Al Maryah Island is set to enter a bold new chapter as Mubadala Investment Company and Aldar Properties officially launch a massive $16 billion expansion project. The ambitious development represents one of the largest mixed-use investments currently underway in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the emirate’s vision to become a global hub for business, lifestyle, healthcare, and innovation.
More than just a real estate project, the expansion reflects how Abu Dhabi continues to evolve with long-term planning, economic diversification, and people-focused urban design at its core. For residents, investors, and global businesses alike, Al Maryah Island’s future now looks bigger, smarter, and more connected than ever before.
The collaboration between Mubadala and Aldar brings together two of Abu Dhabi’s most influential entities. Mubadala, as a sovereign investor with a global footprint, brings strategic vision and capital strength. Aldar, one of the UAE’s leading real estate developers, delivers deep expertise in creating world-class destinations.
At the heart of this partnership is a shared commitment to sustainable growth and long-term value creation. Both companies aim to build not just new structures but vibrant communities that enhance quality of life, support economic resilience, and meet the evolving needs of a growing population.
The Al Maryah Island expansion aligns closely with Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification strategy, focusing on sectors such as finance, healthcare, life sciences, retail, hospitality, and advanced business services.
The expansion will dramatically increase the size, capacity, and functionality of Al Maryah Island. Planned as a fully integrated mixed-use destination, the development will blend commercial, residential, retail, hospitality, and leisure components into one cohesive urban ecosystem.
The project will add millions of square metres of gross floor area, significantly increasing the island’s development footprint. This expansion will unlock new land parcels, allowing for carefully planned growth without compromising accessibility or infrastructure efficiency.
By maintaining a balance between density and open space, the master plan ensures that Al Maryah Island remains both commercially efficient and pleasant to live and work in.
Rather than separating business districts from residential communities, the development emphasizes integration. Offices sit close to homes, retail blends into public spaces, and leisure areas are designed as natural extensions of everyday life. This approach reduces commute times, encourages walkability, and creates a more human-scale environment despite the project’s massive size.
Al Maryah Island is already home to Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), one of the world’s leading international financial centers. The expansion reinforces the island’s role as a global business destination while supporting the next phase of growth in financial and professional services.
New Grade A office towers and commercial spaces will attract multinational corporations, financial institutions, fintech firms, and professional service providers. Flexible layouts and smart infrastructure will cater to both established organizations and fast-growing startups.
This increased capacity ensures Abu Dhabi can continue to compete with major global financial hubs while offering a business-friendly environment and strong regulatory framework.
The project is also designed to attract industries shaping the future, including digital finance, healthcare innovation, life sciences, and advanced technologies. By creating clusters where similar sectors can collaborate, Al Maryah Island aims to become a breeding ground for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Residential development is a cornerstone of the expansion, reflecting the growing demand for premium urban living in Abu Dhabi. New homes will cater to a diverse community, from professionals working on the island to families seeking a central, well-connected lifestyle.
The project will introduce a mix of luxury apartments, branded residences, and thoughtfully designed family-friendly homes. Each residential cluster will be supported by retail outlets, community facilities, green spaces, and waterfront access.
The goal is to offer more than just housing, creating neighborhoods where residents feel connected, comfortable, and supported.
Homes will be designed with modern lifestyles in mind, emphasizing natural light, efficient layouts, and high-quality finishes. Proximity to workplaces, schools, healthcare facilities, and leisure attractions supports a balanced daily routine and enhances overall well-being.
Al Maryah Island already boasts one of the region’s most prominent shopping destinations, and the expansion builds on this strength with even more immersive retail and lifestyle experiences.
New retail zones will complement existing offerings, blending international brands with local concepts and experiential venues. Retail spaces will be carefully integrated into pedestrian-friendly streets and waterfront promenades, turning shopping into a social and lifestyle activity rather than a purely transactional one.
The expansion includes a range of hotels and serviced residences designed to cater to business travelers, medical tourists, and leisure visitors. From luxury five-star properties to long-stay accommodations, the hospitality offering will support Abu Dhabi’s growing tourism and events sector.
Restaurants, cafés, and entertainment venues will further animate the island, making it an attractive destination beyond working hours.
Healthcare remains one of Al Maryah Island’s defining strengths, and the expansion builds significantly on this foundation.
The development supports the growth of advanced hospitals, specialist clinics, and research facilities. By expanding space for healthcare providers, the island can continue attracting international patients and medical professionals while offering residents access to cutting-edge care.
By bringing healthcare providers closer to research institutions, technology firms, and investment platforms, the project encourages cross-sector collaboration. This integrated approach positions Al Maryah Island as a leader in life sciences and medical innovation in the region.
Sustainability and technology are embedded into every stage of the expansion, ensuring the development is future-ready.
Digital infrastructure will support smart transport systems, energy management, and data-driven services. From smart parking to efficient building operations, technology will enhance everyday experiences while reducing environmental impact.
The master plan emphasizes energy-efficient buildings, water conservation, and sustainable construction practices. Green spaces and shaded public areas are designed to improve microclimates and encourage outdoor activity, even in warmer months.
This approach reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader commitment to responsible urban development and long-term environmental resilience.
The $16 billion expansion is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.
Thousands of jobs will be created across construction, real estate, hospitality, healthcare, retail, and professional services. The project also supports long-term employment by attracting businesses that bring high-value roles and skills to the emirate.
The scale and ambition of the project send a clear message to international investors about Abu Dhabi’s confidence, stability, and growth potential. For real estate investors, business owners, and institutional partners, Al Maryah Island offers a compelling mix of returns, security, and long-term vision.
The Al Maryah Island expansion is not just about growth in size but growth in ambition. It reflects a shift toward more integrated, people-focused urban environments where business, lifestyle, and community coexist seamlessly.
With its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and diversified offering, Al Maryah Island is being shaped as a destination that can adapt to changing economic trends and lifestyle needs. The expansion ensures it remains relevant and competitive for decades to come.
By combining scale with thoughtful design and sustainability, Mubadala and Aldar are setting a new benchmark for large-scale mixed-use developments in the region. The project shows how ambitious investment can also prioritize quality of life and long-term value.
As the $16 billion Al Maryah Island expansion moves forward, it promises to reshape Abu Dhabi’s urban and economic landscape. For residents, it offers a richer lifestyle. For businesses, it provides space to grow and innovate. For investors, it represents confidence in Abu Dhabi’s future.
More than just an expansion, this project is a statement of intent. Al Maryah Island is not only growing, it is evolving into one of the world’s most dynamic and integrated urban destinations.
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