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TARAF, the real estate division of UAE-headquartered Yas Holding, and Steppe Capital have formed a joint venture that signed an agreement with Marriott International to launch JW Marriott Residences Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, marking the first project to carry the JW Marriott branded residences banner in the emirate. The development occupies a prime waterfront position directly on the beach alongside a golf course, where its architecture draws inspiration from Abu Dhabi’s landscape, light, craft and heritage through natural materials and a restrained contemporary aesthetic. In a statement distributed to media outlets, the partners said the project follows JW Marriott’s principles of architectural awe, serene spaces, elements of nature and warm touches while integrating thoughtful hospitality into everyday residential life.
The location places future residents within easy reach of Yas Island’s established attractions, including Yas Marina, Yas Mall, the Yas Marina Circuit and a range of beaches, waterfront dining and internationally recognised leisure facilities. Yas Island lies approximately 15 minutes by road from Zayed International Airport and around 30 minutes from central Abu Dhabi, according to project details released by the developers. This connectivity reinforces the island’s evolution from an entertainment hub into a mixed-use destination that supports both short-term visitation and long-term residency.
Jaidev Menezes, regional vice president for mixed-use development in Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Marriott International, said in the announcement that the project represents the company’s second collaboration with TARAF following the sold-out W Residences Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island. “JW Marriott Residences extends the brand’s approach to thoughtful hospitality beyond a stay and into everyday life,” Menezes stated. “With Abu Dhabi’s first JW Marriott Residences, owners can expect a distinctive lifestyle shaped by genuine service, curated amenities and meaningful opportunities for connection, all designed to support wellbeing and enrich everyday living.”
Resident amenities will include a lounge, fitness centre, steam and sauna facilities, treatment and relaxation spaces, meeting areas, a golf simulator, games room, media room, children’s activity area and guest suites. Cem Habib, board member at Steppe Capital, noted that the site unites two defining landscapes of Yas Island, the blue of the waterfront and the green of the fairways, while its proximity to the island’s broader experiences creates an exceptional setting for residential living. The developers expect the design to foster a grounded connection to nature that aligns with the JW Marriott emphasis on wellness.
Low Ping, group chief executive of Yas Holding, said the partnership integrates the JW Marriott philosophy into both the project’s design and resident experience, emphasising spaces linked to nature, light, wellness facilities and social connection. Knight Frank’s mid-year 2026 research showed apartment prices on Yas Island and nearby Al Reem Island had risen around 18 percent year-on-year as waterfront communities continued to lead Abu Dhabi’s residential market performance.[[1]](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/property/yas-island-al-reem-apartment-prices-rise-abu-dhabi-propert-market-booms) The island holds the emirate’s largest pipeline of upcoming residential supply, with roughly 7,700 units under construction, according to the same consultancy’s data.
Yas Island has attracted more than Dh30 billion in new development commitments across residential, hospitality and entertainment projects in recent months, further expanding its appeal as an integrated urban destination.[[2]](https://www.gaiarealty.ae/news/yas-island-secures-over-dh30-billion-in-new-development-investment) Steppe Capital, a Singapore-headquartered single family office established in 2008, brings investment expertise across Asia, Europe and the Middle East to the joint venture, while TARAF contributes its track record in design-led real estate development within the Yas Holding portfolio. The announcement arrives as Abu Dhabi’s residential sector maintains strong domestic demand, with waterfront locations such as Yas Island recording sustained price growth and high occupancy in associated hospitality assets.
