The mixed-use waterfront development will house 58,000 residents and feature Abu Dhabi’s largest marina, along with beaches, hotels, and an Etihad Rail station.
Abu Dhabi has unveiled Marsa Al Saadiyat, a landmark Dh100 billion mixed-use development spanning 6.4 million square metres, marking the final phase of the Saadiyat Island masterplan and one of the emirate’s largest waterfront developments.
The project was launched in the presence of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, who also directed the renaming of the development from Saadiyat Marina District to Marsa Al Saadiyat.
Developed by Aldar, the project will extend along an 8-kilometre waterfront and feature Abu Dhabi’s largest marina, with capacity for 350 yachts and sailing boats. The development will also include 5.6 kilometres of beaches, 140 kilometres of walking trails, a 46-kilometre cycling network, and an underground Etihad Rail high-speed station.
Developed by Aldar, the project will extend along an 8-kilometre waterfront and feature Abu Dhabi’s largest marina, with capacity for 350 yachts and sailing boats. The development will also include 5.6 kilometres of beaches, 140 kilometres of walking trails, a 46-kilometre cycling network, and an underground Etihad Rail high-speed station.
Connectivity and investment
Marsa Al Saadiyat will enhance connectivity across Abu Dhabi through a new network of roads and tunnels linking the development with Reem Island and Umm Yifeenah Island, helping to improve travel times across the emirate.
The project will also connect to a new Aldar island off the coast of Saadiyat through a dedicated bridge. In addition, the planned underground Etihad Rail station will further strengthen transport links between Abu Dhabi and other parts of the UAE.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Aldar, described Marsa Al Saadiyat as the start of the most ambitious phase in Saadiyat Island’s evolution.
He said Abu Dhabi continues to enhance its position as a global investment destination, supported by strategic long-term planning, economic growth, and a high quality of life.
Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Aldar, said the development reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing status as a global luxury destination.
“Marsa Al Saadiyat is a landmark development for Abu Dhabi. With a development value of Dh100 billion, the masterplan will add significant scale and character to Saadiyat Island, which is already recognised as one of the world’s leading cultural and lifestyle destinations,” he said.
Sales of the first residential units are expected to begin in the second half of 2026, while enabling works and infrastructure construction are scheduled to commence in the third quarter of the year.
