Yas Island Holidays - What You Need To Know

Magical moments await on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s hottest spot for entertainment and fun-filled experiences.

Regarded as a must-visit destination, you’ll find plenty to keep you enthralled on your next holiday to Abu Dhabi. Theme parks, which will soon include Disney Abu Dhabi, a waterpark, mega mall, cinemas and an aquarium offer exceptional options if you’re travelling as a family. You’ll also find Yas Marina Circuit, home of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Beach, Yas Links golf course and an array of world-class dining venues to entice couples and friends. An assortment of outstanding hotels and resorts are situated across Yas Island, where you’ll find amenities including pools, spas, fitness centres and sumptuous living spaces, along with easy access to all the destination’s unbelievable attractions. To make your escape to this Middle Eastern paradise even more inviting, make use of The Yas Express, a free shuttle service that travels between hotels, malls and theme parks. Here’s everything you need to know before your holiday.

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Yas Island Essentials

Situated just off the coast of Abu Dhabi, Yas Island is this Emirate’s main hub for entertainment. Connected by bridges, it’s extremely easy for visitors to travel from Yas Island to other wondrous locations across Abu Dhabi. For example, Abu Dhabi city centre is approximately 25 minutes away by car, while Zayed International Airport is a short 15-minute drive. You’ll arrive in Abu Dhabi after a direct seven-hour flight, landing in a timezone four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. All holidaymakers must have an expiry date on their passport of at least six months after the end of your holiday and you will be granted a free 30-day visa upon arrival*. Ensure you have plenty of the local currency, Dirham (AED), on hand to fund your exciting Yas Island getaway as there’s plenty of incredible attractions to explore.

Where to stay on Yas Island?

The best place to stay in Yas Island really depends on what your holiday needs are. The main highlight of a Yas Island holiday is the out-of-this-world theme parks. By staying in Yas Plaza, you’ll be conveniently close to all the hotspots and have the choice of numerous family-friendly hotels. Many of the hotels in Yas Plaza include theme park passes in their packages, meaning you can “stay & play” without worrying about tickets. Yas Bay is considered the epicentre of Yas Island for day-to-night entertainment. With a plethora of lounges and restaurants located along a lively promenade and scenic views of the Arabian Gulf, it’s the perfect place for both romance and excitement. Yas Beach is an exclusive paradise offering incredible amenities. There is an entry fee unless you’re staying at select hotels that provide free access, but we assure you that this Blue Flag beach will blow you away.

Yas Island theme parks

Unparalleled enjoyment awaits in Yas Island’s fun-filled theme parks. Whether you’re a child or a child at heart on an Abu Dhabi holiday to Yas Island, there’s something for everyone. Ferrari World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi offers a host of adrenaline-inducing fun, including the fastest rollercoaster in the world, Formula Rossa, as well as another 40 exhilarating rides and an F1 simulator. Go in search of cartoon characters and superheroes, such as Scooby Doo, Bugs Bunny, Wonder Woman and Batman, in the themed zones at Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Follow the story of “one ocean” at SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, where a host of diverse marine life, coral reefs, birds and other creatures can be admired. Covering an area the size of 15 football pitches, Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi boasts an array of slides and aquatic rides that are perfect for a family day out.

Formula 1 and much more

Yas Island hosts an incredible litany of prestigious events throughout the year, most spectacular of which is the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The electrifying climax to the FIA Formula One World™ Championship takes place in Yas Marina Circuit and includes a showstopping post-race concert and fireworks display. Enjoy that epic race feeling for yourself with Yas Kartzone’s driving and passenger experiences. The Etihad Arena, situated in Yas Bay and the largest indoor entertainment venue in the Middle East, is a hotspot for renowned concerts, performances, shows and sporting events such as boxing and UFC. For more sporting excitement, head to Yas Links to watch the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, part of the DP World Tour. Enthusiasts can also play their own round of golf at this sublime 18-hole course, which is considered one of the best in the UAE, or relax in the comfort of the luxury clubhouse.

Food And Drink On Yas Island

Embark on a culinary journey when you stay on Yas Island. Each incredible area is home to a myriad of fine-dining venues and family-friendly restaurants. Asia Asia Abu Dhabi, situated in Yas Bay’s Pier71, serves up pan-Asian fusion on an award-winning menu, combining influences from the ancient spice route between the Far East and Middle East. Similarly, in Yas Marina, Ishtar combines Arabian and Mediterranean cuisine to produce fresh and flavoursome meals. Dine on the outdoor terrace for unforgettable views of Yas Island and the Arabian Gulf. You’ll find an array of family-frequented restaurants in Yas Plaza, located in or around the bustling theme parks. Look out for Blue Grill, an exciting ramen bar providing mouthwatering grilled meats and seafood. Another great dining option for families is Yas Mall. There’s something to suit everyone here, from fast food, on-the-go bites and top-class restaurants. You’ll also find shopping, entertainment venues and a 20-screen VOX cinema.

*Please note that it is your responsibility to check on any changes to entry requirements and ensure all of your documents are valid for travel.

Best time to visit

You can visit Yas Island whenever you want thanks to Abu Dhabi’s divine subtropical desert climate, which results in hot summers and mild winters. The best time to travel to Yas Island is between October and April, when the temperatures remain in the mid to high-20s. This time of year is great for enjoying Yas Island’s outdoor venues like Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi or soaking up the sunshine on Yas Beach. If you want a summer holiday to Yas Island, be prepared for temperatures potentially reaching 40℃. These conditions can be a bit much for some people but if you’re prepared, you can have a lovely experience in the delightfully air-conditioned indoor attractions such as Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. You can also visit Yas Island during Ramadan, where altered opening hours means the theme parks continue to offer fun after sunset too. Thanks to Abu Dhabi’s wonderful year-round weather, it’s important that you pack lightweight, breathable clothing, hats, sun glasses, sun cream and swimwear.