Marsa Al Saadiyat by Aldar
Saadiyat Island · Abu Dhabi
Homes facing the beach
Villa chapters are planned along white sand and open water. A Saadiyat Island shoreline setting for buyers seeking privacy with a beachfront outlook.
This Aldar waterfront development is the final residential project on Saadiyat Island. For land use, phasing, and the planned Etihad Rail station, see the Marsa Al Saadiyat master plan below. Marsa Al Saadiyat by Aldar master plan.
THE STORY
Marsa Al Saadiyat is Aldar's landmark waterfront destination on Saadiyat Island, where marina berths, a kilometre-long promenade, and a yacht club meet landscaped neighbourhoods shaped around the coast.
The film follows the coastline, harbour, and community taking shape across the masterplan: open water, walkable promenade frontage, and the everyday rhythm of a marina-led address on Saadiyat Island.
to hear from your Marsa Al Saadiyat expert when Aldar releases layouts, pricing, and sales dates.
Discover Talay, the first address at Marsa Al Saadiyat. Where family life unfolds by the sea, moments from the beach, Abu Dhabi's largest marina, a vibrant waterfront promenade and world-class education. A place designed to grow with you, for generations. Coming soon.
NOW ANNOUNCED
Discover Talay, the first address at Marsa Al Saadiyat.
Where family life unfolds by the sea, moments from the beach, Abu Dhabi's largest marina, a vibrant waterfront promenade and world-class education.
A place designed to grow with you, for generations.
Coming soon.
اكتشف تلاي، العنوان الذي يبدأ منه مرسى السعديات. حيث تتجسد أمتع لحظات الحياة العائلية في جوار البحر، على بعد دقائق فقط من الشاطئ وبالقرب من أكبر مرسى في أبوظبي، وممشى الواجهة البحرية النابض بالحياة، والمؤسسات التعليمية الرائدة. مكان صُمّم لينمو معكم عبر الأجيال. قريبًا.
for the latest Talay pricing, layouts and early access when Aldar publishes official figures.
THE LOCATION
Marsa Al Saadiyat occupies the southern and western waterfront of Saadiyat Island, directly adjacent to the Saadiyat Cultural District. Saadiyat Island is a 27 sq km natural island located approximately 500 metres off Abu Dhabi's coast, alongside a protected 59 sq km marine ecosystem.
The development is about 15 minutes by road from Abu Dhabi city centre and Zayed International Airport, with Yas Island a short drive across the Saadiyat–Yas corridor for buyers comparing island addresses. Cultural landmarks within reach include the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, and Manarat Al Saadiyat.
Island connectivity is expanding through planned roads, tunnels, and a bridge toward Reem Island and Umm Yifeenah Island, plus a dedicated bridge to a future Aldar island. An underground Etihad Rail high-speed station is planned within the masterplan boundary, providing direct Abu Dhabi to Dubai rail access in the medium term.
Map data © Google
Project materials
Film
A short look at Saadiyat Island waterfront living at Marsa Al Saadiyat. The clip plays silently; use controls if you need sound.
THE PROJECT
Marsa Al Saadiyat is an AED 100 billion waterfront masterplan by Aldar on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Launched on 22 July 2026 under the patronage of Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who directed the renaming of the development from Saadiyat Marina District to Marsa Al Saadiyat, the project marks the final and largest phase of the Saadiyat Island masterplan.
The development spans approximately 6.4 million square metres across 8 kilometres of coastline on the southern and western waterfront of the island. It is planned for more than 58,000 residents and includes Abu Dhabi's largest marina, a waterfront promenade, a theatre district, schools, healthcare, and residential neighbourhoods designed around walkable access to beaches, parks and community amenities.
Aldar is the master developer, responsible for masterplanning, infrastructure delivery and long-term community stewardship. Aldar is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and is government-linked through Mubadala. The Upsides operates under a licensed brokerage's authorised Aldar agency agreement covering Abu Dhabi residential releases.
AED 100B
Gross development value
6.4M sqm
Total masterplan area
8 km
Waterfront
58,000+
Planned residents
THE MASTER PLAN
The Marsa Al Saadiyat master plan organises approximately 6.4 million square metres along 8 kilometres of waterfront into residential neighbourhoods, marina frontage, hospitality, retail, schools, healthcare, and a theatre district anchored by Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi.
Residential land use spans waterfront apartments, luxury villas, a hillside villa community, branded residences, and private mansions, with Abu Dhabi's largest marina, a one-kilometre promenade, and about 5.6 kilometres of beaches woven through the development.
