Aldar launched Marsa Al Saadiyat on 22 July at an event attended by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The project was previously known as Saadiyat Marina District, with Sheikh Khaled directing the name change at the launch. Aldar estimates the project's gross development value at AED 100 billion (~USD 27.2 billion).
The final phase covers 6.4 million square metres of Saadiyat Island, and more than 58,000 residents are expected to live there once it is complete. The residential component will include private mansions, villas, waterfront apartments and branded residences.
The development will extend along 8 km of waterfront and include beaches, a marina, a yacht club, hotels and a retail and dining promenade. The marina will have around 350 berths and is planned as the largest in Abu Dhabi.
A new waterfront walkway will connect Marsa Al Saadiyat with the Saadiyat Cultural District. New roads and tunnels will also connect the district with Reem Island and Umm Yifeenah Island, along with an underground Etihad Rail station. Dar Al Funoon will be the area's performing arts venue, designed by Frank Gehry and expected to open in 2030.
Aldar is the master developer and will oversee the design and primary infrastructure. Site works are expected to start in Q3 2026, with the first homes going on sale in H2 2026. Pricing and individual project details have not yet been released.