Aldar has launched Marsa Al Saadiyat, the final phase of the Saadiyat Island masterplan in Abu Dhabi, with a gross development value (GDV) of AED 100 billion. The waterfront development will span 6.4 million square metres and is planned as a fully walkable mixed-use destination, marking the completion of one of the UAE capital's largest master-planned communities. 
The project will house more than 58,000 residents through a mix of private mansions, luxury villas, waterfront apartments, branded residences and a 22.5-metre hillside villa community overlooking the surrounding landscape. According to Aldar, the masterplan has been designed to integrate residential, cultural, hospitality and recreational facilities within a connected urban environment. 
Commenting on the launch, Aldar Chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said the project marked the activation of the final phase of the Saadiyat Island masterplan and reflected Abu Dhabi's continued growth as an international destination for investment and long-term living. He stated that the development represented one of the most ambitious stages in the island's transformation. 
Aldar Group Chief Executive Officer Talal Al Dhiyebi said the AED 100 billion development would further strengthen Abu Dhabi's position in the global luxury real estate market while adding significant scale and character to Saadiyat Island. 
The development will feature Abu Dhabi's largest marina with more than 350 berths capable of accommodating sailing boats and superyachts. The marina will be surrounded by waterfront restaurants and form the centrepiece of an eight-kilometre coastline development. The project will also include a one-kilometre waterfront promenade, 5.6 kilometres of beaches, approximately 140 kilometres of interconnected walking paths and a 46-kilometre cycling loop. Aldar said every home within the community will be located within 150 metres of the cycling route. 
The masterplan incorporates landscaped parks, a central waterfront park, children's play areas, sports courts, community clubhouses with outdoor pools, healthcare facilities and three schools. The aim is to ensure that daily amenities remain within walking, cycling or short driving distance for residents. 
A dedicated walkway will connect Marsa Al Saadiyat directly with the Saadiyat Cultural District, which is home to institutions including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, Natural History Museum, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Within the new development, a theatre district anchored by Dar al Funoon will host musicals, live productions and international performances, with seating capacity for more than 6,000 visitors. 
The community will also include two luxury hotels, a yacht club, retail and dining outlets along the waterfront promenade. Families will have access to educational institutions across Saadiyat Island, including NYU Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Cranleigh, American Community School of Abu Dhabi and Harrow School. 
To improve connectivity, Aldar said Marsa Al Saadiyat will be linked to Umm Yifeenah Island and Reem Island through new roads and tunnels, reducing travel time between Saadiyat Island and Abu Dhabi mainland. The development will also be connected by bridge to a new island being developed by Aldar off the Saadiyat coastline. In addition, an underground Etihad Rail high-speed station integrated into a transit-oriented development hub is planned to strengthen regional connectivity across the UAE. 
Sustainability has also been incorporated into the masterplan. Marsa Al Saadiyat is targeting an Estidama 2 Pearl rating, while applying Fitwel principles focused on occupant wellbeing. Key buildings are expected to pursue LEED Silver and Gold certifications, supported by smart-city technologies and advanced digital infrastructure throughout the development. 
Saadiyat Island has emerged as Abu Dhabi's flagship cultural and luxury destination over the past decade, supported by investments in museums, tourism, education and premium residential communities. The launch of Marsa Al Saadiyat represents the final major phase of the island's long-term masterplan, adding new residential inventory and lifestyle infrastructure while expanding the emirate's high-end waterfront real estate offering. 
Sales of the first residential units are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026. Aldar also confirmed that site enabling and infrastructure works are expected to commence during the third quarter of 2026.