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Abu Dhabi's next destination - Al Maryah Waterfront - to have 30m tall sphere, 1000 AI-powered water jets

Al Maryah Waterfront intends to create new zones at Al Maryah Island

Last updated: July 21, 2025 | 09:36

Manoj Nair, Business Editor

2 MIN READ

How the future will take shape at Al Maryah Waterfront, a project from Mubadala.

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Dubai: Work on Abu Dhabi's next waterfront destination has started.

The Al Maryah Waterfront enhancement project will 'transform Al Maryah Island lifestyle offerings and experiences', according to the developer Mubadala. All this is about 'further bolstering Abu Dhabi’s standing as a premier global destination'.

The announcement comes just as Abu Dhabi announced a Disney theme park and the jewellery and fashion label Bulgari unveiled a super-luxury project in the city - its second in the UAE after the one on Dubai's Jumeira Bay island.

Also Read: Disney Abu Dhabi to be 'Emirati in style' as latest details revealed

The project will see a 30-meter-tall luminous sphere at its centre, one that's 'enveloped in flowing water and set within the bay'. This will be surrounded by over 1,000 'AI-powered' jets of water soaring more than 75 meters high and set to music by composer Ramin Djawadi. (The features are designed by WET, one of the biggest water design firms in the world.)

The development will also have:

A sea boardwalk extension providing guests access to the water’s edge.
A shaded outdoor cooling system, enhancing comfort during hot seasons.
New F&B zones and event-ready public spaces elevating the guest experience.

"The Al Maryah Waterfront enhancement project is a strategic investment in the future of Al Maryah Island” said Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri, CEO of UAE Investments at Mubadala.

“This project will deliver iconic elements that elevate the quality of life and offer a diverse experience for visitors, while reinforcing the island’s position as a premier lifestyle destination.”

Mubadala has multiple assets on Al Maryah Island, including those being developed in tandem with Aldar. In October last year, the two launched the 'One Maryah Place', a twin-tower with super-premium office space.

Once complete, the new Al Maryah Waterfront will be a 'dynamic backdrop for public life' - meant to 'attract global visitors, support the capital’s tourism ambitions, and provide premium opportunities for leisure, culture, and commercial activation'.

Manoj NairBusiness Editor

Manoj Nair, the Gulf News Business Editor, is an expert on property and gold in the UAE and wider region, and these days he is also keeping an eye on stocks as well. Manoj cares a lot for luxury brands and what make them tick, as well as keep close watch on whatever changes the retail industry goes through, whether on the grand scale or incremental. He’s been with Gulf News for 30 years, having started as a Business Reporter. When not into financial journalism, Manoj prefers to see as much of 1950s-1980s Bollywood movies. He reckons the combo is as exciting as it gets, though many will vehemently disagree.