Disney on Yas Island: what it means for Abu Dhabi property

On 7 May 2025, The Walt Disney Company and Miral announced plans for a Disney theme park resort on the Yas Island waterfront in Abu Dhabi, Disney's first in the Middle East. This update sets out what has been confirmed since, the latest official figures for Yas Island and Abu Dhabi's property market, and what buyers may want to consider.

Under the agreement, Miral will fully develop, build and operate the resort, while Disney leads the creative design, attraction development and operational oversight. The resort is planned to offer Disney entertainment, themed hotels, dining and retail.

• Opening date: no opening date or construction timeline has been announced by Disney or Miral as of October 2026.
• More investment on Yas Island: in September 2026, Miral announced a pipeline of new tourism and entertainment projects on Yas Island worth more than AED 12 billion.
• New attractions already open: the Yas Waterworld expansion opened to visitors on 4 April 2026.

Miral reported more than 38 million visits to Yas Island in 2024, up 10% on 2023. In summer 2025, Yas Island visitation rose 15% and hotels averaged 85% occupancy. Across the emirate, DCT Abu Dhabi reported a record 26.6 million visitors in 2025.

According to ADREC, Abu Dhabi recorded AED 117 billion in real estate transactions in the first half of 2026, with value up 112% and volume up 61.7% year on year. Sales reached AED 86.1 billion from 16,838 transactions. Foreign direct investment reached AED 13.8 billion, up 309%, from investors of 116 nationalities.

• Homes on Yas Island: a new resort adds to the island's leisure and lifestyle offer for residents.
• Nearby communities: areas such as Al Raha Beach, Saadiyat Island and Masdar City are a short drive away.
• Holiday homes: visitor numbers support demand for short stays. Read our guide to holiday homes in Abu Dhabi.
• Long-term view: large projects take years to complete, so buy for your own goals and timeline, not for a single announcement.

Any effect on prices or rents will depend on timing, supply and wider market conditions.

Returns are not guaranteed; terms and conditions apply.

0% income tax and 0% property tax* *T&Cs apply. The UAE does not levy income tax on individuals. Rental income from property held in a personal capacity, without a commercial licence, is outside UAE Corporate Tax (Cabinet Decision No. 49 of 2023). The only payments when you buy are one-off government fees on the transaction: a 2% registration (transfer) fee in Abu Dhabi, paid by the buyer, and a 4% registration fee in Dubai. Property held through a company is treated differently.

Owning property worth AED 2 million or more allows you to apply for a renewable 10-year Golden Visa. Off-plan property bought from an approved developer and mortgaged property financed by an approved local bank can count, subject to the conditions and approval of the UAE authorities at the time of application.

Our advisors know Yas Island and the surrounding communities well. We can show you current launches on Yas Island and help you compare them with nearby areas.

This article is general guidance, not tax, legal or financial advice.