A New Disney Resort & 6 Other Things to Do in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Enthralling theme parks, gorgeous beaches, glitzy malls and Disney magic on the horizon: there’s never been a better time to visit Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Yas Island is a non-stop entertainment hub in Abu Dhabi, welcoming everyone from solo travellers to families with equal zeal. Home to the Yas Marina Circuit, where grilles thrill F1 fans, and the famous Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, with some of the world’s most splashing rides, this treasure trove of thrills is well worth a visit if you’ve got a few days to spare.

Visit the Middle East’s happiest new address 

Time to dust off those Mickey ears – Walt Disney is bringing the magic to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island with plans for the Middle East’s first Disneyland, marking the region’s biggest theme park launch yet.

Set on the shores of one of the world’s most visited destinations, this new park will bring a fresh spin to Disney’s magic, with a centrepiece castle, beloved characters and all the thrills fans know and love. Developed in partnership with Miral – the force behind SeaWorld Yas Island and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi – the project marks a bold new chapter in Disney’s global expansion.

Feel the thrill at Yas Marina Circuit 

For those with a need for speed, Yas Marina Circuit is your real-life ‘Fast & Furious’ playground. Fly down in December for the thrilling Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and cheer on your favourites as drivers do laps around this challenging circuit. You can enjoy a venue tour as well and see some amazing F1 stops – be blown away by the sharp corners of Turn 5 hairpin and stand on the podium where the champions have received trophies.  

You can even zoom around the Yas Kartzone circuit or hop into an Aston Martin GT4 and race around the track. 

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 launches from the end of a mountain.  

At Cinesplash, you don’t just watch the movie – you soak in it. With 5D effects and water rising to your knees, the action’s all around you. Or ride a double rip curl wave at Bubbles’ Barrel – a real surfer’s delight.

Shop till you drop at Yas Mall 

The home of luxury on Yas Island and Abu Dhabi’s largest shopping destination, Yas Mall is perfect for all those who love the finer things. Here you get to snag the most high-end brands, sample your way through the food hall and snap pictures with amazing backdrops. Experience true Emirati cuisine at Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe or head to the Cheesecake Factory for a creamy slice of heaven. Discover evocative Arabian perfumes at attar boutiques and watch a movie 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.  

Tee off at Yas Links 

Golf enthusiasts will find their piece of paradise at Yas Links, the first true links course in the Middle East (characterised by sandy soil and often exposed to coastal winds). 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. For the 18th hole, head to Crafty Fox Yas Links for casual bites and drinks while watching the latest in sport.

Unwind at Yas Beach 

Watersports or a lazy day? Why not have both? Yas Beach is a beach club along the shore dotted with cabanas, a stylish restaurant and bar and an impressive infinity pool that occasionally hosts DJ sessions. Unwind with a swim, kayak, paddle board or explore the world beneath the waves while snorkelling. With paddle tennis, beach volleyball and jet skis on offer, the afternoon sun slips into sunset in no time.

Written by Sahar Andrabi

A wanderlust consumed soul with undying love for the Eiffel Tower, Sahar loves to travel & pen her thoughts down about the places she sees, people she meets, and extraordinary incidents that seem to happen to her every time she travels!
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