Here's What Makes Yas Island the Best Staycation Destination in Abu Dhabi: Attractions, Award -Winning Theme Parks & Hotels

Planning a weekend getaway in Abu Dhabi? Yas Island is where city life meets resort-style relaxation This island is perfect for a quick family staycation that feels like a full-blown holiday. From thrilling theme parks to curated summer camps for kids, it’s got everything you need for a fun-filled escape, all in one destination.

This compact island just a short drive from downtown Dubai, punches way above its size when it comes to variety. You can spend the day with high-speed fun at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, sky-high adventures at , racing at Yas Marina Circuit, exploring immersive worlds at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, cooling off at Yas Waterworld, or diving into marine life at SeaWorld Yas Island.

Kids can join exciting summer programs that blend fun with learning, while parents unwind by the Yas Marina promenade or explore the dining scene at Yas Bay.

If you’re after shopping, Yas Mall brings together top brands and family-friendly experiences under one roof. All this, just a short drive from the heart of Abu Dhabi, makes Yas Island the kind of place you’ll want to keep coming back to—especially on weekends.

With so much to experience, here’s your ultimate guide to Yas Island and everything that makes it a must-visit—from iconic attractions, high octane adventure to family-friendly experiences

Yas Island is famous for being Abu Dhabi’s ultimate entertainment and leisure hub, boasting some of the world’s greatest theme parks all in one place alongside beautiful resorts and stunning waterfront views.

It’s also renowned as the home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where thrill-seekers gather each year to experience the excitement of Formula 1® racing.

Adding to the island’s appeal, a brand-new Disney destination is coming soon, promising to bring iconic stories and magical experiences to life like never before.

Here’s a look at what makes Yas Island a must-visit:

Feel what it’s like to live in the fast lane when you visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island! Step into the world of Formula 1 and racing at the region’s leading theme park. Here, excitement knows no bounds—it’s the largest space frame structure ever built for an amusement park (with an area enough to fit seven football fields!).

You’ll have the chance to practice your F1 car driving skills on a challenging race course and watch how a Ferrari GT is made with an in-depth tour of the Ferrari factory. Seeking more thrills? Line up on Ferrari World’s heart-racing and record-breaking roller coasters and rides like the Flying Aces and Formula Rossa!

Opening Hours : 10AM to 8PM ( Ferrari World timings are subject to change)

Where can you find Batman, Superman, the Flintstones, and the Looney Tunes squad? At Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi! This fantastic theme park on Yas Island is every film buff’s dreamland with six vibrant zones—all dedicated to movie characters by Warner Bros. World.

Step into six vibrant themed zones dedicated to your favorite Warner Bros. characters. Travel back to prehistoric fun in Bedrock with the Flintstones, or watch Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner race through Dynamite Gulch. Join the chase with Tom and Jerry at Cartoon Junction, then gear up to save the day alongside the legendary superheroes of the DC Universe in Metropolis and Gotham.

With 29 thrilling rides, live entertainment, and countless kid-friendly attractions, Warner Bros. World is the region’s largest indoor theme park and a guaranteed recipe for family fun.

Bonus: Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island and Etihad Airways have teamed up to create the world’s first Warner Bros.-themed aircraft, offering young travelers complimentary DC Super Heroes gift packs onboard.

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM

Fun is on the agenda right here at Yas Island! If you’re coming with the kids, visit Yas WaterWorld and have a blast sliding through water rides and attractions. This Abu Dhabi theme park is home to 45 slides, rides, and attractions—enough to keep you splashing the entire day. 

Spanning 15 football pitches, Yas WaterWorld is more than just a collection of water slides. It also has thriller rides like the 550-meter long The Bandit Bomber and the scream-inducing Jebel Drop. The toddlers can have major fun at Tot's Playground that comes with an infant pool—perfect if your little kids love to stay active. 

Dive into the region’s first dedicated Marine Life Theme Park at SeaWorld Yas Island, where nature meets adventure across eight immersive realms. Explore diverse ocean habitats from the icy Poles to vibrant Tropics, featuring breathtaking marine creatures and spectacular live entertainment.

With over 15 interactive experiences and rides, plus more than 100 animal encounters and presentations, SeaWorld offers up-close moments with marine life that both educate and inspire. Enjoy daily roaming entertainment and meet over 20 live characters that bring the park to life.

Foodies and shoppers will find plenty to enjoy too, with 17 dining options and 13 retail outlets spread across the park.

Not just about fun, SeaWorld Yas Island is also the UAE’s first marine research and conservation hub, making your visit meaningful as well as memorable.

