Welcome to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s glittering playground, where excitement meets elegance. From the rush of world-class theme parks to the calm of golden beaches, Yas Island captures everything the UAE does best: adventure, sophistication, and style.
Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a long-awaited family holiday, this Yas Island guide explains the very best things to do, see, and experience in one of the Middle East’s most dynamic destinations.
About Yas Island
Once a stretch of untouched land along the Arabian Gulf, Yas Island has evolved into one of the region’s most remarkable entertainment and lifestyle hubs. The transformation began in the mid-2000s as part of Abu Dhabi’s vision to create a world-class destination blending leisure, culture, and innovation. Today, Yas Island is home to record-breaking attractions, elegant marinas, and luxury resorts, making every moment feel like an experience.
It’s a favourite among locals, expats, and tourists alike, offering something for every pace, whether that’s the thrill of a Formula 1 race or a slow afternoon spent watching the sun dip over the Gulf.
Getting Around
Located just 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and about 25 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi, Yas Island sits perfectly between city buzz and seaside calm. It’s connected by major highways and easily reached from Dubai in just over an hour. The island’s convenient location makes it ideal for day trips or long stays, with most attractions, beaches, and restaurants just minutes apart.
Things to do in Yas Island
Yas Island is made for adventure, from the roar of Formula 1 engines to the laughter echoing through water parks. Its blend of thrill and relaxation makes it a destination where every kind of traveler finds their rhythm.
Entertainment and leisure
Best known for its resorts and relaxed island vibe, Yas Island also offers endless ways to play, explore, and unwind. Here are some of the top experiences to enjoy:
Theme Parks & Adventures
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the island’s most iconic attraction and the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park. Home to the record-breaking Formula Rossa rollercoaster, it blends Italian flair with adrenaline-filled fun through high-speed rides, exhibitions, and family-friendly experiences.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Step into the worlds of Gotham City, Metropolis, and Bedrock at Warner Bros. World. This fully indoor theme park brings beloved characters like Batman, Scooby-Doo, and Bugs Bunny to life through rides and interactive zones designed for all ages.
Yas Waterworld
Inspired by Emirati pearl-diving heritage, Yas Waterworld features over 40 rides and slides that combine cultural storytelling with aquatic adventure. It’s the ideal place to cool off and enjoy a family-friendly day out.
Yas Marina Circuit
Home to the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit lets you get close to the action. When it’s not race season, visitors can cycle or jog along the track or book driving experiences that deliver a true taste of speed.
CLYMB Abu Dhabi & Yas Beach
For those seeking a challenge, CLYMB offers the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall and largest skydiving chamber, a thrilling spot for anyone wanting to test their limits. For a slower pace, head to Yas Beach, where soft sands and turquoise waters promise a day of relaxation. Golf lovers can visit Yas Links Abu Dhabi, a coastal course known for its breathtaking sea views and championship design.
Dining and Cuisine
As the sun sets over Yas Island, the energy shifts from high-speed thrills to culinary indulgence and vibrant nightlife. The island’s dining scene caters to every taste, from fine-dining experiences to relaxed beachfront meals.
Al Fanar Restaurant & Café
For a true taste of Emirati heritage, Al Fanar brings old Dubai to life through traditional flavors and nostalgic décor. It’s the perfect spot to sample local dishes in a setting that feels both authentic and welcoming.
Café del Mar Abu Dhabi
Ibiza vibes meet Abu Dhabi elegance at Café del Mar, a beach club famous for its oceanfront pool, laid-back dining, and sunset beats. Whether you’re there for brunch or golden-hour lounging, it’s the definition of island relaxation.
Asia Asia Yas Bay
Bold, glamorous, and full of flavour, Asia Asia takes you on a culinary journey along the Silk Route. With dramatic interiors and waterfront views, this Pan-Asian restaurant makes dining feel like an experience in itself.
Shopping
From world-class malls to breezy waterfront promenades, Yas Island makes shopping part of the adventure.
Yas Mall
The island’s retail heart, Yas Mall, is Abu Dhabi’s largest shopping destination, offering over 370 stores, a cinema, and endless dining options. It’s ideal for a full day out — part shopping spree, part family escape.
Yas Bay Waterfront
Perfect for an evening stroll, Yas Bay mixes boutique shops, creative dining, and striking public art. It’s as much about atmosphere as it is about retail, making it a must-visit after a day of sightseeing.
Etihad Arena
Not a store, but worth mentioning, Etihad Arena is the island’s entertainment powerhouse, hosting concerts, comedy nights, and world-class sporting events that keep the area buzzing long after the shops close.
Relaxing and Recharging
When it’s time to unwind, Yas Island offers endless ways to slow down in style. From serene spas to sandy beaches, relaxation is never far away.
Yas Beach Club
The Yas Beach Club offers a calm retreat of white sands, turquoise water, and shaded cabanas. Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun or sipping cocktails by the sea, the perfect reset after a day of adventure.
ESPA at W Abu Dhabi
For pure indulgence, ESPA delivers world-class treatments inspired by Arabic wellness traditions. It’s luxury reimagined into an experience that’s tranquil, sensory, and deeply restorative.
Hilton Yas Spa
The Hilton Yas Spa is a sanctuary offering massages, facials, and holistic therapies, ideal for those who want comfort with a touch of sophistication.
Yas Marina
Finish your evening at the Yas Marina with a walk along the waterfront as the lights from the yachts reflect across the water. It’s an effortlessly romantic way to end the day.
Your Yas Island Escape Awaits
So that’s Yas Island, a place where every moment offers something new. From record-breaking rides to serene beach sunsets, it’s a destination that captures both thrill and tranquility. Whether you’re chasing excitement or looking to unwind, Yas Island invites you to live a little brighter and discover the heart of modern Abu Dhabi. Much like Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina and JBR, it reflects the UAE’s knack for balancing luxury, leisure, and lifestyle — each neighborhood offering its own distinct rhythm.
Ready to experience Yas Island for yourself? Explore Frank Porter’s Yas Island stays and find the perfect home away from home for your next trip.
