From family fun to delectable dining deals, football festivities to coastal cruises, theme park thrills to circuit skills, golf swings to Seawings, there’s plenty to do to make sure you have a blast on Yas this summer
Located less than 30 minutes outside the capital, Yas Island is quickly emerging as one of the hottest destinations in the country.
The one-of-a-kind island is home to an iconic circuit-straddling hotel, an awesome waterpark full of world-firsts, an award-winning golf course and the world’s first Ferrari-inspired theme park, but that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of what the island has to offer.
It’s closer than you think, has an abundance of entertainment, dining and leisure options within minutes of each other, and is home to the emirate’s biggest football festivities. Plus, the ‘Yas Island Cool for Summer’ campaign means you can take advantage of a host of two-for-one offers across the island. But in case you need any more excuses to visit Yas this summer, we’ve rounded up the island’s top activities that are seriously cool.
Get your kicks
Whether you’re a football fanatic or just want to soak up the unique World Cup atmosphere with your family, du Forum is the place to be. The expansive venue has pulled out all the stops to bring you the best of the beautiful game, showing the matches on giant LED screens and offering unique fan and heritage zones around the dome. Don’t miss the indoor bazaar and football competitions at the interactive field. All the games will be shown at the forum throughout the tournament. Entrance is free but VIP table bookings are available. For more information, visit: www.celebratetheseason.ae
Want something more low-key? The official venue for the Embassy of Brazil in the UAE, Yas Beach, will be projecting the tournament on its huge outdoor screens. Dig your toes into the sand and cheer on your team while enjoying specials on food, drink and sheesha. Entrance is free after 7pm. All the chilled venue asks is that you bring shorts, flip-flops and a passion for your favourite team! Screenings will begin on 12th June at midnight. For more information, visit: www.yasbeach.ae
Of course, many of the island’s other outlets will be showing the matches from Y Bar in Yas Rotana to Rozanah at Yas Marina, with plenty of entertainment and good grub to give you a fantastic footie experience.
Thrills and spills
Where in the world could you enjoy the world’s biggest indoor theme park and the world’s second best waterpark in one day? As part of the summer campaign, Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld are teaming up to offer visitors two-for-one deals on park passes. Yas Waterworld has also launched its family annual pass and a ‘four for three’ promotion available exclusively with online bookings.
Stay active
Now that the days are heating up, take advantage of night golf at the award-winning Yas Links; the perfect after-work activity. Head to the course for the Spinney’s par 3 promotions from Sunday to Thursday at 6pm to 9pm. Enjoy nine holes of floodlit golf and a two-for-one beverage voucher. The club’s four-month summer membership includes unlimited night golf between June and September. Take advantage of the club’s weekday and weekend offers as part of the ‘summer passport’, join the ladies clinic to perfect your swing, or nab a summer golf lesson package.
The club is also hosting its night-time tournament, The Titleist Par 3 Challenge on 22nd June.
Down the road, Yas Beach’s resident adventure company, Noukhada, offers plenty of activities including sailing lessons, kayak tours through the mangroves and snorkelling.
Yas Marina is quickly becoming a go-to for fitness fanatics. The marina’s resident gurus at Vogue Fitness run a series of outdoor functional training sessions and plan to open a gym and CrossFit training centre in late August. Meanwhile, Watercooled invites residents down to try out their night-time stand up paddleboarding sessions during Ramadan.
Tour the island
The best way to soak in Yas Island’s offerings all at once is to catch the destination from a new angle. Get a bird’s-eye-view of all the attractions with the sea plane tour courtesy of Seawings.
Eco boat tour operator, Captain Tony’s, operates friendly, informative and fun excursions from its home at Yas Marina. We recommend beating the heat and booking a sunset cruise to see the Yas skyline from the water.
Food, glorious food
With 57 food and beverage outlets across Yas Island, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to filling a certain craving.
Looking for something casual? Still’s at Crowne Plaza introduces its pie and pint night every Wednesday, while Fridays are all about the family roast.
Tuck into a Saturday barbeque at Yas Island Rotana or take the family for Friday brunch in the hotel’s Indian restaurant, Rangoli.
Can’t decide on a cuisine? Eat your way around the world at Yas Viceroy. Take your pick from Japanese at Kazu, Arabic Mediterranean at Atayeb, South East Asian at Noodle Box, Italian at Amici or Indian at Angar.
The seven outlets at the recently expanded Yas Marina cater to even the most fussy of eaters. While the long-standing Stars ‘N’ Bars is a great sports pub to hit with friends, couples may prefer the neighbouring Rozanah for a hearty Lebanese feast. Better yet, head to Café d’Alsace for a fusion of French, German and Swiss eats (we recommend the fresh croissants!), or take in the sunset from the terrace at Diablito before tucking into some tasty tapas.
Make it a ‘staycation’
While Yas is close enough to the capital for a day trip, it’s far enough away for a summer getaway. With all the activities and adventures waiting to be discovered, there’s just not enough time to see it all in one day.
The island’s seven hotels, from the five-star circuit-side Yas Viceroy to the stylish but affordable Crowne Plaza, each offer something different. As part of the summer campaign, the properties will be offering special rates as well as two-for-one deals including brunch at Radisson Blu, meals at Centro, massages at Yas Rotana’s Bodylines and relaxing treatments at ESPA in Yas Viceroy.
Looking for adventure? The five-star Yas Viceroy treats guests to a one-night stay with two adult tickets to either Yas Waterworld of Ferrari World when you book the Splash or Speed package starting at AED 965. GCC residents can also enjoy 15 per cent discount on stays this summer with complimentary access to Yas Beach.
Crowne Plaza also offers a family focus package with rates starting at AED 475 including a room with breakfast and two adult tickets and one child ticket to Yas Waterworld.
Coolest Summer Ever
Swing by any of Yas Island’s hotels and attractions and grab a copy of the Yas Summer Special booklet, which features various two-for-one deals across the island’s attractions, restaurants and spas. Adventure-seekers, grab a friend and head to Ferrari World where one general admission ticket will get you free entry to Yas Waterworld and vice versa. If you’ve got the need for speed, take advantage of Yas Marina Circuit’s two-for-one deal on karting, venue tours and the Camaro driving experience. Foodies can head to the iconic Yas Viceroy to enjoy two for one deals at any of the hotel’s 10 food and beverage outlets. Or why not grab a friend and head to Iris at Yas Marina for a two-for-one on main courses. Valid until 30th September, these hot deals are seriously cool.
For more information, visit: www.yasisland.ae
Am really fascinated just by reading what Yas Island is all about. Though am not really fond of thrill rides but i love sightseeing and exploring new and exciting places. I wish I could visit the place one of these days. Am pretty sure I will really cherish the experience!!!