Need holiday ideas in Abu Dhabi? From its grand mosques, dazzling buildings, and magnificent deserts, the UAE’s capital city has heaps of fantastic places you can visit. But, if you’re looking for one spot to spend your whole day, head over to Yas Island, where incredible attractions await you!
Did you know that Yas Island is a man-made island? Yes, this vacation paradise was developed in 2006 and has since grown to be Abu Dhabi’s most-visited spot. Yas Island is named after the tribe that resides in the region, and while it may be small, it sure packs a punch above its weight when it comes to the attractions it offers.
Keen to know what to expect in Yas Island before you head over? Read through our guide to the most epic things to do while you’re here!
What’s on Yas Island?
Ferrari World
Feel what it’s like to live in the fast lane when you visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island! Step into the world of Formula 1 and racing at the region’s leading theme park. Here, excitement knows no bounds—it’s the largest space frame structure ever built for an amusement park (with an area enough to fit seven football fields!).
You’ll have the chance to practice your F1 car driving skills on a challenging race course and watch how a Ferrari GT is made with an in-depth tour of the Ferrari factory. Seeking more thrills? Line up on Ferrari World’s heart-racing and record-breaking roller coasters and rides like the Flying Aces and Formula Rossa!
Warner Bros. World
Where can you find Batman, Superman, the Flintstones, and the Looney Tunes squad? At Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi! This fantastic theme park on Yas Island is every film buff’s dreamland with six vibrant zones—all dedicated to movie characters by Warner Bros. World.
Travel back to fun-filled prehistoric times in Bedrock with the Flintstones, or find Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner racing through Dynamite Gulch! You can join another chasing duo, Tom and Jerry, at Cartoon JunctionChase down Tom and Jerry or prep to save the world with the legendary superheroes of the DC Universe in Metropolis and Gotham. There’s much to do for an unforgettable day at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi!
Yas WaterWorld
Fun is on the agenda right here at Yas Island! If you’re coming with the kids, visit Yas WaterWorld and have a blast sliding through water rides and attractions. This Abu Dhabi theme park is home to 45 slides, rides, and attractions—enough to keep you splashing the entire day.
Spanning 15 football pitches, Yas WaterWorld is more than just a collection of water slides. It also has thriller rides like the 550-meter long The Bandit Bomber and the scream-inducing Jebel Drop. The toddlers can have major fun at Tot's Playground that comes with an infant pool—perfect if your little kids love to stay active.
How can I get there?
Can't wait to try all the fun on Yas Island? This leisure destination is just a 30-minute drive from the city and a 15-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Here are some of the many ways to reach Yas Island:
By car: Book a car rental right here on Klook, and get to and around the island minus the hassle! If you're coming from Dubai, drive on the Sheik Zayed Road/E11 to Abu Dhabi. You can exit from Al Falah Road/Shahama Abu Dhabi and continue on Sheik Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Highway/E12 until you reach Yas Island.
By bus: Going by bus is also one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get to the island. The 102 route from Abu Dhabi will bring you straight to the center of Yas Island. From Dubai, ride a bus at the Dubai Al Ghubaiba Bus Station heading for the Abu Dhabi Bus Station, then hop on the 102 Route to the island.
By boat: Level up your holiday game by cruising to Yas Island! Explore the Emirati capital with Jalboot's fleet of luxury ferries.
Join a tour: Alternatively, you can join an Abu Dhabi city tour to see the most popular sightseeing spots in the city. It's basically hitting two birds with one stone—you get to visit Yas Island and explore Abu Dhabi at the same time!
How long would it take to cover Yas Island?
It’s a one-stop destination, so a day could be enough to explore the whole of Yas Island! But, if you wanna dedicate a day (or at least half a day) to enjoy each attraction and theme park, we recommend you spend at least three days.
Other things to do in Yas Island Abu Dhabi
F1 fans, rejoice! Get the chance to drive, drag, and drift at Yas Marina Circuit, one of the most advanced Formula 1 tracks in the world. This 5.281-kilometer circuit is the venue for the annual Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Looking for a place to chill out at Yas Island? Take a leisurely stroll at Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi's largest shopping center, or at Yas Marina, where you're welcomed by an array of acclaimed restaurants.
Another thing to look forward to in Yas Island is SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. It's said to bring the next generation of marine theme parks. It will have six unique realms that will offer immersive experiences to its guests! Better watch out for more news about this unimaginable attraction!
A hop away from Yas Island…
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Venture further from Yas Island to reach the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Soak in the art and culture with astonishing artworks and artifacts loaned by the Louvre Paris, such as the iconic works of Leonardo da Vinci, Claude Monet, Giovanni Bellini, Jackson Pollock, Jacques-Louis David, and many more world-renowned artists!
The paintings are not the only art to watch out for. The museum's architecture holds its own artistic charm, thanks to the honeycomb-style "floating" dome. This dazzling display is called the "rain of light," from the sunlight that perforates through the stars in the ceiling!