What Yas Island is
Yas Island lies on Abu Dhabi's coast, which Yas Island's official site puts about 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai. It first opened to visitors in late 2010, three years after its foundation stone was laid, and later added Yas Links golf course in 2019 and Etihad Arena in 2021. Its attractions include Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, CLYMB and Yas Marina Circuit, home of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Miral also lists SeaWorld Yas Island in its portfolio, and Miral has announced a Disney theme park for the island.
The UAE government portal lists Yas Island as one of the areas where foreigners may own property.
What you can buy
- Villas and townhouses in Aldar's gated communities across the island.
- Apartments around Yas Bay, Yas Marina and the golf course, from Aldar and developers such as Burtville (Bab Al Qasr residences on Yas Bay) and Nine Yards (Sea La Vie on Yas Bay).
- Branded residences, with new launches alongside a resale market in completed communities.
What to check on Yas
- The investment-zone status and the right you will hold, on DARI.
- Noise and event traffic for homes close to the circuit and the arenas, especially if you plan to live in the unit.
- The SPA registration on DARI within 21 days, and who pays the 2% fee.
- Whether a resale home in a completed community gives you better value than a launch with a later handover.
Developers with projects in Yas Island
- Aldar PropertiesMaster developer · Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Dubailand
- Burtville DevelopmentsMid-market & value · Yas Island, Masdar City, Al Raha Beach
- Nine YardsMid-market & value · Al Raha Beach, Yas Island
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy on Yas Island?
Yes. Yas Island is one of Abu Dhabi's investment zones, where non-UAE nationals can own freehold property under Law No. 13 of 2019. The UAE government portal lists it among the areas open to foreign buyers. Purchases, including off-plan units, are registered on DARI, the platform of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre.
Who is the main developer on Yas Island?
Aldar Properties develops most of the residential communities on Yas Island, while Miral develops and runs the leisure attractions such as Ferrari World and SeaWorld Yas Island. Other developers in our directory with Yas projects include Burtville Developments and Nine Yards on Yas Bay. Check each project's escrow account before you pay.
What fees apply when buying off-plan on Yas Island?
DARI lists the registration fee for an off-plan unit sale at 2% of the contract value for ownership, plus an electronic service fee. The sale must be registered within 21 days of signing, or DARI adds a late fee of AED 10,000. Your SPA sets out whether the buyer or developer pays the 2%.
Get a shortlist for Yas Island
Tell Tarek your budget, timeline and whether you want to live in the home, rent it out or apply for a Golden Visa. He will send matching launches and ready alternatives with the full cost of each, and check registration and escrow with you before you pay.
Sources
- About Yas Island, Yas Island (Miral). Checked 30 September 2026.
- Miral portfolio, Miral. Checked 30 September 2026.
- Aldar unveils $11bn Fahid Island project in Abu Dhabi (2 June 2025), The National. Checked 30 September 2026.
- Expatriates buying a property in the UAE, UAE Government portal (u.ae). Checked 30 September 2026.
- Law No. (13) of 2019 amending Law No. (19) of 2005 concerning Real Estate Ownership, Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC). Checked 30 September 2026.
- Register the Sale of an Off-Plan Plot or Unit, DARI (ADREC). Checked 30 September 2026.
- Off-Plan Unit Sale Registration (fees and 21-day rule), DARI Help Centre (ADREC). Checked 30 September 2026.