UAE capital's most expensive home in history sells in record deal: Here's why it's worth so much

TL;DR

• Aldar sold an eight-bedroom mansion on Saadiyat Island for $109 million, the most expensive home ever sold in Abu Dhabi.
  
• The beachfront mansion spans 6,561 sqm and features a car gallery, golf simulator, cinema, and private beach access.
  
• Abu Dhabi’s luxury property market is booming, with prices up and demand from global buyers on the rise.
  
• The sale reflects strong investor confidence, driven by government policies, long-term visas, and cultural infrastructure.
  

A Landmark Deal in the UAE Capital
In a record-breaking transaction that underscores the growing appeal of Abu Dhabi’s high-end real estate market, Aldar Properties has sold an ultra-luxury eight-bedroom mansion on Saadiyat Island for AED 400 million ($109 million) — the most expensive residential property ever sold in the UAE capital.

Located within the Faya Al Saadiyat development , the mansion is a standout in both scale and sophistication. Spanning 6,561 square metres, the beachfront home includes an extensive list of elite amenities: a private car gallery, golf simulator, cinema, and dedicated wellness and fitness suites. The property offers direct beach access and panoramic views of the surrounding sea and greenery.

“Recognised as the crown jewel of Abu Dhabi’s luxury real estate, Saadiyat Island continues to attract homebuyers and investors from around the world,” Said Jonathan Emery, CEO at Aldar Development, highlighting the significance of the sale and the location’s growing appeal.
Inside the Faya Al Saadiyat Development

The mansion is part of Faya Al Saadiyat, an exclusive gated community currently under development. Designed by 1508 London Interior Design Studio and Nordic Office Architects, the community emphasizes minimalist, open-plan living spaces using locally sourced materials.

• Total homes: 21
  
  
• Mansions: 2 (eight-bedroom)
  
  
• Villas: 19 (six- and seven-bedroom)
  
  
• Completion expected: 2028
  
  
• Design focus: Sustainable architecture targeting Estidama 3 Pearl and Fitwel certifications
  
  

Key sustainability features include energy-efficient systems, water-saving technologies, and a master plan that prioritizes environmental stewardship.

The location is strategic, in close proximity to the Saadiyat Cultural District, giving future residents direct access to cultural landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the upcoming Guggenheim Museum, and the vibrant Saadiyat Grove retail and dining hub.

A Booming Luxury Market Backed by Policy and Demand
The record-breaking sale comes amid a surge in Abu Dhabi’s luxury real estate market, which has been fuelled by strong investor confidence, strategic policy reforms, and rising global interest. According to property portal Bayut, luxury apartment prices in the capital rose by up to 17% in the first half of 2025, while villa prices increased by 6% to 9% during the same period.

“This sustained momentum reflects the success of Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision, enabled by progressive government policies, long-term residency initiatives and strategic investment in infrastructure, culture, and entertainment,” said Jonathan Emery, CEO at Aldar Development.

His remarks reflect broader market trends that highlighting the emirate’s growing appeal among high-net-worth individuals and international buyers. Aldar’s developments on Saadiyat Island, in particular, have been at the centre of this demand.

“Saadiyat Island continues to attract homebuyers and investors from around the world,” Emery added, reinforcing the island’s position as the epicentre of ultra-luxury living in Abu Dhabi.

Several key indicators reflect this upward trajectory in the capital’s high-end property sector:

• 34.5% year-on-year growth in total real estate transactions in Q1 2025
  
  
• Property transaction value reached AED 25.3 billion, across 6,896 deals
  
  
• 352 properties currently listed above $1 million — the highest in the UAE
  
  
• Between 2020 and 2025, Abu Dhabi recorded a 202% increase in real estate values
  
  

These figures point to a maturing, investor-friendly market backed by a stable regulatory framework, robust infrastructure, and a lifestyle offering that continues to draw affluent buyers from across the globe.

Global Appeal and Buyer Demographics

The record-setting mansion sale follows the AED 137 million purchase of a Nobu Residences penthouse on Saadiyat Island last year, further establishing the island as Abu Dhabi’s premier luxury address.

In the first half of 2025, Aldar recorded AED 5 billion in sales on Saadiyat Island alone. A striking 86% of buyers were foreign nationals, broken down as:

• 46% residents of the UAE
  
  
• 40% international non-residents
  
  

Buyers largely hailed from Russia, France, the UK, China, and the US, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s increasing appeal to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) worldwide. Analysts point to several key factors:

• Low taxation
  
  
• High living standards
  
  
• Sovereign wealth stability
  
  
• Access to world-class infrastructure and culture
  
  

Abu Dhabi’s population growth from 2.7 million in 2014 to over 4.1 million in 2024 has further fuelled long-term real estate investment.

About Aldar Properties
Founded in 2004, Aldar is Abu Dhabi’s leading property developer. Publicly listed since 2005, its largest shareholder is Mubadala, the UAE’s sovereign wealth fund. In 2013, Aldar merged with Sorouh Real Estate to consolidate its position in the market.

The company’s wide-ranging portfolio spans:

• Residential, commercial, and retail development
  
  
• Leisure, education, health infrastructure
  
  
• Golf courses, marinas, hotels, theme parks, and schools
  
  

Aldar also provides comprehensive property management services for both public and private sector clients. It is especially active on Saadiyat Island, Reem Island, Yas Island, and Al Raha Beach.




FAQs:

1. What’s special about the $109M mansion?

It’s an eight-bedroom beachfront estate with ultra-luxury features like a car gallery, cinema, golf simulator, wellness suites, and direct beach access.

2. Where is it located?

Inside Aldar’s Faya Al Saadiyat development on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.

3. Why is Abu Dhabi’s property market booming?

Thanks to rising demand from high-net-worth individuals, low taxes, long-term visas, and strong government investment in infrastructure.

Q. Who's buying these properties?
Mostly international buyers from countries like Russia, France, the UK, China, and the US — 86% of Saadiyat buyers in 2025 were foreign nationals.