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Five Abu Dhabi Districts Driving Premium Real Estate Investment in 2025

Abu Dhabi’s real estate market is quickly establishing itself as a global contender. In 2024 alone, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) recorded 24.2% growth in real estate transactions from 2023, reaching AED 96.2 billion in value. Supported by strong foreign investment, a wave of high-profile developments and significant price appreciation, the emirate attracts growing interest from buyers seeking capital appreciation and long-term value. Artemiy Marinin, Project director from MERED, highlights five areas that stand out for premium property investors, offering distinct advantages, from strategic locations to future-ready infrastructure:
1. Al Reem Island
Al Reem Island has transformed into one of the most attractive investment areas in Abu Dhabi. Its recent inclusion in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) free zone has added significant appeal, placing the island within one of the world’s largest international financial hubs. This development offers investors a rare combination: prime waterfront real estate, strong rental returns, and opportunities for capital growth.

With major infrastructure projects underway, such as the 2027 bridge linking Reem Island to Saadiyat Island and the expansion of nearby business districts like Al Maryah Island, the island is quickly becoming one of the best choices for high-end apartments. MERED’s upcoming luxury waterfront development in this area is a direct response to this growing market. It’s designed to cater to an expanding base of investors looking for quality, connectivity, and long-term value. Positioned in one of the most promising locations, designed by Pritzker Prize laureates, the project will offer premium living spaces with incredible views, large modern amenities and retail, making it a key player in the future of Al Reem Island and a new landmark.
2. Saadiyat Island
Divided into seven districts, Saadiyat Island offers a mix of residential and commercial opportunities, anchored by world-class resorts, beaches, and luxury communities that appeal to high-end property investors. It is home to some of the most prestigious attractions in Abu Dhabi, including the Louvre and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Saadiyat has recorded price increases of 32.4% in 2024, making it the emirate’s highest appreciating residential area. Demand for high-end apartments remains robust, driven by the island’s exclusivity and cultural ecosystem. While near-term development is constrained by land availability, long-term potential remains strong, particularly in the Saadiyat Cultural District. Investors targeting asset preservation and premium rental returns continue to prioritise Saadiyat as a resilient, high-performing market.
3. Yas Island
Located just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai, with excellent highway links and proximity to Abu Dhabi International Airport, Yas Island attracts young professionals and expatriates. Many multinational firms based on Yas also lease residences for their staff, contributing to high occupancy rates of 85–95%. Average gross rental yields for luxury apartments hover between 4-6%, with prime freehold units reaching 6-8%. Limited land availability is expected to drive future price appreciation. This ensures investors earn a regular rental income stream regardless of market cycles. Meanwhile, rising demand from tourism, infrastructure upgrades, and access to entertainment hubs like Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit, and luxury hotels make Yas Island a high-performing, well-rounded asset in any property portfolio.
4. Al Maryah Island
As Abu Dhabi’s central business district, Al Maryah Island offers a tightly integrated environment for both living and working. Its proximity to financial institutions, luxury retail, healthcare, and cultural venues creates a stable base for long-term residential demand. The island’s master plan supports an active, high-quality lifestyle with strong infrastructure and urban planning standards, translating into reliable tenant profiles and stable occupancy rates. As Abu Dhabi scales its knowledge economy ambitions, Al Maryah is expected to remain a prime asset for investors seeking stable yields and sustainable value growth.
5. Hudayriyat Island
Hudayriyat Island represents one of the most forward-looking investment opportunities. The island, home to several high-profile developments, including luxury resorts, beachfront villas, and world-class recreational facilities, is a high-value, low-density destination for future residents. Sustainability lies at the heart of Hudayriyat’s development, with smart city technologies and green infrastructure creating a future-proof model for urban living. This appeals to environmentally-conscious buyers and strengthens long-term asset value in an increasingly ESG-driven market. Early investors stand to benefit from strong capital appreciation once the island’s projects fully mature.
As the city’s residential footprint expands outward and infrastructure and amenities take shape, long-term returns are expected to follow.
Home Integrator
Bergman Design House Unveils Interiors for Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences by ELEVATE and Ennismore – A New Era of Luxury in Ras Al Khaimah

