Saadiyat Island vs Yas Island: Where Should You Live?

Saadiyat Island vs Yas Island is not an easy decision if you wish to start your life on either of these islands. These islands are two of the most popular locations in Abu Dhabi offering luxurious, vibrant and waterfront lifestyles yet catering to different purposes.

Are you considering moving to one of these islands? Explore our guide on Saadiyat Island and Yas Island to make an informed decision on where you should live.

• Overview
• Location
• Property Prices
• Benefits
• Challenges
• Attractions
• FAQs

Overview

Saadiyat Island is known for its artistic and cultural atmosphere. It houses cultural hubs such as The Louvre Abu Dhabi and Manarat Al Saadiyat showcasing artistic features. Residents can enjoy beautiful views of the waterfront, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Saadiyat Island from most of the properties. 

Known as an entertainment hub in Abu Dhabi, Yas Island boasts several tourist attractions. It features a golf course, Yas Mall, an IKEA store and more. The beach at Yas Island provides watersports for adventure enthusiasts. Additionally, residents can find various amenities such as parks, restaurants, resorts and more.

Location

Saadiyat Island

Saadiyat Island is situated between Zayed Port and Al Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi. It is a 20-minute drive from Yas Island and 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Yas Island

Yas Island is located on the golden shores of Abu Dhabi adjacent to Al Fahid Island and Ramhan Island. It takes 20 minutes to drive from downtown Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes to drive from Dubai.

Property Prices: Saadiyat Island vs. Yas Island

Saadiyat Island and Yas Island offer a variety of apartments, villas, penthouses and duplexes for rent as well as sale. Here are the property prices in both communities.

Saadiyat Island

Here are the average sales and rental prices of properties on Saadiyat Island based on DLD transactions from the previous year 2024.

Apartments

Villas

Yas Island

Here are the average sales and rental prices of properties on Yas Island based on DLD transactions from the previous year 2024.

Apartment

Villas

Benefits: Saadiyat Island vs Yas Island

Here are the benefits of living in Saadiyat Island and Yas Island you must consider before choosing the most suitable neighbourhood for you:

Saadiyat Island

• It is suitable for both locals and expats.
• Saadiyat Island is a family-friendly community
• The community features spacious properties that cater to families of various sizes.
• It provides numerous amenities for a high-end and comfortable lifestyle.
• There is a range of activities available for everyone.
• The community houses several cultural institutions and museums, keeping residents connected with the history and traditions of Abu Dhabi.
• It also features art centres like The Louvre Abu Dhabi and Manarat Al Saadiyat for art lovers alongside, hosting art fairs.
• Saadiyat Island has ample parking space for residents as well as visitors.
• Surrounded by lush greenery and landscapes, it offers a peaceful atmosphere and serene views.
• Most properties provide beautiful waterfront views.
• Several public buses have routes through the community, facilitating access to other suburbs in the city.

Yas Island

• Yas Island is an entertainment hub offering activities for everyone.
• It is a family-friendly community with a wide range of amenities and facilities.
• The community caters to both locals and expats providing a convenient lifestyle.
• Yas Island has various spacious properties suitable for families with different sizes and preferences.
• It also includes several parks and green spaces promoting a tranquil environment.
• Residents and visitors can access attractions like Ferrari World, Yas Waterland and Warner Bros. World.
• Yas Island offers ample parking spaces with designated parking areas for residents and free parking at attractions.
• There are several bus routes from Abu Dhabi and Dubai that make it easier to travel. 

Challenges: Saadiyat Island vs. Yas Island

Here are the benefits of living in Saadiyat Island and Yas Island you should know prior to choosing the most suitable community for you:

Saadiyat Island

• The cost of living on Saadiyat Island is high. The community offers a lavish lifestyle which has increased the property prices as well.
• Although the community is connected to other areas of the city and features bus routes, there is a lack of metro stations. 
• Ongoing construction on Saadiyat Island may create noise and become inconvenient for residents.

Yas Island

• Yas Island offers world-class amenities and facilities, resulting in a higher cost of living as compared to other areas in Abu Dhabi.
• The community is a bit far from the main island which might create inconvenience for residents in travelling to prime locations.

