Yas Island Abu Dhabi

Yas Island Abu Dhabi is a top-rated entertainment destination, as it houses so many iconic attractions and world-class experiences. The island experiences ideal weather throughout the year, making it a perfect year-round destination. Yas Island is just a 30-minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi, making it very accessible for visitors. It’s also close to two of the city’s must-visit landmarks—Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi—making it an ideal base for exploring the capital. From thrilling theme parks and championship golf courses to beautiful beaches and luxury shopping, Yas Island truly has something for everyone.

Here is a guide on why Yas Island is one of the  must-visit places in Abu Dhabi:

1- Warner Bros World

Warner Bros. World is often described as the Middle East’s answer to Disneyland. As one of the top Yas Island attractions, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi is a 1.65-million-square-foot indoor theme park featuring over 30 rides and immersive experiences. Visitors can soar through Gotham on the thrilling Batman Knight Flight, or enjoy family-friendly adventures like the Flintstones Bedrock River Adventure and Tom and Jerry Swiss Cheese Spin. The fully climate-controlled park is divided into six magnificent lands: DC’s Metropolis and Gotham City, Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, and Dynamite Gulch—each bringing beloved Warner Bros characters to life.

2- Yas Marina

Yas Marina Abu Dhabi offers a lively yet family-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for dining and nightlife entertainment. The marina features nine restaurants and lounges, with options ranging from Mediterranean seafood to vibrant Asian fusion. Waterside venues offer breathtaking views of the iconic W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island hotel and the renowned Formula 1 race track. Beyond dining, the marina is also a hub for yacht charters, sunset cruises, and seasonal waterfront events, making it one of the most scenic places in Yas Island.

3- Yas Marina Circuit

Marina Circuit offers a life-time chance for visitors to be at the driver’s seat in one of the most impressive race cars. The entertainment destination will get the guests through ‘Driver Experiences’, ‘Passenger Experiences’, ‘Private Driving Tuition’ programmes and ‘Racing License Courses’. Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, a five star iconic hotel, lies at the Circuit’s centrepiece.

4- Ferarri World

Ferrari World is the first theme park and the largest attraction of its kind. The park tells the Ferrari story passionately through more than 20 educational rides and attractions, interactive shopping, and authentic Italian dining experiences. The park houses the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa. Ferrari World offers fast and furious fun for all ages. Visitors can engage in a variety of activities. 

5- Yas Waterworld

Yas Waterworld is a water park that features 15 football pitches, 43 rides, slides, and attractions. The park offers its visitors a shot of adrenaline rush with a 238 metre long six-person tornado water-slide. It is the first and largest hydro-magnetic-powered tornado water slide. The park features three-metre high waves on Bubble’s Barrel, having the world’s largest surfable sheet wave for flowboards and bodyboards. There is also Bandit Bomber, a 550–meter coaster; it is the first with onboard water and laser effects. 

6- Yas Links

Yas Links is situated on the west shore of Yas Island. It is an award-winning golf course designed by Kyle Phillips, one of the world's leading golf course architects. Yas Links features a 7450-yard par 72 course. It was voted among the Top 10 New International Golf Courses by Golf Magazine. Recently, it was also voted as one of the world’s top 25 by US Magazine, Golf Digest.

7- Yas Beach

Set on the southern shore, Yas Beach is the island’s stretch of beach. It is an awesome spot to relax and enjoy the sun, the sea, with good food and drinks. The beach is open daily from 10 am - 7 pm. As for the fees, children under 8 enter for free, and Saturday is half price for ladies. Guests who stay at Yas Plaza hotels have complimentary beach access on their room card or hotel voucher.  

8- Yas Mall 

Yas Mall is located at the centre of the Island, providing a good spot of connection for all the attractions on the island. The mall has the biggest shopping centre in Abu Dhabi and the second largest in the UAE. The mall has 400 of the top fashion and food brands, a 20-screen cinema, and a large entertainment zone. 

9- Variety of Accommodation

The Island has a variety of accommodation, from affordable three-star to five-star luxury. It has a range of well-known hotels, catering for all kinds of travellers and locals. The hotels in the island have award-winning restaurants and bars, which serve multitude of cuisines including authentic Emirati food.

How to Get to Yas Island

Yas Island is conveniently located just 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, making it one of the most accessible destinations in the UAE. Whether you're arriving from within Abu Dhabi or traveling from Dubai, getting to Yas Island is quick and easy.

From Abu Dhabi

By Taxi: Taxis are widely available at the airport and in the city. A ride to Yas Island from downtown Abu Dhabi takes around 30 minutes and costs approximately AED 60–80.

By Car: If you're renting a car, Yas Island is a short and scenic drive via Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Highway (E12).

By Public Bus: The 190 bus route connects central Abu Dhabi to Yas Island with frequent stops at major attractions like Yas Mall and Yas Waterworld.

 From Dubai

By Car: Yas Island is about 1 hour from Downtown Dubai via Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and then E10 or E12 highways.

By Taxi or Ride-Sharing (Careem/Uber): Expect a one-way fare of around AED 250–300.

By Shuttle Service: Some hotels and attractions on Yas Island offer complimentary or paid shuttle buses from Dubai (especially for ticket holders).

Parking on Yas Island

Free and paid parking options are available across Yas Island, including dedicated lots at Yas Mall, Warner Bros World, and Ferrari World.

When to Visit Yas Island

The best time to visit Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, is during the cooler months from October to April, when temperatures are pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. During this season, you can enjoy everything from water parks and beach days to motorsport events and concerts without the intense summer heat.

 Best Season Highlights

October – April: Perfect weather for theme parks, beach outings, and alfresco dining.

November: Don’t miss the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit—one of the island’s biggest annual events.

Winter Months: Many concerts, cultural festivals, and family-friendly events take place across venues like Etihad Arena and Yas Bay Waterfront.

Weekday vs. Weekend Tips

Weekdays (Sunday–Thursday): Great for relaxed visits with shorter lines at theme parks and quieter beaches.

Weekends (Friday–Saturday): Expect larger crowds, especially at Ferrari World, Yas Mall, and Warner Bros World. Arrive early if visiting during peak times.