This project phases enabling works from Q3 2026, first residential sales in H2 2026, and later chapters subject to Aldar confirmation. An underground Etihad Rail station inside the masterplan boundary will add inter-emirate rail connectivity as the network matures.
Site enabling and infrastructure works are expected to begin in Q3 2026, with first residential sales expected in H2 2026. Further residential phases will follow Aldar announcements; all dates remain subject to official confirmation.
In detail
Official Aldar masterplan visuals for waterfront living, marina, culture, schools, and green spaces on Saadiyat Island. Tap any image to enlarge.
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HILLSIDE VILLAS
A hillside villa community is planned within Marsa Al Saadiyat, positioned above the surrounding landscape to capture panoramic views across Saadiyat Island and the Arabian Gulf. Aldar has confirmed this as a distinct villa cluster, separate from the beachfront and marina residential neighbourhoods.
Plot sizes, bedroom counts, and pricing for the hillside collection have not been released. Release timing will follow Aldar's residential sales chapters, expected to begin in H2 2026.
How high are the Marsa Al Saadiyat hillside villas? Aldar has confirmed the hillside villa community rises approximately 22.5 metres above the surrounding landscape, positioned to maximize views across the development.
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION
Education is woven into the Marsa Al Saadiyat masterplan alongside residential, marina, and cultural amenities. Aldar has confirmed three schools within the development boundary, comprising two private schools and one public school, plus six nurseries planned across the community.
Together, the planned on-site schools and nurseries and the five established institutions nearby create an education corridor that supports families from early years through university without leaving Saadiyat Island.
THE PROPERTY
Marsa Al Saadiyat is planned to offer four residential categories across the masterplan. The first villa release in the district is Talay. Talay at Marsa Al Saadiyat is the first named residential release; register for the latest Talay pricing, floor plans, sizes and unit counts as Aldar confirms them. Further project names will follow Aldar announcements. First residential sales across Marsa are expected in H2 2026. The section below describes each masterplan category as announced.
Explore Talay at Marsa Al Saadiyat, the first named release within the masterplan.
Panoramic marina and open-sea views.
Waterfront apartments at Marsa Al Saadiyat are planned along the marina and promenade frontage, with views across the harbour and open water. This category targets buyers seeking managed waterfront living with proximity to the yacht club, dining and retail on the promenade. Comparable apartment pricing on Saadiyat Island reached AED 43,100 per sqm in the year to June 2026, a 21 per cent year-on-year increase, according to Knight Frank's Abu Dhabi Residential Market Review. Specific pricing for Marsa Al Saadiyat apartments is subject to Aldar's first sales launch.
Landscaped neighbourhoods with park and beach access.
Villas at Marsa Al Saadiyat are planned across residential neighbourhoods with direct access to parks, community clubhouses and beaches. The masterplan places every home within 150 metres of the 140-kilometre walking path and 46-kilometre cycling network. A hillside villa community at 22.5 metres elevation is also planned, providing sea views that are rare on a predominantly flat island. Saadiyat Island is Abu Dhabi's most expensive villa market, with prices reaching AED 26,500 per sqm, according to Knight Frank.
Private waterfront plots on the most secluded stretches.
Private mansions at Marsa Al Saadiyat are planned along the most exclusive sections of the 8-kilometre waterfront. This is a standalone mansion product on Saadiyat Island, a category with no comparable live inventory in Aldar's current residential catalogue. Abu Dhabi's most expensive home ever sold transacted at USD 109 million, a record reported in 2025, reflecting the ceiling of demand in this market. Specific lot sizes and pricing have not been released.
A globally recognised hospitality brand, to be announced.
Branded residences are planned within the Marsa Al Saadiyat masterplan. Aldar has confirmed a branded residential offering with a prestigious global partner; the brand has not yet been announced publicly. Existing branded projects at Marsa Al Saadiyat that are already on sale include Mandarin Oriental Residences Saadiyat Island (AED 6.2M from, 226 units, handover Q3 2028), Nobu Residences (AED 7.8M from, 88 units, Middle East first), Baccarat Residences (AED 23M from, 77 units, first in Abu Dhabi), and Four Seasons Private Residences (AED 21.2M from, beach mansions from AED 93.5M, handover 2029).
PROPERTY TYPES
Marsa Al Saadiyat villas are part of a residential mix that spans waterfront apartments, luxury villas, mansions and branded residences. The first villa release in the district is Talay, Aldar's collection of contemporary family villas and the first address at Marsa Al Saadiyat. Villa sizes, layouts and pricing release at sales launch.
