H.H. Sheikh Khaled witnesses launch of AED100 billion Marsa Al Saadiyat project

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, on Wednesday witnessed the launch of Marsa Al Saadiyat, a new AED100 billion development spanning 6.4 million square metres. Developed by Aldar, the waterfront destination — renamed from Saadiyat Marina District at Sheikh Khaled’s direction — is designed to house more than 58,000 residents and will include Abu Dhabi’s largest marina with capacity for up to 350 berths for sailing boats and luxury yachts. Sales of the first homes are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026, with site enabling and infrastructure works set to start in the third quarter of 2026.

“The new name reflects the UAE’s rich maritime heritage and puts Abu Dhabi on the global luxury landscape,” Sheikh Khaled said during a tour of the project site where he was briefed on the masterplan.

The Marsa Al Saadiyat masterplan centres on a network of green linear parks anchored by a landscaped central park that reaches the waterfront. The development will feature an 8km waterfront including 5.6km of pristine beaches, approximately 140km of interconnected walking paths, and a 46km cycling track. A scenic walkway will link the community directly to Saadiyat Cultural District, enabling residents easy access to museums, restaurants and five-star hospitality.

Planned amenities and cultural integration

• Residential offer: luxury villas and mansions for a projected resident population exceeding 58,000.
• Marina and yachting: Abu Dhabi’s largest marina with up to 350 berths; a yacht club is planned.
• Hospitality and entertainment: two luxury hotels, a theatre district anchored by Dar al Funoon (capacity for more than 6,000 guests), and public parks.
• Community infrastructure: children’s play areas, community clubhouses with outdoor pools, sports courts, premium healthcare and three schools.
• Active transport: 140km walking paths and a 46km cycling track to promote walkable access to amenities.

The project is positioned to complement Saadiyat Island’s existing cultural institutions, which include the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Natural History Museum, the Zayed National Museum, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and the planned Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Education offerings on and around the island are highlighted in the masterplan, with internationally recognised institutions such as NYU Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, the American Community School of Abu Dhabi, and Harrow International School Abu Dhabi noted as accessible to future residents.

On transport and connectivity, Marsa Al Saadiyat will be linked to Umm Yifeenah Island and Reem Island via a new integrated network of roads and tunnels intended to reduce travel time to central Abu Dhabi. The destination will also include an Etihad Rail underground high-speed rail station to strengthen connectivity across the UAE’s emirates. Aldar will further expand the development’s footprint by connecting it through a new bridge to an adjacent island it is developing off Saadiyat’s coast.

With construction enabling works slated for Q3 2026 and sales opening in H2 2026, Marsa Al Saadiyat aims to deliver an integrated luxury waterfront community combining residential, cultural and transport infrastructure on one of Abu Dhabi’s most prominent islands.