Abu Dhabi’s luxury property market is set to welcome another internationally recognised name. Mubadala Investment Company has joined forces with UAE developer TARAF and hospitality group Kerzner International to bring One&Only Private Residences to Al Maryah Island.

The planned development will combine high-end homes with hospitality-inspired services and direct access to The Galleria, one of the island’s main shopping and dining destinations.

Announced on 1 October during LIVEX 2026, the project will feature a 44-storey tower rising approximately 230 metres. The building is designed to offer views of the Arabian Gulf, surrounding waterways and Abu Dhabi’s skyline. Residents will also have direct access to The Galleria, placing shops, restaurants and lifestyle facilities close to home.

The partnership brings together three organisations with different strengths. Mubadala oversees the long-term development of Al Maryah Island, TARAF brings its experience in property development, and Kerzner International will introduce the One&Only brand’s approach to luxury living and hospitality.

For Mubadala, the project is another step in shaping Al Maryah Island into a destination where people can live, work, shop and spend their leisure time. For Abu Dhabi’s property market, it adds another premium residential option aimed at buyers who value privacy, distinctive design and services beyond those typically offered in a standard apartment building.

Financial details remain limited. The partners have not disclosed the project’s total investment value, residential prices or expected completion date. For now, the announcement provides a clearer picture of the development plans and Abu Dhabi’s continued push to attract buyers to its high-end residential market.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Mubadala, TARAF and Kerzner International have announced plans to develop One&Only Private Residences on Al Maryah Island.

Representatives of the three organisations signed the agreement during LIVEX 2026, formalising a partnership that combines Mubadala’s long-term vision for the island with TARAF’s development expertise and Kerzner’s experience in luxury hospitality.

The proposed tower will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom residences, alongside larger duplex homes and a penthouse. Plans also include landscaped gardens, terraces, wellness facilities and shared spaces designed for relaxation and socialising.

Direct access to The Galleria is another key feature. Residents will be able to reach the island’s retail and dining destination without travelling far from their homes.

The idea goes beyond providing luxury apartments. The development is intended to bring together private residential living, hospitality-inspired services and convenient access to the wider island.

That combination is increasingly relevant in the premium property market, where buyers may look for more than location and interior design when choosing a home.

WHY MUBADALA IS INVESTING IN LUXURY PROPERTY

Mubadala Investment Company is an Abu Dhabi sovereign investor with interests across multiple industries and asset classes. Its real estate activities form part of a broader strategy focused on building and managing assets that can contribute to long-term economic growth and financial returns.

Al Maryah Island plays an important role in that strategy. The district brings together financial services, offices, retail, hospitality and residential developments, giving it a mix of commercial and lifestyle activity.

As the island’s master developer, Mubadala has a long-term interest in how these different elements work together. The addition of One&Only Private Residences would strengthen the residential side of that mix.

Luxury housing can attract international executives, entrepreneurs, investors and high-net-worth individuals who want to live close to business districts and premium amenities. Their presence can also support nearby restaurants, retailers and other service providers.

However, high-end property development comes with its own risks. Sales can be affected by buyer confidence, borrowing costs, competing projects and wider economic conditions. A recognised luxury brand may generate interest, but it does not automatically guarantee strong sales or rising property values.

Mubadala’s challenge will be to ensure that the project supports Al Maryah Island’s long-term development while delivering commercially sustainable results.

ONE&ONLY BRINGS ITS LUXURY LIVING CONCEPT TO ABU DHABI

One&Only, Kerzner International’s ultra-luxury hospitality brand, is known for its resort properties in destinations including the Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, South Africa and Montenegro.

Its residential business takes that concept beyond hotel stays, bringing elements of the brand’s design, service and privacy into homes intended for permanent or extended living.

The Abu Dhabi development will introduce that approach in an urban waterfront setting rather than a traditional resort environment. Residents are expected to have access to private living spaces, landscaped amenities and services associated with the One&Only brand.

For Kerzner, the partnership also provides an opportunity to expand its residential presence in the region. Working with established local partners can help international hospitality groups enter new markets while benefiting from local development experience and existing relationships.

The details of the final offering will matter. Buyers in this segment typically look beyond a brand name, weighing factors such as service standards, privacy, design quality, maintenance costs and the long-term management of shared facilities.

Ultimately, the residences will need to deliver an experience that lives up to the expectations associated with the One&Only name.

TARAF’S ROLE IN THE PROJECT

TARAF, the real estate arm of UAE-based Yas Holding, will bring its development experience and design-focused approach to the project.

The company has been building a portfolio across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with interests in residential communities, waterfront developments and branded properties.

Each partner has a distinct role in the One&Only project. Mubadala brings its long-term vision for Al Maryah Island, TARAF contributes its property development capabilities, and Kerzner provides the hospitality brand and its approach to residential living.

This combination brings together several of the capabilities needed to deliver a complex high-rise development. But turning the plans into a successful project will require close coordination across design, construction, delivery and the ongoing management of the residences.

The quality of that execution will be just as important as the names behind the partnership.

