Home of the F1™ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Your guide to Yas Island
Just 30 minutes from the centre of Abu Dhabi and a mere 15-minute drive from Abu Dhabi Airport, lies a real-life treasure island. An island dedicated to leisure, shopping, thrills and entertainment. Welcome to Yas Island, home to luxury shopping malls, exquisite restaurants, exhilarating rides and - of course – Yas Marina Circuit.
Every year, 60,000 visitors flock to Yas Island for the Etihad Airways F1™ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – the season finale. But there’s plenty of excitement outside of Formula 1™. With dazzling beaches, Warner Brothers World™ - the world’s largest indoor theme park - and the world’s fastest rollercoaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, you can have a truly record-breaking stay.
Stay at the only hotel to encompass an active F1™ track at the W Abu Dhabi or pick from one of several four and five-star hotels within a five-minute walk of the circuit.
Yas Island is ideally placed for easy access to both downtown Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Airport. Driving from central Abu Dhabi should take around 30 minutes, while getting from the airport takes around 10 minutes by car or taxi.
If you choose to drive to Yas Island for the F1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, there are parking facilities at the Yas Marina Circuit and at Yas Mall. If you park in Yas Mall, you can catch the shuttle bus to take you the rest of the way.
Often the simplest way to get from Abu Dhabi or the airport to Yas Island is by taxi or bus. The 190 bus route will take you from Abu Dhabi’s bus station to Yas Island in around 40 minutes.
The Yas Island shuttle runs between hotels and attractions so if you’re staying on the island you can easily reach the theme parks, beach, golf club and the mall.
Visiting for the Etihad Airways F1™ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix? Obviously, the race is at the top of your agenda, but Yas Island hosts millions of visitors to the island every year with good reason. With so many top attractions on the island, it’s easy to find something to please everyone.
During the F1™ season, Yas Marina Circuit is the place to be for all Formula 1™ fans visiting Yas Island, but once the season ends, fans have a chance to take to the track themselves. Race an Aston Martin GT4 around this infamous track, hit the drag strip or hop into a drift taxi with a professional driver at the wheel. There are also plenty of family activities, from electric karting experiences to behind the scenes tours.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the first Ferrari-branded theme park in the world. Feed your inner need for speed with a ride on Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest rollercoaster, reaching speeds of 155mph in just 4.9 seconds. State-of-the-art simulators put you behind the wheel of some of Ferrari’s best-known cars, while electric karts give you a chance to hit the track for real. If you prefer to take things slower, there’s still plenty to keep you entertained. Dine in one of the park’s Italian restaurants for a taste of Ferrari’s homeland. There’s also a huge store where you can pick up souvenirs and merchandise to remind you of your exhilarating trip.
After a day watching F1™ on Yas Island, continue the fun by hanging out at Yas Marina. It’s just a short walk from the racetrack and offers a buzzing nightlife scene and exquisite dining experiences. Tuck into a delicious meal by the waterfront before heading to a lounge or nightclub to dance the night away. On the race weekend, the atmosphere in the marina is electric, with private parties on yachts, and some of the world’s biggest DJs playing sets at pop-up clubs and bars.
Family fun doesn’t get much bigger than a day at Warner Brothers World™ – one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world. The park is split into six themed lands based around iconic characters, TV shows, and films. Stroll through animated worlds alongside popular cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny and Fred Flintstone or save the day with Superman and Batman. With 29 state-of-the-art rides, live shows and an exclusive shopping outlet, you’ll have your pick of exciting family experiences to share together. Make sure you stop by one of the seven international restaurants for a sumptuous dining experience.
Yas Mall is a great place to treat yourself to some retail therapy. If you’re parking here before heading to Yas Marina Circuit, why not explore before the race? The mall brings together 400 international brands, 370 shops and 60 restaurants under one roof. You’ll be truly spoilt for choice. If your trip to Warner Brothers World™ has left you craving more film action, there’s also a 24-screen cinema on site too. Enjoy some family time at the Fun Works family entertainment zone before enjoying a bite to eat at one of the family-friendly restaurants inside the mall.
