A handy guide to making the most of Yas Island’s wet, wild and wonderful attractions.

Stay in style
Yas Island’s six hotels are perfect for holidaymakers, event visitors or local residents. After all, together the Yas Plaza’s five hotels and the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi account for 22 of the island’s restaurants and 12 of its bars – and that’s not including lobby lounges. Some of the most popular include Angar and Kazu at Yas Viceroy, Barouk at Crown Plaza, and Fillini at Radisson Blu. Whether you’re after fantastic value or something more high-end, every taste is catered for and each hotel has its own standout features; stunning views, brilliant pools or incredible design.

Get active
Regarded as one of the best courses in the world, Yas Links Golf course is a beautiful venue that offers serious golfers a real challenge, with a separate course where less confident golfers can hone their skills. Yas Marina Circuit’s driving experiences cater for your inner speed demon with everything from Aston Martin GT4s to Formula Yas 3000 single seaters. If you prefer to shun petrol power, run or cycle around the circuit on Tuesday evenings – for free! On Yas Beach, Noukhada Adventure Company has your watersports needs covered with windsurfing, sailing and kayaking.

Feel the rush
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi draws crowds from around the world with the lure of the ‘world’s fastest rollercoaster’, the Formula Rossa. Head inside and you’ll also have fun driving miniature cars, ogling world famous Ferraris and exploring a mini Italy. Yas Waterworld makes for a fabulous family day out with kid-focused interactive games and the excellent Marah Fortress splash park. But ‘big kids’ can have fun too, lounging by the pool, relaxing in a private cabana or enjoying one of the park’s adrenaline-pumping slides. Highlights include the heart-thumping Liwa Loop. Wet and wild fun at its best.

Shop ‘til you drop
Shopping is currently limited to theme park stores, hotel shops, a pro shop at Yas Links and big hitters IKEA and Ace Hardware but Yas Mall, due to open in 2014 is set to be the second largest mall in the UAE and be the most impressive mall in the capital.

Party the night away
For the ultimate nightclub experience, head to either the super exclusive O1NE Yas Island – a purpose-built club from the team that created Beirut’s world famous Sky Bar – or Rush, the party spot on Yas Viceroy’s impressive circuit-crossing bridge. FLASH Entertainment regularly brings worldfamous musical acts to perform at the island’s du Arena. Madonna, Muse, Jay Z and a host of other pop, rock and dance talent have performed there. The smaller du Forum puts on fascinating entertainment throughout the year such as boxing events and Oktoberfest celebrations that can open up some very fun and different nights.

Dock, dine and discover
From US-inspired food at Stars ‘n’ Bars to funky alfresco tapas at Diabolito and fine dining at Cipriani and Aquarium, Yas Marina is one of the hottest food spots in town. To work up an appetite why not charter a boat for a tour of Abu Dhabi’s waters from Azure Charters, or if you want to dock your own boat, berths can be had from Dhs.16,455 – which includes F1 passes, concert tickets and dining discounts. A great, relaxed place to hang out, eat or party.

Formula 1 weekend
Every November Yas Marina Circuit, and the whole of Yas Island, hosts the Abu Dhabi FIA Formula 1 World Championship. Huge yachts pour into the marina, roads become packed and the atmosphere gets charged with excitement as helicopters buzz overhead. Even if you’re not an F1 fan, the music concerts, restaurant and bar events, and boat parties make for four days you don’t want to miss.

Yas Express
A free bus, the Yas Express covers two circuits of the island. The Blue Route will ferry you between Yas Waterworld, Yas Plaza, Yas Viceroy, central Yas and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi/Yas Mall; the Red Route goes from Yas Plaza, to Yas Viceroy then on to Yas Marina and Yas Beach followed by Yas Links Golf Club. The free Saadiyat route leaves from St. Regis and Park Hyatt hotels on Saadiyat Island three times every morning with drop-offs at Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World. For timetables see yasisland.ae.