Marsa Al Saadiyat Project Launched With Dh100 Billion Investment

Synopsis: Abu Dhabi has launched Marsa Al Saadiyat, a Dh100 billion mixed-use waterfront development on Saadiyat Island. The project will house 58,000 residents and feature the emirate’s largest marina, hotels, beaches, and an Etihad Rail station.

Abu Dhabi has announced Marsa Al Saadiyat, a groundbreaking Dh100 billion development project which will be the last stage of the Saadiyat Island development project. It was announced in the presence of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, who has also renamed the place from Saadiyat Marina District to Marsa Al Saadiyat.

Marsa Al Saadiyat is a master plan development that has been built by Aldar and has a land size of 6.4 million square meters that stretch up to 8 kilometers long waterfront. Marsa Al Saadiyat is planned as one of the most integrated urban communities of Abu Dhabi and is estimated to have more than 58,000 residents.

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The development will create a world-class coastal lifestyle destination by combining residential, hospitality, leisure, retail, cultural and transport facilities. The development will comprise Abu Dhabi’s largest marina, which can accommodate 350 yachts and sailing vessels, along with 5.6 km of beaches, a one-kilometre waterfront promenade, luxury hotels, a yacht club, restaurants, coffee shops, and high-end retail stores.

The development of Marsa Al Saadiyat is sustainable and walkable from the outset. Some key elements of the master plan include a network of 140 kilometres of walking tracks, 46 kilometres of cycling tracks, parkland, community club houses, swimming pools, sporting facilities, health care facilities, and three schools. Most everyday needs can be reached on foot or by cycle.

One important advantage of the development is the transport facilities it offers. It features a tunnel for the high-speed railway station of Etihad Rail, connecting Abu Dhabi to other parts of the UAE. The new roads and tunnels that connect the development to Reem Island, Umm Yifeenah Island, and Aldar-developed Island will be connected using bridge connections.

A cultural and entertainment aspect has been included in this project as well. A theater district will be developed which will feature Dar Al Funoon which is a performing art space that can accommodate more than 6,000 people. This place will be used for performing musicals, concerts, theatrical performances, and international cultural performances.

In the inauguration ceremony, Sheikh Khaled noted that the development underscores the commitment of the UAE's leadership towards making investments in the development of integrated infrastructure that promotes economic growth and improves the quality of life while enhancing its competitiveness globally. The Sheikh added that this development is consistent with the long-term vision of the country.

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As per Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, Chairman of Aldar, the project is seen as the most challenging stage of the development of Saadiyat Island. As Talal Al Dhiyebi, CEO of Aldar Group mentioned, this project will emphasize the status of Abu Dhabi as a key player in terms of luxurious living and investment.

The construction process will be initiated with the implementation of enabling works and infrastructural development in the third quarter of 2026, whereas the sales of the first housing units are planned to start in the second half of 2026. Once completed, the project will rank among the biggest waterfront communities of the UAE and enhance the tourism sector of Abu Dhabi.