Yas Island, Abu Dhabi area guide: where to eat, shop and stay

The area has a perfect mix of things to do

YAS ISLAND, ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - December 01, 2019: The final race of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

(  Abdullah Al Junaibi for Ministry of Presidential Affairs )
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Yas Island may best be known for the Formula One Circuit, yet, while the area gets plenty busy during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, there's still lots to discover all year round.

Eat

There's no shortage of restaurants to try on the island, including at Yas Mall. One of the biggest shopping centres in the capital, it boasts plenty of international options, including Emirati restaurant Al Fanar, Chinese restaurant Yu Shan Fang, American favourites Texas Roadhouse and Cheesecake Factory, and Italian-Japanese eatery Camacho. For those who'd prefer to try something away from the mall, head over to Yas Marina for favourite local hot spots Stars N Bars and Mr Miyagi's. For something a little less noisy, The Scene and Cipriani are great options. 

Do

Yas Island has something for everyone. At Yas Marina Circuit, check out free activities such as TrainYas on Sundays and Tuesdays, which sees the track turn into a place to run, cycle or stroll. Children are also spoilt for choice, with three major amusements parks on-site. Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi is the newest theme park to open and offers five immersive lands to discover: Metropolis, Gotham City, Cartoon Junction, Dynamite Gulch and Bedrock.

ABU DHABI ,  UNITED ARAB EMIRATES , SEPTEMBER 21 – 2019 :- Batman during the Guinness World Record for the Batman’s 80th anniversary held at Warner Bros  in Abu Dhabi. ( Pawan Singh / The National ) For News/Online/Instagram
Attractions such as Warner Bros World continue to draw in visitors. Pawan Singh / The National.

Nearby is Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, a good option for those interested in motoring. Plus, it is home to Formula Rossa, the world's fastest roller coaster that hits a top speed of 240km/h. During the warmer months, head to Yas Waterworld to cool down at its rides, slides and attractions.

For adults, Mad Yas Island is a popular nightclub to explore, which has hosted acts such as Usher and Ne-Yo in the past. If you'd rather burn your calories during the day, visit Vogue Fitness , a gym that offers classes for kids and adults. There's also the newly opened Clymb, which features the world's tallest indoor climbing wall at 43 metres.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - November 28th, 2019: Climber Sasha DiGiulian. Athletes and famous skydivers as well as climbers will be the first who experience the world's biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber and the world's tallest indoor climbing wall on the opening ceremony of the ultimate indoor adventure venue, Clymb. Thursday, November 28th, 2019. Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - November 28th, 2019: Climber Sasha DiGiulian. Athletes and famous skydivers as well as climbers will be the first who experience the world's biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber and the world's tallest indoor climbing wall on the opening ceremony of the ultimate indoor adventure venue, Clymb. Thursday, November 28th, 2019. Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Shop

Spanning more than 235,000 square metres, Yas Mall has many shopping options. It houses the only Apple Store in Abu Dhabi, as well as a two-storey Emax and Virgin Megastore. The mall has everything from an American Eagle and H&M to Lacoste and Hugo Boss. Those looking for new furnishings can head to Ikea or Ace Hardware, which are both located right next to the mall.

Stay

There are plenty of options to bed down for the night across all budgets. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island offers a one-of-a-kind experience as it is located atop the Grand Prix racetrack. However, it's not the only hotel worth staying in. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is a favourite, offering impressive views of the Arabian Gulf and houses popular restaurant, Stills. Centro Yas Island is a also great, budget-friendly option on the island and only a few minutes' drive away from Clymb.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. 21 NOVEMBER 2019. 
Extreme Wow Suite at W Abu Dhabi in Yas Island.

(Photo: Reem Mohammed/The National)

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A suite at W Abu Dhabi in Yas Island. Reem Mohammed / The National

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