Published: 23 February 2026
Four Seasons Private Residences on Saadiyat Beach is a stylish iteration of an iconic branded development and is emblematic of Abu Dhabi’s growth in the luxury branded residence space. Further underlining that growth is a recent record-breaking transaction completed by Abu Dhabi Sotheby’s International Realty. The sale of a five-bedroom penthouse for AED 200 million is a marker of prestige for both the Four Seasons and Sotheby’s brands, and reflects the surging demand for ultra-luxury properties in the emirate.
The landmark transaction, which closed at an impressive AED 14,000 per square foot, represents more than just another high-value sale - it is a statement about Abu Dhabi's evolving position in the global luxury real estate landscape and the growing appetite among ultra-high-net-worth individuals for exclusive residences in the capital.
The Perfect Property
The record-breaking sale took place at the Four Seasons Private Residences, a development by ALAIN that perfectly encapsulates Abu Dhabi's luxury living proposition. Located on Saadiyat Beach, the project seamlessly blends the Four Seasons brand's world-renowned hospitality standards with Saadiyat Island's well-earned reputation as Abu Dhabi's most coveted address.
Saadiyat Island has emerged as the cultural heart of Abu Dhabi, home to architectural masterpieces like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. This unique combination of cultural sophistication, pristine beaches, and exclusive residential offerings creates an environment that appeals to global ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking more than just a property—they're investing in a lifestyle defined by exclusivity, world-class service, and exceptional experiences.
The Four Seasons Private Residences deliver exactly that proposition, offering residents access to the legendary Four Seasons service standards while enjoying the privacy and space of a luxury home. It's this marriage of branded hospitality excellence with residential living that's proving particularly attractive to international buyers.
Leadership with Vision
Leigh Borg, recently appointed as Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Sotheby's International Realty, was responsible for closing the transaction. It was a prime example of leading from the front and precursor for what to expect over the remainder of the year. Borg also serves as Executive Director at Dubai Sotheby's International Realty and boasts over seventeen years of experience handling super-prime properties across the UAE's most prestigious locations, including Emirates Hills, Palm Jumeirah, and Abu Dhabi itself.
"Abu Dhabi is a market that has been gradually building itself up over the past few years as a hub of both culture and capital," Borg said. "We were keen to tap into that potential when the time was right, and as the emirate takes bolder steps forward with the development of iconic institutions such as the Natural History Museum and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, there really is no time like the present. The transactional activity we have witnessed lately, especially in the Four Seasons Saadiyat project, highlights the strength of that decision."
Borg's extensive experience in the luxury segment positions him ideally to navigate Abu Dhabi's unique market dynamics and cater to the sophisticated clientele that Sotheby's attracts.
A Strategic Expansion
Sotheby’s International Realty formally entered the Abu Dhabi Market at the end of 2025 with the aim of establishing its presence and complementing its Dubai operations across 2026. This stage of the firm’s expansion comes at a pivotal moment for both the brokerage and the city. Headquartered at the iconic Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi Sotheby's International Realty represents the next chapter in the firm's ambitious regional expansion strategy. The brokerage has dominated Dubai's prime and super-prime sectors for over twelve years, establishing itself as the go-to name for discerning buyers seeking exceptional properties. In more recent years, the UK and Saudi Arabia were folded into the brokerage’s umbrella under the far-reaching vision of Chairman and CEO George Azar. Abu Dhabi is the latest addition to that illustrious portfolio.
A Market on the Rise
The timing of Sotheby's entry couldn't be better. According to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), the capital has recorded AED 92 billion worth of transactions so far in 2025 - a staggering 200% increase over the past five years. This explosive growth is being driven by an influx of wealthy investors attracted to Abu Dhabi's stability, cultural depth, and strategic connectivity.
These numbers represent a fundamental shift in how global investors view Abu Dhabi. The emirate has successfully positioned itself as a safe haven for capital, offering political stability, tax advantages, and a government committed to long-term planning and infrastructure development. Combined with its cultural offerings and quality of life, Abu Dhabi presents a compelling value proposition that's resonating with ultra-high-net-worth individuals worldwide.
George Azar, Chairman and CEO of Sotheby's International Realty in the UAE, UK, and KSA, captured this sentiment perfectly: "Abu Dhabi is now stepping into the global spotlight. With visionary government planning, strong infrastructure, and cultural depth, the city is ready for its next phase of growth. This transaction at Four Seasons Private Residences sets the tone for what's to come in Abu Dhabi's prime and super-prime real estate market."
Looking Ahead
As Abu Dhabi continues its transformation, with major cultural projects coming online and infrastructure investments creating better connectivity, the demand for ultra-luxury residences is only expected to intensify.
Sotheby's International Realty's entry into this market brings international credibility, marketing reach, and expertise in handling ultra-prime transactions that will benefit both buyers and sellers. For sellers, it means access to Sotheby's global network of ultra-high-net-worth clients. For buyers, it means professional representation and access to the finest properties the market has to offer.
The latest in what is a series of successful sales at Four Seasons Private Residences at Saadiyat Island demonstrates that Abu Dhabi has firmly arrived as a major player in the global luxury real estate market, standing shoulder to shoulder with established destinations like London, New York, and Hong Kong. With Sotheby's now planted firmly in the market and record-breaking sales setting new benchmarks, Abu Dhabi's super-prime sector appears poised for sustained growth in the years ahead.
