USD
Yas Island: Abu Dhabi’s Most Entertaining Destination
Written by Sahar Andrabi
It’s time to visit Abu Dhabi’s most happening island – Yas Island – and explore enthralling theme parks, gorgeous corniches and glitzy malls.
Whether for solo travel or family gala time, Yas Island welcomes all kinds of travellers with equal zeal. The entertainment never ends on this happening hub within Abu Dhabi. Home to the Yas Marina Circuit, where grilles thrill F1 fans, and the much beloved Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, has some of the most splashing rides in the world – it is a treasure trove of adventures. Horse-powered rides at Ferrari World will knock your socks off. And food, shopping and beaches can be enjoyed too – you can find it all on Yas Island. Read on for its must-visit spots.
Wondering where to stay? Check out our Abu Dhabi Escapes.
Feel the thrill at Yas Marina Circuit
To all those with a desire to live the ‘Fast and Furious’ life, Yas Marina Circuit, the world’s longest F1 circuit, is the place to go. Fly down in November for the thrilling Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and cheer on your favourites as drivers do laps around this challenging circuit. You can enjoy a guided tour as well and see some amazing F1 stops – snap selfies at Shams Tower and the podium where the champions have received trophies.
You can even zoom around the kartzone circuit or hop into an Aston Martin GT4 and race around the track.
Keep close to the action at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers.
Make a splash at Yas Waterworld
Bombs away! At Yas Waterworld you’ll have more than 40 fun rides to choose from. Drop into the high-intensity tubular Liwa Loop slide or scream yourself hoarse on the world’s longest water-coaster – Falcon’s Falaj. Jump into the wave pool and go with the flow or try out Jebel Drop – a waterslide that begins off a mountaintop.
Enjoy the magic of 5D at Cinesplash. Here you can live the movie you’re watching as the cinema floods up to your knees. Or ride a double rip curl wave at Bubbles’ Barrel – a real surfer’s delight.
Book a bed nearby at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort.
Shop till you drop at Yas Mall
The home of luxury on Yas Island, Yas Mall is perfect for all shopping enthusiasts. Here you get to snag the most high-end brands, eat at fancy cafes and snap pictures with amazing backdrops. Dig into a flame-grilled steak at Hunter & Barrel or head to the Cheesecake Factory for a creamy slice of heaven. Discover evocative Arabian perfumes at attar boutiques and enjoy a show on one of the 24 screens at VOX Cinemas.
Step on the gas at Ferrari World
One of Yas Island’s most popular theme parks, Ferrari World, is a wonder to behold. Ride a ‘prancing horse’ in this magical land and go up to 240 kilometres per hour on the world’s fastest roller coaster – Formula Rossa. Get your heart racing as you accelerate with a trained professional by your side in the Ferrari of your dreams and feel the wind racing past you. Don’t forget to visit the car museum or pick up some bright-red branded gear from the store either.
Stay at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, an IHG Hotel for easy access.
Tee off at Yas Links
Golf enthusiasts will find their piece of paradise at Yas Links. At the water’s edge hugging the Arabian Gulf coastline, this emerald course is the favourite of one and all. Perfect your swing and aim for a birdie as you enjoy sweeping views of Abu Dhabi’s coast and walk across the immaculate fairway. You can head to Hickory’s Restaurant after the 18th hole for some delicious seafood on the clubhouse terrace and a sea view to go with it.
Unwind at Yas Beach
Watersports or a lazy day? Why not have both? Unwind with a relaxing swim at Yas Beach or explore the world beneath the waves while snorkelling. Walk on pristine white sand and enjoy a meal at a coastal cafe while you take in panoramic views and luxuriate in the sea breeze. After lunch, you can even try kayaking or laze on a sun lounger with a crisp, cool drink in hand.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Read 5 Things to Do in Abu Dhabi on a Stopover.
