Al Maryah Island: Your Complete Guide
Ready to discover island life in Abu Dhabi? Here's your guide to Al Maryah Island.
Al Maryah Island (previously known as Sowwah Island) is Abu Dhabi's premier Central Business District, strategically positioned as the 'Capital of Capital'. This natural island development represents one of the Middle East's most significant financial and mixed-use hubs, hosting the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and serving as headquarters for numerous multinational financial institutions.
Strategic Location
Located northeast of Abu Dhabi Island and west of Reem Island, Al Maryah Island covers 114 hectares with comprehensive urban planning integrating business, residential, retail, hospitality, and healthcare sectors. The island will accommodate up to 30,000 residents and sustain a working population of 75,000.
Global Financial Center Status
The island hosts regional offices for leading international financial institutions including JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, and Brevan Howard. The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) operates as an international financial free-zone under English Common Law, attracting over 11,000 active licensed entities with nearly 40,000 workers.
Major Landmarks & Facilities
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The Galleria: One of Abu Dhabi's largest luxury retail complexes with designer brands and fine dining
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Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi: Multi-specialty hospital providing world-class healthcare
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5-Star Hotels: Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Four Seasons Hotel
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Residential Components: Multiple apartment complexes and branded residences including W Residences and The St. Regis
Historic & Recent Development
Designated in 2007 by Abu Dhabi's Urban Planning Council as the Central Financial District, extensive dredging and land reclamation (2007-2009) transformed the location into a developed island. The current expansion, announced December 2025 through a Mubadala-Aldar joint venture, represents a landmark AED 60 billion-plus project doubling office space and adding 3,000 luxury waterfront apartments.
Future Expansion Features (2025 Masterplan)
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Office Space: Additional 450,000 sqm of premium offices
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Residential: 3,000+ waterfront luxury apartments
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Retail & Dining: 40,000 sqm of high-end retail and dining venues
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Infrastructure: 2.5 km of air-conditioned pedestrian corridors, 12,000 parking spaces
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Connectivity: Three new bridges linking to Reem Island and mainland (10-minute travel to Saadiyat Island)
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Signature Project: 75-meter fountain with water shows and leisure zones
Transportation & Accessibility
Excellent road connectivity via Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street and Hamdan Street. Taxi and ride-sharing services operate throughout. Public transportation connections serve the broader Abu Dhabi network.
Dining & Entertainment
Multiple Michelin Guide-awarded restaurants, world-class dining establishments, marina facilities, and leisure zones provide comprehensive lifestyle amenities.
Photography Tips
Modern financial architecture, waterfront promenades, and Marina Walk offer exceptional photography opportunities. The island's contemporary skyline and development landscape provide dynamic urban photography subjects, particularly during sunset capturing water reflections of building facades.