach, we are bringing unmatched expertise, a powerful global network, and the highest level of service to Abu Dhabi’s prime and super-prime real estate market.”

Expanding Sotheby’s global luxury network

With access to Sotheby’s International Realty’s worldwide network of 1,100 offices and 26,100 advisors across 84 countries, the Abu Dhabi office connects clients to exclusive investment opportunities both locally and abroad.

The firm’s arrival is expected to set a new standard for the capital’s luxury real estate sector, combining Sotheby’s global heritage with Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a leading destination for international wealth and investment.