Award-winning real estate developer, MERED, has unveiled its exclusive bay villas situated on Al Reem Island. The destination is set to feature a unique collection of five waterfront residences, and each villa has been named after an iconic city along the French Riviera, and draws its identity from the character of its namesake destination.
The villas have been designed by London-based interior studio Dseesion and form part of Riviera Residences, MERED’s landmark waterfront project designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron.
One of the defining architectural features of the collection is the inclusion of private internal courtyards. Rooted in regional architectural traditions, these landscaped spaces serve as a secluded oasis within each residence, providing natural light, privacy and a sense of tranquillity rarely found in contemporary waterfront developments.
The courtyards create a dialogue between Mediterranean and Emirati living traditions, reflecting the wider philosophy that underpins Riviera Residences.
“Luxury today is defined by individuality. Buyers are looking for homes that offer a genuine sense of identity and cannot be replicated elsewhere. With the Bay Villas, we wanted to create residences that are truly distinct in character.
“Each villa carries its own design inspiration and relationship with the waterfront, combining the timeless influence of the French Riviera with the cultural depth of Abu Dhabi.”
Michael Belton, CEO, MERED
The development is reflective of the continued evolution of Abu Dhabi’s premium residential market, where demand is edging towards design-led homes which prioritise privacy, architectural distinction and long-term value – according to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC).
The emirate has recorded AED 66bn in real estate transactions in Q1 2026, cementing its strongest quarterly performance to date. Reem Island continues to be one of the most active investment zones, generating AED 9bn in transactions. Riviera Residences occupies a prime first-line waterfront position on Reem Island – one of Abu Dhabi’s most active residential destinations and part of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the emirate’s international financial centre.
MERED’s bay villas have been strategically positioned directly above the waterfront promenade, with seamless views of the sea and Al Reem skyline, a Beach Club within a three-minute walk, and immediate access to Riviera Residences’ wider resort-style amenities. These include over 15,000 plants integrated throughout the landscape, four pools, wellness facilities, elegant lounges, a Sky Garden on the 17th floor, and five themed children’s zones.
Riviera Residences will offer over 400 apartments and 11 villas, among them sky villas, bay villas and a penthouse, alongside landscaped gardens and an elegant waterfront promenade designed as a destination where boutique retail, refined dining, and cafés are framed by breathtaking waterfront views and a vibrant social atmosphere.
The landscape design was by Michel Desvigne Paysagiste (Paris), one of the world’s leading landscape architecture practices, working in close collaboration with Herzog & de Meuron. Rather than serving as a decorative layer, the landscape shapes the microclimate, enhancing shade, creating visual privacy, and reinforcing a sense of resort seclusion.
Enabling works at Riviera Residences have been completed, with construction progressing on schedule. Phase one delivery is set for Q1 2029.
