Yas Island Abu Dhabi is known as one of the most fun areas of Abu Dhabi for a reason. The island is packed with cool activities from riding the world’s fastest rollercoaster to staying in the world’s first WB Hotel.
Yas Island Abu Dhabi is arguably the most tourist-friendly area of Abu Dhabi, with some of the coolest hotels and activities for visitors. It’s also home to Yas Marina Circuit, which has hosted the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009.
Yas Island is also where you’ll find Etihad Park, which hosts some of the city’s biggest and best concerts, as well as Etihad Arena, with some of the coolest shows and cultural gatherings in the city.
Yas Bay Waterfront is an incredible new area of Yas with incredible restaurants, bars and things to do. You can also hit up Yas Marina for more of the same. Afterwards? Head to Yas Mall for a bit of shopping.
And if you’re looking to explore more of Abu Dhabi, we’ve got you covered with the full guide to Saadiyat Island and everything you need to know about Reem Island.
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Attractions
Etihad Arena
When it comes to concerts, live entertainment, theme parks and sporting events, there aren’t many other destinations in the emirate that come close to Yas Island Abu Dhabi. Etihad Arena is a new addition to the already buzzing arts and culture scene on Yas Island and if you’re looking for cool things to do, you won’t have to look any further than this hub. You’ll be able to see the likes of Disney on Ice, cultural music festivals, UFC fights and standup shows, plus loads more.
Click here for awesome gigs and concerts coming to Abu Dhabi in 2022-23.
Yas Bay Waterfront, etihadarena.ae
Yas Mall
Yas Mall is a top shopping destination on Yas Island Abu Dhabi for a reason. This mega mall just underwent a massive transformation (almost as massive as the mall itself) and if you’re looking for the marathon version of retail therapy, you’ll definitely find it here. There are more than 400 big name brands, a 20-screen cinema and a massive family entertainment zone. You could actually shop until you drop.
For the best malls in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Open daily 10am-10pm. Yas Island (800 927 6255).
Yas Marina Circuit
One of the biggest sporting events in the world finishes each year in Abu Dhabi with an incredible race and the season is always huge. We’re talking about F1 of course, with incredible parties, brunches, concerts and of course, brilliant racing to see. You’re going to want to be on Yas Island Abu Dhabi this November. Yas Marina Circuit has announced that the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2022 is officially a go. Tickets are available now and we’ve got all the details you need to know.
Click here for everything you need to know about F1 coming to Abu Dhabi 2022.
From Dhs699 (general admission). Thu Nov 17-Sun Nov 20, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island. yasmarinacircuit.com.
Theme parks
CLYMB Abu Dhabi
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Rock climbing might be one of the most nerve-wracking things to do on Yas Island Abu Dhabi. But if you have a head for heights, CLYMB Abu Dhabi is a physical test like few others in this part of the world, giving climbers the chance to get to grips with a real test of their credentials. There’s a huge range of walls to get familiar with, including the 43m SUMMYT, which boasts the record of being the world’s largest indoor wall of its kind.
For the best indoor sports in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Tue-Sat 1pm-8pm. Yas Island, clymbabudhabi.com (600 511115).
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Fans of rollercoasters absolutely must head to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island. This adrenaline-fueled theme park is home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, the highest loop ride, tallest space-frame structure ever built and over 40 record-breaking attractions. On Formula Rossa you’ll be blasted 240 kilometres per hour in 4.9 seconds. The ride reaches heights of 52 metres and it’s (literally) screaming fun.
Click here to learn about the new Ferrari world drone show.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, ferrariworldabudhabi.com
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Another record-breaker, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is the world’s largest indoor theme park where you can be transported to awesome worlds of action and adventure with over 60 rides. There are also live characters to meet and take photos with. The excitement begins at the Warner Bros. Plaza, your portal to our uniquely themed lands including Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch, Cartoon Junction, Gotham City and Metropolis.
Click here to learn about DC superhero season at Warner Bros. World
Yas Island, wbworldabudhabi.com (600 51 1115).
Yas Waterworld
Love a waterpark? Yas Waterworld is one of the biggest most incredible waterparks in the UAE. There are over 40 theme park rides, slides and attractions to try. The little ones can enjoy the kids’ slides and paddle pools while water-park veterans zip down heart-pounding rides. On Jebel Drop you slide ten stories on the region’s tallest speed slide. Start from the heighest point and plummet. Whoosh.
Click here for neon nights at Yas Waterworld.
Yas Waterworld, Yas Island, yaswaterworld.com.
Yas Bay Waterfront
If you haven’t been to Yas Bay Waterfront yet, you’re missing out. It seems like the whole city hangs out there, and it’s no mystery why. The new development on Yas Island Abu Dhabi features a gorgeous pier, ocean views and loads of new restaurants to try. Head to Yas Bay any evening and you’ll see families, couples, pet-owners and people from across the city enjoying the al fresco vibes.
