Abu Dhabi’s Aldar Properties has said it is allowing foreign nationals to buy properties in West Yas development after initially restricting to Emiratis.

The community on Yas Island comprises 1,000 villas, with prices starting from $1.17 million (AED4.3 million).

“We are delighted to open up West Yas to purchasers of all nationalities who will be able to take advantage of this master-planned community and its exceptional range of community facilities,” Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, CEO, Aldar, said in a statement.

The developer is offering a flexible payment plan to buyers who have to pay 25 percent during construction and 75 percent on handover. The minimum amount of booking is kept at 5 percent of the purchase value, the company said.

West Yas features community facilities, including a mosque built for 2,000 worshippers, two schools, a retail centre, sports facilities, a petrol station, and extensive landscaping and greenery in its wide, open public spaces.

Infrastructure work is on track across all aspects of the development with much of it nearing completion. The mosque, retail centre and recreational club will be completed before year-end. In May this year, Abu Dhabi’s Urban Planning Council awarded the project a two pearl rating, confirming its compliance with Estidama goals.