The Fact Maker

YAS Island Celebrates Key Milestones That Make It The Pride And Joy Of The UAE

Mumbai: As the leading tourist destination of UAE, Yas Island exceeds expectations with its winning streak of accolades and awards. Set amid a serene, tranquil, and exhilarating view of the gulf’s southern shore, the Island continues to offer some of the region’s best award-winning and record-breaking experiences, making it the pride and joy of the UAE.

Known for its one-of-a-kind theme parks, attractions, 10 hotels, and more than 165 dining experiences, here are some of the key milestones that aim to make citizens and residents proud to call the UAE home.

Whizzing to glory as one of UAE’s top theme-park hotspots

Home to world-renowned theme parks, Yas Island harbors an environment of unsurpassed exhilaration and its iconic attractions and awe-inspiring theme parks have been featured on a host of international shows and regional broadcasts. The world renowned Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa, reaching 240 km/h in 4.9 seconds and the world’s highest rollercoaster loop, Flying Aces, reaching 63m in height at a 51-degree incline. Little ones can also share in that Ferrari feeling and head to the Family Zone, which includes four miniature versions of the park’s most iconic rides; From Formula Rossa Junior and Flying Wings to Turbo Tower and Speedway Race, your little ones will experience the thrill like never before!

Celebrating the UAE Year of Tolerance, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi broke the record of the most nationalities in a swimming pool, while the immersive Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi broke two world records as the world’s largest indoor theme park as well as the largest gathering of people wearing superhero capes. The latest addition to Yas Island’s recording-breaking attractions, CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, is the region’s ultimate adventure hub holding world records for the world’s largest indoor skydive flight chamber and the region’s tallest indoor climbing wall.

Unparalleled hospitality and retail

The Island features 10 hotels that range from affordable comfort to sophisticated luxury. The region’s first pet-friendly hotel that also happens to be the first and only hotel in the world to be built on top of a racetrack, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island stands as the largest W Hotel in the world. The exterior steel-and-glass grid-shell that captures the essence of Formula 1 racing is an architectural and award-winning marvel. The newly-opened Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island overlooks the prime water front location of Yas Bay and features 545 rooms and suites, with four dining experiences and in close proximity to the attractions on the island.

In addition, Yas Island added two new hotel properties to its portfolio in November of this year.  The WB Abu Dhabi is the world’s first Warner’s Bros. themed hotel with 257 keys as well as five diverse restaurants, including Sidekicks, The Director’s Club and The Overlook – a lounge with an infinity pool and 360-degree views over the Island, theme park and the Arabian Gulf. Located next to Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi and featuring artworks, characters and recreations of famous sitcom scenes, the themed hotel also marks the first introduction of the Curio Collection by the Hilton brand in Abu Dhabi.  The new DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences aims to offer a diverse range of amenities and leisure facilities to business travelers and larger families with 156 apartments and direct access to leisure and recreation facilities.

As Abu Dhabi’s largest luxury shopping destination, Yas Mall offers exceptional retail opportunities to resident shoppers, tourists, and international guests. Beneath its skylight-trimmed ceiling, a number of record-breaking events were achieved, including the world record for the world’s largest sand art structure as well as the world record for the most varieties of ice cream on display at one time with 1,001 unique flavors by Abu Dhabi Culinary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

The 227 berth Yas Marina is the island’s dedicated waterway and luxury yacht marina, surrounded by 7 restaurants and cafes, with iconic views of the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island and the Yas Marina race track. It is also the very first in the UAE and the region to be awarded with the industry’s highest accolade – 5 Gold Anchor Platinum Accreditation for exceptional facilities, amenities and service levels. Further expanding Yas Island’s offerings and set to be Abu Dhabi’s vibrant day to night destination, Yas Bay Waterfront will open to guests on 1 December 2021 and will feature Pier71, a three-kilometre Boardwalk, and a variety of world-class dining, leisure and entertainment brands on opening, including world-famous Ibiza Beach Club Café del Mar, globally renowned Mediterranean restaurant Paradiso and critically acclaimed Japanese street-food concept Akiba Dori.

A multitude of unforgettable events

Yas Marina Circuit has been home to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009 where numerous memorable affairs took place including Nico Rosberg’s one and only World Drivers’ Championship title at Yas Marina Circuit, then announced his retirement shortly after. During the pandemic, Yas Marina Circuit paid tribute to over 600 frontline professionals and their families for their efforts by exclusively granting them access to the watch the race live as well as renaming Abu Dhabi Hill to Frontline Heroes Hill in their honor.

Yas Island’s latest landmark of entertainment, Etihad Arena, is region’s largest multi-purpose indoor entertainment venue at 3,565sqm with a capacity to host 18,000 guests. Set on the vibrant waterfront of Yas Bay, the venue has hosted a wide range of global cultural, entertainment and sporting events including Disney On Ice, UFC, Russel Peters, Michael McIntyre and Arijit Singh, with more acts on the agenda including the Fina World Swimming Championships (25m).

As Yas Island Abu Dhabi reaches another year of excellence, the growing list of awards, records and special occasions deem the destination unlike any other. With more regional festivities, seasons, and events to come, visitors can expect to be part of something truly great on Yas Island. As the premium entertainment and leisure hub continues to surpass international expectations, the destination stands as a gem on the map of the UAE.