A round of golf is the perfect contrast to the exhilarating roar of Yas Island’s F1™ scene. Yas Links course is consistently ranked among the top 25 courses in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. Here, you’ll enjoy a golfing experience like no other as the Arabian Gulf provides a stunning backdrop. Eight of the Par 3 holes take place on the water itself. With international restaurants, rolling hills and mangrove plantations to explore, non-golfers will have plenty to do too.
On the shoreline of Yas Island, the thrill of F1™ fades into the background and you can relax in a blissfully peaceful spot on Yas Beach. Take some time to rest and recuperate from the excitement of your Yas Island trip so far and soak up your beautiful surroundings. With curtained cabanas and a glittering infinity pool, Yas Beach also has mini water features for all of the family. Guests staying in a Yas Island hotel have complimentary access to beach towels and sun loungers too, so you’re sure to get a spot on the sand. If sunbathing isn’t your thing, you can take part in beach volleyball or head to the water for sailing, paddle boarding and kayaking
Staying on Yas Island itself is ideal if you plan to travel back and forth to Yas Marina Circuit for qualifying and race days. Here are some of our top picks for an unforgettable experience within easy reach of Yas Island’s F1™ action.
Just steps away from Yas Island’s F1™ hub, Radisson Blu Yas Island is a stylish four-star hotel with great access to nearby attractions. Unwind after an adrenaline-filled day with a trip to the full-service spa or a drink by the pool bar. Radisson Blu is known for its dining and nightlife, so it’s the perfect place for those who want to continue the fun after the race.
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is the perfect place if you’re wanting to stay on top of the F1™ action – literally. The five-star hotel is one of a kind, hovering over the Yas Marina Circuit. With seven restaurants, two indoor lounges, and a poolside bar, you’ll have plenty of places to sit back and reminisce about the action. You can even book one of the city’s most sought-after brunches on the race weekend and watch the action from the glamorous terrace.
After a day of excitement, head back to the Crowne Plaza for a relaxing spa treatment or a refreshing swim. You’re sure to get a good night’s sleep with the premium bedding and quiet zones on offer, so you’re raring to go the following day.
Just minutes from many of Yas Island’s top attractions, the four-star Yas Island Rotana hotel is ideal for visitors who want quick access to the F1™ action but still want a peaceful retreat. Full spa services are perfect for unwinding after an exciting day. The outdoor pool, waterpark and tennis courts are ideal if you don’t need to jet off to the circuit.
Get to know the Yas Marina Circuit in detail with our in-depth guide to the track and arena. Then see it for yourself on race day.
The fun and excitement don’t end after the drivers cross the finish line. Find out what entertainment is on, how to access the arena, and what time the shows start.
Discover the best F1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tickets for you and find out what’s included with each type of ticket so you can create your ideal F1™ experience.
On Yas Island, the finale of the Formula 1 season comes with a five-day festival including on-track and off-track events and After-Race Concerts. The racing action typically lasts three days from Friday to Sunday. The main race itself takes place over 55 laps on the Sunday.
Qualifying for the F1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix typically starts between midday and 1pm on the Saturday of race weekend.
Yas Island first opened to the public in 2009 – ready for the first F1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009. The island is a leisure and entertainment hub – and a must-see for anyone visiting Abu Dhabi.
A guided tour of Yas Marina Circuit typically lasts around two hours. You’ll get a chance to see the view from the track, the podium, Paddock area and pit garages. The circuit isn’t open for tours when the F1™ is in town, so make sure to check ahead before booking. A great way to explore the circuit is by bike, when no cars are allowed, and the track opens for a free exercise session. Again, it’s worth checking when this is possible, as this is a real highlight of any visit to Yas Island.