Mubadala Investment Company, a sovereign investor from Abu Dhabi, and property developer Aldar announced on Monday plans to invest over Dh60 billion to expand Al Maryah Island, elevating Abu Dhabi’s status as the ‘Capital of Capital’.
This extensive project will add 1.5 million sqm of new office, residential, retail, and hospitality venues, integrating commerce, community, and lifestyle, further enhancing Al Maryah Island’s unique mix of international business and luxury living.
Leading the island’s next development phase is the Al Maryah Waterfront project, featuring a spectacular bay fountain with water displays reaching 75 meters high. This will anchor a redesigned coastline, offering dynamic dining, leisure, and event spaces that enhance the island’s existing vibrancy.
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The masterplan includes new hotels, enhancing the existing luxury portfolio anchored by the Four Seasons and Rosewood Abu Dhabi. It also envisions a sustainable, connected environment with 2.5 km of air-conditioned pedestrian paths, over 12,000 parking spaces, and 20% open space at the heart of Abu Dhabi’s financial district.
Three new bridges are planned to link the north side of Al Maryah Island with Reem Island and the Abu Dhabi mainland, ensuring Saadiyat Island is less than a 10-minute drive away. Enabling works will begin in 2026.
This mixed-use development aims to significantly boost ADGM, Abu Dhabi’s international financial center and the region’s leading IFC. ADGM has seen remarkable growth, with over 11,000 active licenses now registered in the free zone, making it one of the fastest-growing financial hubs globally. Demand for space remains high, with nearly 40,000 people already based within the financial district.
The Al Maryah Island expansion will add over 450,000 sqm of Grade A office space, effectively doubling the island’s total capacity and reinforcing its standing as a global financial hub.
With the influx of international investors and professionals, luxury homes on Al Maryah Island are in high demand, with branded residential properties like the W and St. Regis currently under development. The expansion is expected to support this influx by adding over 3,000 luxury waterfront residences.
“This joint venture marks a defining moment for Al Maryah Island, realizing its full potential. As Abu Dhabi’s premier business and lifestyle destination, it embodies Mubadala’s long-term commitment to creating globally competitive, future-ready environments. Unlocking the island’s final major landbank accelerates its transformation into a dynamic financial and lifestyle hub, expanding its commercial capabilities, enhancing residential and retail offerings, attracting international investors, and reinforcing its role in Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification journey,” said Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri, CEO of UAE Investments Platform at Mubadala.
“This expansion is a key milestone for Abu Dhabi’s growth as a global financial center, with ADGM at its core. With Mubadala and Aldar’s proven expertise in master planning and delivering iconic destinations, we are creating a world-class, mixed-use environment that will attract leading businesses, investors, and talent worldwide. It supports the UAE’s vision for a diversified, knowledge-based economy while enhancing the capital’s appeal as a place to live, work, and invest,” said Talal Al Dhiyebi, group CEO of Aldar.
“The expansion of Al Maryah Island is a significant step in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global finance capital. With ADGM at the heart of this transformation, the development reflects our ambition to create one of the world’s most advanced and connected financial districts, where international institutions, investors, and innovators can thrive,” said Salem Al Darei, CEO of ADGM Authority.
The joint venture is owned 60% by Aldar and 40% by Mubadala.
The companies are also close to completing a legal agreement for a retail joint venture, which will operate Abu Dhabi’s top shopping destinations, including The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Yas Mall, and the upcoming Saadiyat Grove Mall.
