Abu Dhabi Week gets a sneak peek at the new developments taking shape on Yas Island
The Yas Marina, already popular with the boating community here in the capital, has recently undergone a massive expansion to help lure tourists and residents to its turquoise shores.
Operated and managed by Camper & Nicholsons Marinas, the new developments will include five new food and beverage outlets, a dedicated children’s area, retail shops and a pedestrianised promenade to cater to the larger community.
“After increasing the occupancy of the marina, our second initiative was to develop the property into a destination,” says Cedric Le Rest, Yas Marina general manager. “We’re very excited about this project, as we don’t typically see this mix of restaurants, event offerings and facilities in the UAE. Yas Marina is very much at the forefront of listening to what the community needs.”
The pedestrian-friendly promenade around the building has been extended and will offer benches and shaded areas to encourage guests to walk around. The landscaping around the marina has also been redesigned and will provide guests with more accessible views of the water. And to cater to families, there will be a dedicated children’s area, complete with a playground and dancing fountain.
With the expansion kickstarted earlier this year, the marina is scheduled to open to the public in October. Le Rest explains that after looking at Yas Island as a whole, they aimed to complement rather than compete with the options already established on-island.
In addition to the new outlets, the marina is to host weekly and monthly events. Every Friday and Saturday from 10am to 7pm there will be a market at the marina. Featuring handicrafts and children’s activities on Friday, the Saturday market will also offer an organic fruit and vegetable component.
“Again this is to bring the wider community to the property. It’s very important for people to understand that you don’t need to own a boat to come and enjoy the property – it’s open to everyone,” adds Le Rest.
With October looking to provide a variety of large events on the island, including concerts and Yasalam activations, the new and improved marina hopes to attract guests from the capital and around the emirates. “It’s a great precursor to come down and check out the marina before the Formula 1. The marina promenade and all seven restaurants will be open to the general public throughout the F1. It’ll be a great place to soak up the atmosphere even if you don’t have tickets.”
Indeed from family friendly, affordable options to fine dining and everything in between, the marina certainly does cater to one and all. And with a thriving events calendar racing around the corner, it seems everyone is saying ‘yes’ to Yas.
Destination dining
The revamped marina will feature five new dining options, bringing the grand total of food and beverage options to seven. So what’s on the menu?
Iris
This upscale and trendy restaurant already has a large following in Lebanon. Picture a large outdoor terrace to soak up the stunning views of the water while you and your friends relax and enjoy live entertainment.
Café d’Alsace
This family friendly French-German café and bakery will offer scrummy pastries and lunch items inspired by the Alsace region.
Cipriani
Already a firm fine-dining favourite in the capital, the re-opening of this Italian restaurant will provide foodies with plenty of gourmet meals and romantic views of the water.
Rozanah
For a traditional touch, check out this contemporary Lebanese restaurant. Featuring modern dining and unique specialties prepared by a Beiruti chef, the restaurant will also include shisha service.
Aquarium
A new dining concept from the management team that brought Ornina Restaurant and Lounge to the capital, this seafood-inspired Thai restaurant will offer the freshest catches of the day.
Stars ‘N’ Bars
The revamped American-style sports bar famous for its burgers and appetisers now comes with an extended terrace and special shisha lounge. This restaurant is popular with both families and friends looking to catch the game.
Diablito Food & Music
Adding a Spanish flair to the marina, this outlet offers tempting tapas in a two-storey venue with both indoor and outdoor terraces to soak up the view to the sea.
