Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2019: Best things to do on Yas Island

CLYMB Abu Dhabi
If you haven’t been watching the giant geometric structure take shape then you’ll probably wonder what the striking building is all about. The good news is by the time the F1 comes around it’ll be open for business. CLYMB Abu Dhabi is set to open its doors on F1 weekend (November 29). The new Yas Island attraction will be home to the world’s biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber and the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall. Children from as young as three will be able to try the flight chamber, which measures a massive 32ft by 80ft. Don’t worry, an expert flight instructor will be on hand to make sure that you enjoy the ride and remain safe throughout. More of a climber? A range of climbing experiences will be on offer to cater to people of all abilities and if you’re up for it you can take on the SUMMYT, a 141ft (that’s 43 metres) climbing wall that will become the largest in the world once opened. We can’t wait to try it ourselves.
From Dhs95 (climbing), From Dhs215 (skydiving). From Nov 29, 2019. Sun-Thu noon-9pm; Fri-Sat noon-11pm. Yas Mall, Yas Island, www.clymbabudhabi.com.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
That huge red building in the heart of Yas Island has become iconic not just in Abu Dhabi but around the world. Being the home of motorsport in the UAE, it’s only natural that Ferrari World Abu Dhabi would take up residence on Yas Island. It’s the first theme park of its kind in the world, and features a host of incredible rides. You can brave the fastest roller coaster in the world, Formula Rossa. Once strapped in and wearing protective goggles, you’ll be propelled to 240kph in just 4.9 seconds, and will feel forces of 4.8G. For more record-breaking thrills, take a spin on Flying Aces, which features the world’s highest roller coaster loop at 52m. For little ones, there are more sedate rides, including the Junior Grand Prix and Bell’Italia, which get kids behind the wheel. You can also get up close and personal with a collection of Ferrari’s most iconic cars, and when you get hungry, there are plenty of dining options, including Italian eatery Mamma Rosella. What more could you want?
From Dhs310 (adults, at the gate), Dhs295 (booked online in advance), Dhs230 (children under 1.3m). Open daily 11am-8pm. Yas Mall, Yas Island, www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com (02 496 8000).

MAD on Yas Island
If you’re looking to let your hair down then there are few better places in the city for a night out than MAD on Yas Island. The club brings some of the best musical talent to the stage throughout the year and in the past the likes of Flo Rida, Ja Rule, Bow Wow, T-Pain, Jason Derulo and Yasalam after-race concert headliner Travis Scott have graced the stage. It hosts regular nights throughout the weekend to ensure there’s always something worth travelling out to Yas Island for. MAD Thursdays are always busy, and often feature theme nights, which in the past have included a takeover by WHITE Dubai. And then there’s URBN Fridays, which is when you’re likely to see the biggest names performing on stage. Whatever you do, make sure you dress to impress, as a door policy applies here.
Open Thu-Fri, 11pm-4am. MAD, Yas Island (055 834 6262).

Yas Beach
We all need to relax sometimes and with so many exciting events on Yas Island it’s great to have a place to kick back, relax and take a load off. More than just a stretch of sand, Yas Beach is a complete destination for the entire family. There are bars, restaurants, swimming pools, watersports, fitness classes and, yes, a beach. The Restaurant, Tiki Bar, Hops Bar, Mixed Drinks Bar and The Lounge will keep you watered while you’re not out in the sun. But you won’t be able to resist the outdoor activities for long. Noukhada Watersports organises non-motorised watersports at Yas Beach, including kayaking, sailing and snorkelling. If you’d rather stay dry, there’s also a volleyball court and outdoor gym. Kids aren’t left out of the fun, either, with a dedicated swimming pool and regular activities such as sandcastle-building and face painting. Or you can ignore all of our suggestions and just laze about on the beach. But just one more tip: if you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, book one of the VIP cabanas for the ultimate beach day.
Prices vary. Yas Beach, opposite Crowne Plaza Yas Island (050 952 2283).

Yas Links
Looking to get out on the course? Yas Island has you covered on that front too with one of the most impressive golf destinations in the region. Set alongside the ocean, Yas Links is as beautiful as it is challenging. Golfers will find 112 bunkers across the 18 holes of this course, that’s surrounded by mangroves. It’s a great test for experienced golfers, but newcomers to the sport can also enjoy the fairways. Beginners can get to grips with the basics during the “Learn Golf in a Week” programme. There are also lessons that focus on particular aspects of the game, such as reading the green and swing techniques. And after working up a thirst playing golf all day, there’s brilliant Japanese restaurant Matsu upstairs and Hickory’s Sports Bar for drinks and pub grub. It also runs a popular quiz night on Wednesdays.
From Dhs425 per player. Yas Links, Yas Island, www.yaslinks.com (02 810 7710).

