The proposed development aims to transform the historic port area into a new civic and maritime destination while strengthening connections between downtown Abu Dhabi, the Corniche and Saadiyat Island.
The masterplan is organised around three districts: Cruise Island, Business Island and Resort Island. Together, they are designed to combine cruise facilities, business and marina uses, hospitality, cultural destinations and public waterfront spaces.
Reimagining Mina Zayed
Mina Zayed has played an important role in Abu Dhabi's development since becoming operational in the early 1970s. The area remains a working trade and tourism hub, with a cruise terminal, markets and port infrastructure undergoing phased redevelopment.
Zayed Waterfront proposes a new civic role for the area while drawing on Abu Dhabi's maritime heritage, including its history of fishing, pearling, trade and shipbuilding.
The concept would extend the public waterfront from the Corniche into the port through a series of plazas, shaded promenades and waterfront spaces.
A central connection would link the three proposed islands through Zayed Plaza, planned as a civic hub featuring a maritime archive, marine research centre, event facilities and public amenities.
Ahmed Al Ali, Founding Partner and Executive Chairman of X Architects, said the project seeks to give Mina Zayed's maritime heritage a renewed civic role while maintaining the character of a working waterfront.
Three Proposed Waterfront Districts
Cruise Island, located to the west, is planned as a visitor gateway for passengers arriving by sea. The district would include a cruise terminal, AD Ports headquarters, a terminal and business park, event spaces and a public waterfront.
The proposal also includes a maritime plaza, canal connections and stops for ferries and water taxis.
The concept comes as Abu Dhabi's cruise sector continues to develop. The emirate received almost 600,000 cruise passengers during the 2024/25 season, while 174 cruise calls were forecast across its two terminals for the 2025/26 season.
At the centre of the proposed development, Business Island would create a waterfront business district around Abu Dhabi Marina. The planned uses include offices, hotels, convention facilities, restaurants and marina services, along with a marina club and facilities for boat shows.
The third district, Resort Island, is planned as a hospitality and leisure destination, adding further public spaces and waterfront experiences to the overall masterplan.
A New Waterfront Connection for Abu Dhabi
Zayed Waterfront is presented by X Architects as a conceptual vision, rather than a confirmed development project.
The proposal draws inspiration from waterfront cities including Singapore, Rotterdam and Copenhagen, while adapting those ideas to Abu Dhabi's coastal environment, urban structure and climate.
If developed, the masterplan would create a new connection between Mina Zayed and some of Abu Dhabi's established waterfront and cultural destinations, while giving the historic port a new civic and tourism-focused role.
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