Do you want to go to a place where you can shake off all your boredom and feel on top of the world? Well, the Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is one such place. This island is a very happening place and also full of a plethora of attractions. That’s the reason why it is one of the most favourite spots for the travellers and tourists from all parts of the world.
Here is a place that is totally family friendly where you can enjoy having a picnic and also get involved in the adrenaline rushing activities.
History
The Yas Island existed as a small unknown island, near the shores of Abu Dhabi, just 20 minutes away and 50 minutes from Dubai. Gradually it was developed into a popular holiday spot and a leisure and entertainment hub in Abu Dhabi. The island earned its name from the Bani Yas Tribe, of Najdi origin in the UAE. It now houses over twenty-five hotels, fifty restaurants and there are many popular attractions on Yas Island.
Things to do at Yas Island
So, if you are looking to have real fun and entertainment on a holiday like family friendly activities like picnics, water-based adventures and rides giving you a lot of adrenaline rush, Yas Island is the best place to retire to. Here is an account of the places to look forward to for a plethora of fun activities.
1. Ferrari World
- The Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi is a great place for people who love racing and speed.
- This is a theme park that has the branding of Ferrari.
- It has over twenty attractions and rides.
- Formula Rossa is the world’s fastest roller coaster.
- The park has many themed zones and each zone is designed for the Ferrari brand.
- There are many enthralling rides and attractions in each of the themed zone.
- Kids can also have fun here at the Kids’ World.
2. Yas Marina Circuit
- This is a racetrack that also hosts the Grand Prix at Abu Dhabi held in November.
- Other racing events are also held here.
- Tourists who are into the car racing can have one whale of time here.
3. Yas Mall
- The largest shopping mall in Abu Dhabi is Yas Mall.
- It houses 400 stores that sell luxury brands and local boutiques.
- You may play online games, watch a movie or spend a gala time at the ice-skating rink.
4. Yas Waterworld
- The Yas Waterworld is a water park with many types of rides.
- You can go for the forty great rides, rides that are family friendly and also lazy river rides.
- Lots of events and shows take place here.
- You may take rest in the cabanas if you like to. The cabanas hold four to six people.
- They offer VIP services and also a special menu at the cabanas.
5. Yas Beach
- Like at all other beaches, you can relax here.
- You may swim, try out water sports like snorkelling, sailing, kayaking, sunbathing and so on.
- Beach sports like football or volleyball is also played.
- You may also read a book, sipping a drink or prefer to stare and ruminate looking at the blue water.
6. Yas Qaryat Al Beri
- This is an Arabian village where visitors can experience the traditional life and culture.
- You can pay a visit to the tents known as Khyama, Arabian Souq, restaurants.
- You may buy handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs.
- You may get to watch the traditional performances.
You can also do the following things while you are at Yas Island
- Take a tour of Yas Island, boat tours, helicopter tours and bus tours.
- Go shopping to the Yas Mall or the community market to buy clothes, souvenirs and electronics.
- Go for a game of golf at Yas Links.
- Go for a bike ride or for walking on the many biking trails and the walking tracks.
- Watch a show, events and performances that are held here that includes plays, concerts and musicals.
- Go for a picnic at the many picnic spots on Yas Island.
Location
Yas Island that houses great entertainment zones like the Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld is located at a distance of 20 minutes’ drive from Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai. It is on the eastern sides of the Abu Dhabi City. From Abu Dhabi International Airport, you can take the E11 road to reach the island.
How to reach Yas Island?
- Bus 190 takes you from Abu Dhabi city to Yas Island. This will take you less than an hour. You can take a taxi or a personal vehicle to Yas Island taking the E10, which is also Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street.
- Bus 106 will take you to Yas Island from Dubai and you can reach the place in 2 hours. You may take E11 or Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai. From here you continue driving to Abu Dhabi and then take the exit from Al Falah Road and drive on E12, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Highway. Finally, you reach Yas Island.
- You may reach the Abu Dhabi International Airport from Yas Island by a taxi and reach the airport in about 15 minutes.
Things to know before you go to Yas Island
- Yas Island is a tourists’ paradise and there is no dearth of hotels here. The Park Inn by Radisson and Centro in Yas Island are among the many exotic hotels here and the service is top notch at the hotels.
- Yas Island also has the most outstanding restaurants too.
- Yas Mall, the biggest shopping mall at Abu Dhabi is located on the Yas Island.
- Etihad Park is the biggest outdoor location with a capacity of over 40000 people. There is Du Forum too which can hold around 4500 guests.
- You may watch fireworks on Eid Al Fitr on the Yas Island Waterfront.
- The new projects coming up on the Yas Island are The Waterfront, The Residences, twofour54 and some more promising ones.
- Yas Island has some great schools for children like the Sabis International School, West Yas Academy and others.
- IKEA Abu Dhabi, a new store that has come up in Yas Island is open from 10 am to 10 pm from Saturday to Wednesday and 10 am to 12 am on Thursdays and Fridays.
Conclusion
Yas Island is a wonderful destination for tourists who are looking for fun and entertainment throughout the holiday. It is easy to reach both from Dubai and from Abu Dhabi by public or private vehicles. It promises a plethora of rides, activities, places for picnics, beach fun and also shopping experiences for all. There is some activity or the other for everyone on this island, from activity sports to just lazing around and relaxing on the beach. It is an easy going, fun filled place where visitors would love to keep going back over and over again.
