10 Things To Do on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi
What is Yas Island Most Famous For?
Yas Island is packed with so many things to do that it keeps any visitor entertained from dawn until dusk. The island is Abu Dhabi’s playground as it is home to several theme parks, its largest shopping destination, and a state-of-the-art arena. All of this plus a host of excellent restaurants serving Emirati and international fare will have you returning to Yas Island time and time again.
Shopaholics, film fanatics, and relaxation hunters are all catered to on the island. So, whether you’re a couple of thrill-seekers or a family looking to make some memories, Yas Island promises loads of fun.
What are the best things to do on Yas Island?
1. Ferrari World
Your need for speed fulfilled
Good for: Families, Adventure
Abu Dhabi’s Ferrari World is a theme park celebrating the legendary luxury sports car. It’s home to the world’s fastest coaster, the Formula Rossa, which flies at a staggering 150 miles per hour. The Flying Aces coaster boasts a loop that peaks at 200 ft. in the air, another record-breaking thrill ride.
The park offers plenty of family-friendly experiences as well, like the Bell’ Italia, a gentle ride through miniature recreations of Italy’s iconic landscapes and racetracks. Families can work together to beat the clock at the Tyre Change Experience or face off in go-kart races. To make the most of your day at this popular park, visit on a weekday and splurge for fast passes.
Open: Monday–Friday from 11 am to 8 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm
Phone: +971 (0)60 051 1115
Ferrari World
2. Yas Mall
All the shopping at Abu Dhabi’s super mall
Good for: Shoppers, Families
Yas Mall is the UAE’s second-largest shopping center, a complex of retail, dining, and entertainment spread over 2.5 million sq ft. More than 350 brands have storefronts here, from luxury favorites like Gucci and Prada to international staples Zara and the Apple Store. The mall is centrally located on Yas Island, with easy connections to other attractions.
A highlight of the mall’s massive family entertainment zone is KidZania, a miniature city and edutainment area where children roleplay dozens of real-world professions. When the family finally exhausts their batteries, head to the 20-screen cinema to catch the latest blockbuster film.
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to midnight
Phone: +971 (0)80 092 76255
Yas Mall
3. Warner Bros. World
Home to your favorite cartoon characters and superheroes
Good for: Families, Adventure, Photo
Warner Bros. World offers theme park thrills and gentle rides suited to all ages across a giant indoor park. Beloved cartoon characters and iconic superheroes gather for meet-and-greets at the central plaza and populate the park’s 6 immersive zones, from the low-lit streets of Gotham City to the prehistoric town of Bedrock.
Visitor favorites from the park’s more than 60 rides include the Batman Knight Flight simulator and Tom and Jerry’s family-friendly coaster, which takes you spinning on a chaotic chase through a cheese factory.
Open: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm
Phone: +971 (0)60 051 1115
Warner Bros. World
4. Yas Waterworld
Sprawling waterpark with splashy, high-speed rides
Good for: Families, Adventure
Ranked among the world’s top waterparks, Yas Waterworld has over 40 rides and slides including the Middle East’s only waterslide with a high-speed loop. You’ll find the biggest thrills on Dawwama, the park’s heart-pounding tornado waterslide, and the Bandit Bomber, a twisty 1,800-foot water coaster. Visitors can also try their hand at pearl diving or surf 10-foot waves on the world’s largest surfable sheet wave.
With shallow pools and mini slides for young children plus cabana lounges where parents can relax, this is a great place to bring the family. To avoid long afternoon queues, arrive early or come prepared with VIP passes.
Open: Saturday–Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm, Friday from 1 pm to 10 pm
Phone: +971 (0)2 414 2000
Yas Waterworld
5. Etihad Arena
Big names in entertainment at a large indoor arena
Good for: Families, Couples, Nightlife
The Etihad Arena in Yas Bay hosts major entertainment events in sports, music, and theater every week of the year. The 18,000-capacity indoor arena is large enough to draw major talent but small enough that no seat is too far from the action.
