Abu Dhabi is entering a defining chapter of its urban and economic story as Mubadala Investment Company and Aldar Properties unveil a massive AED 60 billion expansion plan for Al Maryah Island. More than a development announcement, the move reflects long-term confidence in the emirate’s global ambitions, its people-first urban planning, and its growing role as a magnet for international capital, talent, and innovation.
Al Maryah Island has already earned its place as Abu Dhabi’s financial and lifestyle hub. This expansion now pushes the island into a new league, blending world-class commercial infrastructure, premium living, and vibrant public spaces into a future-ready destination that feels both global and deeply local.
The AED 60 billion investment is grounded in a simple but powerful idea: build a city district that works seamlessly for businesses, residents, and visitors alike. Mubadala and Aldar are not just adding buildings; they are scaling an ecosystem designed to adapt over decades, not just market cycles.
This expansion will significantly increase office supply, residential density, and lifestyle offerings, reinforcing Al Maryah Island’s role as the economic heartbeat of Abu Dhabi. The focus is on creating a balanced destination where professionals can work, live, and unwind without friction, supporting productivity while enhancing quality of life.
Al Maryah Island holds unique strategic importance. It is home to Abu Dhabi Global Market, one of the world’s fastest-growing international financial centres, as well as major healthcare institutions, retail landmarks, and waterfront attractions.
By expanding the island, Mubadala and Aldar are strengthening Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness on the global stage. Financial institutions, multinational companies, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals increasingly seek destinations that offer regulatory clarity, lifestyle appeal, and long-term stability. Al Maryah Island is being positioned to meet all three with confidence.
A substantial portion of the investment will go toward expanding premium commercial office space. The aim is not volume alone, but quality that rivals top financial districts worldwide. Thoughtfully designed towers, efficient floor plates, advanced digital infrastructure, and sustainability-led construction will define the next wave of commercial assets.
This growth supports Abu Dhabi’s ambition to attract more global banks, asset managers, fintech firms, and professional services companies, while giving existing tenants room to grow.
The expansion also introduces a new generation of residential communities tailored to professionals, families, and global citizens. From waterfront apartments to high-end urban living, the focus is on comfort, accessibility, and lifestyle integration.
Homes will be closely connected to workplaces, retail outlets, green spaces, and leisure facilities. This reduces commute stress and fosters a stronger sense of community, an increasingly important factor for people choosing where to live and invest.
Beyond offices and homes, the plan places strong emphasis on human experiences. New retail destinations, dining concepts, cultural venues, and hospitality offerings will ensure Al Maryah Island remains active day and night.
Public spaces, walkable promenades, and waterfront areas will be expanded to create social energy and emotional connection. These elements transform a business district into a living destination that attracts repeat visitors and long-term residents.
Sustainability is not an afterthought in this expansion. The development strategy prioritises energy efficiency, smart building systems, and environmentally responsible materials. This aligns with Abu Dhabi’s wider sustainability goals and responds to global demand for greener urban environments.
By designing assets that reduce long-term operational costs and environmental impact, Mubadala and Aldar are future-proofing Al Maryah Island against changing regulations and investor expectations.
Wellbeing is equally central to the vision. Natural light, green spaces, pedestrian-friendly layouts, and wellness-focused amenities are woven into planning decisions. The result is an environment that supports mental and physical health while encouraging social interaction and balance.
An investment of this scale naturally delivers strong economic ripple effects. Construction activity will generate thousands of jobs, while completed developments will support long-term employment across finance, retail, hospitality, healthcare, and professional services.
More importantly, the expansion sends a clear message to global investors: Abu Dhabi is committed, confident, and open for business. In times of global uncertainty, such clarity is powerful.
Al Maryah Island’s expansion strengthens the emirate’s international reputation as a sophisticated, business-friendly capital with lifestyle depth. It supports Abu Dhabi’s positioning not just as an oil-rich economy, but as a diversified, innovation-driven city that attracts global talent.
As a global investment powerhouse, Mubadala brings a long-term, measured approach to development. Its involvement ensures that growth aligns with national priorities while remaining commercially sustainable. The expansion reflects Mubadala’s confidence in Abu Dhabi’s future and its role as a catalyst for economic progress.
Aldar contributes deep expertise in delivering large-scale, community-focused developments across Abu Dhabi and beyond. Its track record in creating integrated, high-quality destinations gives confidence that Al Maryah Island’s next phase will be executed with precision and care.
Together, the partnership blends strategic capital with on-the-ground development experience, a combination that significantly reduces execution risk.
For residents, the expansion promises more housing choice, stronger community infrastructure, and enhanced lifestyle convenience. Living on Al Maryah Island will increasingly mean being part of a dynamic, connected neighbourhood rather than a standalone development.
For businesses, it means access to premium workspace in a globally recognised financial district, supported by talent-friendly living conditions and top-tier amenities. This environment supports growth, retention, and innovation.
The AED 60 billion expansion is consistent with Abu Dhabi’s broader development strategy, which focuses on sustainable growth, economic diversification, and people-centric urban planning.
Rather than spreading growth thinly, the emirate is doubling down on strategic districts that already demonstrate success. Al Maryah Island stands as a clear example of this focused, high-impact approach.
As construction progresses and new assets come online, Al Maryah Island will continue to evolve from a leading financial district into a fully integrated urban destination. The expansion promises not just more space, but more meaning, opportunity, and connection for those who engage with it.
Mubadala and Aldar’s AED 60 billion commitment is ultimately a statement of belief in Abu Dhabi’s story and its people. It reflects confidence that the city’s best years are not behind it, but actively being built one landmark, one community, and one shared vision at a time.
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