Explore Talay, the contemporary villa collection at Marsa Al Saadiyat.
THE SCARCITY
Marsa Al Saadiyat activates the final phase of the Saadiyat Island masterplan. The island has a fixed perimeter of approximately 27 sq km. Once this phase is sold, no further developable waterfront land remains on the island. The 8 kilometres of coastline within this masterplan represents a material share of Saadiyat's total coastal frontage and cannot be replicated by any competing development.
The buyer profile reflects this scarcity. Approximately 86 per cent of Saadiyat Island buyers are expatriates, purchases above AED 2 million qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa, and registration fees run at 2 per cent. Abu Dhabi waterfront property still prices below comparable Dubai stock. Saadiyat Island's current average of AED 43,100 per sqm for apartments compares with Hong Kong at USD 3,860 per sqm, New York at USD 2,590 per sqm, and London prime at USD 1,920 per sqm. The pricing gap reflects where the market is, not where it is heading.
THE MARINA
Marsa means marina in Arabic, and Marsa Al Saadiyat's 350-berth marina will be the largest in Abu Dhabi.
The marina at Marsa Al Saadiyat is planned to be Abu Dhabi's largest, with capacity for approximately 350 yachts and sailing boats, a dedicated yacht club, two luxury hotels sitting directly alongside the residential neighbourhoods, and a one-kilometre waterfront promenade with retail and dining along the harbour. Approximately 5.6 kilometres of beach complete the waterfront.
A working marina sustains all-day activity at the waterfront. The combination of berths, a yacht club, hotels and a dining promenade is what creates long-term rental demand in a waterfront community.
350
Berths
1 km
Promenade
2
Luxury hotels
5.6 km
Beaches
THE CULTURE
Saadiyat Island holds the highest concentration of major cultural institutions of any residential island in the region. Marsa Al Saadiyat connects directly to the Saadiyat Cultural District via a dedicated walkway and adds its own theatre district anchored by Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi, a performing arts venue with 6,000+ combined seats, designed by Frank Gehry and opening 2030 inside the masterplan boundary.
| Institution | Architect | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Louvre Abu Dhabi | Jean Nouvel | Open since 2017. 5M+ visitors, 97,000 sqm |
| Natural History Museum | Mecanoo | Open since Nov 2025. 35,000 sqm, region's largest |
| Zayed National Museum | Foster + Partners | Open since Dec 2025. AED 2.5bn, 1,500+ objects |
| teamLab Phenomena | teamLab | Open since Apr 2025. 17,000 sqm, world's largest digital art museum |
| Abrahamic Family House | Adjaye Associates | Open since Mar 2023. Mosque, church and synagogue |
| Manarat Al Saadiyat | — | Open since 2009. Island's original arts venue |
| Guggenheim Abu Dhabi | Frank Gehry | Opens 11 December 2026. 80,000 sqm, world's largest Guggenheim |
| Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi | Frank Gehry | Opens 2030, inside Marsa Al Saadiyat. 6,000+ seats |
Museums of this scale and calibre are built once. Their presence is an infrastructure fact, not a marketing claim. An address next to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the world's largest Guggenheim and the world's largest digital art museum does not become more available over time.
THE SAADIYAT MARKET
Saadiyat Island is Abu Dhabi's highest-value residential address. Apartment prices reached AED 43,100 per sqm in the year to June 2026, a 21 per cent year-on-year increase, while villa prices reached AED 26,500 per sqm, the emirate's priciest villa market. Both figures are sourced from Knight Frank's Abu Dhabi Residential Market Review, year to June 2026.
Abu Dhabi as a whole recorded AED 117 billion in real estate transactions in H1 2026, a 112 per cent year-on-year increase in value. Saadiyat Island recorded AED 8.8 billion in transactions in Q1 2026 alone.
Saadiyat Island and Yas Island collectively account for 59 per cent of all foreign direct investment property purchases in Abu Dhabi, according to ADREC 2025. Foreign buyers account for approximately 62 per cent of Abu Dhabi residential sales value.
Buyer protections are established. Off-plan funds are held in escrow regulated by Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipalities and Transport. The area is a designated freehold investment zone, open to all nationalities. Purchases above AED 2 million qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa.
AED 43,100
Per sqm, highest apartment price in Abu Dhabi (Knight Frank, Jun 2026)
+21%
Year-on-year apartment price growth to June 2026
AED 26,500
Per sqm, emirate's priciest villa market
86%
Proportion of Saadiyat buyers who are expatriates
For a full analysis of the Abu Dhabi market, including price trends across Saadiyat and Yas Island, read our Abu Dhabi property investment guide. For three years of registered ADREC transaction data, including matched Mamsha Al Saadiyat resale pairs, see Saadiyat Island price appreciation.
