MERED & Herzog & de Meuron Launch Iconic Al Reem Waterfront

Abu Dhabi, UAE — MERED, the internationally acclaimed developer, has joined forces with Pritzker Prize-winning architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron to create a landmark waterfront development on Abu Dhabi’s prestigious Al Reem Island. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in delivering world-class, culturally resonant architecture that redefines coastal urban living.

Herzog & de Meuron, renowned for iconic projects such as the Tate Modern in London, 56 Leonard Street in New York, Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, and the Beijing National Stadium, brings its global design expertise to the UAE. With over 600 projects across 40 countries, the Swiss firm is celebrated for its precision, sustainability, and innovative approach that respects both urban context and cultural heritage.

MERED’s flagship development, Riviera Residences, will comprise over 400 exquisitely designed apartments and 12 exclusive villas, including sky villas, ocean villas, and a penthouse. Drawing inspiration from Abu Dhabi’s pearl-diving legacy, Herzog & de Meuron has incorporated mother-of-pearl façades that shimmer with natural light, creating a contemporary yet locally rooted aesthetic. The interiors, including lobbies and communal spaces, feature elegant, functional designs with meticulous attention to detail.

Nature and wellness are central to Riviera Residences, with expansive landscaped gardens, towering trees, and verdant green spaces providing a serene oasis. Residents will enjoy world-class amenities such as four swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor and outdoor yoga areas, wellness spaces, a padel court, table tennis, and an ice bath. Carefully curated indoor and outdoor lounges, complete with fireplaces and family-friendly areas, offer spaces for leisure, relaxation, and social engagement.

A signature feature of the development is a luxurious waterfront promenade, lined with greenery, cafés, fine dining options, and boutique retail, all offering uninterrupted views of the Azure Lagoon, Al Reem skyline, and Saadiyat Island.

Olga Bolshanina, Partner at Herzog & de Meuron, commented:

"Riviera Residences is an ambitious project of human scale, shaped by the aspirations of its context. Composed of floating slabs and stacked rooms—some fully glazed, others with distinctive bay windows—each residence offers unique spatial experiences and degrees of privacy. Our design integrates parking, courtyard villas, gardens, retail, and amenities into a terraced landscape, creating a vertical neighborhood that balances individuality with community living."

Michael Belton, CEO of MERED, added:

"Every element of Riviera Residences harmonizes Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage with bold architectural innovation. Partnering with Herzog & de Meuron allows us to set a new benchmark for waterfront living, offering a variety of layouts that cater to diverse lifestyles in a thoughtfully designed environment."

Al Reem Island, part of the Abu Dhabi Global Market, offers world-class infrastructure, international schools, premium offices, advanced healthcare facilities, and vibrant leisure options. Off-plan property prices on the island rose by 38% year-on-year in Q2 2025, highlighting strong investor confidence.

The highly anticipated Riviera Residences will officially launch in November 2025, combining visionary architecture with Abu Dhabi’s coastal heritage to deliver a distinctive, luxury waterfront living experience.