Central
Looking for fun things to do at Yas Bay Waterfront? Head straight to Central. There’s bowling, burgers, arcade games and more. We’re eyeing the PB&J French toast, s’mores and caramel sticky buns, too. Drinks include monster milkshakes, smoothies, lemonades, hops, grapes and bubbly. This is easily one of the most fun things to do on Yas Island Abu Dhabi.
Click here to read more about Central opening.
Open Mon-Thu 4pm-midnight; Fri-Sun noon-3am. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront instagram.com/central_uae.
La Carnita
If you love Mexican street food, you’re going to love this. La Carnita is designed by street style artists and is the spot to enjoy tacos, churros and more on Yas Island Abu Dhabi. Afterwards? Wash it all down with a fresh mixed drink or hops. Phew.
For the best tacos in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Mon-Thu 6pm-2am; Fri noon-2am; Sat 1pm-2am; Sun noon-2am. Yas Bay Waterfront (050 185 8068).
Lock Stock & Barrel
Lock Stock & Barrel (better known as LSB) has been buzzing pretty much since it opened at Yas Bay Waterfront and it’s not hard to see why. If you’re wondering where to have a good time on Yas Island Abu Dhabi with a spot on the terrace, loud tunes and a drink in hand, LSB is your place. Just be sure to book a table in advance, particularly if you want an outdoor view. This party bar is almost always packed, as it should be.
Click here for the full Time Out review of LSB.
Sun-Thu 2am-4pm; Fri 2am-1pm. Yas Bay Waterfront (02 235 8659).
The Lighthouse
Wondering where to eat on Yas Island Abu Dhabi? The Lighthouse is more than a restaurant, it’s also a boutique shopping and design space from D3 in Dubai. The Lighthouse serves up a mix of Mediterranean plates including pizza, pasta and fresh salads.
Click here for the full Time Out review of The Lighthouse at Yas Bay.
Open Mon-Fri 8am-midnight; Sat-Sun 8am-1am. Yas Bay Waterfront (02 236 7831).
Trilogy by Buddha-Bar
The Trilogy by Buddha-Bar is a unique dining concept on Yas Island Abu Dhabi serving up music and entertainment across three venues: Siddharta Lounge, Bushra and Zeera. Siddharta Lounge is a rooftop where attendees can tuck into Mediterranean and Asian bites and mixed drinks with a view of the Arabian Gulf. Bushra and Zeera are two brand-new concepts serving sharing-style menus. Not sure where to eat at Yas Bay? The Trilogy is a good place to start.
Click here to read the full Time Out review of Siddharta Lounge.
Timings vary. Yas Bay Waterfront (050 601 1194) (800 6996).
Yas Marina
Looking for a great place to eat and drink on Yas Island Abu Dhabi? Yas Marina has been around for a while, with licensed restaurants and bars to hang out in. It has some pretty iconic views of W Abu Dhabi Yas Island and the Yas Marina circuit. You can also head there for fitness facilities, watersports, boat charters, a kids’ playground and more.
Cipriani
If you’re looking for restaurants on Yas Island Abu Dhabi serving Italian food, you should definitely check out Cipriani. It’s an ideal spot for a date or family occasion – and dishes are worth sharing. There’s a page of Japanese dishes and a list of Italian classics, and it’s the latter we’d suggest you go with, as that’s really what Ciprani is all about.
Click here for the full Time Out review of Cipriani.
6am-11.15pm. Yas Marina, (02 657 5400).
Iris Yas Island
Iris is well loved for a reason. Iris Yas Island is located in the heart of Yas Marina, and with bobbing boats, walkways lit with fairy lights, and a pretty fountain to peruse, it’s easy to see why this spot is popular for a night out. Have a wander around the area before you go into the bar because once you sink into one of those comfy seats you won’t be looking to get up again.
Click here for the full Time Out review of Iris Yas Island.
Open daily 6pm-3.30am. Yas Marina, Yas Island, irisabudhabi.com (055 160 5636).
Stars ‘N’ Bars
If you’re after delicious bar food, deep-fried cheesy snacks and wholesome belly-busters, Stars N Bars Abu Dhabi is where it’s at. This is one of the most long-standing lively spots on Yas Island, where the whole city seems to hang out on the weekend.
Click here for the full Time Out review of Stars ‘N’ Bars Abu Dhabi.
Sun-Thu noon-2am; Fri-Sat noon-3am. Yas Marina, Yas Island (02 565 0101).
Marina Padel
If you’re after high-energy things to do on Yas Island Abu Dhabi, padel tennis has taken Abu Dhabi’s fitness scene by storm for a reason. Marina Padel is situated in Yas Marina with four padel courts spanning an area of 800 square metres. You can book a court starting at Dhs250 for one hour and the facility will also be introducing packages for 90 and 120 minute sessions.
Click here to learn more about Marina Padel.
Open daily, 5.30am-10.30pm. Yas Marina, Yas Island instagram.com/marina.padel.
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