Yas Island

Living on Yas Island is an experience unlike any other as the area is a hot spot of activity brimming with trendy restaurants, clubs, hotels and more. Easily recognisable because of the impressive array of leisure attractions and the W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island Hotel, the island is a haven for tourists, renters and investors in Abu Dhabi. This man-made island is, in fact, a popular favourite for renting luxury villas as per Abu Dhabi H1 2024 Rental Report by Bayut. The Yas villas for sale are also firm favourites among Emiratis and expats living in the capital.

• Home to Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld
• One of the top residential islands in Abu Dhabi
• Yas Mall, the largest shopping destination in Abu Dhabi
• Hosts live performances, sports events and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
• Features some of the best hotels and restaurants in the UAE
• Well-connected to the main island of Abu Dhabi
• A 20-minute drive from the cultural capital Saadiyat Island

Yas Island is the luxury centre of the capital, with a selection of upmarket hotels, high-end restaurants and amenities to rival most locations in the world. It’s therefore understandable that Yas Island attracts a lot of investor interest considering the long-term potential of the area. There are several rental apartments catering to the expat population in the city. Moreover, investors can choose from a range of apartments and villas with a healthy combination of both off-plan and ready properties.

In terms of the residential properties on Yas Island, there is a blend of apartments and villas. The vibrant lifestyle of the area attracts a cosmopolitan crowd, making it a great place for expats. A fairly sizeable population of the area’s residents includes Western expats who love the open spaces, golf courses and licensed dining spots available to those living on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Therefore, the area is popular among young professionals and families alike.

For those looking to invest on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, some of the best developments for off-plan properties are West Yas and Yas Acres. When it comes to ready properties on Yas Island, Ansam is the popular choice, especially for apartment rentals.

The multi-faceted development in Abu Dhabi is developing at a fast pace offering a wide range of accommodations for investors, visitors and residents alike. As for the upcoming projects, interested buyers can check out multiple apartment complexes such as Sama Yas and Perla on Yas Bay or villa communities in Yas Park Gate. Latter is one of the most anticipated residential projects offering over 500 villas and townhouses estimated to be completed in 2026. Off-plan investors may also be interested in Yas Riva by Aldar with a promising selection of canal-front villas.

Expected to be ready in the third quarter of 2025, Perla 1 offers 2 to 5-bedroom duplexes and townhouses. Whereas, Perla 2 is a collection of 3, 4 and 5-bedroom duplex apartments. Sea La Vie by Nine Yards Real Estate Development has a more diverse portfolio of apartments, lofts, duplexes, penthouses and townhouses. With the expected completion date in Q2 2027, Gardenia Bay is also a coveted off-plan project on Yas Island.

Those looking for Yas Island floor plans can browse through the floor plans available for popular communities/buildings in Yas Island.

There is no shortage of public parking on Yas Island. During events and weekends, it can get quite crowded, since all attractions boast free parking. Residents need not worry as the complexes and communities have dedicated parking spaces. The island gets particularly crowded during the Grand Prix season when the area has a steady influx of tourists from all over the world.

In terms of public transportation on Yas Island, the 190 bus route from Dubai and Abu Dhabi is a convenient way to get to the area. There is also a constant stream of taxis servicing the area that can help you commute around the island.

Yas Marina is 10 minutes from the Zayed International Airport and 50 minutes from Dubai. To access the island from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the easiest route is the Yas Island Tunnel connected to the E10 exit on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway.

Conveniently plan your stay at these upscale resorts and hotels on Yas Island:

• W Abu Dhabi
• Yas Island Rotana
• Radisson Blu Hotel

First, W Abu Dhabi deserves a mention. It is a 5-star resort and an architectural landmark on the island. Offering over 499 suites, it is only minutes away from major attractions in the area. A few other popular Yas Island hotels include Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi and Centro Yas Island.

While this lifestyle capital is well known for its array of attractions, Aldar has ensured that the area is not lacking basic facilities.