THE TIMELINE
22 July 2026
Project launched. Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled witnesses the announcement. Investment value: AED 100 billion.
2026
Talay at Marsa Al Saadiyat announced as the first named residential release within the Marsa masterplan. Register for the latest Talay pricing, unit types, sizes and payment plans as Aldar confirms them.
Q3 2026
Site enabling and infrastructure works are expected to begin.
H2 2026
First residential sales are expected in H2 2026.
Future phases
Further residential phases subject to announcement by Aldar. All dates planned and subject to official confirmation.
First residential sales at Marsa Al Saadiyat are expected in H2 2026. Site enabling and infrastructure works are expected to begin in Q3 2026. Registering interest now places buyers ahead of public sales marketing and increases the likelihood of priority allocation. The Upsides operates under a licensed brokerage's authorised Aldar agency agreement and provides direct access to confirmed project information as it is released.
THE EXISTING PROJECTS
While Marsa Al Saadiyat's first residential sales are expected in H2 2026, five Aldar projects currently on sale on or adjacent to Saadiyat Island offer immediate purchase opportunities in the same market, including Mamsha Palm in the Cultural District. The Upsides holds availability on each.
See all Saadiyat Island and Yas Island projects on the projects hub.
Saadiyat Cultural District · Abu Dhabi
1 to 4 bed apartments and 5 bed penthouses overlooking Zayed National Museum.
View project
Saadiyat Island · On sale
Two beachfront buildings with Abu Dhabi's first Nobu restaurant and sky villas.
View project
2 to 3 bed residences and sky villas facing the Louvre and Guggenheim.
Gated beachfront enclave with 24,000+ sqft beach mansions and show-car galleries.
Developer
Abu Dhabi’s flagship developer for Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and capital waterfront destinations.
Aldar is the developer international buyers most often associate with Abu Dhabi island living: Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and large waterfront masterplans. On The Upsides, Aldar briefings currently centre on Marsa Al Saadiyat, Mandarin Oriental Residences, and The Canopies at Yas Point. Marsa Al Saadiyat was launched on 22 July 2026 as the landmark Saadiyat waterfront destination and is now in priority registration. Mandarin Oriental Residences is the branded Cultural District release on sale with Q3 2028 handover. The Canopies is the park-centred residential chapter already available to shortlist inside Yas Point.
Also exploring The Canopies at Yas Point on Yas Island, or upcoming events.
SAADIYAT ISLAND
Saadiyat Cultural District · Phase 1 on sale
Buyers comparing Marsa Al Saadiyat often also review The Row Saadiyat, Aldar's Phase 1 apartment collection in the Saadiyat Cultural District from AED 3.7M. Marsa is the island's waterfront master plan finale; The Row is live apartment stock beside the museum quarter.
View project
Buyers comparing Saadiyat waterfront with Yas Island park living can also compare with The Canopies on Yas Island at The Canopies at Yas Island.
SAADIYAT CULTURAL DISTRICT
A sibling Cultural District launch is Sei Saadiyat Cultural District, Aldar's 778-home wellness collection from AED 2.95M on a 50/50 plan.
Now launched
Sei Saadiyat by Aldar is a 778-home wellness-led collection across six towers in Saadiyat Cultural District, from AED 2.95M, handover Q4 2030.
View project
THE INAUGURATION
On 22 July 2026, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan officially inaugurated Marsa Al Saadiyat, Aldar's AED 100 billion final phase of Saadiyat Island. Watch the moment this landmark waterfront destination was unveiled.
The ceremony marked the public unveiling of a marina-led masterplan on Saadiyat Island's southern and western coastline: Aldar's concluding chapter for the island's long-range development.
For Saadiyat Island, the inauguration confirms the final and largest phase of the masterplan, completing the vision for a cultural and waterfront address in Abu Dhabi.
THE QUESTIONS
Marsa Al Saadiyat is an AED 100 billion waterfront masterplan by Aldar on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. It was launched on 22 July 2026 and marks the final phase of the Saadiyat Island masterplan. The development spans approximately 6.4 million square metres across 8 kilometres of waterfront and is planned to accommodate more than 58,000 residents across a mix of waterfront apartments, villas, branded residences and private mansions.
Talay at Marsa Al Saadiyat is the first named residential release within Aldar's Marsa Al Saadiyat waterfront masterplan on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. It is coming soon. Register with The Upsides for the latest Talay pricing, layouts and early access on the Talay project page.
