Saadiyat Island already had the museums and the beaches covered. Now it’s getting an AED100 billion final act with the launch of Marsa Al Saadiyat. Developed by Aldar, it is the last piece of the island’s master plan, and going by the numbers, it seems huge.
Introducing Marsa Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi’s New AED100 Billion Waterfront Megaproject
The scale is 4 million square metres of land along an 8 km coastline, with 6 km of that being pure Saadiyat beach. The whole community is built around 140km of walkways and a 46km cycling loop, and every single home sits within 150 metres of the bike network.
What’s Included In This Megaproject?
Abu Dhabi’s largest marina will call Marsa Al Saadiyat home, with roughly 350 berths for boat owners. There’s also a 1km waterfront promenade lined with shops and restaurants, a yacht club, two luxury hotels, and Dar al Funoon, a performance centre designed by the late Frank Gehry, announced earlier this year.
Perhaps the most interesting detail, though, is underground: an Etihad Rail high-speed station built directly into the development. Given that passenger rail only launched in the UAE a few weeks ago, building a station straight into a new community says something about how seriously rail is being taken as core infrastructure now, not an afterthought.
Life Beyond The Villas
For the 58,000-plus residents expected to call it home eventually. Three schools, premium healthcare facilities, and parks scattered throughout the community with play areas, sports courts, and clubhouse pools. Marsa Al Saadiyat also connects directly to the Saadiyat Cultural District, meaning residents will have the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, Natural History Museum, teamLab Phenomena and the under-construction Guggenheim Abu Dhabi essentially on their doorstep.
Also Read: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Opens In Dubai With Luxe Rooms, 11 Restaurants, Superyacht Marina & More
When Can You Actually Buy In
The development includes private mansions, luxury villas, waterfront apartments and branded residences. Sales are expected to open in the second half of 2026, so if waterfront living on Saadiyat is on your list, this is the one to watch.
Cover Image Courtesy: ALDAR/LinkedIN
FAQs
Does Marsa Al Saadiyat have a rail station?
Yes, it will feature an underground Etihad Rail high-speed station built directly into the community.