In an epochal real estate transaction, Aldar Properties has confirmed the sale of an ultra‑luxury eight‑bedroom mansion in the exclusive Faya Al Saadiyat enclave for a staggering AED 400 million, setting a new high‑water mark for residential sales in Abu Dhabi. This record‑setting deal eclipses the previous benchmark, the AED 137 million penthouse at Nobu Residences on Saadiyat Island, sold in 2024.
Prime Location, Unrivalled Scale
The mansion occupies one of the final beachfront villa plots on Saadiyat Island, within the refined Faya Al Saadiyat development. It spans approximately 6,561 sq m (over 70,000 sq ft), making it the largest homesite on the island.
Set directly on a pristine beach and adjacent to the award‑winning Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, the estate delivers sweeping 360‑degree views across the Persian Gulf, lush woodlands, and manicured fairways alike.
Architectural Artistry
Designed by two leading firms, 1508 London for interiors (famous for The OWO by Raffles in London) and Nordic Office Architects for structure, the residence reflects a harmonious blend of minimalist modernity and natural inspiration.
Elegant finishes include custom Italian kitchens and wardrobes, bespoke cabinetry, and high‑end appliances throughout. Interiors are laid out in generous open‑plan fashion, evoking a sense of spaciousness and light.
Five‑Star Facilities, Curated Lifestyle
The list of amenities reads like a luxury resort brochure rather than a private home. Residents enjoy a private car gallery, indoor golf simulator, cinema, wellness and fitness suites, and direct passage to the serene beachfront pool. Outdoor living spaces include expansive dining and lounge zones overlooking water and greenery.
Market Momentum and Buyer Dynamics
According to Aldar, the sale mirrors surging interest in Abu Dhabi’s luxury property sector. High‑net‑worth individuals, both residents and international investors, have driven accelerated demand in the ultra‑premium segment.
In the first half of 2025 alone, Aldar reported AED 5 billion worth of sales on Saadiyat Island. A remarkable 86 per cent of those purchases came from expatriates, 46 per cent being long‑term UAE residents, and 40 per cent non‑residents. The top nationalities included France, the UK, China, the United States and Russia.
Strategic Vision and Policy Support
Jonathan Emery, CEO of Aldar Development, described the sale as a defining moment. He stated the mansion “sets a new benchmark for luxury real estate in Abu Dhabi” and emphasised Saadiyat Island’s status as a global destination for high‑end homebuyers.
Emery cited Abu Dhabi’s long‑term vision, enabled by progressive government policies, including extended residency schemes, and sustained investment in infrastructure, culture, and entertainment as the underlying force behind the market’s maturation.
Ghazi Saeed Al Ateibi, executive director at ADREC (Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre), welcomed the milestone. He noted that such high‑value dealings highlight the emirate’s regulated, transparent and investor‑friendly market environment, which supports responsible capital inflow and real estate growth.
Bigger Picture: Saadiyat Island as a Global Luxury Hub
Saadiyat is the crown jewel of Abu Dhabi’s real estate vision. Spanning over 27 km² and encompassing high‑end accommodation, cultural icons like Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, plus academic institutions and waterfront leisure, the island is strategically positioned as the emirate’s lifestyle core.
Faya Al Saadiyat itself is a boutique enclave of just 21 ultra‑premium mansions. Completion is slated for around 2028, and the development targets a high Estidama Pearl sustainability rating to ensure low environmental impact and lasting liveability.
This landmark deal sets a new threshold for ultra‑luxury residency in Abu Dhabi, with insiders watching whether comparable projects now enter the pipeline. Future villa releases in Faya Al Saadiyat may closely track this pricing if international appetite remains intense.
In a broader context, the sale underscores the potential of beachfront luxury real estate within the Gulf, especially with policy frameworks that favour foreign ownership and long‑term residence. As global investors increasingly look to the UAE as a stable and high‑reward real estate destination, developers like Aldar appear poised to unlock further record‑setting moments.
The AED 400 million / US$109 million mansion sale at Faya Al Saadiyat marks the highest‑value residential property transaction in Abu Dhabi’s history. Its scale, seaside prominence, and world‑class design distinguish it from anything previously sold in the emirate. Supported by rising investor appetite, forward‑looking policy, and Saadiyat Island’s evolution into a cultural and residential destination, this sale has firmly reset the benchmark for luxury living in the UAE capital.
Pic Credit – Aldar Instagram