Award-winning London-based interior designers Bergman Design House have revealed their completed design vision for Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences, developed by ELEVATE in partnership with global hospitality leader Ennismore. Announced last quarter, the project is now moving closer to launch with the much-anticipated unveiling of its interiors. Known for exclusive private villa and beach house designs, this marks Bergman’s first branded residence project in the region, setting a new benchmark for luxury residential and hospitality living.
Zeeshaan Shah, Founder of ELEVATE, said:“Our vision with ELEVATE has always been to craft developments that are more than addresses — they are destinations. Partnering with Ennismore and Bergman Design House on Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences allows us to deliver an experience that blends design excellence, curated living, and world-class hospitality in a way the region hasn’t seen before.”
Set against the backdrop of Al Marjan Island where the Arabian Gulf meets Ras Al Khaimah’s future gaming and leisure destination, Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences rises as a modern design icon. Part cultural gallery, part social hub, it is conceived as more than simply a residential address: instead unfolding as a curated lifestyle experience where every space is designed to inspire, connect, and endure.
Marie Soliman, Founder & Creative Director of Bergman Design House, added:
“With Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences, we wanted to create a place where every corner tells a story, where residents feel both the comfort of home and the thrill of discovery. It’s a living canvas, inspired by the sea and designed to evolve with its community.”
Drawing inspiration from the rhythms of the ocean and the dynamic energy of Ras Al Khaimah’s evolving luxury scene, Bergman Design House has blended sculptural forms, organic textures, and luminous palettes. Each detail reflects a dialogue between avant-garde artistry and timeless comfort, resulting in spaces that are both emotionally resonant and visually striking.
The development will feature more than 60,000 square feet of resident amenities, designed to position Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences as the pinnacle of experiential living in the Emirate. The lobby itself will go far beyond a point of arrival, serving as an immersive gallery with rotating exhibitions from visionary global and regional artists alongside digital installations.
Suspended high above the ocean, the Sky Lounge will deliver panoramic views, innovative mixology, and interiors crafted for both intimate conversation and grand celebration.
Residents will also enjoy 17,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor wellness space, including championship-level training zones, a yoga and Pilates studio, treatment rooms, a sky padel tennis court, and a recovery suite with sauna and ice bath — embedding wellness into daily life.
Mondrian’s iconic pool scene will also make its mark on Al Marjan Island. Perched over 200 feet above sea level, the adults-only Infinity Sky Pool will redefine Ras Al Khaimah’s skyline, with sleek finishes and uninterrupted Gulf views transforming each sunset into a spectacle.
The beachfront will function as a lifestyle destination of its own, featuring art-adorned pools, private cabanas, immersive installations, and an award-winning beach restaurant soon to be unveiled. Every detail is designed to turn a day by the water into a sequence of unforgettable memories.
The Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences will offer a range of residences, with penthouses as the crown jewel, complete with wraparound glass walls, bespoke marble finishes, private terraces, and spa-like bathrooms. Apartments will feature smart layouts, uninterrupted sea views, and coastal-meets-cosmopolitan palettes, enhanced by sculptural lighting that transforms each home into a personal art piece.
Conceptualised for discerning investors, collectors of experiences, and global citizens, Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences represents the convergence of hospitality, artistry, and residential intimacy. It will stand as not just a development, but a cultural landmark for Ras Al Khaimah. It belongs to the Mondrian Hotels & Residences portfolio, part of Ennismore, a creative hospitality company with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with culture and community at their heart. With ELEVATE’s vision, Ennismore’s hospitality expertise, and Bergman Design House’s design mastery, the Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences is set to become a cultural stage, a social hub, and a sanctuary of design excellence — framed by the infinite horizon of the Arabian Gulf.
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INTRODUCING DUBAI’S FIRST CORINTHIA RESIDENCES

