Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is one of the most prominent entertainment and tourism destinations in the Gulf, combining adventure, relaxation, and shopping all in one place. It is the island that meets the aspirations of all visitors and tastes through an amazing collection of attractions and activities.
Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable day with the most exciting things to do in Yas Island, waiting for you beside the charming shores of Abu Dhabi.
Tourism in Yas Island
Yas Island is a world-class entertainment destination located about 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and only 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport. The island was created to be the center of fun and excitement in the Emirati capital, and today it has become home to some of the region’s most famous theme parks and the most prestigious sporting and musical events.
Yas Island attracted more than 38 million visits in 2024 alone, a 10% increase from the previous year, confirming its growing popularity among tourists, especially Gulf visitors. It annually hosts the famous Formula 1 race at Yas Marina Circuit, along with concerts by international artists and various family festivals.
In Yas, you’ll find everything you need for a perfect holiday; record-breaking amusement parks and water parks, luxury shopping centers, beautiful beaches, a vibrant marina, and a world-class golf course, in addition to luxurious hotels and resorts. It is a complete destination that makes visiting it an exceptional experience, whether you are traveling with your family and children, friends, or even alone in search of adventure. These are just some of the things to do in Yas Island that guarantee you unforgettable moments.
The Best Things to Do in Yas Island for a Fun Day
The many activities available in Yas Island require several days if the visitor wants to enjoy most of its facilities and thrilling adventures through its fun and fascinating attractions.
For this reason, the destinations listed below can each be suitable for spending an entire enjoyable day, while others can be combined with another destination within a single day. Yas Island’s entertainment venues are very large and full of adventures, and many of them cannot be experienced completely in just one day. Still, these are among the top things to do in Yas Island.
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Ferrari World Activities
Ferrari World features more than 40 rides and attractions! Imagine this vast world that may not be enough to explore in a single day of its incredible adventures.
Among the most beautiful rides and things to do in Yas Island, Ferrari World stands out with its giant roller coasters that take your breath away, race simulators, and interactive experiences inspired by the legendary Ferrari brand. Ferrari World is an unmissable experience for speed lovers and also suitable for families, with dedicated children’s play areas and live entertainment shows.
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Yas Waterworld Activities
This amazing place includes more than 40 slides, rides, and water games suitable for all ages, including unique giant ones like Dawwama and the Bubble’s Barrel water coaster. Just imagine this huge variety of water attractions! Is it possible to enter and leave this place in just a few hours? Certainly not, as Yas Waterworld is designed for you to spend a whole day of joy and excitement.
In 2025, Yas Waterworld also witnessed a major expansion with the addition of “The Lost City” area, introducing new innovative games such as the “Bahamut’s Rage” slide, which drops you from a height of 15 meters straight into the water. It’s a must-try among the most exciting things to do in Yas Island.
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Warner Bros. World Activities
This destination is a world of fantasy, where you’ll find the largest indoor theme park in the region, fully air-conditioned. You’ll leave Warner Bros. World exhausted but thrilled from all the fun and excitement.
This indoor park takes you into the atmosphere of Hollywood movies and childhood cartoons, as it includes more than 29 rides and family-friendly attractions. Have you ever dreamed of meeting Batman face to face between the towers of Gotham, or strolling in the Looney Tunes world with Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck? Here your dreams come true; you can take pictures with your favorite characters and enjoy live musical and theatrical performances for children and adults alike. Warner Bros. World guarantees endless fun for all ages thanks to its diverse experiences, from fast roller coasters to calm interactive games for little ones. No doubt it’s one of the best things to do in Yas Island for families.
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SeaWorld Activities
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi opened in 2023 as the first marine entertainment city in the region, and it is a massive indoor water-themed park spanning five floors. This destination earned a world record as the largest indoor marine park in the world.
Here, you will discover the treasures of the ocean through eight immersive marine zones, hosting more than 150 species of marine life from all over the world. For thrill seekers, there are interactive rides and advanced simulators that add an extra dose of excitement.
