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Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Yas Island is Abu Dhabi’s leisure and entertainment hub. It is home to Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. It has also become one of the capital’s busiest residential markets, with waterfront villas, golf-side townhouses and apartments for every budget.
The island covers about 2,500 hectares on the eastern side of Abu Dhabi. It was created by cutting a sea channel through part of the mainland. Development started in 2006 with Aldar Properties as master developer, and Miral joined the project in 2011.
Yas Island is freehold, so buyers of any nationality can own property outright. Purchases of AED 2M or more can qualify buyers for the UAE Golden Visa.
Community Overview
| Location | Eastern Abu Dhabi, about 30 km from the city centre |
|---|---|
| Master developer | Aldar Properties (with Miral for leisure) |
| Size | Approx. 2,500 hectares |
| Property types | Apartments, townhouses, villas, branded residences |
| Ownership | Freehold, open to all nationalities |
| Entry prices | Studios from around AED 700K; villas from around AED 3M |
| Apartment prices | Roughly AED 1,200–2,200 per sq ft |
| Gross rental yield | About 5.5–9% for apartments, depending on unit and source |
Market Snapshot
- Yas Island recorded about AED 7.3 billion in residential sales in H1 2026.
- Rents rose about 23% in 2025, the strongest growth of any Abu Dhabi district.
- Off-plan homes made up around 40% of active supply in early 2026.
- Steady tourist traffic and event demand (F1, concerts at Etihad Arena) support short-term and long-term rentals.
Sub-Communities
- Yas Acres: Aldar’s golf-course villa and townhouse community
- Yas Riva: Canal-front villas and apartments with private docks (link to Yas Riva page)
- Yas Bay: Waterfront dining, Etihad Arena and the Pier 71 area
- Gardenia Bay: Canal-side apartment neighbourhood opposite Yas Park
- West Yas: Large villa community on the western side of the island
- Ansam: Golf-view apartment buildings by Yas Links
- Mayan: Apartments overlooking Yas Links golf course
- Water’s Edge: Apartments along the Yas canal
- Yas Golf Collection: Apartments beside Yas Links
New & Off-Plan Projects on Yas Island
| Project | Developer | Type | Starting price | Handover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yas Riva | Aldar | 4–6 BR villas | AED 8.3M | Q3 2028 |
| Yas Riva Residences | Aldar | Studio–3 BR apartments | AED 1.35M | Q4 2029 |
| Yas Riva Reserve | Aldar | 4–6 BR villas | AED 7.9M | Q3 2030 |
| Yas Acres – The Orchids | Aldar | Townhouses & villas | AED 3.35M | Q3 2030 |
| The Canopies at Yas Point | Aldar | Apartments | AED 1.65M | Q3 2030 |
| Yas Park Place | Aldar | Apartments & duplexes | AED 1.39M | Q1 2030 |
| Yas Living | Aldar | Apartments | AED 980K | 2028 |
| Gardenia Bay | Aldar | 1–3 BR apartments | AED 805K | — |
| Manchester City Yas Residences | Ohana | Apartments | AED 2M | — |
| Stellar by Elie Saab | Emirates Developments | Apartments | AED 2.3M | Q4 2028 |
| NOVAYAS by NORD | NORD | Apartments & penthouses | AED 1.25M | — |
| The Wadi | Cosmo Developments | Apartments | AED 865K | — |
Things to Do on Yas Island
- Theme parks:- Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and CLYMB Abu Dhabi.
- Motorsport:- Yas Marina Circuit, host of the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix.
- Shopping:- Yas Mall, one of the capital’s largest malls at about 235,000 sq m, plus IKEA and Yas Bay retail.
- Golf:- Yas Links and Yas Acres golf courses.
- Events and beaches: Etihad Arena, Yas Beach and the Yas Bay waterfront.
Location & Connectivity
The island sits on the E10, with direct links to the Abu Dhabi–Dubai highway.
- Zayed International Airport: About 10–15 minutes
- Al Raha Beach:- About 15 minutes
- Saadiyat Island:- About 20 minutes
- Abu Dhabi city centre:- About 25–30 minutes
- Dubai:- About 50–60 minutes Abu Dhabi has no metro yet. Public buses connect Yas Island with the city centre and Dubai.
Why Buy on Yas Island
- Rental demand:- Year-round tourists, event crowds and families keep rental demand strong.
- Wide price range:- Buyers can choose anything from a sub-AED 1M studio to an 8-figure waterfront villa.
- Aldar-led master plan:- Infrastructure and amenities are delivered by Abu Dhabi’s largest developer.
- **Golden Visa:- **Properties worth AED 2M or more can qualify buyers for the 10-year visa.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yas Island freehold?
Yes. Buyers of all nationalities can own property on Yas Island outright.
Who developed Yas Island?
Aldar Properties is the master developer. Miral manages the leisure and tourism destinations.
What is the starting price for property on Yas Island?
Studios start from around AED 700K. Villas start from around AED 3M, and new canal-front villas start from about AED 7.9M.
What rental yield can I expect on Yas Island?
Gross apartment yields are generally reported between about 5.5% and 9%. Villas typically return less.
What are the best communities on Yas Island for families?
Yas Acres, West Yas, Yas Riva and Yas Riva Reserve are the main villa communities, with parks, pools and nearby schools.
How far is Yas Island from Dubai?
About 50–60 minutes by road via the E11 and E10.
Can I get a Golden Visa by buying on Yas Island?
Yes. A property worth AED 2M or more can qualify you for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa.