| Yas Riva Reserve at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Developer | Aldar |
| Location | Northeast waterfront of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi |
| Homes | 292 villas, 4, 5 and 6 bedrooms, including 45 directly on the waterway |
| Starting price | From AED 8.5M, according to Aldar |
| Standout feature | Option to add a private pontoon for boat mooring on waterfront villas |
| Ownership | Freehold for all nationalities |
The Yas Riva family
Yas Riva is Aldar's canal-side district on Yas Island, and it now has three parts:
- Yas Riva (2024): the original collection of 151 canal-front and canal-accessible 4, 5 and 6-bedroom villas, now under construction.
- Yas Riva Residences (2025): a resort-inspired apartment development built around pavilion amenities, including waterside spa areas, family pools, a boating and water sports hub, and canal-side cafés.
- Yas Riva Reserve (2026): the newest launch, a gated community of 292 villas opposite the original Yas Riva.
Yas Riva Reserve: what's new
Yas Riva Reserve sits on the northeast waterfront of Yas Island, facing the original Yas Riva. Of its 292 villas, 45 are built directly on the waterway, with an option to add a private pontoon to moor a boat. A new bridge will connect the community to the rest of the island and create an additional entry point onto Yas Island.
Reported built-up areas are around 437 sqm for 4 bedrooms, 482 sqm for 5 bedrooms and 538 sqm for 6 bedrooms, with prices starting from AED 8.5 million according to Aldar.
Why Yas Island
Yas Island is Abu Dhabi's leisure and entertainment hub, home to Yas Mall, Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World, Yas Bay Waterfront and Yas Marina. It's popular with families and professionals, and sits between Abu Dhabi city and Dubai.
Is Yas Riva a good investment?
Strong recent demand. Aldar's Yas Island launches have sold quickly. Gulf News reported that Orchids townhouses at Yas Acres sold out for over AED 680 million in June, and The Canopies at Yas Point generated AED 1.5 billion at launch in July.
Waterfront scarcity. Villas directly on the water, with space to moor a boat, are rare in Abu Dhabi and tend to hold their appeal.
Golden Visa. Every villa here exceeds the AED 2 million threshold for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa. See the Golden Visa guide.
Location and connectivity
The original Yas Riva sits near Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street (E12), and the wider Yas Riva area is reported to be around 30 minutes from Zayed International Airport and 50 minutes from Dubai. Yas Riva Reserve's new bridge adds a further entry point onto the island, which should ease access for residents.
Who is Yas Riva for?
- Boat owners and water lovers, especially for the 45 villas directly on the waterway with a pontoon option.
- Families who want Yas Island's schools, malls and theme parks on their doorstep.
- Investors looking for Aldar's track record in a proven, high-demand island.
- Dubai-based buyers who want to stay within easy reach of Dubai.
Waterfront or inland villa?
Waterfront villas carry a premium at launch, but they are the scarcest homes in the community and usually the easiest to resell. Inland villas offer a lower entry price and the same community amenities. If your budget allows, waterfront homes have historically held their value best on Yas Island's canals.
How it compares with other Abu Dhabi launches
| Project | Developer | Homes | Reported price from | Reported handover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talay, Marsa Al Saadiyat | Aldar | 351 standalone villas, 4 to 6 bed | AED 13.5M | 2029 to 2030 |
| Four Seasons, Saadiyat Beach | ALAIN | 56 villas and 60 suites | About AED 18M (suites) | 2029 |
| Yas Riva Reserve, Yas Island | Aldar | 292 villas, 4 to 6 bed | AED 8.5M | Ask for current date |
| Wadeem Gardens, Hudayriyat Island | Modon | Villas in 3 gated clusters, 4 to 6 bed | AED 8.7M | Q2 2031 |
Reported launch figures. Prices and dates change, so confirm before you commit.
What to weigh
Only 45 homes are directly on the waterway, and they'll sell first at a premium. Several villa communities are launching along the same corridor, including West Yas and Yas Acres, so choose position carefully. Ask for the confirmed payment plan and handover date for your unit.
Buying off-plan in Abu Dhabi: costs at a glance
Abu Dhabi's government registration fee is 2% of the price, half of Dubai's 4% Dubai Land Department fee. Off-plan sales are registered with the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) through the DARI platform, and your payments go into a regulated escrow account tied to construction. If you use a mortgage at handover, add a mortgage registration fee of 0.1% of the loan. On a AED 8.5M villa, the 2% fee is about AED 170,000. For the full process, documents and costs, read how to buy off-plan property in Abu Dhabi.
Compare other Abu Dhabi launches
- Talay at Marsa Al Saadiyat
- Wadeem Gardens on Hudayriyat Island
- Four Seasons Private Residences, Saadiyat Island
Prices, payment plans and handover dates are launch figures published by the developer or reported by the market, and can change. Contact me for current availability. This article is general information, not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is Yas Riva Reserve?
Yas Riva Reserve is Aldar's newest gated villa community on the northeast waterfront of Yas Island, with 292 villas of 4, 5 and 6 bedrooms, including 45 directly on the waterway.
How much do Yas Riva Reserve villas cost?
Aldar says prices start from AED 8.5 million.
Can I moor a boat at Yas Riva Reserve?
Villas built directly on the waterway have an option to add a private pontoon for boat mooring.
What is the difference between Yas Riva and Yas Riva Reserve?
Yas Riva is Aldar's original 2024 collection of 151 canal-front and canal-accessible villas. Yas Riva Reserve is the 2026 launch of 292 villas opposite it, connected to the island by a new bridge.
How far is Yas Riva from Dubai?
The Yas Riva area is reported to be around 50 minutes from Dubai and 30 minutes from Zayed International Airport.
What sizes are Yas Riva Reserve villas?
Reported built-up areas are about 437 sqm for 4 bedrooms, 482 sqm for 5 bedrooms and 538 sqm for 6 bedrooms.
RERA-licensed real estate consultant at Aeon & Trisl, specialising in off-plan and investment property, with AED 600M+ in closed deals and 100+ clients worldwide.