Sama Yas, Yas Island – Aldar’s Luxury Park Living Development

Sama Yas is a luxury residential development by Aldar Properties on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. It consists of three interconnected nine-storey buildings set directly alongside the 100,000 square metre Yas Park, on the north-eastern side of the island. The project offers 234 residential units across four formats: one to three-bedroom apartments, two to three-bedroom duplex apartments, two to three-bedroom garden apartments, and three exclusive five-bedroom penthouses. Handover is targeted for Q3 2027.

Sama Yas is positioned by Aldar as the first luxury park living development on Yas Island — a deliberate distinction from the island’s existing apartment communities, which are either canal-front, beach-adjacent, or urban in character. The buildings sit within the Yas Park boundary, giving residents direct visual and physical access to the park from their homes rather than simply proximity to it.

The architecture draws on an Egyptian pyramid aesthetic — the three buildings step upward in a distinctive silhouette when viewed from the park. Interior design is by Woods Bagot and Mustard & Linen. The kitchen concept across the development was created in collaboration with British-Nigerian chef Izu Ani, who has a restaurant on the ground floor of the complex. Residents can order from the restaurant for in-apartment delivery or for a picnic directly in the park.

Important note: Sama Yas is an off-plan development. It has not yet been handed over. All pricing figures in this guide reflect developer off-plan asking prices and indicative market data — not secondary market transactions, which do not yet exist for this community. Rental figures are not available because the community is not occupied. All figures are marked with (*) and should be independently verified before any purchase decision.

Location within Yas Island

Sama Yas is located on the north-eastern side of Yas Island, directly bordering Yas Park. This places it in a quieter residential pocket of the island, away from the main entertainment and hospitality cluster to the east. The northern position is shared with the Noya sub-district communities — Noya, Noya Viva, and Noya Luma — and with the Gardenia Bay development currently under construction nearby.

Abu Dhabi International Airport is under 15 minutes away by car — one of the shortest airport commutes of any residential community in Abu Dhabi. Yas Mall is a five to ten-minute drive. The E10 and E11 highways provide direct connections to Abu Dhabi city centre, approximately 20 to 25 minutes, and to Dubai, approximately 50 minutes. Saadiyat Island — home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (under development), and the island’s cultural district — is 15 to 20 minutes away.

The development is described as being within a five to ten-minute walk of nearby amenities on the island, and a short drive from the theme park and entertainment cluster. Al Raha Beach is approximately 15 minutes by car for residents who want access to the waterfront dining and marina outside the island. Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s sustainability and technology hub, is around 20 minutes — relevant for residents working in that district.

What Makes Sama Yas Different on Yas Island

Most residential apartment communities on Yas Island are oriented around water — canal frontage (Water’s Edge, Mayan), beach or marina proximity (Yas Bay Residences), or the entertainment cluster (various Yas Bay towers). Sama Yas is oriented around a park. That is the core of its identity and the central reason buyers choose it over other options on the island.

Yas Park is 100,000 square metres — a major green space by Abu Dhabi standards. The three Sama Yas buildings sit directly alongside it. Ground-floor garden apartments have private gardens with direct access to the parkside environment. Upper-floor apartments face the park through floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies. This is meaningfully different from a development that markets itself as ‘near’ a park but is separated from it by a road or other buildings.

The second differentiator is the building format itself. Nine storeys is low-rise for a luxury development in Abu Dhabi — most premium apartment towers on the island and elsewhere in the emirate reach 20 to 40+ floors. The low-rise format at Sama Yas creates a more intimate, less urban living environment. Combined with the park setting, this gives the development a character that is uncommon in Abu Dhabi’s apartment market.

The third differentiator is the level of curated lifestyle programming. The Izu Ani restaurant — with in-park and in-apartment delivery — is a hotel-style amenity in a residential building. The boutique cinema, spa, co-working library, and 24-hour concierge sit above what most Yas Island apartment buildings offer at this price point. Sama Yas is targeting buyers who want managed, hotel-adjacent living rather than a standard residential apartment.

