Top things to do in Yas Island

Plan your visit to Yas Island

Aerial view of Ferrari World on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, surrounded by water and desert landscape.

Yas Island does not follow a single opening schedule. Timings vary by attraction and area.

  • Theme parks (Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, SeaWorld):
    Usually open from 10 am to 6 pm, with extended hours on weekends, holidays, and peak seasons.
  • Yas Marina Circuit experiences:
    Operate on fixed time slots for tours, driving experiences, and track walks. Schedules vary by day.
  • Yas Mall:
    Typically open from 10 am to 10 pm on weekdays and later on weekends.
  • Yas Bay Waterfront & Yas Marina:
    Restaurants and promenades are active from late afternoon until late evening.
  • Free outdoor areas (promenades, marina walks):
    Open throughout the day; best enjoyed early morning or after sunset.

Best time to visit:
Weekday mornings are quieter. Evenings are ideal for dining and waterfront areas.

Yellow taxi sign on a car roof in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Yas Island is located 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and about 30 minutes from central Abu Dhabi. Find on maps.

  • By taxi or ride-hailing:
    The most convenient option for visitors. Taxis are regulated and widely available.
  • From Dubai:
    Around 60–75 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
  • Public transport:
    Buses connect Yas Island to Abu Dhabi city, but most visitors rely on taxis or hotel shuttles.

Clear road signage makes Yas Island easy to navigate once you arrive.

Transfer cars parked at Subang Airport lot.

Parking is widely available across Yas Island and generally free.

  • Theme parks & Yas Mall:
    Large, well-marked parking structures with designated areas for each attraction.
  • Yas Marina & Yas Bay Waterfront:
    On-site and nearby parking lots, with event-day traffic management.
  • Hotels & resorts:
    Dedicated guest parking, usually included with stays.

Tip: On event days (concerts, F1 week), arrive earlier and follow digital signboards for parking directions.

Shuttle buses at Istanbul Airport terminal with passengers boarding.
  • Yas Island is spread across multiple zones, so most visitors combine transport options.
  • Yas Express shuttle:
    A free shuttle connecting theme parks, Yas Mall, Yas Marina, and Yas Bay Waterfront.

Travel times between zones are usually 5–10 minutes by vehicle.

  • Taxis & ride-hailing:
    Best for evenings, dining plans, or when shuttles are less frequent.
  • Walking:
    Comfortable within individual areas (Yas Bay, Yas Marina), but not practical between zones.
Wheelchair access sign indicating barrier-free entry.

Yas Island is designed with accessibility and families in mind.

  • Accessibility:
    • Wheelchair- and stroller-friendly attractions
    • Elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms across parks, malls, and hotels
    • Priority access services available at major attractions
  • Families:
    • Baby-changing facilities and family restrooms
    • Locker rentals and stroller parking at theme parks
    • Indoor attractions that work well during hot weather

Family services are clearly signposted across the island.

Top experiences within 15–20 minutes of Yas Island

Louvre Abu Dhabi

  • Explore a global art museum set beneath a vast dome, featuring galleries that span ancient civilizations to modern works.
  • Best for: Art lovers, culture seekers, architecture enthusiasts

Explore Louvre Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

  • Visit one of the world’s largest mosques, known for its white marble architecture, reflective pools, and intricate craftsmanship.
  • Best for: First-time visitors, architecture lovers, photographers

Explore Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace)

  • Walk through a working presidential palace showcasing Arabian architecture, governance exhibits, and grand ceremonial halls.
  • Best for: History enthusiasts, cultural travelers

Explore Qasr Al Watan

Corniche Beach & Waterfront

  • Relax along a long, landscaped waterfront with beaches, cycling paths, and skyline views across Abu Dhabi’s coastline.
  • Best for: Families, outdoor walks, casual beach time

Saadiyat Beach & Cultural District

  • Combine open public beaches with nearby museums and cultural spaces in Abu Dhabi’s arts-focused island district.
  • Best for: Beachgoers, slow-paced days, art lovers.

Explore Saadiyat Island

TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi (Saadiyat Island)

  • Experience large-scale digital installations that respond to movement, light, and sound inside an immersive art space.
  • Best for: Adults, teens, immersive art fans

Explore TeamLab Phenomena

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yas Island is a purpose-built leisure island located about 30 km east of central Abu Dhabi, close to Abu Dhabi International Airport and roughly 1 hour from Dubai by road. Unlike compact downtown districts, Yas Island is organized into distinct zones, each focused on a different type of experience like theme parks, dining, shopping, beaches, and motorsport.