SeaWorld also prides itself on having one of the largest multi-species aquariums in the world, where you can stand amazed before a giant glass wall with thousands of marine creatures swimming in harmony. It is both entertaining and educational, making it one of the most enriching things to do in Yas Island.
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CLYMB Abu Dhabi Activities
For sports and adventure lovers, CLYMB offers an exceptional athletic experience that has broken two world records. This indoor center features the largest skydiving flight chamber in the world, with a diameter of 10 meters and a height of 54 meters, allowing you to experience a huge, safe free-fall simulation.
It also includes the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall, approximately 42 meters high. Don’t miss stopping to watch others fly in the air tunnel or climb the tall wall from the free-viewing platforms, providing spectacular scenes that ignite excitement in the heart. It’s among the thrilling things to do in Yas Island that combine fitness and fun.
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Yas Marina Circuit Activities
This is the home of Formula 1 races in Abu Dhabi and one of the most famous racing circuits in the world. If you’re a speed and motorsport fan, this is your unmissable stop. You can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the circuit or book a racing car driving experience and follow in the footsteps of F1 champions on the same track.
Imagine the feeling as you race a supercar around the sharp turns and down the long straight! And if you prefer something calmer, you can join the locals during the weekly “TrainYAS” evenings, where the circuit opens to the public for cycling or jogging for free in a fun atmosphere.
The circuit is fully equipped and provides free bikes and helmets for participants, making it a unique sporting experience suitable for families too. Don’t forget to visit the Ferrari World Museum right next to the circuit through a passage from Yas Mall, where you can take a look at Ferrari’s rich history and iconic cars. It’s one of the top things to do in Yas Island for thrill lovers.
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Yas Mall Activities
This is the premier shopping and entertainment destination on the island and one of the largest shopping centers in the UAE. Yas Mall is located in the heart of the island and is considered the largest mall in Abu Dhabi and the second largest in the UAE, which means one tour inside might not be enough!
The mall features more than 370 stores of the most famous international luxury and mid-range brands, along with around 60 diverse restaurants and cafes to suit all tastes.
Children also have plenty of entertainment options inside the mall, including the educational play city “Kidzania,” which allows them to experience different professions and activities in a fun miniature city. Yas Mall also contains a modern cinema with 20 screens showing the latest movies.
For many visitors, a shopping stop at Yas Mall is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Yas Island, especially after a full day of adventure.
Conclusion
Yas Island is truly a dream destination for anyone seeking fun and excitement in the Gulf. In just one day on this island, you can go from car racing to diving into the ocean’s depths, from shopping to enjoying world-class theme parks. It’s no wonder many consider it Abu Dhabi’s entertainment paradise and return to it again and again.
Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable day in Yas Island! Don’t forget to benefit from almatar’s exclusive offers to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey from start to finish. With services like the Golden Guarantee, you can cancel your trip and get a full refund for any reason. What an incredible offer, leaving you free from stress about your plans, work, or life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yas Island
Is Yas Island suitable for families with children?
Absolutely yes, Yas Island includes attractions and entertainment venues suitable for all ages, making it one of the best things to do in Yas Island with kids.
How many days are recommended to spend in Yas Island?
You can enjoy Yas Island in a full busy day, but it’s recommended to spend two to three days to experience most of the theme parks, activities, and relaxation at the beach and shopping without rushing.
What is the best time to visit Yas Island?
Yas Island can be visited all year round. Summer is hot, but most attractions are fully air-conditioned, ensuring total comfort. However, the fall, winter, and spring seasons (from November to April) are considered the best times to visit.
How can I reach Yas Island from Saudi Arabia?
Reaching Yas Island is easy through flights to Abu Dhabi International Airport, which is about 10 minutes away from the island. For those coming via Dubai, it’s around a one-and-a-half-hour drive to Yas. Buses and taxis are also available from downtown Abu Dhabi directly to the island.
Are there any discount packages for Yas Island attractions?
Yes, Yas Island offers combined tickets and special packages that allow access to multiple theme parks at discounted rates. It’s recommended to book online in advance through the official Yas Island website, or via almatar, to benefit from seasonal discounts and exclusive hotel deals.