Property Types and Specifications

One-Bedroom Apartments

One-bedroom apartments are the entry-level configuration at Sama Yas and the most price-accessible option in the development. Sizes start from approximately 872 square feet (81 square metres). Each apartment includes an open-plan living and dining area, fully equipped kitchen, built-in wardrobes in the bedroom, a powder room, laundry facilities, and balcony with park or island views. The kitchen specification was developed in collaboration with Chef Izu Ani and features a distinctive aesthetic using marble, natural wood, and natural stone. Launch pricing for one-bedroom units started from AED 1.9 million* in Phase 1, rising to approximately AED 2.2 million* as of early 2025.

Two and Three-Bedroom Apartments

Two and three-bedroom standard apartments offer larger living areas with the same specification and finish standard as one-bedroom units. Sizes range from approximately 1,200 to over 2,100 square feet. Selected units include a maid’s room with a private bathroom — a practical feature for families with live-in household staff. All apartments have floor-to-ceiling windows oriented toward the park or the wider island landscape. Phase 2 two-bedroom apartments were priced from AED 3.3 million* at the April 2024 phase launch, with updated indicative asking prices from approximately AED 4.2 million* as of early 2025.

Two and Three-Bedroom Garden Apartments

Garden apartments are ground-floor units with a private garden and direct access to the Yas Park environment. These are the most distinctive unit type in the building — effectively a ground-floor home with private outdoor space in a parkside setting, which is unusual for an apartment development anywhere in Abu Dhabi. The garden creates a buffer between the interior living space and the park, providing privacy while maintaining the green aspect. Garden apartments are two and three-bedroom configurations. They appeal to buyers who want the lifestyle of apartment living but with the outdoor connection more typically associated with a villa or townhouse.

Two and Three-Bedroom Duplex Apartments

Duplex apartments span two floors within the building and offer the most villa-like layout available at Sama Yas. Sizes range from approximately 1,646 to 2,120 square feet across the two levels. The split-level format gives families separate living and sleeping floors without the maintenance commitments of a standalone villa. Each duplex includes a fully equipped kitchen, private balcony, en-suite master bedroom, and laundry room. Selected duplexes include a maid’s room with private bathroom. The duplex format commands a premium over standard apartments of the same bedroom count due to the additional floor area and the greater sense of spatial separation within the home.

Five-Bedroom Penthouses

Three exclusive penthouses crown the Sama Yas development at the top of the buildings. Each penthouse occupies a full floor with a panoramic terrace wrapping around the entire unit, a private infinity pool, and VIP elevator access. The five-bedroom layout is designed for buyers who want the full-floor privacy of a penthouse combined with the park setting and curated services of Sama Yas. The penthouses are the highest-specification units in the development and are positioned at the top of the Sama Yas pricing range. Specific penthouse pricing is available directly from Aldar.

Community Amenities

Yas Park Access

The defining amenity at Sama Yas is immediate access to Yas Park — a 100,000 square metre green space that forms the backdrop to the entire development. The park includes running and cycling tracks, sports fields, tennis courts, children’s playgrounds and a skate park, shaded walkways, a community lawn, and picnic areas. For residents of Sama Yas, the park is not a facility that requires a drive or even a short walk to access — it is directly outside the building. Garden apartment residents step directly from their private garden into the park environment.

Within-Building Facilities

Inside the Sama Yas buildings, residents have access to a boutique spa, adult and children’s swimming pools, a fully equipped gymnasium, a boutique cinema and theatre room, a co-working space with integrated library, outdoor working pods, a lounge area, a multipurpose room, a children’s playroom, and retail and food and beverage outlets on the ground floors. The Izu Ani-curated restaurant is a centrepiece of the ground floor offer, with the ability to deliver food directly to apartments or to the park.

Services and Technology

Sama Yas operates with hotel-level residential services: 24-hour concierge, valet parking, apartment maintenance, and a digital amenity booking system. All units include a smart home system for climate control, security, and access management. Sustainability infrastructure includes smart waste disposal solutions, water-saving plumbing fixtures, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. The development is targeting 3 Pearl Estidama certification, LEED Gold certification, and a Fitwel rating — three independent sustainability benchmarks that set it above standard residential construction standards in Abu Dhabi.

