The announcement of Disneyland Abu Dhabi marks a pivotal moment in the region, spurring significant shifts in real estate dynamics. As the project garners attention, it has triggered a wave of investor interest, price movements, and the emergence of new hotspots in Abu Dhabi’s property market. With Disneyland Abu Dhabi on the horizon, the landscape of real estate investment is undergoing notable transformation, prompting potential buyers to rethink their strategies and opportunities.
While the project is years from completion, early signs point to growing investor interest, increased inquiries for off-plan units, and early price adjustment discussions.
“Even for an established, world-class tourism and leisure hub, Yas Island’s recent announcement of Disneyland Abu Dhabi is a major touristic coup, and yet another reason why Yas is one of Abu Dhabi’s most dynamic residential investment destinations. The news has put Yas firmly in the spotlight and immediately boosted investor confidence in this world-class destination,” said Riyad Magdy, Chairman and Founder of Oia Properties, in an exclusive interview with Arabian Business.
Abu Dhabi Real Estate Boom
According to recent market data, Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector has already been on a growth trajectory leading up to Disney’s announcement. There was a 15.7 percent increase in transactions from March to April, reaching AED 2.9 billion (£615 million). However, a notable surge in interest was observed in the week following the announcement of Disneyland Abu Dhabi.
“There’s definitely a growing buzz and a noticeable uptick in interest over the past week. We are confident in the short, medium, and long-term interest in Yas—and surrounding areas,” Magdy said.
Amid rising investor interest in Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector, the off-plan property segment saw a significant boost. In April, off-plan transactions made up over 70 percent of deals in sought-after locations, including Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Al Jubail Island.
“Disneyland will have a positive and far-reaching impact on Abu Dhabi as a whole, especially on Yas Island and in off-plan projects, expanding interest in all surrounding areas in mainland Abu Dhabi. It will also add impetus to new emerging areas such as Zayed City,” Magdy explained.
Additionally, the short-term and long-term rental markets are set to benefit from this uptick. In April, over 18,000 rental transactions totaling AED 1.3 billion were recorded, and experts anticipate that Disneyland Abu Dhabi will further increase these numbers.
“Yas has always been popular with residential investors seeking short-term rentals. The integration of premium residences, combined with attractions like Ferrari World and Yas Marina Circuit, makes the island uniquely appealing, especially with limited hotel inventory. We are seeing increasing traction from those looking for ROI in short-term lettings and vacation rentals,” he stated.
Demand for Real Estate on Yas Island
Following the Disneyland announcement, Arabian Business reported a property price surge on Yas Island. “Disneyland will be a game-changer for Abu Dhabi’s property landscape. We predict increased demand for properties on Yas Island and in nearby areas, as buyers seek high-quality, future-oriented homes,” said Nada Jaouhar, Abu Dhabi Branch Director at Betterhomes.
According to the Savills Abu Dhabi Residential Market in Minutes – Q1 2025 report, the market is supported by sustained demand and new supply, along with the emirate’s growing international appeal.
Average sales rates across the market have also increased, rising from AED 14,100 ($3,840) per sqm in Q1 2024 to AED 16,200 ($4,410) per sqm in Q1 2025, representing a 13.4 percent year-on-year increase.
Although experts caution that it may still be early to predict significant behavioral shifts, interest from real estate enthusiasts is already evident.
“The news cycle has tended to favor Dubai in terms of scale and volume of real estate and tourism announcements, but Disney’s endorsement of Abu Dhabi is a major milestone that spotlights the impressive strides the emirate has made in tourism and destination marketing,” Magdy said.
However, the effects of Disneyland Abu Dhabi are anticipated to extend beyond the real estate sector. Experts predict that hospitality brands will seek properties in and around Yas Island to meet rising demand. “I foresee hospitality brands competing for space on or near Yas, enhancing Abu Dhabi’s hotel inventory, which is smaller in comparison to the saturation seen in Dubai,” he explained.
Infrastructure developments, including Etihad Rail, are further bolstering Abu Dhabi’s recognition as an international destination, offering improved access to all Emirates. The rail’s passenger service is slated to begin in 2026, cutting travel time between Dubai and Abu Dhabi to just 30 minutes.
For investors contemplating opportunities within Abu Dhabi’s real estate market, experts recommend consulting trusted industry advisors. “A qualified real estate advisor can be invaluable for investors looking to capitalize on prospects ahead of Disneyland Abu Dhabi’s debut. They can analyze transaction history, price trends, and identify high-growth zones like Yas Island, where property values are anticipated to rise significantly. Additionally, they can assist buyers in navigating off-plan options and projected rental yields to structure investments wisely,” Magdy concluded.