Al Reem Island or Yas Island?
Side by side on published prices, yields, new developments and drive times.
Pictured: ONE Residence by One Development
Where each one leads
Drawn only from published figures and the developments we list, each with its source.
Lower price per sq ft
Al Reem Island averages AED 1,769 per sq ft against AED 2,216 in Yas Island, about 20% less (Bayut, from advertised asking prices, October 2026).
Higher gross yield
Al Reem Island shows a gross yield of 6.10% against 5.60% in Yas Island (Bayut, from registered tenancy contracts, Q3 2026). Gross yield is before service charges and empty months.
Lower entry price
The lowest developer price we list in Yas Island is AED 1,390,000 at Yas Park Place, against AED 1,400,000 at ONE Residence in Al Reem Island.
Closer to Zayed International Airport
Yas Island is about 15 minutes from Zayed International Airport by car, against about 25 minutes from Al Reem Island.
Side by side
| Measure | Al Reem Island | Yas Island |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi |
| Tenure | Freehold | Freehold |
| Asking price per sq ft | AED 1,769Bayut, October 2026 | AED 2,216Bayut, October 2026 |
| Gross rental yield | 6.10%Bayut, Q3 2026 | 5.60%Bayut, Q3 2026 |
| Developments we list | 1 | 5 |
| Lowest developer price | AED 1,400,000ONE Residence | AED 1,390,000Yas Park Place |
| Drive to Zayed International Airport | about 25 minutes | about 15 minutes |
Each figure is shown as its publisher states it, with the period it covers. A row appears only where both areas have a figure. Read 12 November 2026.
New developments in each
Yas Island
- Yas Park PlaceAldarAED 1,390,000
- The Canopies at Yas PointAldarAED 1,650,000
- The Orchids at Yas AcresAldarAED 3,350,000
- Sama YasAldarAED 5,905,725
- Yas Riva ReserveAldarAED 7,900,000
What each area is like
Al Reem Island
Abu Dhabi's high-rise apartment island, 600 metres from the city and now part of the ADGM financial free zone. Suits professionals and investors who want city access at lower prices than Saadiyat.
Who it suits
- Professionals working in ADGM or downtown Abu Dhabi
- Investors looking for apartments with an established rental market
- Buyers who want city living at lower entry prices than Saadiyat
- Families using the island's British and international schools
In its favour
- Designated investment zone: freehold ownership is open to foreign nationals
- Within ADGM jurisdiction since April 2023, with ADGM handling property registration since January 2025
- Reem Mall (opened May 2024), Reem Central Park and three international schools on the island
Worth weighing
- Supply is the main risk. Dozens of towers are selling off plan with handovers between 2027 and 2031, on top of the largest existing stock in any investment zone
- Quality varies sharply between developers and between older and newer towers. Compare service charges and build standards building by building
Yas Island
Abu Dhabi's leisure island: theme parks, the Formula 1 circuit and Yas Mall, with a growing stock of Aldar villas and mid-rise apartments. Suits families and buyers who want to be near the airport.
Who it suits
- Families who want villas near schools and leisure
- Buyers who travel often through Zayed International Airport
- Investors targeting short-stay and leisure-led rental demand
- Commuters splitting time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai
In its favour
- Designated investment zone: freehold ownership is open to foreign nationals
- Four theme parks, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Mall and Etihad Arena on the island
- Disney Abu Dhabi announced in May 2025; Sphere Abu Dhabi confirmed
Worth weighing
- A large off-plan pipeline: Aldar alone lists apartment and villa schemes completing between 2028 and 2031, which will add resale and rental competition
- One developer dominates. Pricing, service charges and community management are largely set by Aldar
Al Reem Island or Yas Island: quick answers
Is Al Reem Island or Yas Island cheaper per square foot?
Al Reem Island is cheaper on the published figures: AED 1,769 per sq ft against AED 2,216 in Yas Island (Bayut, from advertised asking prices, October 2026). Averages move with the mix of homes sold, so compare like with like before relying on the gap.
Which has the higher rental yield, Al Reem Island or Yas Island?
Al Reem Island, on the published figures: a gross yield of 6.10% against 5.60% in Yas Island (Bayut, from registered tenancy contracts, Q3 2026). Gross yield is before service charges, empty months and fees, so the net return is lower.
Which is closer to Zayed International Airport, Al Reem Island or Yas Island?
Yas Island, at about 15 minutes by car against about 25 minutes from Al Reem Island. Drive times are approximate and vary with traffic.
Can foreigners buy property in Al Reem Island and Yas Island?
Al Reem Island is a designated freehold area, open to buyers of any nationality. Yas Island is a designated freehold area, open to buyers of any nationality. Sales in Abu Dhabi are registered with the ADREC.
Which new developments can I buy in Al Reem Island and Yas Island?
In Al Reem Island: ONE Residence from AED 1,400,000. In Yas Island: Yas Park Place from AED 1,390,000, The Canopies at Yas Point from AED 1,650,000, The Orchids at Yas Acres from AED 3,350,000 and Sama Yas from AED 5,905,725.
More area comparisons
- Al Reem Island vs Saadiyat Island
- Al Reem Island vs Fahid Island
- Al Reem Island vs Hudayriyat Island
- Al Reem Island vs Sobha City
- Al Reem Island vs Masdar City
- Saadiyat Island vs Yas Island
- Fahid Island vs Yas Island
- Masdar City vs Yas Island
- AlJurf vs Yas Island
- Ramhan Island vs Yas Island
- Sobha City vs Yas Island
Not sure which area fits?
Tell us your budget, your timing and whether you will live there or let it, and we will set the two areas against each other for you.
- Current price list and availability, direct from the developer
- No fee to you on off-plan purchases: the developer pays us
- One salaried adviser, not on commission, from first call to handover