Yas Mall
There are loads of great places to shop in the city and Yas Island is no exception. The massive 2.5 million sq ft Yas Mall is home to every store imaginable and if you’re in the market for something then there’s a good chance you’ll find it here. Huge department stores including Debenhams and House of Fraser are on site, as well as upmarket fashion brands such as Armani, Calvin Klein and Ted Baker. But this is also a place for entertainment, just in case you get bored of shopping. There’s a 20-screen Vox Cinema for movie fans, an Adventure HQ with an indoor caving network, KidZania and Softair Battlezone, where you shoot at electronic targets to complete the course. After all this, you’ll most likely be hungry. As well as the usual food court options, you can also explore Cascade Dining, where the likes of Lebanese restaurant BouBouffe and Emirati eatery Dish Dash can be found. There’s also the new foodie hub Urban retreat, which is home to a rotation of awesome food trucks. More than enough for a lazy weekend day of shopping, movie-watching and eating.
Open daily 10am-midnight (shops). Yas Mall, Yas West, www.yasmall.ae (02 414 6401).

Yas Marina
When you think of Yas Island you probably picture the marina and the view of the iconic The W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. Yas Marina isn’t just about boats. Sure, it’s full of boats, which makes for quite a sight, bBut this area is best known for its collection of excellent bars and restaurants. Whatever kind of night, or day, you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. Casual sports venue Stars ’N’ Bars is the best place to catch the big game. It even has a non-smoking section, a welcome option in Abu Dhabi. For something a bit classier, there’s Iris for deep house and views out over the water, or Italian style and dining at Cipriani. And there’s also Funch, the fun-packed Friday brunch which has moved to Stars ’N’ Bars. If that wasn’t enough, Yas Marina is set to welcome three awesome new foodie favourites, including The Scene by celeb chef Simon Rimmer. But being so close to the water, you probably want to get out there, which is where Eywoa comes in. These guys organise some extreme watersport activities, such as wakeboarding and kitesurfing. Visit www.eywoa.com to find out more about what they offer from Yas Marina. There are also some more sedate ocean-faring options, such as cruises with Captain Tony’s and bespoke trips with Azure Marine Charters.

Yas Marina Circuit
When the F1 circus packs up and goes home, Yas Marina Circuit keeps going, with a range of activities for the entire family. If watching the world’s best drivers on the circuit has inspired you, then book yourself in for one of the driving experiences. Get behind the wheel of a range of vehicles including a new off-roading experience in the Polaris RZR R1. You’ll be guided around the track by an instructor, following in the wheel-tracks of Lewis Hamilton. Or, if you’d rather see how the professionals do it, passenger rides are available, too. But getting into a car isn’t the only way of experiencing the track. The circuit is opened up to walkers, runners and cyclists for TrainYas by ActiveLife. The track is 5.5km long, so it makes for the perfect workout. TrainYas is a free event, you just need to register on the Yas Marina Circuit website before turning up.
Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, www.yasmarinacircuit.com (800 927).

Yas Waterworld
It’s one of Yas Island’s most famous attractions and with good reason. There are some seriously exhilarating slides at this impressive water park. It has a UAE theme, based on “The Legend of the Lost Pearl”, and has more than 40 rides, slides and attractions and seven dining outlets. There are four “thrill” levels to appeal to the entire family, so everyone can have a good day out here. Shaheen’s Adrenalin Rush is the zone for extreme splashing, including the incredibly steep Jebel Drop and Liwa Loop, a free-fall slide that will leave your heart in your mouth. There’s an ever-popular ladies’ night on Thursdays. For the smallest members of the family, Sultan’s Young Fun is the zone that features kid-friendly swimming pools, while there are also games and play areas dotted around the park. And you’re going to need a full-day here to make the most of it.
Dhs250 (adults), Dhs210 (children under 1.3m). Open daily 10am-7pm. Yas Waterworld, Yas Island, www.yaswaterworld.com (02 414 2000).

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Batman, Scooby Doo, Bugs Bunny and all the crew have made Abu Dhabi their home and we’re delighted to see all of them at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. The fun is split into six distinct zones – Bedrock, Warner Bros. Plaza, Metropolis, Gotham City, Cartoon Junction and Dynamite Gulch. A lot of thought and effort has gone into bringing childhood favourites such as Bugs Bunny, Wile E. Coyote, Fred Flintstone and Batman to life.You can’t help but be impressed by the grand scale of the 1.65million square-foot facility, the amazing theatrics and the blockbuster rides which are set to make it a hit. But for us, the beauty is in the detail. No expense has been spared in the painstaking process to build a concept fit to dazzle and amaze visitors. Every inch of the sets was built by hand and the little touches are just as important as the eye-catching headline acts. We love it and yes that’s us getting a selfie with Marvin the Martian, we’re so not sorry about it either.
Open July 25. Dhs230 (children), Dhs295 (adults). Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island. Tickets available now at www.wbworldabudhabi.com.

The W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
There are lots of great places to stay on Yas Island but there is nothing as iconic (and new) as The W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. The Yas Island hotel was first previewed at 2018’s F1 weekend with a series of music and nightlife events at the property. The W brand – part of Marriott International – is known for its funky style, music-related events and focus on fitness. Up the road in Dubai, W Dubai – The Palm is one of the coolest spots in the city, with amazing places to eat, drink and party. From the pictures we’ve seen so far, of the pool area Wet Deck and W Lounge, it looks like the new-look is going to be amazing and we can’t wait to see more. The hotel has always been a great place to party during the F1 weekend, so we’re really looking forward to seeing what’s in store this year and in the years to come.