Aldar Launches AED 100bn Marsa Al Saadiyat

Abu Dhabi's real estate market has entered a new phase with the launch of Marsa Al Saadiyat, the final district in the Saadiyat Island masterplan. Unveiled by Aldar with a gross development value of AED 100 billion (USD 27.2 billion), the waterfront destination was renamed from Saadiyat Marina District by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Once complete, it will accommodate over 58,000 residents in mansions, luxury villas, waterfront apartments, and branded residences.Key takeawaysAldar unveiled Marsa Al Saadiyat, the final district of the Saadiyat Island masterplan, with a gross development value of AED 100 billion (USD 27.2 billion).The 6.4 million sq m waterfront district is planned for over 58,000 residents.The development will offer private mansions, luxury villas, waterfront apartments, and branded residences.Abu Dhabi's largest marina will provide more than 350 berths, alongside 8 km of coastline and 5.6 km of beaches.New roads, tunnels, and an underground Etihad Rail station will connect Marsa Al Saadiyat with Reem Island, Umm Yifeenah Island, and mainland Abu Dhabi.Marsa Al Saadiyat development overviewMarsa Al Saadiyat spans 6.4 million square metres and ranks among the largest waterfront developments announced in Abu Dhabi. The project also introduces new transport infrastructure, schools, public spaces and residential neighbourhoods. The main specifications and launch milestones appear below.MetricDetailGross development valueAED 100 billion (USD 27.2 billion)Total development area6.4 million square metresPlanned populationNearly 60,000 residentsCoastline length8 kmWalking paths140 kmCycling network46 km, with every home within 150 m of a cycling routeSchools and universitiesThree on-site schoolsNew York University Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, Harrow International School Abu Dhabi, and ACS International School Abu Dhabi nearbyConstruction startQ3 2026First residential salesSecond half of 2026Marsa Al Saadiyat property typesFive residential property types are planned at Marsa Al Saadiyat:Private mansionsLuxury villasStandalone hillside villasWaterfront apartmentsBranded residencesPrivate mansions represent the most exclusive homes in the development, with expansive plots and prime waterfront locations. Standalone luxury villas are arranged within residential neighbourhoods, alongside a hillside community rising 22.5 metres above sea level. Waterfront apartments face the marina promenade. Branded residences pair luxury homes and hospitality services under internationally recognised brands.Road and transport connections at Marsa Al SaadiyatMarsa Al Saadiyat will connect to Reem Island and the future Umm Yifeenah Island through a network of roads and tunnels. The masterplan also reserves space for an underground Etihad Rail high-speed station and a dedicated transit hub. Another bridge will connect the district to Aldar's future island development off the Saadiyat coastline.Lifestyle and amenities at Marsa Al SaadiyatSaadiyat Islandis home to Saadiyat Beach, ranked 19th on the official World's 50 Best Beaches list, protected natural habitats such as Hawksbill turtle nesting sites and mangrove reserves, and one of the Middle East's richest concentrations of cultural institutions. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi have already established the island as a major cultural destination.Marsa Al Saadiyat builds on that foundation. The masterplan introduces a one-kilometre waterfront promenade lined with shops and restaurants, a 350-berth yacht club, two five-star hotels, and the Theatre District centred on Dar al Funoon. The performing arts venue is designed to host more than 6,000 guests.Education is another defining element of the development. Three international K–12 schools are planned within the community. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, Harrow International School Abu Dhabi, the American Community School of Abu Dhabi, NYU Abu Dhabi, and Berklee Abu Dhabi are already established on Saadiyat Island. Community clubhouses, sports courts, healthcare facilities, 140 kilometres of pedestrian paths, and a 46-kilometre cycling loop are planned throughout the development.When will Marsa Al Saadiyat sales open?Site enabling and infrastructure works are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2026. The first homes are expected to go on sale during the second half of the year. The launch introduces the final and largest phase of the Saadiyat Island masterplan and expands Aldar Properties' off-plan portfolio in Abu Dhabi.Aldar Properties' net profit reached AED 2.3 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up 20% year on year. Group revenue rose to AED 8.7 billion, an increase of 12% over the same period last year. International and expatriate investors purchased 88% of homes sold across the UAE in the first quarter of 2026. The figures point to continued interest from overseas markets. More details are available...