Schools Near Sama Yas

Sama Yas is within reach of several established schools on Yas Island. SABIS International School Yas Island, following the American curriculum for students from KG1 to Grade 12, is one of the closest options. Yas School is also on the island. West Yas Academy, operated by Aldar Academies and following the British curriculum from Foundation Stage to Year 13, is accessible within a short drive.

Of particular relevance for Sama Yas residents: the Aldar Academies British curriculum school associated with The Village at Noya Viva is nearby, and is scheduled to open to serve the growing population of the northern Yas Island residential communities. Sources confirm it was expected to open in the coming academic year from mid-2025. Families who need a broader range of international school options will find more in Khalifa City, approximately 15 minutes by car. Universities including Zayed University and Khalifa University are within 20 to 30 minutes.

Healthcare Near Sama Yas

The nearest major hospital is Burjeel Hospital, approximately five kilometres from the development and reachable in under ten minutes. It covers a wide range of specialist outpatient, inpatient, and day surgery services. Yas Marina Circuit Medical Centre is on the island for primary and urgent care. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island — one of the UAE’s most internationally recognised private hospitals — is approximately 20 minutes away for specialist or tertiary care.

Medeor Medical Center near Yas Mall is within a short drive for day-to-day specialist outpatient needs. Healthpoint Hospital, which specialises in sports medicine, rehabilitation, and orthopaedics, is a practical complement to the active lifestyle the Yas Park setting promotes. Medeor Hospital provides accessible general and specialist care for residents who need routine healthcare close to home.

Getting Around from Sama Yas

Sama Yas benefits from Yas Island’s broader road network, with E10 and E11 highway access providing fast connections to the mainland. The airport — under 15 minutes — is the development’s standout transport advantage. Abu Dhabi city centre is 20 to 25 minutes. Dubai is around 50 minutes by car. All units include covered parking within the building.

The development is described as within walking distance of nearby amenities on the island — retail, dining, and the park itself are all accessible on foot. Internal cycling and running infrastructure within Yas Park provides car-free movement for fitness and leisure. Public buses serve Yas Island to the mainland, and ride-hailing is available throughout the island. As with all Yas Island addresses, traffic builds significantly on event weekends — the Formula 1 Grand Prix in November being the most pronounced example.

Nearby Attractions

The full range of Yas Island’s entertainment venues is within easy reach. Yas Mall is five to ten minutes by car — the island’s main retail hub with over 400 stores, a VOX cinema, and a wide selection of restaurants. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi are all within 10 to 15 minutes. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is similarly accessible.

For sport and live entertainment, Yas Marina Circuit — home of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — is minutes away. Yas Links Abu Dhabi, one of the Middle East’s most celebrated championship golf courses, is accessible on the island. Yas Beach provides a beach option for residents who want coastal access. Etihad Arena — the largest indoor entertainment venue in the Middle East — hosts major concerts and events year-round.

Property Prices — For Sale

Sama Yas is an off-plan development. All figures below are developer asking prices and indicative market data. There is no secondary market for Sama Yas at the time of writing — handover is targeted for Q3 2027. All figures are marked with (*) and must be independently verified before any purchase decision.

Phase 1 launch prices (2023–2024, from Aldar):

• 1-bedroom apartments: from AED 1,900,000*
• 2-bedroom apartments: from AED 3,300,000*

Updated off-plan asking prices (as of early 2025, multiple sources):

• 1-bedroom apartments: from approximately AED 2,200,000*
• 2-bedroom apartments (Phase 2): from approximately AED 4,200,000*
• 3-bedroom apartments: pricing available directly from Aldar
• Duplex apartments: from approximately AED 3,300,000* (2BR) — sizes 1,646 to 2,120 sq ft*
• Garden apartments: premium over standard apartments of same bedroom count; pricing available from Aldar
• Penthouses (3 units, 5BR, full floor): pricing available directly from Aldar
• Property sizes: approximately 872 sq ft (1BR) to 3,111 sq ft (largest 3BR/duplex); penthouses larger

