As the Holy Month comes to an end and residents celebrate Eid al-Fitr, it’s time to try something new on the capital’s island of leisure
It’s an island of world firsts, award-winning attractions, iconic landmarks and one-of-a-kind experiences. You can’t live in the capital and not have heard about the exhilarating rides at the resident amusement parks or the stunning view from the coastal golf course. But have you experienced Yas Island for yourself?
As Ramadan comes to a close, Eid offers the perfect chance to try something new. Whether you’ve never had the guts to take on the world’s fastest rollercoaster, your bucket list includes getting behind the wheel of a supercar, or you simply want to try a new sport, Yas suffers no shortage of possibilities.
“There’s an activity for everyone on Yas Island this Eid,” said Clive Dwyer, director, Yas Island Destination Management. “Take to the green, experience what it feels like to surf, or speed into the sunset. Even those who prefer a more tranquil Eid al-Fitr will want to return to Yas Island again and again!”
Experience
As Formula 1 races through Hockenheim and Budapest, pluck up the courage and channel your inner Lewis Hamilton at the capital’s iconic circuit. The year-round selection of driving experiences and instruction sessions will have both petrol heads and timid racers spinning with excitement. Whether you want to get behind the wheel of an Aston Martin GT4 or live the thrill of Camaro drag racing, there’s plenty on offer at Yas Marina Circuit. For more information, visit: www.yasmarinacircuit.com
Fancy taking up a new sport? Grab a club and take advantage of Yas Links’ ‘Learn Golf in a Week’ package. From 27th July the pros take complete beginners from driving range to golf course in just a week. AED 695 including a week of tuition, unlimited ball practice for the month, equipment and a complimentary 30-minute lesson to be used after the programme. For more information, call: 02 810 7753.
If you think you’ve tried every diet and exercise plan under the sun, it’s time to buckle down and tackle the bulge once and for all. Yas Marina’s resident fitness group, Vogue Fitness, continues its bootcamp series throughout the summer and best of all, the first session is free. For more details, visit: www.facebook.com/VogueFitnessAbuDhabi
If you want to take up a new outdoor activity, head over to Yas Beach for a spot of paddle-boarding, kayaking or beach volleyball. Too tame for you? Try your hand at one of Watercooled’s watersports activities from wakesurfing, waterskiing and kneeboarding to Zapcat and donut rides at Yas Marina.
You couldn’t miss the giant red roof that houses Yas Island’s indoor amusement park and this Eid you won’t want to miss Ferrari World’s offers. Chill out at the park and experience a range of rides and attractions for the whole family including the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa. The park will be open every day from 11am to 8pm. For more information visit: www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com
Ever wondered what it’s like to surf a wave? Yas Waterworld is home to two sheet waves, perfect for learning the art of flowboarding and surfing. Take to Rush Rider to perfect your form before stepping into the big league at the neighbouring Bubble’s Barrel, dubbed the world’s largest surf-able sheet wave. The park continues its summer ‘4 for 3’ offer so grab your friends and get surfing. Plus, the newly launched Family Annual Pass means you can enjoy year-round access to the park’s other exhilarating rides, slides and attractions. For more information visit: www.yaswaterworld.com
See
If you still haven’t ventured into the mangroves, Yas Marina’s resident eco boat tour operator, Captain Tony’s, provides the perfect opportunity this summer. Grab the family for a peaceful cruise and keep an eye out for dolphins and gazelles. This summer, children under 12 years enjoy a complimentary cruise when joining two paying adults. For more information, call: 02 650 7175.
Whether you’re looking for new ways to keep the little ones entertained or just want to see the capital from a new angle, the Seawings tours are worth a go. Taking off from Yas Marina, experience a seaplane this Eid to gain a bird’s-eye-view of Abu Dhabi, from its small pristine islands to the grand Emirates Palace hotel. Children under 12 years fly free for each paying adult. Valid until 2nd August. Daily flights from AED 995 per adult. For bookings, call: 04 807 0708.
Eat
Enjoy an Eid brunch at Jing Asia in Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island on 29th and 30th July or head next door to the hotel’s Lebanese outlet, Barouk for a set dinner complete with a live singer, musician and belly dancer. From AED 220 on 29th, 30th and 31st July.
Grab the family and enjoy a special Eid lunch at Choices in Yas Rotana. Tuck into regional specialties as well as International favourites from the live cooking stations. 29th and 30th July from AED 160++. For bookings call: 02 656 4000.
Yas Marina’s promenade features seven dining outlets serving up an array of international cuisine. Try some Spanish tapas at Diablito while taking in the view from their terrace or treat yourself to an Italian fine-dining affair at the newly refurbished Cipriani, which reopens from Eid.
Go with the flow
We sat down with current World Flowboarding Champion and Yas Waterworld assistant operations manager, Clayton Barker, to find out more about the unique sport.
What exactly is flowboarding?
It’s a relatively new board sport in comparison to others. It’s probably been around for 15 years. It’s basically a combination of snowboarding, wakeboarding and skateboarding. Those three board sports kind of sum up how it’s going to be but for anyone who’s done other board sports they’ll tell you it’s totally different.
Tell us a bit about your background.
I’m originally from Durban, South Africa. I’ve been flowriding now for 12 years. I have a surfing background and when the waves were really bad, I lived really close to where a wave was built, so me and a couple of friends would go there and try it out. I got addicted and just rode everyday.
What brought you to Abu Dhabi?
When Yas Waterworld was still under construction, one of the people I know from travelling started working as the director of operations and she got in touch with me and said we’re opening a flow barrel at the park and we want you want to come with us. That added to me coming out: the fact that there’s a new barrel and I could teach people from scratch again, which I really enjoy; I like to promote the sport.
What is the Yas Flow League?
There’s only so much you can learn during a normal operational day so Yas Flow League is more catered to those who specifically want to get better at body boarding or flowriding. I, and a few of the lifeguards, train you from scratch. You don’t need previous board riding experience you just need to want to learn how to ride.
Why is Yas Waterworld a good place to learn flowboarding?
Our wave is unique. In the Middle East there are two barrels but our one is a lot newer in the sense that we can adjust the size. Depending on your skill level, we can drop the size of the wave. As you progress we can slowly progress the size of the wave to match your skill and comfort level. On our small wave (Rush Rider), it’s like a trampoline surface so when there’s no water running you can bounce, which makes falling a lot more comfortable.
Is it as difficult as it looks?
No, it’s surprisingly easy. The funny thing is girls learn a lot quicker than guys because guys come in with a preconceived notion of how it should feel like because maybe they’re a skateboarder and they’ll compare it to that.
Why should people give flowboarding a go?
Everybody is looking for a new avenue for alternative fitness. It’s really good for fitness level because it predominantly works your core but it’s also something new and unique to the country.
Is there an age limit?
No, but there’s a minimum height restriction of 1.1m for bodyboarding and 1.2m for stand-up riding.
When are the training sessions held at Yas Waterworld?
Yas Flow League is held Every Saturday and Wednesday. For more information see www.yaswaterworld.com
Cool for summer
Don’t forget about Yas Island’s hot two-for-one offers to keep you cool this summer. Grab a booklet from one of the island’s hotels or attractions for a copy of vouchers offering deals on spa visits, meals and attractions. Valid until 30th September. For more information, visit: www.yasisland.ae
Rachael Peacock
