Yas Island really is the entertainment isle. From fast cars to fine dining, family fun to feel-good Fridays, Yas Island is the place to be at the weekend. And at just a 45-minute’s drive from Dubai, it’s not just Abu Dhabi residents that can have all the fun.
 
With a host of new openings there’s no better time to explore the island, although once you’re there you’ll barely need to move – everything is within just about the same square kilometre. At the heart of this is Yas Marina, a lovely complex that’s home to a plethora of popular restaurants and bars, all of which enjoy alfresco seating overlooking the impressive Yas Viceroy. It’s a fantastic location for families enjoying a stroll with a musical fountain, play area and safe, peaceful vibe. It’s also a great venue for couples to linger over a romantic meal, or for revellers to get warmed up for a night of partying.
 

Get active
With the annual events such as TriYAS, Yas Marina is becoming something of a sports hub – anyone can use the racetrack for free on a Tuesday night for running and cycling, while Wednesday evening is just for the ladies.
 
Watercooled
The latest location for the watersports centre is impressive. Along with the usual array of wet and wild activities on offer, including sailing, wakeboarding, kayaking and lots more, it’s a pretty spectacular place to try some stand up paddleboarding – right in front of the Yas Viceroy on the protected waters of the marina. Watercooled also runs SUP Yoga at weekends.
 
Vogue Fitness
This CrossFit studio is a lot more rough and ready than the name suggests – and packed with some rather scary looking equipment. But the incredibly passionate and welcoming staff will have you mastering the art of CrossFit in no time and are sure to keep you motivated. A NuYu Spa and Bounceback physiotherapy centre will soon complete Yas Marina as a holistic wellness centre.
 

Eat & Drink
Here’s a tip for Yas Marina’s outlets: book during the Formula 1 weekend and you’ll be amongst the action without paying for a ticket!
 
Iris Yas Island
This uber-cool restaurant and lounge, which is a concept brought over from the Middle East’s party capital Beirut, is one of the trendiest hangouts in Abu Dhabi. The vibe is relaxed, the cocktail menu extensive, and the huge terrace is perfect for a balmy evening. Be sure to eat here – the manager is passionate about the culinary creations served and even the bar snacks are top-notch.
 
Café D’Alsace
Super cute Café D'Alsace serves tasty French snacks at very reasonable prices, amidst an endearing faux-rustic atmosphere complete with a display of freshly baked loaves. Other outlets at Yas Marina include American sports bar Stars N Bars, elegant Venetian import Cipriani, seafood restaurant Aquarium, Lebanese eatery Rozanah, and Mediterranean tapas venue Diablito.
 
Burlesque Restaurant & Lounge
This unique venue at Yas Viceroy certainly makes an impression with plush décor – from the scarlet velour furnishings to the fabulous chandeliers and high ceilings adorned with period paintings. The venue’s live entertainment is the real draw – while perhaps not as risqué as the name suggests, the acts are an energetic mix of performers. The outdoor terrace is buzzing, with shisha on offer and views across the water to the Yas Marina complex.
 

Stay
There's a host of hotels on Yas Island that have some great deals outside of the Grand Prix season, not least the Yas Viceroy which famously straddles the Formula 1 track.

Crown Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island
For a seriously comfortable bed, perfect location and great atmosphere, check into the Crowne Plaza. Situated just across from Yas Marina in the Yas Plaza complex of hotels, there’s a gorgeous beach club-style pool and buzzing bars. The hotel is known for its bargainous drinks deals: offers on the mini bar and one of the best ladies’ nights in town – on Thursdays ladies drink for free until 1am.
 

There’s more to Yas Island…
We’ve only just scratched the surface when it comes to Yas Island, and you simply must add some of the UAE’s biggest attractions to your itinerary. For petrolheads there’s the chance to drive a supercar around Yas Marina Circuit, in the tracks of Formula 1 superstars, or head to Yas Kartzone for some more family-friendly racing. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the ultimate attraction for those with the need for speed – the world’s fastest rollercoaster, the Formula Rossa, has to be experienced to be believed!
 
And if it’s all getting too hot to handle, cool down at Yas Waterworld, which is packed with so many different wet and wonderful rides there’s something for absolutely everyone. Add to that the country’s newest megamall Yas Mall, due to open in November, plus Yas Beach, the place to socialize in the sun… you’re going to need a longer weekend!

By Lily Lawes