Aldar Properties announced the launch of Talay, its first residential community at Marsa Al Saadiyat, which will include 351 standalone villas together with recreational and service facilities. The company said units in the project will be offered for sale starting September 23, targeting buyers seeking waterfront homes within the newly activated district on Saadiyat Island. This initial release forms the starting point for residential development across the broader masterplan, which is projected to house more than 58,000 residents upon completion.
The Marsa Al Saadiyat destination spans 6.4 million square metres with an eight-kilometre waterfront that incorporates 5.6 kilometres of beaches and Abu Dhabi’s largest marina capable of berthing more than 350 vessels, according to a statement from Aldar. It will also feature extensive walking paths stretching 140 kilometres and cycling tracks spanning 46 kilometres to promote active lifestyles. A company statement indicated that the development will pursue Estidama 2 Pearl rating for the masterplan alongside Fitwel wellbeing principles and LEED certifications for individual assets.
Marsa Al Saadiyat was officially launched in July 2026 by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who renamed the area from its previous designation as the Saadiyat Marina District. Aldar acts as master developer for the project, overseeing overall design and primary infrastructure delivery while targeting a gross development value of AED 100 billion. Site preparation and infrastructure work are set to begin in the third quarter of this year, in tandem with the initial sales phase.[[1]](https://economymiddleeast.com/news/abu-dhabi-crown-prince-launches-27-23-billion-marsa-al-saadiyat-development-project/)
Saadiyat Island has recorded notable price growth in recent years, with villa values rising 12 percent in 2024 while apartment prices increased 18 percent over the same period, according to Knight Frank data. The island continues to command a premium within Abu Dhabi’s market, accounting for a disproportionate share of high-value transactions despite relatively modest sales volumes. Savills figures show that 53 percent of the emirate’s villa transactions in 2024 were concentrated on Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and Hudayriyat Island.[[2]](https://content.knightfrank.com/research/2366/documents/en/abu-dhabi-residential-market-review-winter-2024-25-12221.pdf)
The Talay launch aligns with sustained demand for premium residential options in Abu Dhabi’s established and emerging communities, where off-plan properties represented 66 percent of villa sales last year. Knight Frank’s assessment placed Saadiyat among the top-performing locations for both apartments and villas, driven by its cultural district proximity and natural setting. Further residential offerings within Marsa Al Saadiyat are expected to follow as planning for the remaining components advances.
Aldar has integrated smart-city technologies and sustainable design across the Talay community to align with the wider Marsa Al Saadiyat vision of harmonious waterfront living. The project will provide residents with access to planned dining, hospitality and leisure amenities once the district matures. Additional details on subsequent phases will be released as the development progresses through its infrastructure stage.
