Why Hong Kong investors can’t afford to miss Yas Island’s next big launch

Discover why Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s waterfront hotspot, is gearing up for a Disneyland-driven boom, where luxurious lifestyle meets 8% rental yields.

When Aldar Properties launched Yas Living on 14 October 2025, the response was electric, to say the least. Within days, all 678 apartments within the scheme were sold, generating over AED 1.3 billion in sales.

Demand came in from all over the world: 65% of buyers were international investors, including from China, India, the UK and the wider Asia-Pacific region. As a matter of fact, 71% were first-time Aldar customers, proof that Abu Dhabi’s appeal is expanding on a global scale.

For Hong Kong investors used to high entry costs and mature low-yielding property markets, Yas Island presents a refreshing contrast.

This high-growth hub is where luxury and lifestyle merge and offer up to 6–8% rental yields*, 8–12% annual capital appreciation* and Golden Visa eligibility (for investments above AED 2 million).

Entry-level apartments in Aldar’s Yas Living development start at around AED 980k (Around HKD 2 million), offering savvy investors a solid entry point in Abu Dhabi’s fast-growing property market.

Yas Island: Abu Dhabi’s crown jewel

For investors seeking wealth preservation and lifestyle enhancement in the UAE, Yas Island is a strategic entry point in the country’s next decade of real estate expansion. A market soon to be supercharged by the arrival of Disneyland Abu Dhabi.

This scenic island already attracts over 38 million visitors annually, up 10% year-on-year in 2023 (Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office), fueling a strong rental and hospitality market. In Q1 2025 alone, Abu Dhabi’s residential transactions surged to over AED 25.3 billion (Source: Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre), largely led by Yas Island developments.

Here are a few reasons why Yas Island is a leading investment choice globally:

a. An unrivalled entertainment ecosystem

Yas Island’s leisure appeal is its strength. It is home to world-class destinations such as Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, SeaWorld and the Yas Marina F1 Circuit.

In 2025 comes the game-changer: the announcement of Disneyland Abu Dhabi. Disney’s first-ever theme park in the Middle East, backed by a $7 billion investment and scheduled to open in the early 2030s.

In the weeks following this announcement, property inquiries on Yas Island spiked 163%, with analysts projecting 30-50% capital appreciation after opening* (Source: Khaleej Times).

Tourism and branded leisure occupancy exceed 90%, a rare figure even among global resort markets like Orlando or Sentosa.

Even Hong Kong icons are taking notes; global music acts like BTS’s V and Jay Chou have praised Yas Island’s family appeal. Major stars from Bollywood and Hollywood continue to spotlight its global visibility.

b. Prime connectivity & infrastructure

Accessibility is Yas Island’s silent advantage! This vibrant location is 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, 20 minutes from the capital’s city centre and under an hour from Dubai^.

As a matter of fact, by 2026, driverless tram systems are set to connect major attractions. Disneyland’s dedicated Line 4 is expected by 2030.

Direct flights from Hong Kong to Abu Dhabi take hardly 8 hours, connecting two major commercial hubs with similar investor sophistication.

c. Luxury amenities & wellness-focused communities

Yas Island out and out is designed for modern living. The 1 million sq. ft. Yas Mall, Etihad Arena and canal-facing promenades flawlessly maintain Abu Dhabi’s open-space luxury. Besides this, Aldar’s latest projects, including Sama Yas and Yas Living, align with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 goals.

The picturesque island is preferred for its health-centric lifestyle as residents can take advantage of zen gardens, fitness hubs and private beaches. As a result,

2.54% quarterly price growth in Q1 2025 (Source: Khaleejtimes)

9–10% annual appreciation forecast through 2026 (Source: Zawya)

d. Strong rental yields & investor-friendly policies

Abu Dhabi’s market is an ideal pick for international investors seeking confidence. It’s transparent, tax-efficientand globally welcoming. They also benefit from no property taxes, freehold ownership and a dollar-pegged currency

Villas and apartments bring in 5.74-7.61% average rental yields (Source: Global Property Guide), easily outperforming Hong Kong’s 2–3% city average and some of central Dubai’s mid-tier markets.

In addition to this, the UAE’s Golden Visa scheme sweetens the deal for discerning Hong Kong professionals and HNWIs.

Hong Kong vs Yas Island: Investor snapshot

e. Global buzz & celebrity endorsements

Few destinations have attracted star power as much as Yas Island. This vibrant location has hosted Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen, Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Hart, Jennifer Aniston, BTS, Blackpink and Eason Chan.

Such visibility keeps Yas Island relevant in global conversation.

The road ahead: Disneyland & the next investment wave

The next decade is Yas Island’s turning point.

Within the next ten years, this island will see Miral’s 15-year master plan introduce one new attraction every year through 2035. At the centre of this expansion is Disneyland Abu Dhabi, Disney’s first park in the region and potentially its largest, spanning over 300 acres.

Scheduled for opening in the 2030s, this island is set to host 38+ million annual visitors.

Secure your Yas Island legacy

Yas Island is ticking all the boxes that Hong Kong investors are seeking: strong yields, long-term growth and a world-class lifestyle backed by global brands and visionary planning.

If you missed Yas Living, don’t miss what’s next

Connect with Benham and Reeves today for an exclusive preview and customised tour of upcoming Yas Island projects and VIP allocations. Our experienced team works in seamless coordination with the Dubai HQ and provides end-to-end assistance across acquisition and financing, lettings and management.

What are you waiting for? Get ready to step off your flight and in 10 minutes, reach your Yas apartment – all overlooking the Disneyland!

To buy or not to buy non-local off-plan properties? Assess the risks before you buy! 境外樓花買唔買？計過風險先好買！*Expected rental yield per annum, not guaranteed. Expected capital appreciation, not guaranteed. ^Travel times are an approximation only, sourced from Google Maps, and may reference driving, public transport, cycling and/or walking times. Computer-generated images for illustrative purposes only. Purchasing uncompleted properties situated outside Hong Kong is complicated and contains risk. You should review all relevant information and documents carefully before making a purchase decision. If in doubt, please seek independent professional advice before making a purchase decision. The non-licensed staff engage in estate agency work exclusively in relation to properties outside Hong Kong and they are not licensed to deal with any property situated in Hong Kong. Last update: 10 Nov 2025. Benham & Reeves (Hong Kong) Limited License No. C-092169.