Abu Dhabi launches $1.6bn Yas Island project with 3,950 homes and new hotel

Aldar has unveiled Yas Riva Reserve, a high-end gated villa community set to open for sales on September 26, adding to Yas Island's growing collection of low-rise developments. The community, located on Yas Island's northeast waterfront, will consist of 292 villas in four, five and six-bedroom configurations, including 45 homes built directly on the water.

These villas will have the option to include a private pontoon for boat mooring. Yas Riva Reserve connects to the existing Yas Riva project and will be linked to the rest of Yas Island via a new bridge, providing an additional entry point onto the island.

The villas will showcase timber-accented facades and designs centered around indoor-outdoor living, with linear parks, pocket gardens, and a network of walkable paths. Residents will have access to a clubhouse, pool, gym, children's play areas, padel and sports courts, retail space, and a mosque. Yas Riva Reserve's proximity to attractions such as Yas Acres, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Mall, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will further enhance its appeal.

Sales for Yas Riva Reserve will begin on September 26, with prices starting at Dh8.5 million. This higher-end, waterfront-access alternative to Yas Riva reinforces Aldar's strategy of adding premium villa options on Yas Island, following the successful sales of Yas Acres' Orchids townhouses and The Canopies at Yas Point. The track record suggests that Yas Island's villa market has absorbed new supply without significant resistance, and the Dh8.5 million starting price positions Yas Riva Reserve as a higher-tier offering.