Disney is officially coming to Abu Dhabi, and the news has sent waves through the real estate world—especially on Yas Island. This iconic entertainment brand, in partnership with Miral, brings with it more than just fun and fantasy. It’s also delivering serious investment momentum to the surrounding property market.
Yas Island has already been a top performer in Abu Dhabi’s real estate landscape. Taking into account last year’s data on the most transacted areas, we predicted that Yas Island would keep leading the charge in 2025. That forecast now holds even stronger weight.
Nearly 500 residential units—such as The Sustainable City by Aldar and Bay Residence by Baraka—are due for handover this year alone. These projects are only the beginning. Many more are scheduled over the next two to three years. The Disney announcement adds even more urgency and appeal for buyers and investors looking for strategic opportunities.
Tourism is a major pillar of the Emirate’s vision. Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 aims to draw over 39.3 million visitors annually by the end of the decade. The strategy also aims to boost tourism’s GDP contribution to AED 90 billion and create more than 178,000 new jobs. With Disney now entering the picture, these goals look increasingly achievable—and profitable.
The presence of a Disney resort is more than just a family attraction. It is a long-term anchor for demand in hospitality, short-term rentals, and residential housing. Investors can expect an uptick in tourism-led rentals, with Yas Island at the center of it all. This kind of entertainment-driven economy fuels rapid growth and supports steady yields.
Add to this the highly anticipated E-Sports Island—planned just nearby—and you have a full ecosystem of entertainment, lifestyle, and investment potential. For savvy investors, Yas Island is no longer just a trending location. It is becoming a core investment hub shaped by global partnerships and local vision.
In short, Disney’s entrance into Abu Dhabi is not just a tourism move. It’s a real estate catalyst, especially for Yas Island. Buyers, developers, and property managers should keep their eyes firmly on this destination. The next few years will be defining.
