Abu Dhabi, UAE – Mered, an international real estate developer, has announced the launch of Riviera Residences, a new waterfront development on Al Reem Island. The project will be developed in collaboration with Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, marking a significant addition to Abu Dhabi’s evolving luxury residential landscape.
Comprising more than 400 apartments and 12 villas, including sky villas, ocean villas, and a signature penthouse, Riviera Residences introduces a new architectural typology to Al Reem Island, blending Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage with contemporary design.
Waterfront Living Meets Global Architecture
Michael Belton, CEO of Mered, said, “Every element of Riviera Residences carefully balances the city’s heritage with bold, unique architectural design. The dynamic symmetry of the layouts offers a variety of options, so every resident can find a home that suits their lifestyle. Working with Herzog & de Meuron, whose architectural vision is recognized globally, allows us to create something truly unique. We’re confident this project will raise the bar for waterfront living in the capital.”
Also read: Mered Opens Abu Dhabi Office as Reem Island Emerges as Real Estate Hotspot
Riviera Residences draws inspiration from Abu Dhabi’s pearl-diving legacy. The design uses shimmering mother-of-pearl façades that capture and refract natural light, paying tribute to the city’s maritime traditions while establishing a distinctive visual identity.
Architectural Collaboration with Herzog & de Meuron
Herzog & de Meuron, known for its global portfolio spanning over 600 projects in 40 countries—including the Tate Modern in London, the M+ Museum in Hong Kong, and Fondazione Giangiacomo Feltrinelli in Milan—brings its signature blend of contextual sensitivity and avant-garde design to Abu Dhabi.
Olga Bolshanina, Partner at Herzog & de Meuron, explained, “Riviera Residences is an ambitious project of a human scale that embodies the aspirations of its context — an extension of a dynamic global community and the beginning of a vibrant neighborhood. Developed from the inside out, it is composed of floating slabs and stacked rooms — some fully glazed, others with distinctive bay windows — offering a variety of spatial experiences and degrees of privacy. Aggregated together, these ‘houses in the sky’ define a vertical neighborhood that balances individuality and collective life.”
Bolshanina added, “To anchor the project on its site, we created a new typology — an antithesis to conventional podium parking — a terraced landscape that integrates parking, courtyard villas, gardens, retail, and multiple amenities into a cohesive whole. Stepping slabs mediate between street and bay, creating a human scale, while dense indigenous vegetation and water elements establish a unique microclimate for the community of residents.”
Lifestyle and Amenities
Residents of Riviera Residences will have access to an extensive suite of amenities designed to complement its waterfront setting. The project includes four swimming pools, indoor and outdoor yoga areas, wellness and recovery spaces, a fitness centre, a padel court, table tennis, and an ice bath area.
Also read: Al Reem Island Abu Dhabi Property Investment Surges with 38% Q2 Gains
Communal spaces are designed for social connection and relaxation, featuring indoor and outdoor lounges, fireplaces, family zones, and promenades lined with cafés, fine dining, and boutique retail overlooking the sea and the Al Reem skyline.
Riviera Residences also provides convenient access to Al Reem Island’s beaches and surrounding amenities, including international schools, Grade-A offices, healthcare facilities, and the Abu Dhabi Global Market.
Al Reem Island: A High-Growth Investment Destination
Al Reem Island continues to emerge as one of Abu Dhabi’s strongest investment hubs, supported by its strategic location, infrastructure, and master-planned urban design. According to market data, off-plan property weighted average prices rose by 38% year-on-year during Q2 2025, reflecting growing investor confidence in the area’s long-term value.
With Riviera Residences, Mered and Herzog & de Meuron are contributing to the island’s transformation into a global-standard mixed-use destination that merges lifestyle, architecture, and sustainability.
What’s There for Indian Investors
For Indian investors, Al Reem Island presents a compelling opportunity to diversify within the UAE’s premium real estate segment. Its proximity to Downtown Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, and the Abu Dhabi Global Market adds to its investment appeal, particularly for those seeking exposure to high-end waterfront developments.
Given the island’s robust rental demand and rising capital appreciation, Riviera Residences positions itself as an attractive off-plan investment in the Northern UAE. The project’s architectural pedigree and strategic location align with growing Indian interest in well-designed, high-return residential assets across the Emirates.
Shaping the Future of Abu Dhabi’s Waterfront
Riviera Residences reflects a broader trend in the UAE’s real estate market — a move toward design-led developments that emphasize livability, sustainability, and global architectural collaborations. As Abu Dhabi continues to invest in its waterfront and mixed-use communities, projects like Riviera Residences are helping redefine the capital’s skyline and lifestyle standards.
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