Abu Dhabi’s largest resort development yet, which is expected to transform the 2,500 hectare Yas Island, into a $40 billion world-class leisure destination, with mixed-use tourist attractions including beaches, entertainment, shopping, hotels, residences, golfing, equestrian facilities and motor racing, was unveiled by Aldar Properties recently.

“Yas Island will combine the many natural attractions of an island with the world’s most popular leisure activities,” said Aldar chairman Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh. “We have taken man’s passion for the sea, for racing cars, shopping, golfing, and luxurious living, and designed them all into a single unique setting. Yas Island will be the only destination in the world that combines our desert and maritime traditions with the fascinations of Florida and the elegance of Monte Carlo. It will be the world’s most complete leisure destination and also host the world’s first ‘Ferrari World’.”
CEO Ronald Barrott elaborated on Yas Island, and its many attractions: “Our intention is to bring together families, friends and individuals seeking options of entertainment, excitement, nature and peace in one location. Shopping will be one of the key attractions, with retail areas occupying a staggering 300,000 sq m. Ferrari World will be a major highlight, through Aldar’s rights to a Ferrari-themed park, museum and theatre. These attractions are linked to a top quality motor racetrack on which visitors can experience the thrill of the exclusive Ferrari Driving School (Pilota Ferrari), kart track and dune buggies. They can also test the limits of their own cars under professional instruction.
Located on the island will be two major marinas and yachting facilities; resort hotels, lagoon hotels and hotel apartments; a water park, three golf courses, a polo field and equestrian centre, restaurants and cafes, and mixed type residences. Plans are under way to adapt sensitive and beautiful parts of the island into conservation areas. A number of very individual homes will be made available on the island, at a later stage.
Yas Island, one of Abu Dhabi’s larger islands, is roughly one-third the size of the island of Abu Dhabi, and features a beach front shoreline of approximately 32 km. Infrastructure will be developed around the Yas Island project in advance and to the operational benefit of the capital city. A new 10-lane highway will connect Yas Island to the new Abu Dhabi International Airport, the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway, and the city of Abu Dhabi at Mina Port. Yas Island will also connect to Aldar’s signature Al Raha Beach development.