Konoz ‘Box of Jewels’
Middle East & Africa
View Project
Yas Island
- Client
- Aldar Properties
- Services
- Masterplanning
- Sector
- Masterplan
- Location
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
A new global attraction for motorsports and entertainment
Seven times the size of New York’s Central Park, Yas Island is one of the world’s largest and most diverse entertainment and leisure destinations. Formerly a largely underdeveloped island, it’s now the home of the Ferrari World theme park, a motorsport track, two marinas, a shopping centre, waterpark, polo field, and equestrian centre. As both concept masterplanners for the island and lead designers for Ferrari World, Benoy developed a holistic scheme with the theme park at its centre, anchoring the surrounding elements. This approach paved the way for the island’s continued development and long-term economic growth.
Size
2,500 hectares
A global attraction
To bring numerous leisure opportunities to one location, the masterplan established three distinctive hubs, each with its own identity. The 32km of shoreline connect each element through two marinas, keeping the island open to sustained investment. The masterplan has catalysed continued growth, including new hotels, residential neighbourhoods, and attractions such as Warner Bros. World and the forthcoming Disneyland Abu Dhabi.
Protecting local wildlife
The wider masterplan was sharpened in part by the mangroves to the west, a vital for habitat for migratory birds. A golf course was integrated into the scheme to safeguard this natural environment and has since become a destination in its own right. Yas Links is now a championship golf course, offering competitive play while providing a natural buffer between Yas Island’s attractions and protected landscape beyond.
