Great cities are shaped by a few projects that change how they work. For Abu Dhabi, this is one of them. Mubadala and Aldar have announced an AED 60 billion plus joint venture to expand Al Maryah Island, using the final undeveloped land on the island’s north side.

This is not only about adding new buildings. It is a move to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global financial centre, while making the district more livable and connected for the people who use it every day. Here are the four takeaways that matter most.

1) The scale is built for what comes next

The plan aims to develop nearly 500,000 square meters of land and create 1.5 million square meters of new mixed-use space. This level of investment indicates a long-term commitment. Abu Dhabi is not just preparing for a single development phase; it is creating opportunities for sustained growth that aligns with diversification and global business expansion.

“This landmark joint venture marks a defining moment in realizing the full potential of Al Maryah Island.” -Dr Bakheet Al Katheeri, CEO of UAE Investments Platform at Mubadala

More space also means more flexibility. It gives the district room to grow without pushing demand into overflow areas too early.

2) A bold statement on the future of offices

In a world that keeps talking about remote work, Abu Dhabi is doing the opposite: building more Grade A space. The masterplan adds more than 450,000 square metres of Grade A offices, effectively doubling the island’s supply.

This is not a speculative decision. It builds on the existing momentum on the island, with over 11,000 active licenses registered at ADGM and nearly 40,000 professionals employed there. When a financial district experiences this level of activity, it naturally attracts more companies, more talent, and increases demand for the surrounding city. If you want the wider context on what’s been driving Abu Dhabi’s momentum recently, our Q3 market read is a good companion piece.

3) Not just finance, a luxury ecosystem

The vision goes beyond commercial towers. The plan builds a true live-work-play environment so Al Maryah stays active outside business hours and feels like a complete district, not a place you only commute to.

What is coming:

• Over 3,000 luxury waterfront residences

• 40,000 square metres of experiential retail and dining

• A new world-class marina

• A 75-metre-high bay fountain with water shows

• 20 percent of the area dedicated to open spaces
  

  If you want to see what’s already on the market around the district, you can browse our Al Mariyah Island project shortlist.

It also builds on existing anchors like The Galleria and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, which already shape the island’s identity. And it sits right inside the bigger shift toward branded residences in Abu Dhabi, where lifestyle and service become part of the value story.

“The development reflects our ambition to create one of the world’s most progressive and connected financial districts.” -Salem Al Darei, CEO of ADGM Authority

This mix matters because districts with lifestyle and services tend to hold demand better through different market phases.

4) The plan fixes the island problem with real connectivity

A financial district can scale only if it is accessible. This masterplan enhances the island's connections, integrating it into the broader Abu Dhabi framework instead of remaining isolated.

Key upgrades include:

• Three new bridges connecting the north side to Reem Island and the mainland

• Under 10 minutes travel time to Saadiyat Island

• 2.5 km of air-conditioned pedestrian corridors

• Over 12,000 parking spaces

These are not minor improvements. They directly support the flow of people, business, and spending between Al Maryah, Reem, and Saadiyat, which is exactly how a district becomes part of daily city life.

Final word

The Al Maryah expansion beautifully showcases Abu Dhabi’s bold vision for the future. By doubling its financial district and enhancing the surrounding environment with vibrant residential, retail, and public spaces, the city is transforming into a thriving, complete destination. 

For buyers and investors, this is an exciting opportunity that highlights Abu Dhabi's commitment to long-term growth. It’s essential to consider how your next move aligns with the dynamic developments the city is fostering over the coming decade. Let’s embark on this journey together!