Payment plan (as of 2024–2025):

• 60/40 structure: 60% paid during construction, 40% on handover
• Down payment: 10% on booking
• Staged construction payments: 31 Aug 2024 (5%), 31 Mar 2025 (10%), 31 Oct 2025 (10%), 31 May 2026 (10%), 31 Dec 2026 (10%)
• Balance: 50% on handover in Q3 2027

The rise from launch prices (1BR from AED 1.9M*) to current indicative asking prices (1BR from AED 2.2M*) reflects market repricing as construction progresses and as Yas Island apartment prices have trended upward. Bayut’s H1 2025 sales market report recorded luxury apartment prices on Yas Island rising by up to 16.5%* in per-square-foot terms compared to H2 2024 — the highest surge in Abu Dhabi. Sama Yas sits in the luxury apartment segment and benefits from this wider market movement.

Rental Outlook

Sama Yas has not yet been handed over, so no rental data specific to this community exists at the time of writing. The relevant reference points are Yas Island apartment market benchmarks. According to Bayut, the average annual rent for a one-bedroom apartment on Yas Island was approximately AED 65,000* per annum as of Q2 2024. Two-bedroom apartments averaged approximately AED 120,000* per annum. These are island-wide averages and should not be taken as a rental estimate for Sama Yas specifically — a luxury park-front development is likely to command a premium over standard island-wide averages when the rental market for this community becomes established post-2027.

For a more current rental reference, Yas Bay — the island’s other premium apartment sub-district — is the closest comparable market. Yas Bay was ranked the top mid-tier apartment area for sales activity in Abu Dhabi in H1 2025 (Bayut). It provides a useful proxy for what premium apartments on the island can achieve in rental terms, while noting that Sama Yas’s park setting and lower-rise format position it in a different, quieter part of the market.

Investment Case for Sama Yas

Off-Plan Capital Appreciation

The primary investment case for Sama Yas at this stage is capital appreciation between purchase and handover. Buyers who purchased at Phase 1 launch prices from AED 1.9M* are sitting on units now indicated at AED 2.2M*+ before construction completes — a meaningful uplift in roughly 18 months. Yas Island luxury apartments recorded per-square-foot price growth of up to 16.5%* in H1 2025 alone (Bayut). For off-plan buyers, the combination of a fixed purchase price and rising market values during the construction period is the core of the investment thesis. All figures are indicative only.

Unique Product in a Deep Market

Sama Yas is the only park-living luxury apartment development currently delivered or under construction on Yas Island. There is no direct comparable. This scarcity is a meaningful differentiator — both for resale value once delivered, and for rental premiums once occupied. The Izu Ani restaurant, spa, and concierge service level are also genuinely uncommon in Yas Island residential buildings, which tend toward functional rather than hotel-adjacent amenity packages.

Disneyland Abu Dhabi Catalyst

The announced Disneyland Abu Dhabi on Yas Island — with an expected opening between 2030 and 2033 — is the most significant long-term demand catalyst for residential property on the island. A Disney park creates sustained international tourism and resident demand for years before and after opening. Sama Yas, with a Q3 2027 handover date, will be a fully occupied community before the park opens. Buyers who purchase now and hold through 2030 and beyond are positioned to benefit from what is likely to be a materially stronger rental and resale market.

Freehold and Golden Visa

Sama Yas is a freehold development open to all nationalities. All units are priced above AED 2,000,000* — the threshold for the UAE Golden Visa. This means every Sama Yas buyer is eligible to apply for a ten-year renewable residency permit for themselves and their immediate family, regardless of whether they intend to live in the property or rent it out.

