Yas Island is Abu Dhabi’s entertainment island, about 25 minutes from the city centre. It packs four major theme parks, the Yas Marina Circuit (home of the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix), Yas Mall and the Yas Bay waterfront into one purpose-built destination. Whether you want world-class roller coasters, water slides, cartoon worlds or marine life, it’s the reason many visitors add an extra day in Abu Dhabi.
A Purpose-Built Entertainment Destination
Yas Island was planned from the start as a leisure destination, and it grew quickly: Yas Marina Circuit hosted its first Formula 1 race in 2009, Ferrari World opened in 2010, Yas Waterworld in 2013, Warner Bros. World in 2018 and SeaWorld in May 2023.
More is coming. In May 2025, Disney announced plans for its first Middle East theme park here, developed with Miral, though no opening date has been set yet.
Yas Island Theme Parks at a Glance
Each of Yas Island’s four big parks has a different personality, and each is worth most of a day. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick.
Ferrari World
Thrill rides under a giant red roof, including Formula Rossa, one of the fastest roller coasters in the world, plus family rides and Ferrari-themed exhibits. Best for: thrill-seekers and car fans.
Yas Waterworld
Slides, pools and rides, including a tornado water coaster for six people and a pearl-diving themed experience. Best for: families and groups on warmer days.
Warner Bros. World
A fully indoor park with six lands, including Gotham City, Metropolis and Cartoon Junction, home to Batman, Superman and Looney Tunes. Best for: families with young children, and summer days.
SeaWorld
Abu Dhabi’s marine-life park, opened in May 2023, with immersive habitats, shows and a research and rescue centre. Best for: animal lovers of all ages.
Yas Marina Circuit: More Than a Drive-Past
The original stop described a drive past the circuit, but there’s much more to do here, even when no race is on.
Circuit Tour
A guided tour of about 2 hours goes behind the scenes, taking in the pit garages, race control, the media centre, the paddock, the podium and a grandstand.
Karting and Driving Experiences
Race go-karts, or take the wheel of a supercar on the real circuit with one of the paid driving experiences.
Free Track Sessions
On selected evenings, the public can walk, run or cycle on the F1 track for free. Registration is required, and children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Race Week
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix closes the Formula 1 season. In 2026 it runs from 3 to 6 December, and the whole island comes alive with racing and after-race concerts.
Your Day Step by Step
A Yas Island day can be a relaxed sightseeing half day or a full day at a theme park. Here’s how a typical visit runs.
1. Pick-Up and Drive
We collect you from your hotel in Dubai / Abu Dhabi] for the drive to Yas Island.
2. Yas Marina Circuit
Stop at the circuit for photos of the track and the hotel that straddles it, or join a circuit tour if your package includes it.
3. Theme Park or Yas Mall
On a full-day package, spend the day at your chosen theme park. On a half day, browse Yas Mall, one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest malls, for shopping and lunch.
4. Yas Bay at Sunset
Finish on the Yas Bay waterfront, with its restaurants and sea views, as the island lights up.
5. Return
Your driver takes you back to your hotel.
Half Day or Full Day?
Choose a half day if you want a taste of Yas Island: the circuit, the waterfront and the mall. Choose a full day if a theme park is on your list; each one needs most of a day to enjoy properly.
What’s Included
- Return hotel transfers from Dubai / Abu Dhabi
- Theme park ticket(s), if included, and which parks
- Circuit tour, karting or driving experience, if included
- Sightseeing at Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Mall and the Yas Bay waterfront
- Free Yas Express shuttle between island attractions
What to Wear and Bring
- Comfortable clothes and shoes for a long day on your feet
- Swimwear, a towel and sunscreen for Yas Waterworld
- A light layer for the indoor parks, which are air-conditioned
- Sun protection for outdoor areas
- Camera or phone
- ID, if you plan to drive or cycle at the circuit
Who This Tour Is For
Families, thrill-seekers, motorsport fans and anyone who wants Abu Dhabi’s modern, playful side after its cultural landmarks. If you’d rather mix the two, pair a half day on Yas with Emirates Palace and Qasr Al Watan on our Abu Dhabi City Tour.
Good to Know
- Theme parks need a full day; sightseeing works as a half day
- The free Yas Express shuttle connects hotels and attractions on the island
- Several parks are indoors, making Yas a good choice in summer
- Rides have height limits; check before you choose a park
- Race week (3 to 6 December 2026) is the busiest time of year”
Yas Island Packages
Choose a half-day sightseeing tour, a full day with one theme park, or add a circuit experience for motorsport fans.
