Yas Island is a place you must visit in Abu Dhabi. No matter if you want to dive into local culture, are a thrill lover, or are simply looking to dine, relax, and recharge, this vibrant island, including luxury resorts and record-breaking attractions, offers a mix of adventure and indulgence. Enjoy the waters and rolling dunes on Yas Island, or visit nearby gems like Saadiyat Island. It’s the kind of place that promises to exhilarate at every turn.
Looking for help planning your visit? Yas Concierge is a service that can help with ticket bookings, transportation arrangements, and personalized recommendations to make the most of your time on Yas Island. If you plan to explore beyond Abu Dhabi in 2025, check out our article about must-see places in Dubai.
What is Yas Island?
Yas Island is an artificial island in Abu Dhabi that was developed to become a world-class leisure, entertainment, and tourism hub. It spans approximately 25 square kilometers, was planned in the early 2000s, and officially opened in 2009. The island was designed as a destination where visitors can enjoy theme parks, shopping, concerts, and luxury resorts. Many attractions offer complimentary shuttle services.
A Complete Tourist Guide to Yas Island
Below is a list of things to do on Yas Island, depending on your interests:
- Family-Friendly Activities: Yas Island is a family-friendly entertainment hub. Warner Bros. World and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi are perfect for kids and adults. If you plan to visit Dubai, read our article about the best destinations for a family trip. Are you ready for interactive rides, favorite characters, and plenty of photo opportunities?
- Thrill Seeker Adventures: Yas Island offers world-class attractions if you’re looking for a dose of adrenaline. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is home to the Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest rollercoaster, while the nearby Yas Marina Circuit offers driving experiences unlike anywhere else. Make sure to try the climbing wall or wind tunnel flight chamber.
- A To-Do List for Beach Enthusiasts: Yas Beach is a relaxing spot with amazing views of the island’s skyline. Lounge in a cabana, participate in water sports, or enjoy the warm Gulf breeze.
- For Shopaholics: Yas Mall caters to every budget, from souvenirs to luxury designer brands. It’s the biggest mall in Abu Dhabi and a must-visit attraction for anyone who enjoys shopping in air-conditioned comfort.
- Concerts, Sports & Spectacles: Etihad Arena regularly hosts some of the region’s most significant entertainment events. Here you can participate in international concerts and even UFC Fight Night. Check the calendar beforehand and plan your trip around a show or sporting event.
- For Food Lovers: Yas Island offers many culinary experiences. Waterfront restaurants, casual cafes, and luxury hotel dining options mean there’s something for every taste.
- Luxury Travelers: Many resorts on the island also provide direct access with shuttle services to the top attractions, so you never waste a minute.
- If You Want More: Yas Island is just a 30-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport and is ideally located near Saadiyat Island. It’s another must-visit spot for art, culture, and nature.
How to get there?
The island is about 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Taxis are readily available from the airport and cost approximately 30-50 AED, depending on traffic and time of day.
If you’re traveling from Dubai, the most convenient option is by car via the E11 highway, which takes around 50-60 minutes. Public transport is limited between cities, but intercity buses to Abu Dhabi are available. From there, you can switch to a local taxi or hotel transfer.
For those already in Abu Dhabi, taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem are fast and affordable. In addition, many hotels located in the city center offer scheduled transfers to Yas Island.
A shuttle bus service called Yas Express connects the main attractions, malls, and hotels, allowing you to move around easily without needing a car. The shuttle is free and runs regularly throughout the day.
The easiest way to reach Yas Island is by car. If you don’t have one, we offer car rentals in Abu Dhabi and can help you get to the island, even if it means crossing the border between the emirates. Like the rest of the UAE, Yas Island has plenty of facilities for drivers, so you won’t have any trouble finding a parking spot.
What to do on Yas Island
From thrilling motorsports and immersive theme parks to championship golf and waterfront adventures, Yas Island has activities for every kind of traveler. Guests must plan to enjoy the full scope of attractions, some of which are seasonal or ticketed. Here’s what not to miss, including stops near the island’s championship golf course.
