Abu Dhabi unveils Marsa Saadiyat: AED 100 billion waterfront development and 350-berth marina
Abu Dhabi launches Marsa Saadiyat: AED100bn, 640-hectare waterfront development with a 350-berth marina, cultural venues, beaches and homes—sales from H2 2026.
Marsa Saadiyat, a AED 100 billion waterfront project on Saadiyat Island, was officially launched by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the emirate’s next major cultural and residential destination. The development, renamed from Saadiyat Marina to Marsa Saadiyat, spans 6.4 million square metres and will include the largest marina in Abu Dhabi with capacity for 350 sailing boats and luxury yachts. The announcement frames the project as a strategic investment in integrated infrastructure, combining maritime heritage with contemporary living and international-grade cultural and leisure facilities.
Sheikh Khaled inaugurates Marsa Saadiyat
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited the site to review the master plan and to observe detailed designs for infrastructure and community amenities. During the visit he approved the formal renaming to Marsa Saadiyat, underscoring a renewed emphasis on Abu Dhabi’s maritime traditions. Officials said the launch reflects the leadership’s commitment to long-term, sustainable urban development that enhances the emirate’s global competitiveness and quality of life.
Scope, scale and coastline features
The Marsa Saadiyat master plan covers roughly 640 hectares and fronts an eight-kilometre seafront, including 5.6 kilometres of natural beaches and extensive public realm. Designers have integrated about 140 kilometres of interconnected walking routes and a 46-kilometre cycling track to encourage active mobility and seamless coastal access. Public parks, a central garden and community clubs with outdoor pools and sports facilities will be distributed to keep amenities close to homes and encourage year-round outdoor activity.
Marina capacity and maritime heritage
Central to the scheme is a large marina designed to host 350 berths for sailing vessels and high-end yachts, reinforcing the project’s link to the UAE’s seafaring legacy. The marina and adjacent yacht club will sit alongside a one-kilometre promenade lined with retail and dining outlets, offering views across the marina and the Arabian Gulf. Project backers say the marina will both preserve and celebrate Abu Dhabi’s maritime identity while supporting recreational boating, tourism and related marine industries.
Cultural hubs and leisure attractions
Marsa Saadiyat will expand Saadiyat Island’s cultural precinct, joining existing institutions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and other museums with new performing-arts and entertainment venues. The plan includes two luxury hotels, a theatre quarter anchored by a major performing-arts venue that will reach a capacity of more than 6,000 seats by its scheduled 2030 opening, and a series of restaurants and lifestyle spaces. Planners expect these cultural and leisure assets to strengthen the island’s international profile and attract long-stay cultural tourism.
Residential mix and community amenities
The development is designed to house more than 58,000 residents in a range of accommodations, from standalone mansions and hilltop villas to waterfront apartments and family homes. A hilltop precinct with elevations up to 22.5 metres will include independent villas with panoramic views, while other neighbourhoods will be centered around parks and schools. The master plan allocates space for three schools, high-quality healthcare facilities and neighbourhood retail to support a fully functioning, mixed-use community.
Timeline, sales and economic impact
Aldar, appointed as the lead developer responsible for the master design and primary infrastructure, said site preparation and core infrastructure works will begin in the third quarter of 2026. Marketing and sales for the first residential units are scheduled to start in the second half of 2026, signalling a phased roll-out aimed at institutional and private investors. Officials describe the AED 100 billion programme as a catalyst for major inward real estate investment and as a boost to Abu Dhabi’s position in the global luxury and cultural real-estate market.
Marsa Saadiyat’s backers argue the project will deliver a mix of economic, cultural and social returns while adhering to sustainability principles that seek to protect natural habitats and coastal landscapes. Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairing both the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi and Aldar’s board, called the launch the final and most ambitious chapter in Saadiyat Island’s master plan and a demonstration of confidence in Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision. Talal Al Dhiabi, Aldar Group’s chief executive, described Marsa Saadiyat as a landmark scheme that will amplify the island’s global standing and add scale and character to its cultural and residential offering.
Construction milestones, permitting and phase sequencing will determine the pace of delivery, but the declared start of infrastructure work in Q3 2026 and unit sales from H2 2026 provide a clear initial roadmap. As development progresses, the project is expected to attract long-term capital and specialist hospitality and cultural operators, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s strategy of blending heritage, high-quality living and economic diversification.
Marsa Saadiyat aims to position Saadiyat Island as an integrated waterfront destination that links world-class culture, luxury hospitality, a large-capacity marina and diverse residential neighbourhoods within a single master-planned environment. The project’s scale and coastal ambitions make it one of the emirate’s largest urban undertakings, and officials say it will be delivered to standards that support both resident wellbeing and Abu Dhabi’s international appeal.
