Abu Dhabi Week went in search of fun, frolics and festivities with the intention of being happily stranded, for the weekend, on the ever-evolving Yas Island
Families WITH children of all ages can relax in the knowledge that upcoming weekends with friends and family won’t prove stressful, as Yas Island has everything covered. Whether it’s sports, boat trips, barbeques or shopping, every member of your weekend group will have their ‘happy’ boxes ticked.
So where do you start? Let’s take a closer look at what is on offer:
Aquatic adventures
One of the unmissable locations on Yas Island is the mammoth Yas Waterworld. This mega waterpark boasts 43 rides, slides and attractions where there really is something for everyone. An entire day can be spent here enjoying the four different themed rides: ‘Adrenaline Rush’, ‘Exciting Adventure’, ‘Moving and Grooving’ and ‘Young Fun’.
Worried about getting a sun lounger? Fear not, Al Wa’ha Cabanas are here. Every cabana offers cooling fans, towels and a food and beverage delivery service at the touch of a button. There are total of 25 cabanas in two sizes that can accommodate a maximum of four guests or six guests. For more details call: 02 414 2000
Gather round
With its hubbub of laughter and chatter, the Yas Marina is a magnet for friends and family, as this newly renovated development offers action for all. BBQ tours to Dolphin Beach and also the mangroves are available, where you can unwind with water lapping at your feet as the gentle Arabian sea breeze carries the scent of your soon-to-be-served barbeque – perfection.
Fridays are a chance for your rugrats to enjoy the Yas Marina Kid’s Film night. Located on the marina promenade, your little ones will be entertained with classic Disney flicks and more while you dine at one of the several marina restaurants. You may want to bring a towel too as children often get ‘interactive’ with the musical fountain! The Friday film from 6pm is free. Children must be supervised.
The weekly Saturday markets at Yas Marina are a great day out as local vendors selling handicrafts, fashion, jewellery and other items will get you away from the giant malls of the city, and allow you to find a unique gift for yourself or someone close. For more details visit: www.yasisland.ae
Team work
Serving as a meeting place for families and friends alike, the Yas Marina Circuit offers annual events for all. Train Yas is a weekly occurrence as the Formula 1 circuit is open to the public to cycle and run around. Why not take the family along for a casual stroll around the 5.5km track? The circuit is also host to several races, including TriYAS, the ADNIC Yas Run and the Walk for Life.
Do your youngsters have aspirations of becoming the next Sebastian Vettel? Then make your way down to the Kartzone where drivers can burn rubber and battle it out on the
go-karting track. AED 55 per child and AED 100 per adult.
For more details visit: www.yasmarinacircuit.com
Family Fore-tunes
Time to tee off! Yas links Abu Dhabi has designed a few unique packages for some fantastic family fun – all on a Friday! The Junior Roll Up Sessions are for children aged five to 12 years old and is a 45-minute group lesson held on the guest’s practice range. AED 50 per child.
Next up is the Family Group Lesson/Introduction to Golf. This is a great way to introduce all the members of your clan to the game or even a way to improve that swing. AED 350 per group.
The Family Fourball on the Par 3 lets you loose on the course and will give you and your relations a chance to spend some quality time together. Two children and two adults for AED 200.
Now it’s time to eat. The Friday Family BBQ Buffet is a great way to rest those legs but keep the arms moving, as a delicious international buffet will have you picking at all its grilled goodies. Starting at AED 75 for children aged six to 12. Kids under five go free.
For reservations on all of the above activities call: 02 810 7710
Full Throttle
The famous Ferrari red, which glows from Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s roof, has become a beacon for families from across the emirate to visit its exhilarating rides and restaurants beneath. With more than 20 rides and attractions, children under the height of 1.3m can enter for free with one paying adult (18 years or older). We recommend the world’s fastest roller- coaster for those who dare! For more details visit: www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com
Which way’s the beach?
Bored of being a beach bum? Apart from the obvious tanning time, families can get active in the sun with a variety of watersports and activities. Kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboarding, windsurfing rental and lessons, as well as tours of the mangroves are all ready for you and the relatives to try out. The beach offers food and beverage options so don’t worry if you forget your cool box.
Saturday 15th March will see volleyball teams battle it out on the sands for cash prizes, hotel stays and tickets for other attractions on Yas. Mixed teams of four must enter before the 13th March. For more details on the volleyball and Yas Beach, visit: www.yasbeach.ae
Plane Sailing
See Yas Island in a whole new light with Seawings. Families are taken on a thrilling journey above the UAE enjoying spectacular views of Ferrari World, the pristine F1 Grand Prix Circuit, and the beautiful steel and marble façade of the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi hotel. Passengers will also see the magnificent Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace and the glistening seafront of the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Setting off from Yas Marina, adults cost AED 795, children AED 675. For bookings call: 04 807 0708
Getting around
Fancy letting someone else do the driving? Yas Express is a free of charge island shuttle service available to all Yas Island guests which does pick-up’s and drop-off’s to Yas Island’s hotels and attractions. The shuttle also includes a Saadiyat Island route. For shuttle timings and locations visit: www.yasisland.ae