📍 Where it is

  • Yas Island sits just off the mainland, connected by bridges and highways. It’s bordered by Al Raha Beach and Saadiyat Island, making it easy to combine with other Abu Dhabi highlights in the same trip. Find on maps.

Explore all experiences across Yas Island

Explore all major attractions, dining hubs, shopping areas, and beaches across Yas Island. The map highlights how experiences are grouped into zones and how easy it is to move between them by shuttle or taxi.

Book Yas Marina Circuit experiences – Formula 1 track tours and driving sessions

Explore the Formula 1 circuit through guided tours, track walks, or supervised driving experiences that give access to pit lanes, race control areas, and key circuit sections.
Best for: Formula 1 fans, driving enthusiasts, unique experiences

Guided Venue Tour of Yas Marina Circuit

Walk through key areas of the Formula 1 circuit on a guided tour, including pit lanes, race control zones, and grandstand viewpoints, with insights into how race days operate.
Best for: First-time visitors, Formula 1 fans, sightseeing

Formula Yas 3000 – Drive at Yas Marina Circuit

Take the wheel of a single-seater race car and drive multiple laps on the Yas Marina Circuit after a safety briefing and professional instruction.
Best for: Driving enthusiasts, motorsport fans

Aston Martin GT4 – Drive or Ride at Yas Marina Circuit

Choose between driving an Aston Martin GT4 race car or riding as a passenger with a professional driver on the Formula 1 circuit.
Best for: Supercar fans, high-speed track experiences

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Passenger Experience

Ride shotgun in a high-performance Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio as a professional driver completes fast-paced laps around the circuit.
Best for: First-timers, thrill-seekers without driving requirements

Ferrari World tickets & experiences – theme park entry, driving add-ons & combos

A glass-floored walkway with open-air views of Downtown Dubai and Sheikh Zayed Road. Includes the Sky Glass Slide and Edge Walk.
Best for: Evening city views and light thrill experiences

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Tickets with Free Shuttle

Get access to all rides and attractions inside Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, with a complimentary shuttle service from selected locations for easier travel planning.
Best for: Families, first-time visitors, full-day theme park visits

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Driving Experiences with Free Photos & Videos

Take part in supervised driving or passenger experiences in Ferrari vehicles, with complimentary photos and videos included as part of the experience.
Best for: Driving enthusiasts, motorsport fans, unique add-ons

From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Full-Day City Tour with Ferrari World

Combine a guided Abu Dhabi city tour with a visit to Ferrari World, covering major landmarks before spending time at the theme park.
Best for: Visitors staying in Dubai, first-time Abu Dhabi visitors

Combo: Ferrari World + Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi Tickets

Visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi along with the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi using a single combo ticket, ideal for mixing entertainment with educational exhibits.
Best for: Families, multi-attraction visitors, value seekers

Multi-Park Hopper Pass – visit multiple Yas Island theme parks

Access more than one Yas Island theme park with a single pass. Ideal for visitors planning multiple park days who want flexibility without booking separate tickets.

Hippopotamus at Emirates Park Zoo and aerial view of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

Theme park tickets on Yas Island

Yas Island is home to multiple large-scale theme parks, each offering a distinct experience. From water rides and indoor character-led attractions to marine life exhibits, these parks can be visited independently or combined across multiple days depending on your interests and pace.

Yas Waterworld Tickets with Free Shuttle

Access a full-scale water park featuring water slides, raft rides, wave pools, and family-friendly splash areas, with a complimentary shuttle service from selected locations.
Best for: Families, groups, hot-weather visits

Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi Tickets with Free Shuttle Service

Visit an indoor theme park divided into immersive zones based on Warner Bros. and DC characters, with rides, shows, and interactive attractions in a climate-controlled setting.
Best for: Families, younger kids, all-weather visits

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Tickets

Explore a marine life park featuring large aquariums, animal habitats, educational exhibits, and themed rides focused on ocean ecosystems and conservation.
Best for: Families, animal lovers, educational visits

Free & open-access experiences on Yas Island

Not everything on Yas Island requires a ticket. These areas are free to enter and work well as add-ons between theme parks, dining plans, or evening activities.

