It is hard to find someone in this wide world who has not heard about Abu-Dhabi. While some people know it as the capital of the United Arab Emirates, others identify it as an entertainment hub for thrill seekers from all around the world. It is a fact that Abu Dhabi has made its mark in the world.
One of the main reasons this city is famous is because of its entertainment hub Yas Island. The 25 square kilometer island is just 15 km from Abu Dhabi international airport. From the heart of Abu Dhabi, Yas Island is only 35 km away; it is hardly a 20-minute drive, all thanks to excellent roads.
You can easily reach the island using a personal vehicle, taxi, or any other form of public transport. Online cab services also operate all over the area. If you take the bus from Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi to Yas Island, it will cost you no more than $3, and you will reach your destination in about an hour.
History of the Island
This beautiful island was announced in 2006 and opened to the public in 2009. It was not a natural island, rather it was a part of mainland Abu Dhabi. Then was separated from the mainland by dredging a canal between the island and the mainland.
The island houses approximately 10000 residents. A mammoth number of visitors arrive at Yas Island each year to spend the best time of their lives and to take back beautiful memories with them. From around the world, 28 million people visited this island in 2018 alone. It is estimated; that the number of visitors will grow each year by 5 percent.
The Best Time to Visit Yas Island
Generally, the climate is hot and dry for most of the year; and the rainfall is minimal. But still, it is not unbearable, if you are planning to visit the island, then the winter season from December through February marks the best time to arrive here because the weather will be perfect for outdoor and indoor activities. Throughout the year, the island is full of visitors eager to explore the exciting Yas Island.
Things To Do on Yas Island
As we have mentioned earlier, Yas Island attracts a large number of visitors from all over the globe and is just because the sole fact that this island is one of a kind holiday paradise. People from all walks of life come here and spend quality time here, enjoying the man-made wonder.
The mesmerizing environment of the island grabs the attention of every individual who steps into this land of dreams. The surroundings, energy, excitement, and joy people experience in Yas Island are found nowhere else throughout the world.
If you are thinking about what you will be doing on the island, then there is a lot you can do. This purpose-built island is for people to come and enjoy. It is a project by the government to attract tourists to Abu Dhabi, so definitely, this place is jam-packed with exciting stuff. Anyone can find fun-filled theme parks, shopping malls, and hotels to have a taste of what real happiness is. There is even an 18-hole golf course on the island.
1- Warner Bros World
If you wish to visit Disney land, but at the same time you do not want to leave the country, then Yas Island has an exciting alternative for you, The Warner Bros World.
The enormous theme park has six exclusively designed areas waiting for people to come and indulge themselves in fun-filled experiences. It is one of the significant landmarks of this area. So if you are planning to ride the batmobile or live the life of a crusader, then this place is perfect for you. The ticket price for entry is 249AED per person.
2- The Ferrari World
Host to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, the Formula Rossa; this Ferrari-branded colossal theme park promises adrenalin-filled amusement for all ages. If you enjoy extreme G-force, want to go-kart race with your family, or compete in the best lap times in the state-of-the-art simulator.
The park reveals the story of the Ferrari to visitors through 20 different rides and attractions complemented with an authentic Italian dining experience. If you want to have the best experience of viewing the track, then prefer the seats on the Sun tower because it provides the best and uninterrupted views of the whole race. For adults, the ticket price is 375 AED, and for children under 5-foot height, the cost is 275 AED.
3- Yas Marina
In the heart of the island, yachts are eagerly waiting for visitors to come and feel what ultra-luxurious living is. It is not only one of the finest and the most well-designed marinas of Abu Dhabi, but it also provides you with a sparkling venue to have leisure or enjoy a signature Italian dinner with family members.
It provides a mesmerizing view of the F1 Yas Marina Circuit track. You will not forget even a single moment spent here. The entry price for adults is 120 AED, and for children, it is 55 AED.
4- Yas Marina circuit
You must have been fascinated at least once in your life that you are in a lightning-fast formula one car, dashing through the road, grabbing the attention of everyone around. If this is the case, then ladies and gentlemen, this place is tailor-made for you. It is home to the annual F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. You can learn how to drive your favorite formula one car at this place. Not only the F1 cars but Yas Marina Circuit also boasts Go-karting for visitors. The ticket price for the Go-karting is 375 AED.
5- Yas Water World
This waterpark covers a large area of about fifteen football fields with “The Hidden Pearl” as its theme. There are 43 specially designed rides to maximize the experience for visitors. Out of 43, five rides are very exclusive and premium. The 238-meter-long, first in the world, and the largest hydromagnetic-powered tornado waterslide seems like it will go on forever. Visitors can enjoy this.
This place is heaven for thrill-seekers; you can experience the three-meter-high waves on the Bubble Barrel. Yas Water World also hosts the 550-meter-long coaster; it is unique because it is the first in the world to have onboard laser effects. The ticket price for adults is 250AED and for kids under 1.3 meters in height is 210AED.
