Overview of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Yas Island is one of the most remarkable entertainment destinations and picturesque coastal areas in the UAE. The prestigious World Travel Awards have named the island the world's leading tourism project. In this article, we delve into the history of Yas, its top venues, and its luxurious real estate offerings.

Yas Island is separated from the mainland by a canal. Out of its 2,500 hectares of total area, about 1,000 hectares are dedicated to beach zones. In addition to its pristine white sand beaches, the island boasts 160 restaurants, 8 hotels, and countless entertainment venues. All of these are connected through MyConnect, a digital platform where both tourists and locals can register. With MyConnect access, users receive a MyPass guest identifier, offering leisure spots and events tailored to individual preferences.

The history  

The idea of creating a tourist and entertainment district in Abu Dhabi was first discussed in the 1990s. The decision to build such a place was made in 2006, finalizing the island concept. Unlike Dubai, where artificial islands were created by land reclamation, Abu Dhabi opted to use one of its natural islands.

The project was entrusted to the developer Aldar Properties, with the state-owned organization Miral Asset Management joining in 2011. Initially, the construction was divided into three phases, scheduled to be completed by 2018. However, a fourth phase was implemented, and a fifth phase is now in planning.

Attractions on Yas Island  

Active leisure  

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

The largest indoor theme park in the world, covering 96,000 square meters, is dedicated to the iconic Italian car brand, Ferrari. Its roof is adorned with the company’s logo. Visitors can enjoy various rides and explore the brand’s history through a virtual factory tour. Kids will love the sports car-themed carousel, while thrill-seekers can test their limits on the Fiorano GT Challenge drag coaster and the adrenaline-pumping Formula Rossa, which accelerates to 250 km/h in just five minutes.

Yas Marina Circuit

This venue hosted the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in the 2009 Formula 1 season. Since then, the event has become a November tradition, attracting 50,000 spectators each year. From 2015, Yas Marina has also hosted one stage of the Abu Dhabi Tour cycling race. The rest of the time, the track is used for athlete training sessions, and visitors can enjoy karting or take lessons at the drag racing school.

Yas Island Yacht Club

Designed in a futuristic blob architecture style, this building features a 45-meter observation tower offering breathtaking views of the island and the endless sea horizon. The spacious marina accommodates 145 yachts up to 90 meters in length and 32 vessels up to 150 meters. The LED-lit facade creates a charming ambiance for evening cruises and sophisticated dining in the club’s restaurant.

Theme parks  

Yas Waterworld

Covering 15 hectares, Yas Waterworld features 40 water attractions, five of which are unique globally. The park also includes the Bubble’s Barrel surfing complex, where visitors can master water sports or compete with friends. After an adrenaline rush, you can dine at the cafés or restaurants and shop for gifts in the souvenir store.

Warner Bros. World

One of the largest indoor theme parks in the world, covering 150,000 square meters, offers 30 rides and interactive simulators. Children will be thrilled to meet Batman, Joker, Superman, Tom and Jerry, and Scooby-Doo. The central area is designed as a heart, with restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. The interior design transports visitors to early 20th-century Hollywood, with cozy streets inviting you to explore and enjoy the cinematic atmosphere. Each day concludes with the All-Star Spectacular show led by Bugs Bunny.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

This expansive marine complex combines a theme park, entertainment center, conservation institute, and research laboratory. The five-story center, spanning 183,000 square meters, holds 58 million liters of water and houses hundreds of marine species. Visitors can learn about unique marine ecosystems, enjoy rides, marvel at animals in the aquarium, and dine in the atmospheric restaurant.

Other attractions  

Yas Mall

Yas Mall is the largest shopping center in Abu Dhabi, featuring boutiques of global brands, fine dining restaurants, a 24-screen cinema, and family-friendly play zones. Notable stores include Apple, Lego, Zara, Nike, Adidas, Mango, Carrefour hypermarket, and many others. Traditional goods include date shops, camel milk products, homeware, natural cosmetics, and oriental sweets.

Yas Links Golf Course

Yas Links Abu Dhabi is situated along the coast with stunning views of the Persian Gulf and designed by renowned architect Kyle Phillips. The 18-hole course hosts the HSBC Championship in Abu Dhabi and is the first links-style course in the Middle East. Visitors can practice on the training lawn and later gather with friends at the 9-hole arena.

Clymb Abu Dhabi

Clymb Abu Dhabi features the world’s largest indoor skydiving chamber with a diameter of 10 meters and a height of 42 meters, and the region’s tallest indoor climbing wall, reaching 32 meters. Here, visitors can discover new heights, competing against time or each other to conquer these record-breaking attractions.

Dining on the island  

Hunter & Barrel Steakhouse  

The Australian steakhouse Hunter & Barrel is renowned for its premium Wagyu, Angus, and grain-fed marbled beef. Pair your steak with craft beer or watch the bartenders create unique barrel-aged cocktails. The terrace, offering waterfront views, serves signature smoked meats, Tomahawk steaks, caramelized skewers, and grill burgers with seasonal sides.

La Carnita Latin Eatery  

This restaurant, with its terrace, abundant greenery, and bay views, is inspired by street art. In this contemporary art setting, you can enjoy succulent tacos and fajitas, spicy tostadas, and crispy churros with rich chocolate sauce. Conclude your meal with a signature cocktail or beer while enjoying live Latin American music.

Asia Asia Asian Fusion Cuisine  

In this exotic lounge restaurant, you can savor dishes inspired by the ancient spice route. Amid the ambiance of modern Asian neon-lit streets, you’ll be served signature Asia Asia cocktails, juicy sushi, rolls, and nigiri, aromatic dim sum, and fresh seafood.