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM (subject to change)

Can't wait to try all the fun on Yas Island? This leisure destination is just a 30-minute drive from the city and a 15-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Here are some of the many ways to reach Yas Island:

By car: Book a car rental right here on Klook, and get to and around the island minus the hassle! If you're coming from Dubai, drive on the Sheik Zayed Road/E11 to Abu Dhabi. You can exit from Al Falah Road/Shahama Abu Dhabi and continue on Sheik Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Highway/E12 until you reach Yas Island. 

By bus: Going by bus is also one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get to the island. The 102 route from Abu Dhabi will bring you straight to the center of Yas Island. From Dubai, ride a bus at the Dubai Al Ghubaiba Bus Station heading for the Abu Dhabi Bus Station, then hop on the 102 Route to the island.

By boat: Level up your holiday game by cruising to Yas Island! Explore the Emirati capital with Jalboot's fleet of luxury ferries.

Join a tour: Alternatively, you can join an Abu Dhabi city tour to see the most popular sightseeing spots in the city. It's basically hitting two birds with one stone—you get to visit Yas Island and explore Abu Dhabi at the same time! 

If you’re short on time and just want to see the highlights, it’s possible to cover the main attractions in one full day. You could pick a couple of theme parks or key spots like Ferrari World and Yas Marina, and still get a good feel for the island.

However, to truly enjoy everything Yas Island offers like Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and Yas Waterworld, plus exploring Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Mall, Yas Bay, and relaxing by the waterfront, you’ll want to set aside at least two to three days.

F1 fans, rejoice! Get the chance to drive, drag, and drift at Yas Marina Circuit, one of the most advanced Formula 1 tracks in the world. This 5.281-kilometer circuit is the venue for the annual Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Yas Marina Circuit, famous for hosting the annual Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, offers adrenaline junkies a range of exciting activities including high-speed driving, drifting, drag racing, and karting. For those who prefer fitness, the track opens up for running, walking, and cycling as part of the TrainYAS program.

Be sure to check the F1 schedule—there’s nothing quite like the thrill of cheering for your favorite drivers live at the season’s final race.

Reach new heights at CLYMB Abu Dhabi, the world’s ultimate adventure hub that’s redefining indoor skydiving and rock climbing. Home to the world’s widest indoor skydiving flight chamber and the region’s tallest indoor climbing wall, this futuristic facility lets flyers and climbers take on two record-breaking experiences, all under one roof.

Set on the water’s edge with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, Yas Links Abu Dhabi is the Middle East’s first true links golf course and the proud host of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, a Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour. Designed by renowned golf course architect Kyle Phillips, the 18-hole championship course attracts seasoned golfers worldwide. For players of all skill levels, there’s also a 9-hole par 3 course and extensive practice facilities. Don’t miss the Spanish-style clubhouse terrace, offering breathtaking sea views.

If you’re looking to relax on Yas Island, Yas Mall offers plenty of shopping and dining options as Abu Dhabi’s largest retail destination. Nearby, Yas Marina welcomes you with a variety of popular restaurants and beautiful waterfront views.

Just a short walk away, Yas Bay Waterfront is a lively hub for entertainment, boasting more than 20 outdoor eateries, cafés, and bars set along the pier and waterfront plaza. The area also features a floating beach club, a large concert arena, luxury hotels, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Known for hosting the famous WHITE Abu Dhabi club, Yas Bay also includes renowned spots like The Trilogy by Buddha-Bar, Asia Asia, Paradiso, Akiba Dori, Lock Stock & Barrel, La Carnita, and the region’s first Café del Mar beach club.

For a comfortable stay, you can book at the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, enjoy performances at the Etihad Arena, grab a meal at Pier 71, and then explore the buzzing nightlife. If you prefer a quieter pace, the promenade offers a scenic route for walking, cycling, or jogging, featuring unique artworks from international artists along the way.

With its soft white sands, clear turquoise waters, and lush mangrove backdrop, Yas Beach in Abu Dhabi offers a serene private escape ideal for sun lovers, water sport fans, and families alike. Whether you’re lounging under the sun or enjoying refreshing tropical beverages and delicious snacks, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and take in the coastal beauty.

Venture further from Yas Island to reach the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Soak in the art and culture with astonishing artworks and artifacts loaned by the Louvre Paris, such as the iconic works of Leonardo da Vinci, Claude Monet, Giovanni Bellini, Jackson Pollock, Jacques-Louis David, and many more world-renowned artists! 

The paintings are not the only art to watch out for. The museum's architecture holds its own artistic charm, thanks to the honeycomb-style "floating" dome. This dazzling display is called the "rain of light," from the sunlight that perforates through the stars in the ceiling!

From adrenaline-pumping theme parks to chilled-out beaches and lively dining spots, Yas Island has it all. It’s a place where every kind of traveler can find their perfect vibe whether that means thrilling rides, peaceful strolls, or great food with a view. No matter how you choose to experience it, Yas Island leaves you with memories worth returning to.