by OplusAdmin 
Aldar’s Saadiyat Island Property Sold to GAW Capital: A Strategic Real Estate Move
In a significant transaction that underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing global investment appeal, Aldar Properties, a leading developer in the UAE, has successfully sold a prime residential building on Saadiyat Island to Hong Kong-based GAW Capital Partners for AED 586 million. This strategic sale marks GAW Capital’s first investment in the UAE, signaling rising international confidence in the emirate’s real estate sector.
This deal further highlights the increasing interest from Asian investors—particularly those based in China and Hong Kong—in Abu Dhabi’s luxury property market, particularly projects spearheaded by Aldar.
Mamsha Gardens: A Premium Investment on Saadiyat Island
The property in question is one of seven buildings in the Mamsha Gardens development, situated in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District. Known for its prestigious location, Mamsha Gardens offers direct access to some of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic landmarks, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and the Zayed National Museum.
The sold building comprises 71 premium residential units, including both apartments and townhouses, with a total sellable area of more than 16,000 square meters. The project’s upscale design and strategic location make it an ideal fit for investors focused on luxury living, short-term rentals, and long-term capital appreciation.
GAW Capital: First Steps into the UAE Market
GAW Capital, a real estate-focused private equity firm based in Hong Kong, is known for its extensive portfolio across Asia, North America, and Europe. This acquisition marks its entry into the Middle Eastern real estate scene, and notably into Abu Dhabi, a city increasingly recognized as a global hub for investment, innovation, and cultural development.
The move also reflects growing interest from Asian investors in high-end Middle Eastern properties. According to Aldar, buyers from China and Hong Kong contributed AED 1.5 billion to the company’s UAE property sales in 2024—over 30 times the amount seen just two years earlier in 2022. This momentum continued strongly into Q1 2025, with an additional AED 1.3 billion in property sales.
Abu Dhabi’s Real Estate Market: Attracting Global Attention
In recent years, Abu Dhabi’s real estate landscape has matured significantly, offering attractive opportunities for both local and foreign investors. The emirate’s commitment to sustainable urban development, cultural enrichment, and infrastructure expansion has made it a hotspot for international capital.
Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group CEO of Aldar, emphasized this sentiment by stating:
“This transaction underscores the strength of Aldar’s development platform and the growing appeal of Abu Dhabi’s increasingly mature real estate market to global investors. In the first quarter of 2025, 87% of Aldar’s UAE sales came from international buyers.”
This impressive statistic not only illustrates the scale of foreign investment but also demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s evolving status as a trusted, high-growth investment destination.
Aldar’s Strategic Divestment & Continued Growth
While this transaction represents a sale, it is not a retreat. In fact, Aldar continues to expand and enhance its portfolio across the UAE. The divestment of this particular Mamsha Gardens building is part of a broader asset optimization strategy.
At the same time, Aldar is preparing to release the seventh and final building at Mamsha Gardens for sale. According to the company, this new building offers significant potential for investors targeting the short-term rental market, thanks to its location, amenities, and rental management options offered directly by Aldar.
This dual strategy of selective asset sales and continued development allows Aldar to maintain a healthy capital cycle, reinvest in new projects, and diversify its offerings in both Abu Dhabi and other emirates.
GAW Capital Joins a List of Global Investors in the UAE
GAW Capital’s entry into the UAE aligns with a growing trend of international private equity firms investing heavily in the region. In recent years, giants like Brookfield Asset Management, Gulf Islamic Investments (GII), and others have closed multi-million dirham transactions in the UAE.
These firms are attracted by the country’s economic resilience, pro-business environment, favorable taxation, and strategic geographic location that connects Asia, Europe, and Africa.
With this latest deal, GAW Capital joins the ranks of global investors who are leveraging the UAE’s economic stability, growing population, and dynamic tourism and business sectors to build robust real estate portfolios.
What This Means for Investors and Buyers
For investors looking at the UAE real estate market, this transaction sends a clear signal: Abu Dhabi is open for global business, and the demand for luxury, high-yield properties remains strong. Whether you’re considering residential assets for capital gains, rental income, or lifestyle benefits, the market offers numerous opportunities.
With Saadiyat Island continuing to evolve as a cultural and residential hub, and Aldar delivering top-tier developments, there’s little doubt that such properties will maintain—and likely increase—their value in the coming years.
Partner With OPlus Realty to Explore Abu Dhabi’s Real Estate
At OPlus Realty, we specialize in helping investors, end-users, and corporate buyers navigate the fast-moving UAE property market. From exclusive off-plan properties to luxury beachfront apartments and prime investment assets like those in Saadiyat Island, we provide expert guidance every step of the way.
If you’re inspired by the success of this Aldar-GAW Capital deal and want to explore similar opportunities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or beyond, get in touch with our experienced team today.
Let us help you discover a luxurious lifestyle with real estate experts—because with OPlus Realty, every investment is a step toward prosperity.
