Riviera Residences: MERED Unveils Abu Dhabi’s First Floating Sales Gallery On Al Reem Island

Floating sales gallery launched on Al Reem Island

MERED unveils a floating sales gallery on the waters of Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi as an exclusive introduction to Riviera Residences, its landmark waterfront project. Leadership from Abu Dhabi Global Market, MERED executives, and project partners attend the launch, signalling strong industry support for the development.

Positioned directly on the water next to the Riviera Residences site, the gallery offers an early look at a project spanning two prime plots totalling more than 23,400 square metres. The development is conceived as a tribute to the Mediterranean Riviera, with the sea forming the core of its architectural and lifestyle identity.

Design and features of Riviera Residences

The floating gallery’s interiors combine Mediterranean and Emirati design influences, reflecting the themes of Riviera Residences. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron, the development features landscape design by Michel Desvigne Paysagiste, technical leadership by DAR Al-Handasah, and enabling works executed by NSCC International Ltd.

Riviera Residences will offer over 400 apartments and 11 villas, including sky villas, bay villas, and a penthouse. The scheme also incorporates landscaped gardens and a waterfront promenade lined with cafés, boutique retail, and dining, positioning the project as a high-end residential destination on Al Reem Island.

Michael Belton, CEO at MERED, said, “Abu Dhabi is entering a defining phase in its growth as a global real estate destination. The city saw a 160% rise in real estate transaction value in Q1 2026 alone, reflecting a deepening appetite for premium development.”

He added, “At MERED, we believe that how a project is presented should be as considered as how it is designed. The floating gallery is a direct expression of what Riviera Residences stands for and allows clients to connect with the vision in its most authentic form.”

Market context and investment trends

Abu Dhabi’s global appeal continues to accelerate, supported by an affluent and expanding population and a regulatory framework that promotes transparency and investor confidence. Foreign direct investment in the capital’s real estate sector reaches approximately DHS8 billion in Q1 2026, matching the total FDI recorded across all of 2025.

Investors from 99 nationalities contribute to the quarter’s performance, underlining the emirate’s diversified buyer base. The strength of demand is especially visible in premium segments, where projects such as Riviera Residences are positioned to attract both local and international purchasers seeking waterfront living and established infrastructure.

Al Reem Island’s positioning and project progress

Al Reem Island ranks among Abu Dhabi’s most active and attractive premium real estate areas. It sits close to Abu Dhabi Global Market, international schools, Reem Central Park, Galleria Mall, and Saadiyat Cultural District, offering waterfront views, lifestyle amenities, and modern infrastructure aligned with the city’s sustainable community vision.

The launch of the floating sales gallery coincides with significant progress on Riviera Residences. MERED recently announces completion of over 60% of enabling works, including guide walls, shoring, contiguous piling, ground improvement, and deep foundation works, highlighting the resilience of Abu Dhabi’s premium residential market and the emirate’s off-plan delivery track record.