WHY AL MARYAH ISLAND IS A KEY LOCATION

Al Maryah Island has become one of Abu Dhabi’s established business and lifestyle districts. Its financial centre, retail destinations, restaurants and waterfront setting distinguish it from residential areas built primarily around suburban living.

The proposed One&Only tower is designed to build on those advantages.

Its direct connection to The Galleria will put residents close to shopping and dining options, while the building’s height and orientation are intended to provide views across the Gulf and surrounding waterways. Landscaped gardens and wellness facilities will offer additional spaces to unwind within the high-rise environment.

For luxury buyers, that balance can be appealing. They may want easy access to work, restaurants and entertainment while still enjoying the privacy and personal space of a private residence.

The project also fits into a broader effort to give Al Maryah Island a more varied mix of uses. Bringing together offices, retail, hospitality and permanent homes can help keep a district active beyond conventional business hours and attract a wider range of residents and visitors.

Still, growth will depend on more than new developments. The island’s long-term appeal will be shaped by how well projects complement existing facilities and whether the supply of new homes matches actual demand.

ANOTHER BOOST FOR ABU DHABI’S BRANDED RESIDENCES MARKET

Branded residences combine private property ownership with the identity and, in some cases, the services of a hotel or lifestyle brand. The concept has become increasingly visible across the Gulf’s luxury property markets.

For developers, an established brand can help a project stand out in a crowded field. For buyers, the attraction may lie in recognised design standards, hospitality services, international appeal and the option to use the property as a primary home or a second residence.

However, the financial side deserves careful consideration. Branded homes can come with higher purchase prices and ongoing service charges. Their resale values still depend on location, construction quality, market conditions and buyer demand—not simply the name attached to the building.

The One&Only project will give buyers another option in Abu Dhabi’s premium residential segment. Its Al Maryah Island location, direct access to The Galleria and hospitality-led concept will be central to its appeal.

The real test will be whether the completed residences deliver enough value and a distinctive enough experience to justify their eventual price.

WHAT BUYERS AND INVESTORS SHOULD WATCH

Several important details are yet to be announced, including launch prices, payment plans, construction milestones and the expected handover date.

These details will help buyers compare the development with other luxury properties in Abu Dhabi. Until pricing and delivery terms become available, it is difficult to make a meaningful assessment of its value or potential investment returns.

Prospective buyers should also examine ownership costs, service charges, the services included in the residential package and any rules affecting future resale or rental.

Investors will need to consider the supply of competing luxury homes, the level of demand and the project's delivery schedule. A well-known brand can attract attention, but long-term returns depend on the underlying property market and how successfully the development is delivered.

For Abu Dhabi, the project will offer another indication of demand for branded residences and the emirate’s ability to attract buyers looking for premium housing, business connectivity and hospitality-inspired services.

FACT CHECK METER

FACT METER: 98%

STATUS: PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCED — PRICING AND DELIVERY DETAILS AWAITED

CONFIRMED: Mubadala Investment Company, TARAF and Kerzner International announced their partnership for One&Only Private Residences on Al Maryah Island on 1 October 2026.

CONFIRMED: The proposed development is a 44-storey tower standing approximately 230 metres tall. Plans include one-, two- and three-bedroom residences, duplex homes, a penthouse and direct access to The Galleria.

IMPORTANT DISTINCTION: The announcement does not establish the project's total investment value, final property prices or confirmed completion date. No specific investment return or future property-price increase has been established.

AWX VERDICT: The One&Only development adds another high-profile project to Abu Dhabi’s luxury residential pipeline. Its success will depend on pricing, delivery, service quality and sustained demand for branded homes on Al Maryah Island.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT

1. Project launch and pricing: The release of official sales details will help buyers understand how the residences compare with other luxury properties in Abu Dhabi.

2. Construction milestones: Updates on design finalisation, construction progress and delivery will provide a clearer picture of the project's timetable.

3. Buyer demand: Sales progress will show whether the One&Only brand and Al Maryah Island location translate into strong market interest.

4. Al Maryah Island’s development: Further investment in residential, retail and commercial projects could strengthen the island’s position as an integrated business and lifestyle destination.

5. Abu Dhabi’s luxury property market: Transaction volumes, buyer profiles and demand for branded homes will help reveal whether the sector’s expansion can be sustained.

THE AWX BOTTOM LINE

Mubadala’s partnership with TARAF and Kerzner International will bring One&Only Private Residences to Al Maryah Island, adding a planned 44-storey luxury tower to Abu Dhabi’s evolving property market.

The project is designed to combine premium homes, landscaped wellness spaces and hospitality-inspired living with direct access to The Galleria. It also reflects a broader effort to develop Al Maryah Island as a place where business, retail, hospitality and residential life come together.

The announcement marks an important step, but key financial details and the delivery timetable remain outstanding. The development’s eventual success will depend on whether the finished homes meet buyers’ expectations and whether demand supports their premium positioning.

For Mubadala, it is another move in the long-term development of Al Maryah Island. For Abu Dhabi, it brings another internationally recognised luxury brand into a market competing for residents, investors and global attention.

ATTLAS WIRE | AWX WORLD NEWS

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