The highly varied programming ranges from monster truck rallies and Disney on Ice to hit Broadway musicals Hamilton and Chicago. The arena also hosts basketball and UFC championships. Music acts include Bollywood maestros, classical pianists, and iconic pop bands. Head to the arena to unwind after a day of thrills at one of the island’s theme parks.
Location: FJ63+4PQ Yas Dr, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 (0)60 051 1115
Etihad Arena
6. Yas Marina Circuit
Life in the fast lane
Good for: Families, Group, Photo
Host of the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit is a must-see for motorsports enthusiasts and thrill seekers. If you make it to the Grand Prix, held each November, you’ll get fantastic views of the high-octane drama on the tracks from the low-and-close stands.
During the other 11 months of the year, the venue offers visitors opportunities to get on the track themselves. Take the wheel of a Chevrolet Camaro or Aston Martin GT4 or hop in the passenger seat for a spin around the track with a professional racecar driver. Groups and families will love the Yas Kartzone, the Circuit’s go-kart track, which has brightly painted karts available in adult and kids’ sizes.
Phone: +971 (0)800 927
Yas Marina Circuit
7. The Trilogy by Buddha-Bar
Tableside tricks and rooftop views
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
The Trilogy is a group of 3 restaurants by the ever-popular Buddha-Bar franchise located along the Yas Bay Waterfront. While each offers a distinct menu, they share a Middle Eastern modernist décor and eclectic dining soundtrack. In addition to regular live sets by resident and guest DJs, the restaurant group also puts on a nightly music and dance performance.
Restaurant Bushra is the most upscale of the 3, serving fresh takes on classic Middle Eastern dishes. The more casual Zeera features a tandoori grill, an open kitchen and tableside theatrics. Head up to the rooftop Siddharta Lounge for sushi and cocktails with a view of the Arabian Gulf.
Location: The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The Trilogy by Buddha-Bar
8. Yas Bay Waterfront
A bustling waterfront promenade
Good for: Couples, Single, Nightlife
The Yas Bay Waterfront is a popular city hangout for residents and visitors alike. Located near both Yas Beach and the Etihad Arena, this is a convenient spot to grab dinner after a beach day or before evening entertainment. It’s also a charming place for an evening stroll, with its wide promenade lined with benches and palm trees.
Dozens of eateries and bars line the waterfront, from food trucks to fine-dining establishments serving local and international fare. Visit on the weekends when the waterfront hosts live music by local musicians or during festivals for dazzling shows of fireworks.
Open: Monday–Saturday from 7.30 am to midnight, Sunday from 7.30 am to 2 am
Yas Bay Waterfront
9. CLYMB
Reach for the sky on a 12-story climbing wall
Good for: Families, Couples, Group
CLYMB joins the list of the UAE’s record-breaking attractions with the world’s largest skydiving flight chamber and the region’s tallest indoor climbing wall. Primarily a climbing and bouldering gym, the angular, futuristic building houses 4 climbing walls of varying difficulty plus a bouldering wall. SUMMYT, the staggering 138-foot climbing wall, will test any climber’s skill and fitness levels.
The skydiving experience is welcoming to all levels, with upbeat, knowledgeable instructors guiding every step of the way. For both climbing and skydiving experiences, book your spot in advance.
Open: Monday–Friday from noon to 9 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm
Phone: +971 (0)60 051 1115
CLYMB
10. The Fountains
Indoor-outdoor dining at Yas Mall
Good for: Families, Couples, Food
The Fountains is a collection of restaurants conveniently located in Yas Mall near Ferrari World. From Middle Eastern grill to Asian seafood, there are a host of international flavors here, with both sit-down and takeaway options. The Michelin-rated Al Fanar is a standout, offering authentic Emirati dishes in a space with a traditional ambiance.
Many of the restaurants offer outdoor terraces surrounding the mall’s fountains, which put on water shows set to popular Arabic and English music daily during lunch and dinner service. If dining with the family, be sure to bring along towels and swimwear, as kids won’t be able to resist splashing in the fountains.
Open: Saturday–Wednesday from 10 am to 10 pm, Thursday–Friday from 10 am to midnight
Phone: +971 (0)2 496 8000
The Fountains
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