Marsa Al Saadiyat: New Dh100bn destination to feature underground Etihad Rail station and Abu Dhabi’s largest marina
Eight-kilometre waterfront blends beaches, culture, luxury homes and green spaces
ABU DHABI – A new Dh100 billion waterfront destination featuring Abu Dhabi's largest marina and an underground Etihad Rail high-speed station has been unveiled as the next major chapter in the transformation of Saadiyat Island.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, witnessed the launch of Marsa Al Saadiyat, a master-planned development spanning 6.4 million square metres. Aldar will serve as the master developer, overseeing the project's overall design as well as the delivery of its primary infrastructure.
خالد بن محمد بن زايد يشهد إطلاق مشروع "مرسى السعديات" والذي يضم مجمعات سكنية متكاملة لأكثر من 58 ألف نسمة، مجهزة بجميع المرافق المجتمعية والترفيهية من حدائق عامة ومراسي للقوارب واليخوت وممشى مطل على البحر ومسارات المشي وركوب الدراجات ومحطة تحت الأرض لقطارات الاتحاد فائقة السرعة. pic.twitter.com/MRBNOvrrde
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) July 22, 2026
During the launch, Sheikh Khaled also directed that the project be renamed from Saadiyat Marina District to Marsa Al Saadiyat, a name inspired by the UAE's maritime heritage and reflecting the destination's role in preserving the emirate's seafaring identity while embracing a modern waterfront lifestyle.
Marsa Al Saadiyat
Stretching across an 8-kilometre waterfront, Marsa Al Saadiyat has been designed as one of Abu Dhabi's most ambitious mixed-use developments. The masterplan combines luxury residential neighbourhoods, leisure attractions, hospitality, cultural experiences and transport infrastructure within a single integrated community.
At its heart will be Abu Dhabi's largest marina, offering capacity for up to 350 berths for sailing boats and luxury yachts. The marina is expected to become a major attraction for residents, visitors and the regional yachting community, adding another landmark to the emirate's expanding waterfront.
Marsa Al Saadiyat is a new waterfront destination that enriches Abu Dhabi’s lifestyle offering by connecting beaches, Mamsha and a marina with residential neighbourhoods, educational, community and cultural facilities, blending coastal beauty with Saadiyat’s rich culture. pic.twitter.com/TN5TlqlxNE
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) July 22, 2026
The project will also include 5.6 kilometres of pristine beaches, approximately 140 kilometres of interconnected walking paths and a 46-kilometre cycling network, encouraging active lifestyles while making full use of the island's coastal setting.
Sheikh Khaled toured the project site and reviewed the masterplan, where he was briefed on the development's infrastructure, public parks, waterfront promenade, marinas, cycling tracks, walking trails and community facilities designed to the highest standards.
He said the project reflects the UAE leadership's commitment to developing integrated infrastructure that supports future ambitions while enhancing the country's competitiveness as a global destination offering an exceptional quality of life.
Etihad Rail station
Among the development's most significant features is an underground Etihad Rail high-speed station, planned to strengthen links between Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE.
The station is expected to support faster movement between the emirate and other parts of the country while advancing the national vision for a modern, integrated and sustainable transport network. It also reinforces the growing role of rail in shaping future urban development and improving connectivity across the UAE.
Road infrastructure will also play a key role in the project. Marsa Al Saadiyat will be connected to Umm Yifeenah Island and Reem Island through a new network of roads and tunnels designed to improve traffic flow and significantly reduce travel times to central Abu Dhabi.
In addition, a new bridge will link the destination to another island currently being developed by Aldar off the coast of Saadiyat Island, further expanding the area's footprint and strengthening urban integration.
Luxury living
Marsa Al Saadiyat has been designed to accommodate more than 58,000 residents through a mix of private mansions, luxury villas, waterfront apartments, branded residences and a distinctive 22.5-metre hillside neighbourhood featuring standalone villas positioned to maximise views across the surrounding landscape.
The masterplan has been created around the concept of daily life unfolding within the community itself. A network of landscaped green linear parks will connect neighbourhoods, centred around a large park extending to the waterfront.
Residents will have access to children's play areas, community clubhouses with outdoor swimming pools, sports courts, premium healthcare facilities and three schools, ensuring most essential amenities remain within walking, cycling or a short driving distance.
A scenic pedestrian walkway will directly connect Marsa Al Saadiyat with Saadiyat Cultural District, allowing residents easy access to internationally recognised museums, restaurants and luxury hotels.
Within the development, a one-kilometre retail and dining promenade, yacht club and two luxury hotels will form a vibrant waterfront destination.
The community will also feature a theatre district centred around Dar al Funoon, a performing arts venue capable of welcoming more than 6,000 guests for musicals, live performances and international productions throughout the year.
Saadiyat Island expansion
The project represents the final phase of the wider Saadiyat Island masterplan.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Aldar, described Marsa Al Saadiyat as the activation of the final chapter in the island's long-term vision.
He said Abu Dhabi has established itself as one of the world's most attractive destinations for long-term investment through a combination of strategic vision, sustained economic momentum and a quality of life that continues to attract investors and residents from around the globe.
Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Aldar, said the project reinforces Abu Dhabi's emergence as a leading destination within the global luxury real estate market.
He added that the Dh100 billion development would significantly expand the scale and character of Saadiyat Island, which has already earned international recognition as one of the world's foremost cultural and lifestyle destinations.
Marsa Al Saadiyat will complement an island already known for its blend of culture, education and natural attractions.
Saadiyat Island is home to one of the world's top 20 beaches, protected natural habitats and a concentration of internationally renowned cultural institutions, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Natural History Museum, Zayed National Museum, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Families living in the new community will also benefit from access to a wide range of educational institutions, from nurseries to universities. Nearby campuses include NYU Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, American Community School of Abu Dhabi and Harrow International School Abu Dhabi.
Sales for the first homes at Marsa Al Saadiyat are scheduled to begin during the second half of 2026, while enabling works and infrastructure construction are expected to start in the third quarter of the year as development moves into its next phase.