Yas Bay Waterfront

  • A waterfront district with open walkways, public seating, and skyline views around Etihad Arena.
  • Distance from Yas Island attractions: 5–10 min by car from theme parks
  • Best for: Evening walks, casual dining, events atmosphere.
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Visit after sunset for cooler temperatures; weekends are busier, especially on event nights.

Yas Marina waterfront walk

  • A marina-side promenade overlooking yachts and the Formula 1 circuit surroundings, with cafés and open seating areas.
  • Distance from Yas Island attractions: Within Yas Island, near Yas Marina Circuit
  • Best for: Sunset strolls, relaxed evenings, photography
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Quieter on non-race days; combine with dinner nearby for a slower-paced evening.

Yas Marina Circuit Track Walk & Run (select days)

  • Access parts of the Formula 1 circuit on foot during scheduled community walk and run sessions.
  • Distance from Yas Island attractions: Adjacent to Yas Marina Circuit
  • Best for: Fitness enthusiasts, unique F1 experiences
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Check weekly schedules in advance; typically held in the evenings.

Yas Mall public areas

  • Explore the mall’s public spaces, indoor walkways, and seasonal displays without entering paid attractions.
  • Distance from Yas Island attractions: Central Yas Island
  • Best for: Air-conditioned breaks, casual browsing
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Weekday mornings are less crowded; evenings are busier.

Yas Beach (public access zones)

  • Open beach areas with walking paths and sea views along the Yas coastline.
  • Distance from Yas Island attractions: 10–15 min by car
  • Best for: Beach walks, relaxation, photography
  • Cost: Free (paid beach clubs operate separately)
  • Tip: Early mornings and late afternoons are the most comfortable times to visit.

How much time should you spend on Yas Island?

  • Half day (3–5 hrs): Best for one focused experience, such as Yas Marina Circuit or a single theme park visit.
  • 1 full day: Ideal for one major theme park plus shopping at Yas Mall or dinner at Yas Bay Waterfront.
  • 2 days: A comfortable pace to visit two theme parks, explore free waterfront areas, and enjoy evening dining or events.
  • 3 days or more: Recommended for families or park-hopping travelers who want to visit three or more parks, add beach time, and avoid rushing.

Yas Island Itineraries

Family enjoying a speedboat ride on the ocean near a coastal landscape.

Balance rides, indoor comfort, and easy movement

  • Start at: Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi 🎟️ (4–5 hrs); fully indoor, rides suited to younger kids.
  • Best time: Morning to early afternoon, when energy levels are high.
  • Then move to: Yas Mall 🆓  (1–1.5 hrs); lunch, rest, and indoor downtime.
  • Optional add-on: Yas Bay Waterfront stroll 🆓 (45–60 mins).
  • Wrap with: Early dinner near Yas Bay; head back before late-night crowds.
Couple admiring Leopoldskron Palace across the lake in Salzburg, Austria.

One highlight experience + relaxed evening

  • Start at: SeaWorld Abu Dhabi 🎟️ (3–4 hrs); slower-paced exploration with indoor exhibits.
  • Best time: Late morning start for an unhurried visit.
  • Then move to: Yas Marina promenade 🆓 (30–45 mins); casual walk and photos.
  • Wrap with: Dinner at Yas Bay Waterfront 🆓 (1–2 hrs).
  • Tip: Evenings work best here; plan attractions earlier in the day.
Solo female traveler relaxing in a tent overlooking a scenic lake at sunset.

Efficient, flexible, and low-friction

  • Start at: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi  🎟️ (3–4 hrs); focus on headline rides and simulators.
  • Best time: Early entry to cover top rides first.
  • Then move to: Yas Mall (1 hr); quick meal and recharge.
  • Optional: Short walk at Yas Bay Waterfront (30 mins).
  • Wrap with: Head back early or add another attraction the next day.
Ferrari World roller coaster and Yas Waterworld surfing in Abu Dhabi.

Maximize high-intensity experiences

  • Start at: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi  🎟️ (4 hrs); prioritize roller coasters and simulators.
  • Best time: Rope drop or first available slot.
  • Then move to: Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi  🎟️ (3–4 hrs); focus on high-speed slides.
  • Wrap with: Casual dinner at Yas Mall or Yas Bay.
  • Tip: Split across two days if visiting on weekends to avoid fatigue.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi exterior and family entering National Aquarium entrance.