To stock up on monthly requirements, some of the popular supermarkets on Yas Island include the massive Carrefour in Yas Mall, well stocked with organic produce amongst other essentials. Also, there are Zoom stores and other local groceries spread around the island.

Like most residential areas in the country, there are several mosques on Yas Island to cater to the religious and spiritual needs of the community. Notable mosques include the ADNOC Mosque, West Yas Mosque and the Yas Mall Mosque.

Christian residents don’t have to venture too far, with the St Joseph’s Church in the main city and the St Paul’s Church in Mussafah. There are currently not many temples in the city, but the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi in Abu Mureikha is 15 minutes away from the island.

Sabis International School offers the Sabis system until K-12. It is located on the island itself. There is Yas American Academy as well, located on Al Tahaddur Street. The school takes students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. Moreover, the area is home to a branch of Blossom Nursery.

Most residents of Yas Island head to the Medeor Medical Centre in Yas Mall for minor ailments. Multi-speciality hospitals near Yas island include Burjeel, NMC, and Cleveland Clinic on the main island.  Mediclinic in Khalifa City A and Al Noor on the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed highway are the other options.

One of the first major developments outside the main city of Abu Dhabi, Yas Island is close to other popular destinations in the emirate. Its closest neighbours include Al Raha Beach, and Masdar City. Other self-contained residential communities such as Khalifa City is also nearby and the waterfront of Al Reem Island is a short drive away. Furthermore, residents enjoy proximity to Zayed International Airport at a 7-minute drive.

This lifestyle capital of Abu Dhabi is brimming with a variety of absolutely amazing activities and events, making life here constantly exciting. There are several benefits to living on Yas Island, the highlight being the exciting array of activities in the area.

If you are a shopaholic, Yas Mall is bound to become a hot favourite for shopping soirees, especially when the temperature soars during the summer months. It is the largest shopping mall in Abu Dhabi, with a host of exciting offers, sales, and festivals to keep the shoppers happy. The retail stores in Yas Mall come in every shape and size, from exclusive designer outlets like Elie Saab to high street favourites like Topshop and Mango.

Not restricting the options to just fashion, this mall also features large electronics stores, furniture shops, bookshops and more. It has a large food court too. Other mid-range restaurants in Yas Mall include Carluccio’s, Paul, PF Changs and Cheesecake Factory.

Gourmet affairs are also aplenty, with some of the Emirates’ best-licensed bars and clubs. Some of the best restaurants on Yas Island include:

• Texas Roadhouse
• Galito’s
• P.F. Chang’s
• Black Tap Graph Burgers and Shakes
• Cipriani

Aquarium and Stars n Bars in Yas Marina and Belgian Cafe in Radisson Blu are also extremely popular for night outs in the city, with the former two also offering shisha. Fine dining restaurants on Yas island like Angar – modern Indian cuisine, and Atayeb – Arabian and Mediterranean flavours, in Yas Viceroy are also highly acclaimed for their offerings. The gorgeous views of the marina, the beautiful stretch of the boardwalk and the lively energy of the place make living on the island truly memorable.

Those with houses around here don’t even have to venture far to get to a beach! A beautiful, serene beach on Yas Island takes you away from the bustle of the island, the Yas Beach is known for its white sand, bright blue waters and natural mangroves. If a quiet day of sunbathing seems too timid, check out some of the high-octane entertainment on offer here with a range of watersports like jet skiing, paddle boarding, surfing and more. The Yas Beach also features an outdoor gym for you to get fit in the open air.

The island’s local is used to seeing some of the best landmarks in the country. There are so many things to do on Yas Island that there is no room for boredom while living here.  From a world-famous Formula 1 Grand Prix course to a gorgeous Golf Course and a massive event’s arena, there’s plenty to explore in the island. The most famous landmarks are arguably the Yas Marina Circuit and Ferrari World.

SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi opened in 2023 to the public. It is now one of the biggest attractions in the city showcasing over 100,000 marine creatures. The marine life theme park not only has the world's largest aquarium but also thrilling rides and innovative exhibits.

Yas Marina Circuit is the pride and joy of the city, which eagerly waits for the adrenaline-fueled adventures of the Grand Prix racers. When the races are not on, you can join the Yas Motor Racing Club, try out some of the professional driving experiences or even use the circuit for cycling or running. There are plenty of package deals visitors can choose from at the Yas Marina Circuit, and if you are lucky you may even spot some of the leading names of motor racing hanging around the area.

Ferrari World is yet another place of leisure activities. It has secured its popularity amongst the large tourist population that frequents the city. A truly amazing theme park, Ferrari World has a series of Ferrari themed rides that are bound to get your adventurous spirits soaring. There is the world’s fastest rollercoaster, the Formula Rossa, which accelerates at a whopping 240 km/hr in just 4.9 seconds! The world’s highest roller coaster loop, Flying Aces is also here, along with several go karting rides, simulated experiences and more.

Stepping away from the petrol heavy themes of Ferrari World and the circuit is the Yas Waterworld. Featuring 45 aqua-themed rides, this entertainment park is packed with visitors looking to cool off from the oppressive summer heat.

If a more sedate day at the golf course sounds like your idea of fun, head to the Yas Links Golf Club, voted amongst the World’s Top City Golf Clubs’ by CNN. With amazing views of the Arabian Sea, this award-winning course designed by master architect Kyle Philips is located on the western edge. Surrounded by mangroves, this is one of the most beautiful spots on the Island.

No list of attractions on Yas Island will be complete without a mention of the Etihad Arena, which hosts UFC tournaments and other top events and concerts. The state of the art open-air theatre has a mix of events and festivals and has featured artists like Coldplay, Rod Stewart and Olly Murs amongst others. The development is also home to the celebrated Viceroy Hotel and the mega theme park: Warner Bros World.

The Yas Gateway Park is one of the best places to spend quality time with your friends and family. This park is split into north and south sections and is well-maintained. The wide-open spaces are great for games or for stretching and exercising. The park also has dedicated running tracks to help you to stay fit.

The boardwalk in the Yas Marina and the jogging tracks on the beach are also great places to flex the muscles and get some exercise.

When it comes to indoor fitness options, the many hotels that offer memberships for access to their fitness facilities. Other notable gyms on Yas Island are Vogue Fitness and CrossFit Yas.

You also don’t have to look far for a pampering session at the salon or spa. ESPA at Yas Viceroy is a great place to unwind and rejuvenate yourself while indulging in some premium beauty packages. Yas Mall also features some trusty salons like NStyle and Tips N Toes.

Yas Island is the ‘event’s central’ of the capital city, attracting artists, filmmakers, and motor racers. The Etihad Arena hosts a variety of live entertainment events, including musical gigs, theatre performances, comedy nights, educational seminars and more. Every year the names are getting more and more high profile and it has become even more popular with musical talents than the neighbouring city of Dubai when it comes to live performances.

The other unmissable event in the city’s social calendar is the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit. Once every year the whos-who of Formula 1 racing including Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen battle it out at the Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi. Tourists flock from across the world to take in the games and enjoy the many attractions of Abu Dhabi. The race is always sponsored by national carrier Etihad and is a crowning glory in the Abu Dhabi calendar.

While it’s certainly one of the most exciting places to live in Abu Dhabi, there are a few things to consider if you are planning on moving to Yas Island. It’s one of the busiest areas in the capital, so there is a constant stream of activity here. If you are looking for a more relaxed serene ambience this may be something to think of.

• Home to Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit and Yas Waterworld.
• 30 minutes from Zayed International Airport
• It’s a 50-minute drive to Dubai, 2 hours each to Al Ain and Sharjah
• Adjacent Fahid Island and Ramhan Island