There are many places to visit in Abu Dhabi. There are theme parks, beaches, zoos, museums, cultural and heritage sites, libraries, malls, restaurants, and spas. It has everything you can think of visiting on your vacation. It even offers destinations you won’t usually think of, like the 650,000-square-kilometre sand desert of Rub’ al Khali (a.k.a. Empty Quarter).
Among the many destinations in Abu Dhabi, there is one place you must make time to visit. It’s Yas Island Abu Dhabi.
About Yas Island
Yas Island is an island leisure destination in the northeastern part of the emirate and east of the city downtown. You probably already heard of it. It’s famous for having three world-class theme parks: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, but that’s not all there is to it.
The island is a hub for adventure, relaxation and recreation. You can stay on the island for the entire duration of your Abu Dhabi visit and never feel like you’re missing out on anything.
Are you visiting Abu Dhabi? Make your way to Yas Island. Aside from the theme parks, the following attractions are definitely worth your time.
Lifestyle Attractions on Yas Island
If you’re in Abu Dhabi to take a breather, here are some lifestyle destinations on Yas Island.
1. Yas Mall: The Biggest Mall in Abu Dhabi
Even if you’re not big on shopping, you will enjoy Yas Mall, the largest mall in Abu Dhabi and the second biggest in the United Arab Emirates.
The Yas Mall complex sits on 2,500,000 square feet of space, home to hundreds of international brands and more than 60 food and beverage outlets. You can probably pass the whole day touring the shops, sampling all the food, and enjoying the entertainment (including a state-of-the-art Vox Cinema) available under its roof.
2. Yas Links: A True Links Golf Course
Exciting news for golf fans! Yas Links is a true links course.
For the uninitiated, the term ‘links’ comes from the Old English word ‘hlincas,’ which means ridge or rising ground. A true links course is a sandy, hilly golf course on the coast.
Yas Links is located in a beautiful spot along the water and provides scenic views of the Arabian Gulf. It has an 18-hole championship course, designed by none other than Kyle Phillips himself, and it is suitable for professional golfers and experienced players. Meanwhile, the 9-hole par-3 course is excellent for those who simply love the sport or are practising for the more challenging course.
3. Etihad Arena: The Largest Indoor Arena in the Middle East
Etihad Arena is the largest mixed-use, indoor entertainment arena in the Middle East. Fully airconditioned, the stadium can host a variety of events and functions.
Visit it to watch a concert or stand-up comedy show, participate in a trade fair or enjoy an exhibit. The arena also hosts galas, conventions and even swim meets. It can accommodate events both big and small as this 18,000-capacity arena can be adjusted into various configurations according to requirements.
From the outside, Etihad Arena entices with its burnished gold, woven mesh exterior, which borrows its design from the baskets used by the Bedouin tribes. The arena also has notable sustainable design features.
For instance, the architect designed the arena’s shape and skin to counteract the effect of the desert heat. Transitional buffer zones and adjustable sunshades serve the same function. Meanwhile, the solar panels built into the façade take advantage of the year-long sunny weather to offset the indoor arena’s considerable energy consumption.
4. Etihad Park: The Largest Outdoor Venue in the Middle East
If Etihad Arena is the Middle East’s largest multi-purpose indoor arena, Etihad Park is the region’s largest outdoor venue. Depending on the season, this is the leading venue for major outdoor concerts in the UAE. Katy Perry, Sam Smith and Bruno Mars are just some of the biggest stars that have performed at Etihad Park.
You’ll find Etihad Park at the heart of the Yas Marina Circuit.
5. Yas Marina Circuit
This is a Formula 1® race course, home of the annual F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. If it’s not time for the races, you can still enjoy it through the host of experiences it offers.
You can drive, drag, drift, kart, and ride on the tracks competitively or for fun. Yas Marina Circuit has race cars you can rent if you don’t have your own vehicle and simply want to experience what it’s like to drive on an F1 race course.
6. Yas Bay: A World-Class Waterfront Destination
The Yas Bay Waterfront is a three-kilometre promenade along Al Raha Creek on the southern end of Yas Island, and this is the place to go for a waterfront stroll or some leisurely biking. During your walk, enjoy the installation arts and sculptures that litter the avenue and thereabouts, including Final Days (Kaws), Flower Parent and Child (Murakami), The Emerging Man, and the 4-piece Astrocat installations (CoolRainLabo).
On the waterfront are food and beverage outlets and some of Yas Bay’s leading attractions, including Etihad Arena, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, and the Café Del Mar Abu Dhabi beach club. Jutting from the promenade and over the water is the Pier 71 boardwalk, with its boat berths and some of Yas Bay’s best restaurants.
7. Yas Beach: The White Sand Beach Getaway
On the other side of Yas Bay, facing northwest on Yas Island’s southern tail and located beside Yas Links, is a stretch of white sand beach known as Yas Beach.
You can swim in the pool or sea or stay and tan on a lounge chair. If you’re hankering for something more active, you can rent a jet ski, a banana boat or a kayak. There are private chalets and cabanas for rent for those who desire a bit more privacy, and the seaside bar serves food and refreshments.
Tip: Yas Beach has an entrance fee. However, guests staying at certain hotels get free access to the beach.
Relax on Yas Island Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is a land of beauty and excitement. It is a place that has something to offer everyone, from the lovers of modern art and architecture to the students of art and history, from those who love excitement and adventure to those who prefer leisure and relaxation.
You will undoubtedly enjoy exploring Abu Dhabi. If you’re in the emirate to relax, stop by or stay on Yas Island.