Driven | Forbes Global Properties has been appointed as the exclusive sales partner for the residences at Corinthia Dubai, including both branded and non-branded residences. Developed by Dubai General Properties, the twin towers on Sheikh Zayed Road will also feature Dubai’s first Corinthia five-star, ultra-luxury hotel.
“This project stands out for its clarity of vision: an iconic address that pairs a five-star hospitality experience with a versatile residential offering. It’s the kind of development that creates long-term value for residents and investors alike,” said Abdullah Alajaji, Founder and CEO of Driven | Forbes Global Properties. “Our team is honored to be leading sales on such a unique, city-shaping project.”
“By bringing Corinthia Branded Residences together with premium non-branded options in one destination, we’re giving buyers genuine choice without compromising on quality,” said Jassim Al Ali, Managing Director of Dubai General Properties. “Our ambition extends beyond merely constructing skyscrapers; we aim to create developments that capture the global imagination and forge a lasting legacy in urban design,” he added.
“We’re pleased to present this historic project to the world’s most discerning buyers and to continue curating best-in-class residences for our clients,” said Hadi Hamra, Managing Partner at Driven | Forbes Global Properties.
An Architectural Statement
Designed by AtkinsRéalis, the project is set to rank among the tallest buildings in the world, rising over 500 metres with a distinct silhouette of two towers connected by a dramatic, cantilevered sky lobby suspended halfway above ground. Rising with grace above the city’s skyline, the skyscrapers are Art Deco inspired, paying modern homage to timeless elegance. “These towers reflect timeless perfection, standing as an icon on SZR. They epitomize the essence of urban luxury and a modern oasis in the sky. Their crafted geometry scales the sky while gently stepping back, unveiling one-of-a-kind residences with unparalleled vistas of Dubai’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf,” said Timothy Winstanley, AIA, RIBA, Design Director and Lead Architect of the project.
The residences offer generous, open layouts designed to capture uninterrupted sea and skyline views. Selected residences will feature private pools, gyms, and large indoor-outdoor entertainment areas, while residents can enjoy privileged access to Corinthia Wellness and hotel amenities, supported by the brand’s iconic service standards.
The interior concept, “Stillness in the Sky,” draws inspiration from a garden in full bloom: soft, tactile materials, champagne-metal finishes, floral silhouettes, and natural light create serene, sensory spaces that elevate daily rituals into moments of quiet luxury.
A Vision Realised by 2030
Spanning 330,000 square metres and scheduled for completion by 2030, Corinthia Dubai will deliver a multifaceted lifestyle that combines state-of-the-art architecture, exceptional hospitality, and modern comfort. Supported by Driven | Forbes Global Properties, the project will stand as a landmark that sets global benchmarks for luxury living in the heart of Dubai.
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WHY DEVELOPERS SHOULD ADOPT AN INVESTOR MINDSET IN EVOLVING REAL ESTATE MARKET

By Eng. Amer Khansaheb, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Union Properties PJSC
In today’s buoyant UAE Real Estate landscape, conventional metrics like unit sales volumes are becoming obsolete. Instead, genuine success increasingly lies in value measured through long-term rental income, growth, asset quality, and capital appreciation. Developers who adopt an investor-led mindset, prioritising yield, durability, and premium standards, are effectively shaping the future of the sector in the UAE.
From Selling Today to Earning Tomorrow
To achieve this shift, developers must transcend the traditional focus on one-time sales. Developers must embrace business models that generate sustainable rental income, ensuring a predictable stream of cash flow even during market fluctuations. Future-focused project planning must integrate rental viability, anchoring developments in steady long-term returns rather than immediate, speculative gains. This investor-first approach positions developers for long-term growth.
Rental Market Momentum: Major Growth Engine
The UAE’s residential leases market is projected to reach USD 27.98 billion in 2025 and USD 33.10 billion by 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3 per cent. Developers who prioritise rental-ready, high-quality units will be best placed to capture this expanding market, appealing both to residents seeking premium housing and to investors seeking reliable returns. This demonstrates the enormous potential that rental-centric development strategies hold.
Supply Growth and Still Solid Returns
Despite expectations of 180,000 new residential units by 2026, rental yields remain strong at 7.4 per cent. This reveals persistent demand, indicating prime opportunities for value-added investments. Developers can capitalise this by offering thoughtfully designed projects with integrated amenities and sustainability features on strategic locations, elements that elevate rental income and investor appeal.
Attracting Global Capital through Investment-First Mindset
The UAE’s progressive policies such as long-term visas, free zones for Real Estate, and investor-friendly reforms, continue to magnetise international and institutional capital. By adopting an investor-first mindset, developers can meet this evolving demand by offering investment-grade opportunities and high-quality, income-generating assets that appeal to discerning global investors.
Differentiating Through Quality
To differentiate in this present market increasingly defined by long-term value rather than rapid turnover, excellence in design, exceptional finishes and long-term value are keys. Developers who invest in durability, sustainability, and strategic positioning, beyond sheer scale, will attract tenant loyalty and investor confidence. This differentiation fosters both brand equity and financial resilience.
Aligning with Future: Investor Mindset as Strategy
As the UAE Real Estate landscape evolves, we can safely state that those developers that think like investors will certainly emerge as leaders. By aligning projects with long-term income generation, adhering to global investment standards, and offering quality-driven, sustainable developments, they lay the groundwork for enduring success.
This dynamic Real Estate environment is not merely a passing trend but a blueprint for sustainable, value-based growth in the UAE market. Developers who embrace this investor-led vision, integrating rental yield, design excellence, and global standards, will not only thrive but also redefine the future of the sector.
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