Experiences + atmosphere, not ride-heavy

  • Start at: SeaWorld Abu Dhabi (3–4 hrs); educational exhibits and themed zones.
  • Best time: Late morning for quieter galleries.
  • Then move to: Yas Marina Circuit area (30–45 mins); explore surroundings and architecture.
  • Wrap with: Evening walk and dinner at Yas Bay Waterfront.
  • Note: Pair with Saadiyat Island on another day for museums.
Visitors observing marine life through a large aquarium window at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.

Comfort, accessibility, and shorter blocks

  • Start at: SeaWorld Abu Dhabi (2.5–3 hrs); mostly flat paths and indoor spaces.
  • Best time: Morning, before peak crowds.
  • Then move to: Yas Mall (1–2 hrs); seating, cafés, and rest areas.
  • Wrap with: Short waterfront walk at Yas Bay (30 mins).
  • Tip: Use taxis or Yas Express to minimize walking between zones.
Backpacker with orange backpack hiking in mountainous landscape.

One paid experience + free add-ons

  • Start at: One theme park of choice (Ferrari World / Warner Bros. / SeaWorld).
  • Best time: Weekdays for better ticket availability.
  • Then move to: Yas Marina promenade (free; 45 mins).
  • Add: Yas Bay Waterfront walk (free; 30–60 mins).
  • Wrap with: Affordable dining at Yas Mall food courts.
  • Tip: Avoid park-hopping in one day; spread visits if staying longer.

Dining options on Yas Island

Yas Bay Waterfront

  • Yas Bay Waterfront is a Waterfront dining district next to Etihad Arena, with a mix of international restaurants, cafés, and lounges.
  • Best for: Dinner, nightlife, event nights
  • Price range: AED 60–350 per person
  • Tip: Busier on concert and weekend evenings.

Find on maps

Yas Marina

  • Marina-facing restaurants and cafés overlooking yachts and the F1 circuit surroundings.
  • Best for: Sunset meals, relaxed dinners
  • Price range: AED 80–400 per person
  • Tip: Quieter on non-race days.

Find on maps

Yas Mall (indoor dining)

  • Food courts and casual restaurants inside the mall, close to theme parks.
  • Best for: Quick meals, families, budget-friendly options
  • Price range: AED 40–200 per person
  • Tip: Ideal mid-day break during park visits.

Find on maps

Amar Restaurant

  • Contemporary Indian restaurant located within Yas Marina Circuit, offering refined regional dishes in a modern, relaxed setting overlooking the track area.
  • Best for: Dinner, relaxed evenings, dining after circuit or marina visits
  • Price range: AED 180–350 per person
  • Tip: Quieter on weekdays; evenings are livelier during race weekends or major events at the circuit.

Find on maps

Where to shop on Yas Island

Luxury labels

  • Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada — indulge in high-end fashion at Yas Mall’s Fashion Avenue.
  • Tip: Visit early to enjoy quieter shopping and personalized service.

Mid-range brands

  • Zara, H&M, Sephora, Nike, Pull&Bear — find trendy fashion and accessories across the Grand and Fashion Zones.
  • Tip: Ideal for quick wardrobe updates and international sizing.

Local & Boutique Finds

  • S Maison boutiques, Yas Bay Waterfront artisanal shops — discover unique souvenirs, local crafts, and designer collaborations.
  • Tip: Perfect for gifts and one-of-a-kind pieces.

Electronics & Gadgets

  • Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi — tech hubs at Yas Mall and Yas Marina.
  • Tip: Check for seasonal deals and warranty coverage.

Family & Kids

  • LEGO, Disney Store, Hamleys — everything for children’s fashion and toys.
  • Tip: Shop mid-morning to avoid crowds during weekends.

Hotels in Yas Island

All zones are connected by the Yas Express shuttle and taxis, so staying anywhere on Yas Island keeps travel times manageable.

