Real Estate
Abu Dhabi launches Dh100 billion Marsa Al Saadiyat development
By 19Network Editorial Team · Jul 22, 2026 · 2 min read
The Dh100 billion project on Saadiyat Island will house 11,000 residents and feature four new hotels.
Abu Dhabi launched the Dh100 billion Marsa Al Saadiyat project on Wednesday, 22 July, a massive mixed-use waterfront development designed to expand the capital’s luxury residential and tourism infrastructure. The project is situated within the Saadiyat Cultural District, home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Residential and Hospitality Expansion The development will feature 3,500 residential units, including high-end apartments and villas, intended to house approximately 11,000 residents. The master plan integrates nine distinct districts, including a marina and a central pier. Key infrastructure includes four hotels and a beach club, adding significant capacity to Abu Dhabi’s hospitality sector as the emirate targets a surge in international visitors. The project announcement coincides with Abu Dhabi's broader strategy to diversify its economy and increase the contribution of the real estate and tourism sectors to non-oil GDP. According to data from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the emirate aims to attract 39.3 million visitors annually by 2030, necessitating a rapid expansion of high-end lodging and residential options. Retail and Cultural Integration Marsa Al Saadiyat will host 60,000 square metres of retail and dining space, across 300 separate outlets. The design prioritizes pedestrian connectivity to the cultural landmarks of Saadiyat Island, linking the development directly to the museum precinct. This integration is…