Attractions: Saadiyat Island vs Yas Island

Both Saadiyat Island and Yas Island offer a wide range of amenities and facilities ensuring the comfort and convenience of residents. Here are some of the attractions available in both communities.

Restaurants

Restaurants on Saadiyat Island and Yas Island serve a diverse array of cuisines worldwide to satisfy customers’ cravings. Whether you want to have a proper breakfast or just a coffee, lunch at a fine dining restaurant or dinner with a view, you will find everything you desire at these top restaurants in Abu Dhabi, located on Yas Island or Saadiyat Island.

Saadiyat Island

Here’s a list of the best restaurants on Saadiyat Island:

• Mysk
• Hawksbill Restaurant
• TOTÓ
• Feels
• Cafe Artea
• Ting Irie

Yas Island

If you are a foodie and want to explore different cuisines, you can explore these top restaurants on Yas Island:

• Boroughs
• Lock Stock & Barrel
• Akiba Dori
• Emmy Squared Pizza
• Jing Asia
• Asha’s
• Iris

Resorts and Hotels

The resorts and hotels on Saadiyat Island and Yas Island provide a luxurious and family-friendly environment. These resorts and hotels feature first-class facilities like lounges, a gym, a pool, tranquil views and more to ensure a comfortable stay.

Saadiyat Island

• Jumeirah At Saadiyat Island Resort
• Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas
• Rixos Premium
• Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
• St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

Yas Island

• Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas
• Le Meridien Abu Dhabi
• Pearl Rotana Capital Centre
• Ramada by Wyndham Abu Dhabi Corniche
• TRYP by Wyndham Abu Dhabi
• Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort
• Grand Millennium Al Wahda
• Royal Rose Abu Dhabi

Educational Institutions

The educational institutions on Saadiyat Island and Yas Island offer high-quality education for children of all ages. Here is a list of educational institutions in both the communities:

Saadiyat Island

• Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
• Cranleigh Pre-Prep School
• Théodore Monod International French School
• American Community School of Abu Dhabi
• Redwood Montessori Nursery
• ACS American Community School
• Berklee
• Odyssey Nursery
• New York University

Yas Island

• SABIS International School
• Yas American Academy
• Yas School
• The International School of Choueifat
• Redwood Montessori Nursery
• Noya British School
• ADNOC Yas in Schools Experience Centre
• Turnip Education
• Aldar Education HQ

Religious Sites

Saadiyat Island and Yas Island boast several religious sites including mosques, churches and more. This allows residents and visitors to worship freely and perform their religious traditions. Here is a list of mosques and churches on both the islands:

Saadiyat Island

• Masjid Al Saadiyat
• Alfarouq Masjid
• Hidd Al Saadiyat Mosque
• Al-Hamd Mosque
• Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque
• Abrahamic Family House

Yas Island

• ADNOC Mosque
• Yas Acres Ja’mee Mosque
• West Yas Mosque
• Yas Mall Mosque
• Yas Acres Mosque
• Yas Masjid

Other Attractions

Saadiyat Island and Yas Island also feature various other attractions that cater to the diverse preferences of residents and visitors. Here is a list of other attractions provided by both communities.

Saadiyat Island

• Bassam Freiha Art Foundation
• Mamsha Al Saadiyat
• SAL Beach
• Kai Beach
• Louvre Abu Dhabi
• Manarat Al Saadiyat
• Saadiyat Beach Club

Yas Island

• Ferrari World
• Etihad Park
• Business & MICE
• Etihad Arena
• Yas Waterworld
• Yas Marina Circuit
• Warner Bros. World
• CLYMB
• Seaworld
• Yas Marina
• Yas Mall
• Yas Bay

FAQs

Saadiyat Island and Yas Island are renowned neighbourhoods in Abu Dhabi that offer a family-friendly and luxurious lifestyle alongside various amenities. You can choose either community to live based on your interests and preferences.

If you are still unsure where to live, you may explore our guide on the 13 best areas in Abu Dhabi to live in. Stay tuned to Property Finder Blogs and discover more about lifestyles in the UAE.

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