Disney announcement a game-changer for Abu Dhabi and UAE property market
15 May 2025 00:26
KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)Just days after the announcement that the UAE will become home to the Disney Theme Park and Resort, Abu Dhabi's property market is already showing signs of accelerated growth.The landmark project - the first in the Middle East - is to be built on Yas Island, has sent a ripple of excitement through the real estate sector, prompting a surge in sales, rising investor interest and new development launches.Leading the response is Aldar Development, the master developer of Yas Island, which reported an immediate uptick in sales across its portfolio following the global announcement.Jonathan Emery, CEO of Aldar Development, described the moment as transformative, "The announcement that the next Disney theme park will be in Abu Dhabi has already impacted the region's real estate market - clearly signalling the next chapter of growth, experience, and possibility for the capital and the UAE," he stated on LinkedIn this week.Emery confirmed that resale values and buyer interest began climbing instantly, reflecting what he described as "clear market confidence and excitement".He added that Aldar is preparing to meet this rising demand with premium developments, including the soon-to-be-launched Waldorf Astoria Residences at Yas Links Golf Course, which will introduce branded luxury living to the island for the first time."With top-tier schooling, vibrant communities, and unrivalled access to retail, dining, and beaches, Yas Island is already a prime destination," Emery noted."The renewed energy across Yas builds on its world-class entertainment offer - F1, Yas Marina, and now Disney."Economists and real estate strategists have echoed Emery's outlook, predicting a wave of demand across Abu Dhabi and Dubai.Johanna Amadhila, a property consultant and economist based in Dubai, described the Disney announcement as transformative for the UAE's real estate landscape."Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai stand to gain through increased property demand, stronger investor interest and higher valuations," she noted."Proximity to the new park will become a key factor for buyers and renters alike."Amadhila added that developers are expected to expand and diversify their offerings, catering to a broader customer base ranging from affordable housing to premium lifestyle communities. Investors, she said, can anticipate higher capital appreciation and stronger rental returns, especially in properties near the park.Abu Dhabi-based real estate consultant Alfred P. Anil described the announcement as a game-changer for property investors, highlighting the potential for holiday home investments and rental yields of 9–11% in prime locations."If you've ever thought about investing in Abu Dhabi, this is the moment," Anil said.Sandra Klarka, another Dubai-based senior property advisor, also pointed to expected price increases not only on Yas Island but also in nearby communities like Saadiyat Island and Al Raha Beach. She forecasted a boom in short-term rental demand across both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, driven by the expected influx of tourists and families visiting the Disney resort."The Disney announcement cements the UAE as the number one leisure and tourism hub in the Middle East," Klarka said."If you're an investor, now is the time to act - before prices adjust."
While Yas Island is poised to be the epicentre of this growth, industry analysts suggest the impact will extend across the UAE's property market, particularly as Etihad Rail and other infrastructure projects improve connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
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