Riviera Residences by MERED sets a new benchmark for waterfront living on Al Reem Island
As Abu Dhabi’s residential market matures, demand is shifting beyond scale and location toward developments that deliver a deeper sense of place, long-term livability, and architectural distinction. Riviera Residences by MERED on Al Reem Island has been conceived within this context, bringing together waterfront living, resort-style amenities, and globally recognised design to create a community that is both internationally relevant and locally grounded.In this interview, Michael Belton, CEO of MERED, explains what makes Riviera Residences a rare offering, how sustainability and wellness are embedded into its DNA, and why the project is positioned to influence the next chapter of luxury living in the capital.What makes Riviera Residences a rare offering for waterfront living in Abu Dhabi?Our goal with Riviera Residences was to create a project that truly elevates quality of life. The resort-style atmosphere with lush landscaped gardens, serene green spaces, waterfront access, and boutique promenades reflects the way people aspire to live, while also paying homage to Abu Dhabi’s cultural context.The project includes over 400 apartments and 11 villas - from sky villas to ocean villas and a penthouse - each designed to maximise views and natural light. Working with Herzog & de Meuron, known for global landmarks such as Tate Modern and the Elbphilharmonie, allowed us to combine international design expertise with deep respect for Al Reem Island’s environment. Their emphasis on harmony between architecture, surroundings, and community was central to creating a development that feels both modern and rooted in place.Which aspects of the design and amenities make the project stand out as a benchmark for quality and lifestyle?Riviera Residences offers a genuine sense of place. Homes are flooded with natural light and oriented to capture sea and skyline views, creating spaces that feel open, calm, and alive.The amenities are designed to support an elevated waterfront lifestyle - morning walks along landscaped promenades, coffee at boutique cafés, afternoons spent at an infinity-edge pool overlooking the water. Wellness is deeply embedded, with modern gyms, spa areas, outdoor yoga zones, a padel court, ice bath, and family-friendly spaces that encourage outdoor living.Amenities-level lounges and multipurpose halls allow residents to connect, host gatherings, or enjoy moments of quiet reflection. All of this sits within easy reach of Abu Dhabi’s shopping districts, schools, cultural landmarks, and essential services, offering the freedom to engage with the city while preserving the serenity of waterfront living.How has sustainability been woven into the project to ensure it’s both environmentally responsible and future-proof?Sustainability is not an afterthought, it’s part of the project’s DNA. Al Reem Island’s waterways and protected mangrove areas informed many of our planning decisions.We have integrated green corridors, energy-efficient systems, and open-air spaces that take advantage of natural airflow. Native and drought-resistant planting reduces water consumption while shading outdoor areas. Building orientation minimises reliance on artificial lighting and cooling.Energy-efficient infrastructure, water recycling, and responsible waste management are built into daily operations, ensuring the community functions sustainably without compromising comfort or performance. The aim is to create a balanced relationship between urban living and the surrounding natural environment.In your view, how will Riviera Residences influence the standard for luxury residential developments across Abu Dhabi?Riviera Residences is designed to stand alongside the world’s leading waterfront developments. The collaboration with Herzog & de Meuron brings global design prestige, while the project’s connection to Abu Dhabi’s heritage, climate, and urban fabric ensures it feels authentic rather than ornamental.This rootedness makes it future-proof. Its design, purpose, and integration within Al Reem Island mean it will remain relevant and desirable for decades. We believe this approach - internationally competitive yet locally grounded sets a template for the next era of sophisticated, future-ready residential communities in Abu Dhabi.
As Abu Dhabi’s residential market matures, demand is shifting beyond scale and location toward developments that deliver a deeper sense of place, long-term livability, and architectural distinction. Riviera Residences by MERED on Al Reem Island has been conceived within this context, bringing together waterfront living, resort-style amenities, and globally recognised design to create a community that is both internationally relevant and locally grounded.
In this interview, Michael Belton, CEO of MERED, explains what makes Riviera Residences a rare offering, how sustainability and wellness are embedded into its DNA, and why the project is positioned to influence the next chapter of luxury living in the capital.
What makes Riviera Residences a rare offering for waterfront living in Abu Dhabi?
Our goal with Riviera Residences was to create a project that truly elevates quality of life. The resort-style atmosphere with lush landscaped gardens, serene green spaces, waterfront access, and boutique promenades reflects the way people aspire to live, while also paying homage to Abu Dhabi’s cultural context.
The project includes over 400 apartments and 11 villas - from sky villas to ocean villas and a penthouse - each designed to maximise views and natural light. Working with Herzog & de Meuron, known for global landmarks such as Tate Modern and the Elbphilharmonie, allowed us to combine international design expertise with deep respect for Al Reem Island’s environment. Their emphasis on harmony between architecture, surroundings, and community was central to creating a development that feels both modern and rooted in place.
Which aspects of the design and amenities make the project stand out as a benchmark for quality and lifestyle?
Riviera Residences offers a genuine sense of place. Homes are flooded with natural light and oriented to capture sea and skyline views, creating spaces that feel open, calm, and alive.
The amenities are designed to support an elevated waterfront lifestyle - morning walks along landscaped promenades, coffee at boutique cafés, afternoons spent at an infinity-edge pool overlooking the water. Wellness is deeply embedded, with modern gyms, spa areas, outdoor yoga zones, a padel court, ice bath, and family-friendly spaces that encourage outdoor living.
Amenities-level lounges and multipurpose halls allow residents to connect, host gatherings, or enjoy moments of quiet reflection. All of this sits within easy reach of Abu Dhabi’s shopping districts, schools, cultural landmarks, and essential services, offering the freedom to engage with the city while preserving the serenity of waterfront living.
How has sustainability been woven into the project to ensure it’s both environmentally responsible and future-proof?
Sustainability is not an afterthought, it’s part of the project’s DNA. Al Reem Island’s waterways and protected mangrove areas informed many of our planning decisions.
We have integrated green corridors, energy-efficient systems, and open-air spaces that take advantage of natural airflow. Native and drought-resistant planting reduces water consumption while shading outdoor areas. Building orientation minimises reliance on artificial lighting and cooling.
Energy-efficient infrastructure, water recycling, and responsible waste management are built into daily operations, ensuring the community functions sustainably without compromising comfort or performance. The aim is to create a balanced relationship between urban living and the surrounding natural environment.
In your view, how will Riviera Residences influence the standard for luxury residential developments across Abu Dhabi?
Riviera Residences is designed to stand alongside the world’s leading waterfront developments. The collaboration with Herzog & de Meuron brings global design prestige, while the project’s connection to Abu Dhabi’s heritage, climate, and urban fabric ensures it feels authentic rather than ornamental.
This rootedness makes it future-proof. Its design, purpose, and integration within Al Reem Island mean it will remain relevant and desirable for decades. We believe this approach - internationally competitive yet locally grounded sets a template for the next era of sophisticated, future-ready residential communities in Abu Dhabi.
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