6- Yas Links
This award-winning, premium standard, serene golf course is designed and conceived by one of the leading golf architects, Kyle Phillips. It is on the western shores of the mesmerizing Yas Island. It is in line with the typical golf links usually found in the coastal towns of Scotland and Ireland. This 7,450-yard par 72 golf course features the Yas Ties. It uses five teeing grounds per hole; all of the 18 holes are benefiting from ocean views. The environment provides a sense of tranquillity and calmness.
7- Yas Beach
It is the only beach available on the island. It is open every day from 10 am to 7 pm. Anyone who wants to enjoy the sun, sea breeze, sand, and water can come here and have a taste of this beach. It offers a natural environment to spend your day here with family and friends.
You can build sandcastles with your kids, or you can try swimming in the shallow water. It provides an excellent recreational opportunity. If you are not staying at any of the Yas Island hotels, then entry to the beach is 50AED for adults and 25AED for children aged 8-16 during the week, and AED 100 for adults and AED 50 for children at the weekend. Kids under eight can join free of charge. For girls, the ticket price on Saturday is half.
8- Du Arena and Forum
It opened in 2009. It is a large open-air concert venue that can hold up to a maximum of 35000 people at once. This venue has hosted numerous celebrities in the music industry that are famous throughout the world. Janet Jackson, Black Sabbath, Eric Clapton, Shakira, Linkin Park, Eminem, Rihanna, Metallica, Kanye West, and Sting are among the most famous people to have performed here.
9- Du World Music Festival
This annual event is being organized every year since 2012. It features the most iconic music stars in the world, offering an exquisite experience to enjoy entertainment.
10- Yas Mall
It serves as an incredible place for shopping, entertainment, and dining, not only for residents of Abu Dhabi and Yas Island but for tourists from around the world. The mall houses the biggest shopping center in Abu Dhabi.
Overall, it is the second-largest mall in all of the UAE. It has about 400 of the top style and food brands in the world. It boasts a 20-screen cinema and the largest family entertainment hub in the country. Visitors can easily spend their whole day exploring this spectacular venue. This mall has received several prestigious awards such as
- Best International Shopping Centre – Global RLI Awards 2015
- Commercial Project of the Year Award – Construction Week Awards
- Gold Award 2015 for Design & Development – Middle East Council of Shopping Centres (MECSC)
- Gold Award for Best Sales, Promotion & Event for Yas Mall 24-Hour Eid Al Fitr Sale – ICSC MENA Shopping Centre Awards 2017
- Gold Award for the “Fashion Hits Home” event in the Public Relations category – MECSC Awards 2018
Hotels
Some of the finest international grade 7-star hotels are operating on the island. These hotels provide pleasant accommodations along with authentic cuisines from all over the globe.
When you enter the hotel, you can drop all of your worries at the entrance point and then carry out your journey stress-free to your room. You will get treatment with the utmost care and professionalism. Mouth-watering savory dishes will be waiting for you at the dining halls. You can book your rooms online through the hotel website and pay with your credit cards.
Some names of the famous hotels are listed below:
1- Yas Viceroy
This name is not unknown to people around the world. It lies in the middle of Yas Marina Circuit; the main structure is two buildings joined together by a bridge. It houses the finest bars, restaurants, and rooms. Booking for rooms can be done through the hotel website or by calling directly to the reservations desk.
2- Rotana Yas Island
It is also one of the most famous hotels in the world. It offers all-day dining. It also has a selection of top-of-the-line restaurants. Booking for rooms can be done through the Internet or by calling directly to the reservation desk.
3- Centro by Rotana, Yas Island
This hotel shares a facility with Rotana. It offers a variety of dining options. Booking for rooms can be done through the Internet or by calling directly to the reservation desk.
4- Staybridge suites
It is a comfortable and luxurious hotel that offers excellent and pleasant accommodations with healthy and savory foods. Booking for rooms can be done through the Internet or by calling directly to the reservation desk.
5- Crowne Plaza, Yas Island
It is one of the favorite hotspots of Abu Dhabi residents. It has popular bars and restaurants which are busy throughout the day. It also offers a wide range of savory dishes on its menu. Booking for rooms can be done through the Internet or by calling directly to the reservation desk.
6- Radisson Blu
Another elite-class hotel offers premium accommodation along with the finest dining. Booking for rooms can be done through the Internet or by calling directly to the reservation desk.
Parking
Because every year a large number of tourists descend on this island; large parking lots are an essential requirement here. All thanks to excellent planning and infrastructure, car parking is not an issue on this island. All the major attractions have sufficient free parking for visitors. If on a busy day, the car parking runs out, then overspill car parks are open for the public. We can conveniently book taxis from anywhere on the island by using online cab services.