Yas Marina Circuit
If you’re a motorsport fan, Yas Marina Circuit is a must. This world-famous track is home to the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and hosts regular driving experiences where you can get behind the wheel of high-performance cars. The circuit also features cycling nights, karting, and pit lane tours, offering something for all adrenaline lovers. Be sure to visit between October and March for the best weather. The venue also knows how to cater to different interests, from pro racers to families with kids. And if speed excites you, don’t miss the adjacent Formula Rossa, the fastest rollercoaster in the world.
Yas Island Theme Parks
Yas Island is home to several standout attractions clustered in Abu Dhabi’s entertainment district and right in the heart of the island. These parks are ideal for families, couples, and friends traveling together. Here’s a closer look:
- Yas Waterworld: A massive water park with rides and slides. Cool off, refresh, and have fun.
- Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi: This fully indoor and air-conditioned park features all your favourite characters, from Batman to the Flintstones. WB World is split into six themed areas: Gotham City, Metropolis, Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch, and Warner Bros. Plaza.
Each park is a destination and easily accessible by shuttle or hotel transfer.
UFC Fight Night
Yas Island is also the regional hotspot for sporting events, with UFC Fight Night held regularly at Etihad Arena. If you’re into mixed martial arts or want to feel the pulse of a global crowd, these nights bring high energy and top-tier athletes. While on the island, try indoor skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel.
Etihad Arena
As the largest indoor entertainment venue in the region, Etihad Arena hosts concerts, comedy shows, festivals, and family events all year round. You can catch international headliners, live performances, or major sporting finals. Operated in part by Etihad Airways, the arena is built for smooth access, comfort, and acoustics. If you’re planning your trip around a show or tour, head to Yas with enough time to explore the surrounding restaurants and promenade.
Getting Around Yas Island
Start by heading to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi or the waterfront shopping and dining options. View the tallest rides or relax near one of Yas Island’s beaches. For nature lovers, there’s also kayaking through mangrove forests nearby. Connections between Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld, hotels, and malls are streamlined through shuttle services and taxis. And with one of Yas Island’s top attractions around nearly every corner, you’ll always have something to see or do just a few minutes away.
Is it worth staying on Yas Island overnight?
Staying overnight is a great idea, especially if you plan to visit more than one themed park. Book a hotel near the island’s main attractions, so you can easily move between activities without wasting time in traffic. Plus, staying the night gives you time to relax, enjoy the beach, or have a slow dinner without rushing back to Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
A day trip might be enough if you only plan to visit one or two spots, like Ferrari World or Yas Waterworld. The island is well-connected, and many visitors find it easy to come and go within a single day. So the decision depends on how much you want to see and how relaxed you’d like your schedule to be.
Tips & Advice
If you want to enjoy Yas Island like a pro, keep these clever tips in mind:
- Avoid Friday Afternoon Arrivals: While most tourists land on weekends, residents also head to Yas on Fridays. Traffic builds up near Yas Mall and Yas Marina Circuit after 4 PM, especially if an event is scheduled.
- Use Hotel Lounges: Many hotels on Yas Island allow day access to their facilities (including pools, beaches, and spas) if you book a brunch or a spa treatment. It’s a smart way to enjoy 5-star luxury without paying for a room.
- Explore Off-Season Benefits: In summer, fewer tourists mean more complimentary upgrades, such as better rooms, free lounges, or extended ride time in quieter parks.
- Book Tickets in Advance: If you are visiting a theme park, going to a concert at Etihad Arena, or participating in UFC Fight Night, making reservations will help you to avoid lengthy queues and frequently provide discounts.
- Prepare for the Heat: Always carry a sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Don’t forget to drink water regularly. Even if you stay in the shade, you are not fully protected from heatstroke. During hot hours, alternate between outdoor activities and breaks inside air-conditioned spaces.
For a more flexible plan, check out our article and find the best time to visit Dubai.
