Aldar launches AED 100 billion Marsa Al Saadiyat as the final district of Saadiyat Island
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 takeaways
- Aldar 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 overview
Marsa 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.
Marsa Al Saadiyat property types
Five residential property types are planned at Marsa Al Saadiyat:
- Private mansions
- Luxury villas
- Standalone hillside villas
- Waterfront apartments
- Branded residences
Private 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 Saadiyat
Marsa 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 Saadiyat
Saadiyat Island is 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 in Aldar's Q1 2026 financial report.
Why does Marsa Al Saadiyat deserve attention?
A project of this scale does not reach the market very often. Marsa Al Saadiyat introduces new villas, mansions and apartments for sale in Saadiyat Island, where demand for premium coastal real estate in the emirate has remained strong. Anyone comparing options before deciding to buy a flat in Abu Dhabi should consider Marsa Al Saadiyat early, as pricing, phasing and unit types become more defined after the initial launch.
Final thoughts
Marsa Al Saadiyat closes the final chapter of the Saadiyat Island masterplan and introduces one of Abu Dhabi's largest waterfront residential launches. Site works are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2026, with the first homes expected to go on sale later in the year. As future phases are released, apartments and villas for sale in Saadiyat Island will expand across multiple price points and property types.
betterhomes has tracked Saadiyat Island's growth since the earliest phases. As a top real estate agency in Abu Dhabi, the team guides on Marsa Al Saadiyat and other Aldar Properties off-plan projects.
For more market news, community guides and property updates, visit the betterhomes real estate blogs.
Frequently asked questions
What is Marsa Al Saadiyat?
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Marsa Al Saadiyat is Aldar's newest waterfront development and the final district of the Saadiyat Island masterplan in Abu Dhabi. The AED 100 billion project will feature private mansions, luxury villas, waterfront apartments, branded residences, cultural attractions, schools, hotels and the emirate's largest marina.
When will Marsa Al Saadiyat sales begin?
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Site enabling and infrastructure works are scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2026. Aldar plans to open sales for the first residential phase during the second half of 2026.
How will Marsa Al Saadiyat connect to the rest of Abu Dhabi?
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The masterplan proposes new roads and tunnels linking Marsa Al Saadiyat to Reem Island, Umm Yifeenah Island and mainland Abu Dhabi. Plans also reserve space for an underground Etihad Rail high-speed station, a transit hub and additional bridge connections.
Will Marsa Al Saadiyat have schools and community facilities?
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Yes. Three international K–12 schools are planned within the development. Residents will also have access to community clubhouses, sports courts, healthcare facilities, 140 kilometres of pedestrian paths and a 46-kilometre cycling network. Several established schools and universities are already located on Saadiyat Island.
What property types will be available at Marsa Al Saadiyat?
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The development will feature private mansions, luxury villas, standalone hillside villas, waterfront apartments and branded residences. Each property type targets a different segment of the luxury market.
How many people will live at Marsa Al Saadiyat?
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Once fully developed, Marsa Al Saadiyat is planned to accommodate more than 58,000 residents. The masterplan features residential neighbourhoods, hospitality, education, retail, leisure facilities and cultural attractions in one of Abu Dhabi's largest waterfront communities.
