• The demand for coastal lifestyles characterized by cutting-edge designs and smart investment is helping to shape the luxury residential real estate market in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates –   Merid, the leading, award-winning real estate developer, has revealed new insights for buyers of residential units at Riviera Residences, Merid’s flagship waterfront project in Abu Dhabi designed by Herzog & de Meuron. Gathered through direct interactions with buyers during the first quarter of 2026, the insights reveal the factors influencing high-net-worth individuals’ purchasing decisions in Abu Dhabi’s luxury real estate sector, reflecting evolving expectations regarding waterfront living, architectural quality, investment performance, and long-term asset value.

According to Mered’s insights, buyers are increasingly comparing Abu Dhabi to prestigious global coastal property markets, including Monaco, the French Riviera, Miami, and Singapore, reinforcing the growing prominence of the UAE capital within the global luxury real estate landscape.

Buyers' main priorities

Buyer demand in the Riviera Residences project is largely based on waterfront living, with 80% of them giving utmost importance to panoramic sea views as a key condition in the decision-making process, highlighting the advantage of proximity to the beach and direct view as a distinctive feature of luxury residential properties in Abu Dhabi.

The diverse facilities and services come in second place at 75%, with buyers focusing heavily on healthy infrastructure, resort-style environments, outdoor entertainment spaces, and integrated community facilities that support long-term living; while 70% of buyers point to location as an important factor, particularly with regard to accessibility, proximity to major business and entertainment centers, and ease of movement within the capital.

Buyer demographics

Buyers in Abu Dhabi are typically between 30 and 50 years old, with clear behavioral differences between the various age groups. Younger buyers, particularly those aged 30 to 40, focus on investment performance and capital growth, while older buyers tend to prioritize stability, family use, and long-term residential planning.

From a professional perspective, buyers are concentrated in the finance and business sectors (35%), technology and entrepreneurship (25%), venture capital and related functions (20%), and other sectors, including consulting and creative industries (20%). A significant proportion of buyers are based within or closely associated with Abu Dhabi Global Market, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), reflecting the project's alignment with Abu Dhabi's broader economic and institutional landscape.

Investment and financing portfolio

In general, buyers' motivations are split between personal use (50%, including end-users and those combining personal and financial use) and long-term growth potential (50%), with personal and financial factors being evaluated equally when making purchasing decisions. Across all categories, capital growth remains a primary objective, even among buyers of units for personal residences.

Flexible payment options are also a key driver of demand, with 60% of buyers preferring post-delivery or phased payment plans. Mortgage financing accounts for 30%, while cash buyers represent 10%, primarily investors seeking long-term portfolio diversification.

On this occasion, Michael Bilton, CEO of Merid, commented: “The Abu Dhabi real estate market has witnessed strong growth in the volume of real estate transactions, reaching AED 66 billion, an increase of 161% year-on-year, according to data from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Center. This growth attracts the most discerning buyers in the world who have experienced the best that the global real estate market has to offer and expect the same level of quality here. The Riviera Residences project was specifically designed to meet these expectations, with a waterfront architectural design that harmonizes with the Gulf climate, with facilities that elevate the standard of living for residents, and a sophisticated environment for an established community that will continue to grow and prosper for decades to come.”

Lifestyle preferences

Buyer preferences are generally balanced between family and social lifestyle needs. Mered's insights indicate a strong engagement with lifestyle features, with 9 out of 10 buyers mentioning amenities during initial discussions, while nearly 60% of buyers place paramount importance on family-friendly environments, including safety, proximity to schools, and designs that focus on community life, and 40% are attracted to social and recreational facilities such as lounges, dining areas, and recreation areas.

Interest in customization is also growing, with around 40% of buyers showing particular interest in bespoke finishes, material selection, and flexible designs that allow the home to be used as a home office or multifunctional lifestyle.

For more information about Mered and its projects, please visit the website: mered.ae

About Mered

Merid is a leading global real estate development company that elevates lifestyles by redefining the concept of property. The company forges strong partnerships with world-class architects, contractors, and service providers whose values are recognized globally to deliver the finest, most enriching life experiences. These experiences seamlessly integrate the worlds of automobiles, yachts, lifestyle, elite sports, and fashion into high-energy, ultra-luxury communities. Driven by a vision of strategic collaboration, the company's international team of forward-thinking experts is developing a distinctive real estate ecosystem for an innovative, branded residential concept, transforming urban living and setting new standards in the international real estate sector.

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