Let the fun begin! Best things to do on Yas Island
From top-tier malls and thrilling theme parks to scenic beaches and standout dining, Yas Island is Abu Dhabi’s leading leisure hub. Developed by Aldar Properties, it was designed as a vibrant, all-in-one destination. Whether it’s family time or a casual outing, there are plenty of things to do on Yas Island.
SHOPPING IN YAS ISLAND
YAS MALL
With over 370 outlets, Yas Mall is a dream destination for keen shoppers. Keep an eye out for the pair of 12-metre-tall sculptures, they’re impossible to overlook. For our shopaholics, you’ll find brands from high-end designer labels to flagship stores. Notable brands include DKNY, Adidas, Mothercare, Virgin Megastore and more.
You’ll also find several kids’ activities in Yas Island, from an edutainment centre to an indoor theme park with adventure rides and video games.
Yas Mall restaurants feature an impressive array of choices for foodies. From fast-food joints to cafes and confectionery stores, you’ll find everything here.
Notable ones include Dickey’s Barbeque Pit and Al Fanar. To indulge your sweet tooth, head to Baskin-Robbins, Ben’s Cookies and Candylicious.
THEME PARKS IN YAS ISLAND
Anyone who has been to the island knows that the most popular Yas Island attractions are not the shopping avenues but the popular theme parks.
Let’s explore these Yas Island entertainment options in detail!
YAS WATERWORLD
A great spot to spend summers in the emirate, Yas Waterworld is why most people visit the island in the first place. Based on the UAE-themed “Legend of the Lost Pearl”, this waterpark features more than 40 rides, attractions, slides and an assortment of dining options.
Some notable rides here include the Jebel Drop, Rush Rider and Falcon Falaj.
- Tickets: AED 295 for single day ticket
- Timings: 10:00 am – 06:00 pm (Timings are subject to change, please check the official website before visiting)
- Contact: +971-2-496-8000 | 600-511115
SEAWORLD ABU DHABI
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is a next-generation marine life theme park. Spread across multiple indoor levels, it features eight immersive realms, bringing ocean ecosystems to life through themed environments and animal encounters.
The park offers a mix of experiences, from interactive exhibits to live shows and a handful of rides, though the focus leans more towards marine life than thrill attractions. It is home to over 150 species and one of the world’s largest multi-species aquariums, making it as much an educational space as a leisure destination.
- Tickets: AED 375 for single day ticket
- Timings: 10:00 am – 06:00 pm (Timings are subject to change, please check the official website before visiting)
- Contact: +971-2-496-8000 | 600-511115
FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI
A trip to Yas Island isn’t complete without visiting Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. The theme park features over 40 attractions from the famed Italian carmaker. A definite option for adventure activities in Yas Island, this theme park is all about motorsports and cars.
- Tickets: AED 345 for single day ticket
- Timings: 10:00 am – 06:00 pm (Timings are subject to change, please check the official website before visiting)
- Contact: +971-2-496-8000 | 600-511115
WARNER BROS. ABU DHABI
Next on our list of notable Yas Island tourist attractions is Warner Bros. World. The theme park is categorised into six themed experiences. These experiences feature rides that relate to a particular world from the television brand.
A visit here brings favourite cartoons and TV shows to life, making it well worth the ticket, especially for families. Kids can spot beloved characters like Tweety, Wile E. Coyote and Batman and even capture the moment with on-site photographers.
- Tickets: AED 345 for single day ticket
- Timings: 11:00 am – 07:00 pm (Timings are subject to change, please check the official website before visiting)
- Contact: +971-2-496-8000 | 600-511115
LEISURE ATTRACTIONS AT YAS ISLAND
Apart from popular theme parks in Abu Dhabi, there are other leisure activities on Yas Island that you can take part in.
YAS BAY
A trip to the island will be incomplete without dropping by Yas Bay. The development includes a floating beach club, hotels, a cinema and over a dozen dining options.
- Contact: +971-800-927-229 (800-YASBAY)
YAS MARINA CIRCUIT
Famous for hosting the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a visit to the Yas Marina Circuit shouldn’t be missed. It also features the longest F1 racetrack in the world.
Visitors can experience the thrill of driving high-performance race cars, including Formula 3000-style vehicles, or enjoy a professional high-speed lap from the passenger seat. The circuit offers a range of activities such as driving, drifting, karting and guided tours, giving motorsport fans plenty of adrenaline-filled experiences.
- Timings: Daily, 09:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Contact: 800 YAS (927) | +971-2-497-9000
CLYMB ABU DHABI
From rock climbing to indoor sky diving, if you’re looking for thrilling things to do in Yas Island, CLYMB Abu Dhabi is where you should be! This is where newbies can learn to rock climb or train for an incredible indoor skydiving experience. Pros can take on The Summyt and walls with varying heights to test their skills.
