Amanda PhillipsIf you’re looking for somewhere in Abu Dhabi that will keep every member of the family happy, then we recommend Yas Island. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, sun worshipper, or a parent with young children – you’ll find something in Abu Dhabi’s premier entertainment district. It’s only 30 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi, too! Here are 10 unmissable things on Yas Island.
1. Yas Marina Circuit
Yas Island is home to the venue for the annual Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. But it’s much more than just a motorsport venue. It also offers a series of track day packages, including Driver Experiences, Passenger Experiences, Private Driving Tuition programmes, and Racing License Courses as well as a unique – and free – venue for both running and biking.
2. Yas Hotel, Abu Dhabi
The circuit’s centrepiece is the breathtaking Yas Hotel – a five star, luxury hotel with the distinction of being the only one in the world to straddle an F1 race track!
3. Yas Marina
Yas Marina is the centre of Abu Dhabi’s yachting community. The 227-berth marina features seven licenced restaurants and lounges that cater to all tastes and budgets, with every outlet along the waterside promenade boasting iconic views of the Yas Hotel and race track.
4. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park. The park tells the Ferrari story and features more than 20 rides – including the fastest roller-coaster in the world and the ride with the highest loop in the world. It also boasts interactive activities, exclusive shopping and authentic Italian dining experiences.
5. Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi
If you’re a fan of DC Comics or Looney Tunes then you’ll love Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi. The theme park is split into five immersive lands: Metropolis, Gotham City, Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, and Dynamite Gulch. The theme park also includes retail outlets featuring a wide collection of merchandise inspired by Warner Bros. franchises as well as a full range of dining options from full-service sit down to ‘grab and go’.
6. Yas Links Abu Dhabi
On the western shore of Yas Island you’ll find Yas Links Abu Dhabi – an award-winning golf course, designed by Kyle Phillips, one of the world’s leading golf course architects. Voted amongst the ‘Top 10 New International Golf Courses’ by the Golf Magazine, Yas Links features a 7,450-yard par 72 course, with beautiful ocean views as a backdrop.
7. Yas Beach
Found on the island’s southern shore you’ll find Yas Island’s only beach. Open daily from 10am – 7pm, it is a great spot to relax and enjoy sun, sea, sand, food and drink. It also features a full range of watersport activities for all ages and proficiency levels.
8. Yas Mall
Yas Island also houses Abu Dhabi’s biggest (and the UAE’s second largest) shopping centre; Yas Mall. This shopping mall offers three floors of leading international and regional retail brands, with 370 stores and more than 60 indoor and outdoor restaurants and cafes. Yas Mall also offers endless entertainment, with a 20-screen state-of-the-art cinema operated by VOX Cinemas and a family entertainment zone by Fun Works, as well as direct access to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.
9. MAD on Yas Island
Let your hair down in the UAE’s biggest indoor nightclub. Over the years it has hosted the biggest names in pop and dance music – including Tinashe, Jeremih, W&W and Tinie Tempah. With 360-degree projection mapping, huge LED screens, and the latest sound technology, it’s the place to dance till you drop.