Near Ferrari World & Yas Waterworld

  • What it’s like: Closest to the main theme parks, with quick access to rides and indoor attractions.
  • Best for: Families, first-time visitors, short stays
  • Typical price range: AED 600–1,200 per night

Why stay here:

  • Short transfers to Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld, and Yas Waterworld
  • Easy mornings and mid-day breaks during park visits
  • Well-connected by Yas Express shuttle Things to note: Evenings are quieter; plan dining at Yas Mall or Yas Bay.
  • What it’s like: A dining- and events-focused district next to Etihad Arena, with promenades and waterfront views.
  • Best for: Couples, nightlife seekers, event-goers
  • Typical price range: AED 800–1,500 per night

Why stay here:

  • Walkable access to restaurants, cafés, and live events
  • Good balance between daytime attractions and evening plans
  • Shuttle connections to theme parks during the day
  • Things to note: Busier on concert and weekend nights.

Circuit-facing area

  • What it’s like: Marina-side setting near the Formula 1 circuit, with open walkways and water views.
  • Best for: Formula 1 fans, travelers seeking quieter evenings
  • Typical price range: AED 900–1,700 per night

Why stay here:

  • Close to Yas Marina Circuit activities and promenade walks
  • Less crowded than Yas Bay on non-event days
  • Easy taxi and shuttle access to parks and mall
  • Things to note: Dining options are fewer than Yas Bay; plan ahead

Yas Beach side

  • What it’s like: Resort-style stays with beach access and pool-focused downtime.
  • Best for: Relaxation-focused trips, longer stays
  • Typical price range: AED 1,000–2,000+ per night

Why stay here:

  • Easy access to Yas Beach and resort amenities
  • Works well when combining theme parks with rest days
  • Quieter atmosphere compared to park zones
  • Things to note: Expect short shuttle or taxi rides to reach parks and dining hubs.

Discover more neighborhoods around Abu Dhabi

Saadiyat Island

  • Proximity: 🚗 15–20 min
  • What it’s known for: Abu Dhabi’s cultural district, home to museums, beaches, and upscale resorts.
  • Why visit: Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, relax on Saadiyat Beach, and explore architecture and nature in one area.
  • Best for: Art lovers, beachgoers, slower-paced days

Explore Saadiyat Island

Corniche Area

  • Proximity: 🚗 25–30 min
  • What it’s known for: A long waterfront promenade with beaches, parks, and skyline views.
  • Why visit: Ideal for cycling, beach walks, and seeing Abu Dhabi’s urban coastline.
  • Best for: Families, outdoor time, scenic strolls

Explore Corniche

Downtown Abu Dhabi

  • Proximity: 🚗 25–30 min
  • What it’s known for: The city’s commercial heart with heritage sites, souks, and local dining.
  • Why visit: Explore Qasr Al Hosn, local markets, and everyday Abu Dhabi life beyond resort areas.
  • Best for: Culture seekers, local experiences

Explore Downtown Abu Dhabi

Al Bateen

  • Proximity: 🚗 30 min
  • What it’s known for: Marina views, royal landmarks, and quieter residential charm.
  • Why visit: Visit Qasr Al Watan and enjoy calmer waterfront dining. Best for: Architecture lovers, relaxed sightseeing

Explore Al Bateen

Al Raha Beach

  • Proximity: 🚗 10–15 min
  • What it’s known for: Waterfront cafés, beach walks, and residential promenades near Yas Island.
  • Why visit: Easy add-on for a relaxed meal or sunset walk close to Yas.
  • Best for: Short outings, casual evenings

Explore Al Raha Beach

Get inspired for your Abu Dhabi visit

Abu Dhabi Travel Guide

  • What you’ll find: A practical overview of Abu Dhabi how the city is laid out, how to get around, cultural basics, and what to expect as a first-time visitor.
  • Best for: First-time visitors, short stays

Explore guide

Abu Dhabi itineraries (1–5 days)

  • What you’ll find: Ready-made itineraries that combine Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, the Corniche, and cultural landmarks with pacing suggestions for different trip lengths.
  • Best for: Planners, multi-day trips

View itineraries

Best time to visit Abu Dhabi

  • What you’ll find: A season-by-season breakdown covering weather, crowd levels, major events, and how indoor attractions like theme parks fit into summer travel.
  • Best for: Weather-conscious travelers

See seasonal guide

Culture & etiquette guide

  • What you’ll find: Simple guidance on dress codes, public behavior, mosque visits, and local customs. Focused on what travelers actually need to know.
  • Best for: International visitors

Learn more






First-time visitor tips for Abu Dhabi

No. Yas Island is open to the public. Tickets are only required for specific attractions like theme parks, driving experiences, or marine life experiences.