Aeon vs River Cove Residences
Side by side on price, unit sizes, payment plan and handover.
Where each one wins
Drawn from the two developments' published prices, plans and handover targets.
Lower entry price
Aeon starts 29% lower, at AED 3,197,888 against AED 4,530,000. Check that you are comparing like with like: the entry unit may be a different size or type.
More space for the money
On average River Cove Residences works out at about AED 2,499 per sq ft against AED 2,589 at Aeon.
Sooner to complete
Aeon is targeted for Q2 2028, ahead of River Cove Residences in Q4 2029. Earlier handover means earlier rent, and less time for the market to move against you.
Lighter on cash before handover
River Cove Residences asks for 60% of the price before handover; Aeon asks for 90%.
Side by side
| Attribute | Aeon | River Cove Residences |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Emaar Properties | Sobha Realty |
| Location | Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai | Sobha City, Abu Dhabi |
| Status | Under construction | Under construction |
| Handover | Q2 2028 | Q4 2029 |
| Price from | AED 3,197,888 | AED 4,530,000 |
| Average AED / sq ft | 2,589 | 2,499 |
| Home types | Apartments | Apartments |
| Bedrooms | 1 to 3 bed | 1 to 4 bed |
| Sizes | 763 to 1,766 sq ft | 566 to 1,813 sq ft |
| Payment plan | 10/80/10 | 20/40/40 |
| Due before handover | 90% | 60% |
| Post-handover payments | No | No |
| Fees on entry price (est.) | AED 128,936 | AED 90,600 |
| Tenure | Freehold | Freehold |
| Golden Visa range (AED 2m+) | Yes | Yes |
| Total homes | n/a | n/a |
Developer list prices and stated targets; each development page shows when its figures were last checked.
Aeon
Two Emaar towers in Dubai Creek Harbour, launched May 2024 and past 50% built by the end of 2025, with handover in Q2 2028. Emaar listed two units from AED 3,197,888 on 13 November 2026.
What works
- Construction past 50% at the end of 2025, with handover expected in Q2 2028.
- Bought from the developer, so no resale premium to a previous owner.
- Park and canal setting near the Beach Boulevard, as Emaar describes it.
What to weigh
- Only two units were on Emaar's inventory on 13 November 2026.
- Most of the price may be payable on signing because construction is well advanced.
- Current entry price of AED 3,197,888 compares with AED 1.71 million at launch, a different unit size.
River Cove Residences
Waterfront apartments on the promenade of Sobha City, Sobha Realty's first Abu Dhabi community at Al Bahiya. Sobha now lists three- and four-bedroom flats from AED 4.53 million; completion listed for December 2029.
What works
- Waterfront position on Sobha City's promenade, with a lagoon beach planned in the community
- About 13 to 15 minutes by car to Yas Mall, Zayed International Airport and the Yas Island attractions, on Sobha's figures
- Large family apartments: the current release starts at 1,813 sq ft
What to weigh
- Sobha's first Abu Dhabi project, with no local delivery record
- Property Finder marks the project as possibly sold out and still shows launch prices for one- and two-bedroom flats that Sobha no longer lists
- 40% of the price, at least AED 1.8 million, is due at handover
Aeon or River Cove Residences?
Which is cheaper, Aeon or River Cove Residences?
Aeon has the lower starting price at AED 3,197,888, compared with AED 4,530,000 at River Cove Residences. These are developer list prices for the smallest available unit type in each.
Which will be finished first?
Aeon has the earlier target (Q2 2028). Off-plan handover dates are developer estimates and can slip.
How do the payment plans differ?
Aeon is sold on a 10/80/10 plan with 90% due before handover. River Cove Residences is sold on a 20/40/40 plan with 60% due before handover.
Are Aeon and River Cove Residences by the same developer?
No. Aeon is by Emaar Properties and River Cove Residences is by Sobha Realty. Compare their delivery records on the developer pages.
Want a straight answer on which to buy?
The right choice depends on your budget, timing and what the property is for. Tell us and we'll give you a recommendation, with the reasons.
- Current price list and availability, direct from the developer
- No fee to you on off-plan purchases: the developer pays us
- One salaried adviser, not on commission, from first call to handover
