A major new chapter in Abu Dhabi real estate is being written with the announcement of a transformative $16 billion expansion of Al Maryah Island. Spearheaded by Mubadala and Aldar, this ambitious project aims to significantly enrich the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) office space, promising to accommodate the growing demand for office, residential, retail, and hospitality venues. With this development, Al Maryah Island is set to become an even more vibrant hub, marrying luxury living with international business.
The development holds a gross value exceeding AED60 billion ($16.34 billion) and represents the largest expansion undertaken on the island to date.
This project encompasses the last undeveloped plot on the northern side of Al Maryah Island, covering nearly 500,000 square meters.
It will yield 1.5 million square meters of new office, residential, retail, and hospitality space, effectively integrating commerce, community, and lifestyle while enhancing the island’s unique blend of international business and luxurious living.
Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi
The mixed-use development is poised to greatly bolster the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial center governing both Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands.
ADGM stands out as one of the fastest-growing financial hubs globally, boasting over 11,000 active licenses and nearly 40,000 residents in the area.
This expansion will add more than 450,000 square meters of Grade A office space—essentially doubling the existing supply—to meet the escalating demand from global institutions, investors, and financial professionals.
In light of the solid inflow of international investors and talent, the demand for luxurious residential properties on the island is on an upward trajectory, with branded residences such as W and St. Regis currently in development.
Al Maryah Island’s broader transformation will unveil new experiences that build on its already fully integrated urban ecosystem. Anchored by The Galleria—Abu Dhabi’s premier luxury shopping destination—Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, an ACTIVE sports hub, and the UAE’s most Michelin-awarded dining establishments, the island will introduce an additional 40,000 square meters of experiential luxury retail, fresh dining options, and a world-class marina.
Central to the next phase is the Al Maryah Waterfront enhancement project, featuring a fountain designed for awe-inspiring water shows reaching heights of up to 75 meters.
New Facilities
The development will craft new leisure, dining, and event venues along a reimagined coastline.
The expansion will also encompass Abu Dhabi’s new Convention Centre, which will serve as a platform for significant global events, including Abu Dhabi Finance Week and various international exhibitions and business gatherings. As visitor numbers rise, so too will the demand for hotel accommodations.
The master plan outlines new hospitality offerings, complementing existing luxury hotels such as the Four Seasons and Rosewood Abu Dhabi.
Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri, CEO of UAE Investments Platform at Mubadala, stated: “This landmark joint venture with Aldar signifies a natural evolution of our strong partnership and builds on the accomplishments we’ve achieved together. It underscores Mubadala’s unwavering commitment to strategic value creation for Abu Dhabi and the UAE.”
“By unlocking the full potential of this prime land bank, we are not only expanding our premier business and lifestyle destination but also driving economic diversification and cultivating a world-class hub for business and community life.”
ADGM Office Space
Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group CEO of Aldar, remarked: “This expansion signifies a pivotal milestone in Abu Dhabi’s continued growth as a global financial center, with ADGM at its core. With the proven track record of Mubadala and Aldar in master planning and delivering iconic destinations, we are collaboratively creating a world-class, mixed-use environment that will attract top businesses, investors, and talent from across the globe.”
“It will support the UAE’s vision for a diversified, knowledge-based economy while enhancing the capital’s allure as a place to live, work, and invest.”
Salem Al Darei, CEO of ADGM Authority, noted: “Today’s landmark expansion of Al Maryah Island marks a pivotal step in solidifying Abu Dhabi’s status as a global capital for finance. With ADGM at the heart of this metamorphosis, the development embodies our ambition to create one of the world’s most progressive and interconnected financial districts, an ecosystem in which international institutions, investors, and innovators can excel.”
“This next chapter reinforces Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic vision and quickens our journey toward shaping a dynamic, future-ready hub that establishes new global benchmarks for growth, opportunity, and impact.”
Connectivity enhancements are a core component of the master plan, including 2.5 kilometers of air-conditioned pedestrian corridors, more than 12,000 parking spaces, and 20 percent open space within the heart of the financial district.
Updated Infrastructure
Three new bridges are set to connect the northern portion of Al Maryah Island to Reem Island and the Abu Dhabi mainland, ensuring that Saadiyat Island remains a short ten-minute drive away. Enabling works for this project are slated to commence in 2026.
The joint venture will see Aldar retain a 60 percent ownership while Mubadala holds the remaining 40 percent, building on a robust partnership that has lasted over two decades.
The two organizations have collaborated on a variety of commercial, retail, residential, and logistics ventures, including notable projects like Al Maryah Tower, One Maryah Place, and a retail joint venture nearing completion that will operate some of Abu Dhabi’s leading malls: The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Yas Mall, and the upcoming Saadiyat Grove Mall.
This expansion marks a significant leap in shaping Al Maryah Island into one of Abu Dhabi’s premier business and lifestyle destinations.