Disneyland dreams fuel renewed investor interest in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island
Investor focus sharpens on Yas, Reem and Hudayriyat as tourism and infrastructure align
Dubai: Abu Dhabi’s housing market is riding a wave of momentum – and the recently announced Disneyland theme park for Yas Island has only sharpened investor focus.
Property sales in Q1 2025 surged past Dh25 billion, with Yas Island and Saadiyat Island leading the charge. Even emerging zones like Zayed City and Al Reem saw strong demand, while off-plan sales dominated, making up over 70% of April transactions.
The Disneyland development – Disney’s first in the Middle East – will rise alongside Ferrari World and Yas Mall. Analysts expect this mega-attraction to supercharge local property values, especially in nearby communities like Mayan and Ansam.
Price boom in Yas Island
Yas Island already commands some of Abu Dhabi’s highest prices, and experts project it will outpace the broader market once construction milestones become visible.
UAE-based real estate agency Oia Properties says it has seen a sharp uptick in inquiries for off-plan units on Yas Island and neighboring investment zones since the Disney news. Many of its clients, the firm notes, are targeting long-term capital gains rather than short-term yields.
Infrastructure upgrades are part of the picture too. Abu Dhabi authorities are planning new roads, shuttle lanes, and even a driverless tram linking major Yas Island attractions. These improvements should bolster both lifestyle appeal and rental demand, especially from short-stay visitors during major events like the F1 Grand Prix.
Beyond Yas Island, several hotspots are catching investor attention, according to Oia Properties:
Al Reem Island offers mid-market apartments with strong rental yields and a growing list of schools and retail.
Al Hudayriyat Island is quickly establishing itself as a luxury waterfront destination with sold-out launches.
Al Shamkha and Al Reef appeal to value-focused investors, with villas often under AED 1 million and yields topping 8%.
Ghantoot, near the Abu Dhabi-Dubai border, is emerging as a long-term play with large-scale master plans.
The brokerage, alongside others, suggests that everyday investors should watch areas tied to new infrastructure or lifestyle anchors. “While prime locations like Yas and Saadiyat will continue to rise, there’s real value in early-stage communities aligned with Abu Dhabi’s broader development push,” one spokesperson said.
The bottom line? Abu Dhabi’s real estate market is being lifted by a mix of tourism, infrastructure, and investor-friendly reforms – and for buyers who get their timing right, the opportunities are as exciting as the projects themselves.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