How Sama Yas Compares to Other Yas Island Apartments

The main apartment alternatives on Yas Island for buyers at the Sama Yas price point are Yas Bay Residences — towers in the Yas Bay waterfront district with sea and entertainment views — and Water’s Edge, the established canal-front apartment community. Both are waterfront-oriented in character. Sama Yas is park-oriented. Buyers choosing between them are really choosing between urban-waterfront living (Yas Bay Residences, Water’s Edge) and green-park living (Sama Yas). Neither is objectively better — they serve different lifestyle priorities.

For buyers considering luxury apartments more broadly, Mayan — the established low-rise beach and sea-view apartment community on Yas Island — is the closest delivered comparable in terms of scale and quality positioning. Buyers comparing Yas Island apartment options against Abu Dhabi’s other premium apartment market should refer to the Yas Island vs Saadiyat Island comparison guide for a detailed breakdown of the two destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sama Yas

What is Sama Yas?

Sama Yas is a luxury off-plan apartment development by Aldar Properties on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. It consists of three interconnected nine-storey buildings set directly alongside the 100,000 square metre Yas Park on the north-eastern side of the island. The development offers 234 units across four formats: one to three-bedroom apartments, two to three-bedroom duplex apartments, two to three-bedroom garden apartments with direct park access, and three exclusive five-bedroom penthouses with private infinity pools. Handover is targeted for Q3 2027. Interior design is by Woods Bagot and Mustard & Linen, and the kitchen concept was developed with chef Izu Ani, who operates a restaurant at the development. Sama Yas is freehold and open to all nationalities.

When is the Sama Yas handover date?

The target handover date for Sama Yas is Q3 2027 — specifically, July 2027 according to PropertyFinder’s project page. Construction started in 2023 for Phase 1 (Building 1). Aldar announced Phase 2 (Building 2) in April 2024, with construction commencing at that point. Building 3 is the final phase of the project. Buyers who purchased in Phase 1 can expect to receive their keys in mid-to-late 2027, subject to construction progress. As with all off-plan purchases, buyers should monitor Aldar’s official communications for any updates to the handover timeline.

What unit types are available at Sama Yas?

Sama Yas offers four distinct unit formats. Standard apartments run from one to three bedrooms, starting from approximately 872 square feet for a one-bedroom unit. Garden apartments are ground-floor units with private gardens directly connecting to Yas Park — available in two and three-bedroom configurations. Duplex apartments span two floors within the buildings, with sizes from approximately 1,646 to 2,120 square feet in two and three-bedroom layouts. Penthouses are three exclusive five-bedroom units at the top of the buildings, each with a full-floor layout, wraparound panoramic terraces, a private infinity pool, and VIP elevator access. Selected two and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes include a maid’s room with private bathroom.

What are the prices at Sama Yas?

Phase 1 launch pricing from Aldar started at AED 1,900,000* for one-bedroom apartments and AED 3,300,000* for two-bedroom apartments. By early 2025, indicative asking prices for one-bedroom units had risen to approximately AED 2,200,000*, with two-bedroom Phase 2 units from approximately AED 4,200,000*. The payment plan is structured as 60% during construction and 40% on handover, with a 10% down payment on booking. Prices for three-bedroom apartments, garden apartments at a specific premium, and the penthouses are available directly from Aldar. All figures are off-plan indicative prices and should be independently verified.

What is the payment plan for Sama Yas?

The payment plan for Sama Yas is a 60/40 structure: buyers pay 60% of the purchase price during the construction period, and 40% on handover in Q3 2027. The initial booking deposit is 10%. The remaining 50% of the 60% construction portion is paid in four instalments: 31 August 2024, 31 March 2025, 31 October 2025, 31 May 2026, and 31 December 2026. These dates are from the payment schedule current as of late 2024 — buyers enquiring now should confirm the current schedule with Aldar directly, as payment timing depends on the phase and unit type purchased.

Is Sama Yas good for families?

