Riviera Residences: Getting In for 5%
Mered is developing Riviera Residences on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. The project spans apartments, duplexes, penthouses, and villas, with construction started in November 2025 and handover set for January 2029. The entry cost to secure a unit is 5% down, which shapes how most buyers will approach this one.
Al Reem Island: What the Location Means
Al Reem Island sits off Abu Dhabi's northeastern coast, linked to the mainland by causeway. It is an established island community with residential supply, schools, and retail already in place. The waterfront setting gives it a different character from Abu Dhabi's downtown grid, while keeping commute distances to the capital's core short. The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) on neighboring Al Maryah Island is the main employment cluster in the immediate area. Downtown Abu Dhabi and the Corniche are under 15 minutes by car.
Al Reem Island is a designated freehold zone, meaning buyers from any nationality can hold title here.
What AED 2.7M to 3.2M Covers
The listed price range runs from AED 2,700,000 to AED 3,200,000. Looking at the unit breakdown, a one-bedroom at 689 sq ft comes in around AED 2.7M. Two-bedrooms at 1,152 sq ft range from AED 2.3M to AED 3.2M depending on floor and orientation. Three-bedroom apartments at 1,862 sq ft start around AED 3.9M, above the headline range.
The spread between the bottom and top of the stated range is roughly AED 500,000. For apartments, that is primarily a floor and view differential rather than a layout change. The water-facing position on Al Reem Island makes orientation a meaningful factor in where units land within that range.
Apartments to Ocean Villas: Four Property Types
The project runs from compact one-bedroom apartments to villas exceeding 10,000 sq ft and a 20,096 sq ft penthouse. Four distinct property types sit within a single address.
| Property Type | Bedroom Range | Size Range |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment | 1–3 BR | 689–1,862 sq ft |
| Duplex | 3 BR | 2,422–2,895 sq ft |
| Villa (Ocean & Sky) | 3–4 BR | 5,489–10,247 sq ft |
| Penthouse | 4 BR | 20,096 sq ft |
One and two-bedroom apartments are the accessible entry point, suited to investors or individuals wanting a manageable ticket. Three-bedroom apartments at nearly 1,900 sq ft work well for families. Duplexes at 2,400 to 2,900 sq ft offer split-level layouts for buyers who want more floor area without stepping up to a villa. Ocean and sky villas run from 5,500 to over 10,000 sq ft, clearly aimed at buyers for whom size and water proximity are primary.
The Amenity Set
| Category | Amenities |
|---|---|
| Wellness | Infinity Pool, Gymnasium, Yoga Room, Shared Spa |
| Leisure | Cinema, Restaurants, Landscaped Gardens |
| Marine | Private Marina Berths |
| Building | Lobby |
Private Marina Berths are the standout item. Direct berth access in a residential project targets buyers who own watercraft or see waterfront living as a genuine lifestyle priority. A dedicated cinema adds private entertainment on-site. With a full wellness stack on top, the amenity picture describes a project built for residents who want most of their daily needs handled within the building.
January 2029: The Build Window
Construction started November 2025. Handover is scheduled for January 2029, roughly a three-year build from start to completion. Buyers entering now are approximately seven months into the construction period. The 55% during-construction portion is spread across the remaining build window.
The Payment Structure
| Phase | % |
|---|---|
| Down payment | 5% |
| During construction | 55% |
| At handover | 40% |
5% down on a AED 2.7M unit is AED 135,000 to sign the contract. That is a low cash commitment at the point of entry. The 55% during-construction phase spreads the bulk of the purchase across the three-year build. At handover in January 2029, 40% of the purchase price falls due in a single tranche, with no post-handover plan to extend payments beyond completion.