3-Star Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi Yas Island  

The Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi Yas Island is situated next to the Yas Links golf course. Guests can enjoy a lagoon-style swimming pool, two restaurants by the Yas Marina Circuit, a spa with a hot tub, steam bath, and sauna, and a children's playground. All rooms are decorated in vibrant shades and feature a TV, safe, and Wi-Fi. The AUH airport is 8,5 km away, and there is free parking on-site.

4-Star Crowne Plaza Yas Island  

This hotel is also located near the Yas Links golf course. It features a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool with a terrace, restaurants, steam baths, a solarium, a lobby lounge, a gym, and a squash court. Elegant rooms come with spacious balconies, Wi-Fi, and workspaces. Evening entertainment programs are available for families with children. The Crowne Plaza Yas Island is 8,5 km from AUH airport, with free parking for guests.

4-Star Yas Island Rotana Abu Dhabi  

Located near the Yas Marina Circuit, this contemporary hotel offers rooms with Wi-Fi, fully stocked minibars, and coffee machines. The hotel provides complimentary transfers to major attractions and Yas Beach. It takes about 10 minutes to drive to AUH airport, and guests have access to free parking.

How to get to the island  

Bus  

You can reach Yas Island by bus from downtown Abu Dhabi, departing from the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. On the island, free Yas Express buses run daily from 9:30 AM to midnight, stopping at major attractions.

Car  

From AUH airport, take Al Diyafah street, turn right onto Al Mireef street at the nearest intersection, leading you to Al Shahama street. Follow it to the roundabout, then take the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan highway, which will bring you to the island. The drive from the airport to Yas takes approximately 20 minutes.

Taxi  

Yas Island is easily accessible by Uber or through the KiwiTaxi transfer booking service.

FAQ  

What are the benefits of living on Yas Island?  

Residents of Yas Island can enjoy the serene comfort of resort living, basking on sandy beaches every day, indulging in world-class cuisine, and residing in stunning residential complexes. The island hosts Abu Dhabi's most iconic marina and world-class attractions, ensuring you are always at the heart of the action.

Is Yas Island suitable for investment?  

Yes, Yas Island is an excellent investment opportunity. The highest returns are from studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, yielding up to 8%, 7,2%, and 7,1% per annum, respectively. Three-bedroom apartments and villas with 4-6 bedrooms offer slightly lower returns of around 6% and 4,7% per annum.

When is the best time to visit the island?  

The best time to visit Yas Island is from October to April. During this period, temperatures range from 25 to 33 degrees Celsius, with average humidity around 50%. November and mid-spring are ideal for sightseeing and swimming, as the heat is not overwhelming, and water temperatures near 27 degrees Celsius, allowing you to enjoy the sea without overheating. Towards the end of summer, winds from the Persian Gulf bring sandstorms to the city. During such days, authorities recommend residents and tourists stay indoors to protect their eyesight and respiratory system.

Real estate on Yas Island  

Noya  

Yas Island Noya is a residential complex situated in the heart of the island, directly opposite the lush Yas Gateway Park. Surrounded by abundant greenery, the development features 510 townhouses and villas. Inspired by minimalism, the architecture showcases clean geometric lines, with exteriors in creamy hues accented by subtle chestnut details.

The minimalist interiors are enhanced with modern touches. Soft color palettes are complemented by accents in ochre, teal, and emerald. The homes are equipped with thermal insulation, high-efficiency glazing, and LED lighting, ensuring a cozy and comfortable environment regardless of sandstorms or scorching heat.

For fitness enthusiasts, the complex includes a well-equipped gym, while young residents can enjoy hours of fun at a safe playground with friends. On hot days, you can cool off in the swimming pool or relax on sun loungers with a glass of your favorite chilled cocktail.

Surrounded by lush lawns and the azure waters of Khor Laffan Bay, the Yas Golf Collection offers future residents a choice of fully furnished apartments with 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms. The understated Mediterranean-style architecture is reflected in a neutral palette of creamy and sandy shades. The stone facades, featuring symmetrical cubic forms, are complemented by natural accents like wooden elements.

Interiors are decorated in a pastel color scheme, with key shades of marzipan, wheat, and antique white with contrasting decor. Bathrooms are equipped with high-quality fixtures, and kitchens come with built-in appliances. You can organize your space to create a home office with a sea view or a children’s playroom.

The complex offers laundry and dry-cleaning services, and the concierge service can help with taxi bookings or restaurant reservations. For child and pet care, nannies and sitters are available. Residents can practice yoga on the multifunctional court, work out in the fitness club, host gatherings in the lounges, organize parties in the playroom, and enjoy shopping in the retail gallery.

Located right by the shores of Al Raha Creek, Perla 3 offers a choice of compact studios, 1-3 bedroom apartments, or spacious 4-bedroom townhouses. The facades, painted in a delicate pearl shade, reflect the name of the complex. The exterior is enhanced with pristine white broken panels that catch the sunlight, outlining the building's perimeter and adding texture with the white balcony panels.

Interiors feature caramel tones accented with natural materials. Stylish soft furnishings, architectural lighting in warm tones, contemporary art pieces, and designer decorations make these spaces perfect for vibrant parties or elegant evenings with friends and family.

You can unwind after an active day in the cool waters of the project's swimming pool, while children play safely on the dedicated playgrounds. The shady barbecue area is perfect for picnics and social gatherings with friends.

Looking to buy an apartment in Abu-Dhabi for living or investment? We can help. Simply visit our homepage and explore dozens of current offers in the Dubai real estate market. Request a callback below, and our experts will help you find the most suitable options and assist with all legal intricacies. With love and no commission.