- Tickets:
- From AED 235 for indoor skydiving
- From AED 120 for climbing experience
- Timings: 12:00 pm – 09:00 pm (Timings are subject to change, please check the official website before visiting)
- Contact: 600-511-115
YAS LINKS
Head to the Yas Links Golf Club for a more relaxing way to spend your time on Yas Island. Considered one of the top golf courses in the UAE, this place gives professional and amateur golfers the chance to play the sport while enjoying scenic views of the Arabian Gulf coastline. Couple this with a spectacular dining experience and get ready for a day well spent. Improve your game with help from professional trainers and state-of-the-art technologies, available in different pricing packages.
For more information on booking golf games and membership requirements, refer to the following.
- Contact: +971-2-885-3555
ETIHAD ARENA
Anyone who is a fan of live music concerts and other entertaining events must know Etihad Arena. Capable of accommodating about 35,000 people, Etihad Arena has seen live performances from popular musical talents, from Metallica to Madonna and Justin Timberlake.
Aside from hosting live rock and pop concerts, the open-air venue is also popular for corporate functions, gala dinners, charity balls and destination weddings.
- Contact: +971-2-496-8000
YAS BEACH
One of the best things to do on Yas Island is visiting Yas Beach, where crystal-clear waters, soft white sands and mangroves create a relaxed seaside escape. It’s ideal for families, watersport lovers and kids looking for a fun day outdoors.
Visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking through mangroves, snorkelling and sailing, along with volleyball and an outdoor gym. For a more laid-back experience, private beachfront chalets are also available for an overnight stay by the water.
- Timings: Monday to Sunday 10:00 am – 07:00 pm
- Contact: +971-56-242-0435 | +971-2-565-1100
DINING AT YAS ISLAND
Yas Island isn’t just famous for countless outdoor activities, shopping hotspots, live concert halls and watersports. Visitors also rave about the dining options available. Let’s take a look at the most popular eateries on Yas Island, arguably one of the best things to do on Yas Island!
LOCK, STOCK AND BARREL
Next up is one of the country’s most popular bars. The live music, electric atmosphere and delectable cuisine make it the place to hang out in Abu Dhabi. Lock, Stock and Barrel is especially rocking on big sporting events. Among the bars and restaurants in Yas Island, this one clearly stands out for its fan following.
- Average cost for two: AED 350
- Timing:
- Monday to Thursday, 04:00 pm – 01:00 am
- Friday, 12:00 pm – 03:00 am
- Saturday, 01:00 pm – 03:00 am
- Sunday, 12:00 pm 01:00 am
- Location: Yas Bay Waterfront
- Contact: +971-2-235-8659
STARS N BARS
If you enjoy watching sports with your favourite drink in hand, head to Stars’ N’ Bars. This award-winning American-style sports pub is a top spot for catching live games on its 76 HD screens. Sports fans can enjoy a wide range of food and drinks, from tacos to classic fish and chips, in a lively, sports-themed setting filled with memorabilia. It also offers arcade games, quiz nights and a scenic marina terrace, before transforming into a vibrant nightlife venue with DJs and live music.
- Average cost for two: AED 375
- Timings: Daily, 12:00 pm – 01:00 am
- Location: Yas Marina, Building 2, ground floor
- Contact: +971-2-565-0101
BRONTO BURGERS AND RIBS
Bronto Burgers at Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island Abu Dhabi is a Flintstones-inspired diner perfect for a Dino-sized appetite, serving hearty favourites like ribs, tomahawk steaks and its signature giant Bronto Burger. Guests can enjoy a fun prehistoric setting, even dining inside themed cars or snapping photos around the Bedrock-style décor. It’s a playful, family-friendly stop that delivers big flavours in a nostalgic caveman-inspired atmosphere.
- Average Cost for two: AED 150
- Timing: Daily, 11:00 am to 07:00 pm
- Location: Warner Bros. World
FAQs
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR AREAS TO RENT IN YAS ISLAND?
Yas Island has an array of properties for tenants; part of the reason why it’s one of the most high-profile addresses in Abu Dhabi. Some popular areas to rent apartments and villas in Yas Island are Water’s Edge, Mayan, Ansam, West Yas and Yas Acres.
HOW FAR IS YAS ISLAND FROM DUBAI?
Yas Island is approximately an hour away from Dubai by road.
WILL THERE BE ANOTHER THEME PARK ON YAS ISLAND?
Yes, Disneyland Abu Dhabi is expected to open on Yas Island somewhere between 2030 and 2033.
That’s a wrap of our review of things to do on Yas Island. Of course, if you plan to make this place your home, consider the pros and cons of living on Yas Island first.
Did you know Yas Island was also home to Fontana Circus, the first-ever travelling water circus in the Middle East? Read our guide to know everything from Fontana circus tickets to timings.
Residents of the UAE are lucky to find enjoyable and engaging activities across the country. For example, Dubai’s extreme activities are widely popular, and people travel from all over the country to enjoy the challenges.
Keep following MyBayut to remain updated on the latest happenings occurring across the country!
