One of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic neighbourhoods, Yas Island functions as the city’s entertainment hub and is synonymous with world-class events. Spanning approximately 25 sq.km, the island is home to Formula One’s Yas Marina Circuit, the championship-level Yas Links Golf Course, and a range of five-star hotels and pristine beaches.
However, it isn’t just entertainment on offer across the island. Yas Island is one of Abu Dhabi’s nine freehold zones and, as such, offers foreign investors the chance to own super-prime property in one of the city’s most unique addresses. With a truly distinctive blend of elevated residential developments, top-class entertainment and sophisticated lifestyle amenities, Yas Island is the perfect location for those seeking an all-encompassing lifestyle experience.
A World-Class Sporting Address
Yas Island is arguably one of the most iconic entertainment districts – not just in the United Arab Emirates, but in the entire Middle East.
Home to a plethora of globally-renowned sporting facilities, the district has hosted the final race of the Formula One calendar since 2009. This iconic event is held at the spectacular Yas Marina Circuit – a specially designed track built by legendary driver, engineer and circuit designer Hermann Tike. Each year, the event attracts a distinguished roster of the city’s rich and famous, who are not only treated to a weekend of high-octane racing but a show from a top-class artist at the end of each day. The after-race concerts have grown to become almost as big a spectacle as the race itself in recent years, with one of hip-hop’s biggest artists, Eminem, performing in 2024, while the year before, legendary rock band Foo Fighters took to the stage.
A golfer’s paradise, the island also hosts the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship each November, which serves as the penultimate event of the DP World Tour season and the precursor to the DP World Tour Championship, held in Dubai shortly after. Yas Links is one of the best links courses in the Middle East and offers a range of different membership options for the discerning golf enthusiast. Also located on the island, Yas Acres Golf & Country Club offers golf practice facilities and a 9-hole course – ideal for residents of Noya and Yas North.
Etihad Arena, located in Yas Bay, represents another focal point for sport on the island, and has been known to host some of MMA’s biggest events. It has been the site of thrilling matchups featuring names like Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor, Max Holloway and Calvin Kattar. Other big names, such as Islam Makhachev, Ilia Topuria and Glover Teixeira, have either won or defended titles at Etihad Arena.
Outside of MMA, the stadium has hosted boxing events, with greats such as Floyd Mayweather and Dmitry Bivol having fought there at various points, while the location has also held a number of preseason NBA games, pointing to a growing effort to diversify Yas Island’s sporting calendar beyond golf, F1 and MMA. This evolution reflects Abu Dhabi’s wider ambition to position the island as a global stage for a range of athletic and entertainment experiences.
Things to Do on Yas Island
As a distinguished entertainment district, Yas Island offers far more than just sporting events, with a diverse array of experiences catering to every facet of leisure.
Ferrari World is one of the country’s most iconic theme parks. Mostly indoors, the facility is the world’s first Ferrari-themed amusement park and is home to the fastest rollercoaster in existence, the Formula Rossa. At a touch under 150 mph, the ride represents a truly eye-watering experience. Ferrari World also offers five more rollercoasters, plus a range of activities, family rides and children’s rides.
Warner Bros. World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, is another impressive attraction. The world’s second largest indoor theme park, the facility features iconic characters from the Warner Bros. world, such as Scooby Doo, Batman and Tom and Jerry, while rides like the Flintstones Bedrock River Adventure – as one of 29 rides – promise a fun day out for the whole family. The complex also showcases the world’s first Warner Bros. themed hotel.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi completes Yas Island’s trifecta of prestigious theme parks. As the world’s largest indoor marine life theme park, the facility boasts more than 100 animal experiences, such as the dolphin and penguin encounters, which allow visitors to come face-to-face with these wondrous creatures. The park also offers a selection of interactive experiences and rides, while also housing a world-class research and rescue centre.
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi – located just outside the Ferrari World complex – offers adrenaline-fuelled fun for the whole family, with more than 60 exciting rides, slides and experiences for all thrill levels.
Additionally, Yas Kartzone is a large outdoor track offering go-karting sessions for kids, teenagers and adults.
Beaches and Green Spaces
Surrounded by miles of pristine beach, Yas Island is the perfect place for beach lovers to unwind in style – whether that means lounging at exclusive beach clubs, indulging in waterfront dining, or taking in the serene coastal views from the comfort of a private cabana.
Yas Beach functions as a location where bliss meets coast, while a couple of minutes away, Cyan Beach is a stunning location renowned for its soft white sand and cerulean waters – the ideal place for a spot of sunbathing or swimming.
Al Mangrove is a tranquil space located close to the north end of Yas Links Golf Course, which offers a good option for a walk or picnic when the weather permits. The north side of the island is home to quiet beaches that remain largely untouched, offering a rare sense of peace and seclusion – a welcome contrast to the island’s more developed areas and a glimpse of its natural charm as it continues to evolve.
On the western side of the island, close to the Fahid Island Iron Bridge, a tranquil fishing spot is the perfect space for those who enjoy a slower pace of life – a place to unwind, take in the calm waters, and experience a quieter side of Yas Island.
Furthermore, the West Yas residential area is home to a number of neighbourhood parks, such as West Yas Family Park and West Yas Waterfront Park, which provide peaceful green spaces for the family to enjoy.
Retail Outlets and Shopping Malls
Functioning as the centrepiece of the island, Yas Mall is a mixed-use retail, dining and entertainment facility all under one roof.
The complex spans an impressive 2.5 million square feet, with more than 370 international brands, 68 dining facilities and a wide range of entertainment options such as Kidz Factory and CLYMB Abu Dhabi, while the mall also provides seamless connectivity to Ferrari World.
The 24-screen Vox Cinemas provides an immersive cinematic experience for the island’s residents, while football fans can take part in the Manchester City Challenge, an interactive football adventure experience located on Yas Mall’s Sports Boulevard.
Final Thoughts
Yas Island is set to maintain its status as one of Abu Dhabi’s most dynamic and sought-after destinations. With an elevated mix of luxury residences, world-class sports, sophisticated entertainment and leisure amenities already in place, the island continues to evolve, offering both high-end properties and exclusive lifestyle experiences.
Whether you are seeking a vibrant, family-friendly environment, a sophisticated retreat, or a unique investment opportunity, this iconic neighbourhood stands out as the ideal choice for those looking to combine elegant living with unmatched convenience and excitement.