Sama Yas has features that appeal to families, though it is a different family product to the island’s villa communities. The direct access to Yas Park — with its running tracks, playgrounds, sports fields, skate park, and open lawn — provides excellent outdoor space for children and families. The children’s pool, playroom, and park proximity make it a strong option for families who want apartment living with generous communal outdoor access. The proximity to SABIS International School, West Yas Academy, and the planned Aldar Academies British school nearby addresses the school access requirement. Larger three-bedroom apartments and duplex configurations provide adequate living space for families with children. That said, families who specifically need private gardens or large indoor space may find the island’s villa communities more suited to their needs.

What are the sustainability features at Sama Yas?

Sama Yas is targeting three independent sustainability certifications: 3 Pearl Estidama (Abu Dhabi’s local green building standard), LEED Gold (the international standard from the US Green Building Council), and Fitwel (a building health and wellness certification). The practical sustainability features built into the development include smart waste disposal solutions, water-saving plumbing fixtures, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems throughout the buildings, and a smart home system in all units. The combination of targeting three separate certifications — not just one — indicates a more comprehensive approach to sustainability than most residential developments in Abu Dhabi at this price point.

What makes the Izu Ani kitchens special?

Izu Ani is a British-Nigerian chef with a prominent presence in the Abu Dhabi dining scene, known for his approach to combining global culinary traditions with premium local ingredients. Aldar partnered with him to design the kitchen aesthetic and concept across all Sama Yas units. The result is kitchens that use marble, natural wood, and natural stone in an ‘old money’ aesthetic — a deliberate contrast to the minimalist white kitchen finishes common in Abu Dhabi residential developments. The kitchens are designed as a centrepiece of the home rather than a functional utility space. Izu Ani also operates a restaurant on the ground floor of the development, from which residents can order for in-apartment delivery or for a picnic in Yas Park.

How does Sama Yas compare to Yas Bay Residences?

Sama Yas and Yas Bay Residences are both premium off-plan and recently launched apartment options on Yas Island, but they are oriented around completely different lifestyle propositions. Yas Bay Residences sits within the Yas Bay waterfront district — a vibrant mixed-use zone with restaurants, a boardwalk, Etihad Arena, and sea views. It suits buyers who want an urban waterfront lifestyle with immediate access to dining and nightlife on their doorstep. Sama Yas is park-oriented, low-rise, and quieter. It suits buyers who want greenery, nature access, and a more curated residential environment over waterfront buzz. Yas Bay Residences is positioned as a mid-tier investment by Bayut’s market data. Sama Yas is positioned as a luxury product with a higher price point and a more exclusive unit count.

Summary

Sama Yas is unlike anything else currently available on Yas Island. It is the island’s first luxury park-front apartment development — low-rise buildings in a green setting, with a curated service offer that more closely resembles a boutique hotel than a standard residential block. The 234-unit count keeps the community exclusive. The Yas Park adjacency is a genuine, permanent differentiator rather than a marketing description.

From an investment perspective, the development sits in the luxury apartment segment that Bayut identified as growing at up to 16.5%* in per-square-foot terms in H1 2025 — the fastest-growing segment in Abu Dhabi. The Q3 2027 handover date positions buyers ahead of the anticipated demand uplift from the Disneyland Abu Dhabi opening around 2030. All investment outcomes are indicative only and subject to market conditions.

Buyers comparing Yas Island against Abu Dhabi’s other premium apartment markets will find the Al Reem Island vs Yas Island guide a useful starting point. Those considering the island’s villa communities alongside Sama Yas should review Yas Park Views — which sits adjacent to the same Yas Park and offers three to five-bedroom standalone villas as an alternative to apartment living in the same park setting.

Price data sources: Bayut – Yas Island New Projects | PropertyFinder – Sama Yas Project Page | Aldar – Yas Island Developments | Bayut – Abu Dhabi Sales Market Report H1 2025

* All prices, yields, and market figures are sourced from third-party property listing platforms and market reports. Sama Yas is an off-plan development with a targeted handover date of Q3 2027. Prices reflect developer asking prices and indicative market data only — no secondary market transactions exist for this community at the time of writing. All figures are indicative only and do not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Property values are subject to change. Prospective buyers should conduct independent due diligence and seek professional guidance before making any property-related decisions.