Abu Dhabi waterfront real estate continues to outperform the wider property landscape, with new analysis by MERED showing exceptional capital growth and sustained investor demand.
The data, covering Q4 2021 to Q3 2025, highlights strong momentum across the emirate’s prime coastal destinations as waterfront projects significantly outpace non-waterfront developments.
Off-plan projects across Abu Dhabi recorded a weighted average increase of 47 per cent, driven by a 429 per cent surge in sales volume, underscoring the scale of demand for new residential inventory.
Abu Dhabi waterfront projects
MERED’s analysis shows that prices in premium waterfront districts climbed 69 per cent during the review period, compared with 22 per cent growth in non-waterfront areas.
Artemiy Marinin, Project Director at MERED, said: “Al Reem Island exemplifies this trend. Waterfront projects on the island recorded a 57 per cent increase in prices since Q4 2021, far exceeding the 20 per cent growth seen in non-waterfront areas.
“This performance not only reflects current market demand but also indicates considerable potential for future growth compared with other established luxury destinations.”
The benchmark for the emirate’s waterfront performance comes from Yas Island, where prices rose 81 per cent, highlighting the strength and depth of investor appetite.
The comparison, MERED notes, underlines Al Reem Island’s untapped potential, driven by its central location, ongoing development pipeline and sustained demand.
Riviera Residences
Building on these trends, MERED recently unveiled Riviera Residences, a design-led waterfront development spanning two plots totalling more than 23,400 square metres within Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron, the project includes more than 400 apartments and 11 exclusive villas, including sky villas, ocean villas and a penthouse.
Inspired by Abu Dhabi’s pearl-diving heritage, Riviera Residences blends contemporary architecture with cultural influences. All pre-launch units sold out immediately, reinforcing its positioning as a premium waterfront destination.
Marinin said: “The superior performance of waterfront properties is underpinned by a straightforward principle: limited supply meets consistent demand. Waterfront land is finite, and the appeal of a premium lifestyle ensures these properties remain highly sought-after.
“This scarcity, coupled with strong buyer interest, translates into stable and profitable investments, offering superior rental yields, capital appreciation, and liquidity for investors.”
Waterfront key driver of capital growth
MERED’s research confirms that Abu Dhabi’s waterfront developments offer compelling long-term investment opportunities.
Strategic locations, high-quality infrastructure and sustained demand continue to drive the emirate’s luxury residential sector, reinforcing the competitive position of waterfront projects within the broader market.
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