The best things to do on Yas Island

CLYMB Abu Dhabi
Adrenaline seeker? This Yas Island attraction is a favourite in the city, though that isn’t much of a surprise considering the fact that it is home to not only the world’s biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber (measuring at an incredible 10m by 26m) but also the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall at 43m.
Prices vary. Open Tue & Thu 1pm-9pm, Wed 1pm-4.30pm, Fri-Sat noon-9pm. Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, clymbabudhabi.com (600 511115).

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
It goes without saying that Yas Island is intrinsically linked with all things motorsport and cars, which makes it the perfect home for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – the first theme park of its kind in the world. You can brave the fastest roller coaster under the sun, Formula Rossa, and for more record-breaking thrills, take a spin on Flying Aces, which features the world’s highest roller coaster loop at 52m. Late last year Ferrari World Abu Dhabi also opened two new attractions: Yas Island’s first-ever zip-line and a stomach-churning roof walk. The 400m zip-line starts on a platform at Ferrari World and travels through the iconic loop of the Flying Aces rollercoaster while the roof walk sees thrill-seekers ascend the theme park’s iconic red roof and take on a 90-minute 600m walk. If you’re looking for thrills and spills, this is the Yas Island attraction for you.
Prices vary. Open Tue-Sat noon-8pm. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, ferrariworldabudhabi.com (600 511115).

W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
The seriously stylish hotel is one of the coolest hangout spots on Yas Island. With 499 rooms, stellar views of Yas Marina Circuit, a fully-equipped gym, a super spa, and plenty of places to eat and drink including Garage, W Lounge, WET Deck, Roastery, plus some cracking party brunches, there’s plenty to see and do.
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, wabudhabiyasisland.com (02 656 0000).

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
The fun-filled indoor theme pack is probably one of Yas Island‘s most popular attractions. The fun is split into six distinct zones – Bedrock, Warner Bros. Plaza, Metropolis, Gotham City, Cartoon Junction and Dynamite Gulch. You can’t help but be impressed by the grand scale of the 1.65 million-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 – you can tell that a lot of thought and effort has gone into bringing childhood favourites such as Bugs Bunny, Fred Flintstone and Batman to life.
Dhs295 (adults), Dhs230 (kids under 1.1m). Open daily noon-8pm. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, wbworldabudhabi.com (600 511115).

Yas Beach
Styling itself as a “beach playground”, this trendy beach club is a must-visit location on Yas Island. There are bars, restaurants, swimming pools, watersports, fitness classes and, yes, a beach. Watersports include kayaking, sailing and snorkelling but if you’d rather stay dry, there’s also an outdoor gym, and the kids aren’t left out of the fun with a dedicated swimming pool and regular activities. (Or you can ignore all of our suggestions and just laze about on the beach.)
Prices vary. Open daily 10am-7pm. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, yasbeach.ae (056 242 0435).

Yas Gateway Park
Split into a North and South section, this beautifully maintained park is one of the great undiscovered gems of Yas Island. Wide lawns are easily large enough for kite-flying, football or just really stretching out, and there are good picnic and barbecue areas as well as tennis courts and play areas for kids.
Open 24/7. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, yasisland.ae.

Yas Links
There are world-class golf courses all over Abu Dhabi but one of the best around can be found on Yas Island. Set alongside the ocean, Yas Links is as beautiful as it is challenging. You’re just steps away from the sea when you play the rolling fairways of Yas Links, and the nine-hole par three Academy course is the perfect place to experience your first round of golf. And after working up a thirst playing golf all day, there’s Hickory’s Sports Bar for drinks and pub grub.
Prices vary. Open daily 6.30am-11.30pm. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, troonabudhabi.com/yas-links (02 404 3000).

Yas Mall
For retail therapy on Yas Island, look no further than this giant shopping centre. Covering a massive 2.5 million sq ft space, Yas Mall opened in 2015 and has fast become one of the most popular shopping destinations in the capital and you’ll find almost every shop you can imagine. Huge department stores including Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, and House of Fraser are here, as well as popular high-street shops like H&M, Mango, and Zara. And just in case you get bored of shopping, the Yas Island attraction also boasts a 20-screen cinema for movie fans, KidZania Abu Dhabi (a sprawling, indoor playground), CLYMB Abu Dhabi, and tonnes of restaurants and cafés including Black Tap and P. F. Chang’s. Trust us, there’s more than enough for a lazy weekend day of shopping, movie-watching, and eating.
Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, yasmall.ae (800 9276255).

Yas Marina
Yas Marina isn’t just about boats. Sure, it’s full of boats, which makes for quite a sight, but this area is best known for its collection of excellent restaurants and bars. 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 but for something a bit classier there’s Iris for deep house and views out over the water, or knockout Italian Cipriani which is one of the best restaurants in the capital.
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, yasmarina.ae.

Yas Marina Circuit
F1 madness aside, Yas Marina Circuit is a year-round destination with a range of activities for the entire family. And if watching the world’s best drivers on the circuit has inspired you, then book yourself in for one of the driving experiences. You can race an Aston Martin GT4, jump in a drift taxi, hit the drag strip, rip it up in the KartZone, and more – but getting into a car isn’t the only way of experiencing the track. Every Sunday and Tuesday evening, the circuit is open to walkers, runners and cyclists for TrainYas presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC). The track is 5.5km long, so it makes for the perfect workout and, in even better news, it’s completely free. You just need to register on the Yas Marina Circuit website before turning up.
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, yasmarinacircuit.com.

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
We can never say no to a good water slide and there are some seriously exhilarating rides at this impressive water park making it another one of Yas Island’s most famous attractions. The UAE-themed attraction is based on “The Legend of the Lost Pearl” and there are more than 40 rides, slides, and attractions, plus seven places to refuel at. There are four “thrill” levels to appeal to the entire family and for the smallest members of the family, Sultan’s Young Fun is the zone that features kid-friendly swimming pools.
Dhs270 (adults), Dhs210 (kids under 1.1m). Open Mon-Wed 10am-6pm, Thu 2pm-10pm, Fri 10am-10pm, Sat 10am-7pm. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, yaswaterworld.com (02 414 2000).

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