Marsa Al Saadiyat is on the southern and western waterfront of Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, directly beside the Saadiyat Cultural District. The island sits about 500 metres off Abu Dhabi's coast and is roughly 15 minutes by road from Abu Dhabi city centre and Zayed International Airport, with Yas Island a short drive away. Landmarks within reach include the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, and Manarat Al Saadiyat.
The Marsa Al Saadiyat master plan is Aldar's AED 100 billion waterfront scheme covering approximately 6.4 million square metres and 8 kilometres of coastline, planned for more than 58,000 residents. Land use spans waterfront apartments, villas, private mansions, branded residences, Abu Dhabi's largest marina, beaches, schools, healthcare, and a theatre district. Site enabling is expected from Q3 2026, with first residential sales in H2 2026 and an underground Etihad Rail station planned within the masterplan boundary.
Aldar is the master developer of Marsa Al Saadiyat. Aldar is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and is government-linked through Mubadala, with a delivered track record across Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. The Upsides operates under a licensed brokerage's authorised Aldar agency agreement covering Abu Dhabi residential releases.
The planned residential mix includes waterfront apartments, luxury villas, branded residences and private mansions. A hillside villa community at 22.5 metres elevation is also planned. Specific unit sizes, floor plans and prices have not yet been released by Aldar.
First residential sales are expected in H2 2026, and layouts, sizes, prices and payment plans have not yet been released by Aldar. As a reference, existing Aldar branded launches on Saadiyat Island have priced from AED 6.2 million for apartments (Mandarin Oriental Residences) through to AED 23 million for branded residences (Baccarat) and AED 93.5 million for beach mansions (Four Seasons). Saadiyat Island apartment prices broadly average AED 43,100 per sqm, according to Knight Frank, year to June 2026.
First residential sales are expected in H2 2026, and layouts, sizes, prices and payment plans have not yet been released by Aldar. Site enabling and infrastructure works are expected to begin in Q3 2026. These timelines are subject to official confirmation by Aldar. Registering with The Upsides provides priority notice ahead of public sales.
Yes. Marsa Al Saadiyat is within a designated freehold investment zone, open to all nationalities. Purchases above AED 2 million qualify for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa. Registration fees are 2 per cent. Off-plan funds are held in escrow regulated by Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipalities and Transport.
Marsa Al Saadiyat has several structural factors that distinguish it from typical off-plan launches: it is the final developable phase of Saadiyat Island so no comparable waterfront land release follows, Aldar is a government-linked listed developer with a delivered track record across Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, and the cultural infrastructure already built on the island cannot be replicated by a competitor. Saadiyat apartment prices rose 21 per cent year-on-year to June 2026 per Knight Frank. The risk profile of any off-plan purchase includes the gap between announcement and first sales launch, the absence of published floor plans or payment plan terms, and a multi-year construction and handover timeline. Buyers should review all project documentation when released and conduct independent due diligence before committing. Read our detailed Marsa Al Saadiyat investment case.
Yes. Luxury villas are part of the confirmed residential mix at Marsa Al Saadiyat, planned across landscaped neighbourhoods within the 6.4 million square metre masterplan alongside private mansions, waterfront apartments, and branded residences. Individual plot sizes, bedroom counts, and pricing have not yet been released by Aldar.
The hillside villa community is a standalone collection within Marsa Al Saadiyat, positioned approximately 22.5 metres above the surrounding landscape to maximize panoramic views across the development. It is distinct from the beachfront and marina villa clusters. Sizes and pricing have not been released.
Yes. Aldar has confirmed two private schools, one public school, and six nurseries within the Marsa Al Saadiyat masterplan. Nearby established institutions on Saadiyat Island include NYU Abu Dhabi, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi, the American Community School of Abu Dhabi, and Harrow International School Abu Dhabi.
See current Saadiyat Island property prices for the Q2 2026 data behind the island's growth.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
The Upsides is a trading name of a licensed Abu Dhabi real estate brokerage holding an authorised Aldar agency agreement. We provide direct access to project information, confirmed pricing and payment plans as Aldar releases them, and priority registration ahead of public launch phases.
General information only, not investment advice. Prices, availability, specifications and charges are subject to change. The Upsides is a trading name of a licensed Abu Dhabi real estate brokerage holding authorised agency agreements with the respective developers for the projects referenced on this site (including Aldar Properties and Eagle Hills). This is not an official Aldar Properties PJSC or Eagle Hills website. Confirm details with us and licensed advisors before you commit. Forward-looking statements are subject to official confirmation by the relevant developer.
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