MERED launches second phase of Riviera Residences on Abu Dhabi's Al Reem Island
Real estate developer MERED has launched the second phase of Riviera Residences, its waterfront residential development on Al Reem Island within Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
Construction is scheduled to begin by the end of 2026, with Phase 2 planned for completion in the second quarter of 2030. The new phase will advance the wider development alongside Riviera Residences 1.
Riviera Residences Phase 2 will comprise 389 apartments, eight Bay Villas, six Sky Villas and a penthouse. The project has been designed by Swiss architectural practice Herzog & de Meuron.
Its architectural features will include custom-made façade elements inspired by mother-of-pearl, reflecting Abu Dhabi's pearl-diving heritage. The design will also incorporate a 30-metre-long, 3D sand-printed lobby installation, bespoke glass panels and selected interior finishes.
The residences will feature natural materials, private balconies or terraces and layouts designed to connect indoor spaces with the surrounding landscape and waterfront.
Waterfront amenities and landscaped gardens
The development will offer more than 65,000 square feet of resort-style amenities, including swimming pools, spa and wellness facilities, indoor and outdoor fitness areas, a padel court, lounges and children's play areas.
The community will also feature landscaped gardens and an approximately 300-metre waterfront promenade with cafés, restaurants and retail outlets overlooking the bay and Al Reem skyline.
The landscape design, inspired by Mediterranean coastal gardens, will include around 300 trees and palms, more than 7,000 square metres of planted surfaces and over 60 plant species and varieties.
Three garden concepts — Sea Pearl Garden, Energy Garden and Bloom Orchard — will provide spaces for relaxation, wellbeing and family activities. Planting will include aromatic herbs such as rosemary, thyme and lavender, alongside flowering species and citrus trees.
The landscape will combine Mediterranean influences with UAE-native and climate-adapted plants selected to withstand Abu Dhabi's heat, salinity and wind exposure. Drip irrigation, automated controls and weather sensors will support water management and maintenance.
A one-kilometre walking path will run through the gardens, providing residents with opportunities for outdoor activities.
Al Reem and Al Maryah property sales rise
The launch comes amid increased residential sales activity across Al Reem and Al Maryah islands within the ADGM area. According to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre's market report, sales in the two locations reached AED10.5 billion in the first half of 2026, marking a 153 per cent year-on-year increase.
Michael Belton, CEO of MERED, said the development aims to combine international architectural expertise with Abu Dhabi's heritage and waterfront setting. He added that the second phase would continue the design approach established in the wider project, with an emphasis on the quality of completed homes and residents' everyday experience.
At Riviera Residences 1, enabling works have been completed, and construction is progressing on schedule towards a planned completion in the third quarter of 2029. All pre-launch units in the first phase were sold in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The project brings together Herzog & de Meuron for architecture and Paris-based Michel Desvigne Paysagiste for landscape design. London-based Dseesion Interiors has designed the Bay Villa interiors, drawing on Italian Riviera destinations and Mediterranean and Emirati living traditions.
