07 Jul Yas Island – where summertime never stops
Whether it’s summer or winter, the question is always the same – where to go for your next vacation? You dream of exotic locations, but don’t want to waste a whole day flying? The solution is simple – in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where summertime fun lasts all-year round, and flights from Zagreb, Ljubljana and Belgrade are available daily. Whether you are looking for luxury relaxation or top-grade entertainment for all age groups and interests, Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island is the destination for you.
Yas Island is only 25 minutes away from downtown Abu Dhabi and 45 minutes from Dubai. The summer temperatures last all year long, dropping to a little below 20 degrees only in December and January. With 10 hours of sunshine a day on average, the temperatures range from 21°C to 33°C in August and September. The area only gets a few rainy days in January and March, while statistics show a complete absence of rainy days in the period from May to November, making it virtually rain-free. All these features have made Yas Island a very popular destination for those who enjoy beachside relaxation, as well as adrenaline-fuelled fun in the impressive waterpark, or one of the other exciting entertainment facilities.
In addition to designer golf courses, spacious theme parks, and the grand shopping centre, this “Island of Fun” is also home to seven different hotels, ranging from three to five stars: Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Rotana Hotel, Park Inn Abu Dhabi, Centro Yas Island, and Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi. All attractions can be easily reached with the internal “Yas Express” shuttle service, available to guests free-of-charge.
Three Million Reasons to Make Yas Island Your Summer Destination
Beginning on the 7th and lasting until the 16th of September, all visitors who spend an amount greater than 500 Emirati dirhams on Yas Island, or who book their stay online via online.yasisland.ae are entered into a drawing to win a luxury prize in one of the most impressive prize contests to ever take place on the Island. The grand prize is a staggering one million Emirati dirhams in cash! Other prizes include three luxury Maserati cars and a trip for four people to the Ferrari plant in Maranello, Italy, as well as VIP vacation packages on Yas Island, and valuable vouchers for shopping at Yas Mall. More information is available at sayyas.yasisland.ae. In addition to the prize contest, popular summer vacation packages are available under the “Say Yas” programme. With a “Say Yas” package, guests staying two nights or more at any one of the Island’s seven hotels will also receive an unlimited access pass to both Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld, valid for the whole duration of their stay. The packages are also available online via online.yasisland.ae.
From a Ferrari theme park and Formula 1 circuit to designer golf courses
Yas Island is also home to the “Ferrari World” theme park, famous for housing the world’s fastest rollercoaster. The theme park is a special treat for all Ferrari fans and adrenaline lovers in general. Set against the backdrop of the famous Ferrari style, the theme park provides entertainment and adventure for the whole family, as well as corporate groups and young people looking for interesting content beyond the beach.
Yas Island also traditionally hosts the popular Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Formula 1 race. The 2016 Grand Prix will take place from the 25th to the 27th of November, and spectators can enjoy intense racing action from one of the Island’s hotels or from the luxury vessels docked in Yas Marina. The Yas Marina Circuit is considered one of the world’s most advanced Formula 1® racing tracks, and also serves as the home circuit for all motorsports in the Middle East. Since its opening and the first F1® race in 2009, the Yas Marina Circuit has grown to offer a wide range of incredible experiences both on and off the track.
Yas Island is also home to Yas Links, the first golf course in the Middle East region, situated along a series of rolling hills on the picturesque coastline, and inspired by a combination of golfing heritage and the unique desert ambience. The course was designed by Kyle Phillips, one of the world’s leading golf course designers. Yas Links features a full 18-hole golf course and a smaller 9-hole academy course, as well as floodlit practice facilities, with a Golf Academy for those who wish to learn or improve their golfing skills.
A Futuristic Island with a Thousand Visions
Magnificent futuristic architecture is one of the instantly recognisable features of Yas Island. After seeing the stunning Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the 8th largest mosque in the world and the grandest in the UAE, the modern skyline of Yas Island will certainly be no less interesting. A walk around the island truly provides a vision into the future and communicates the spirit of boldness in architectural design. Yas Island is home to four extraordinary architectural marvels: the “Jebel Dhana” tower and “Lost Pearl of Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi”; the impressive roof of the “Ferrari World Abu Dhabi,” also home to the world’s largest Ferrari logo; the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix™ racing circuit; and the beautifully lit, diamond-like surface of the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Hotel.
Another example of a magnificent architectural achievement is Yas Mall, the largest shopping centre in Abu Dhabi, which spans an area of 2.5 million square metres and is home to more than 370 shops and more than 60 indoor and outdoor restaurants and cafés.
Yas Marina, situated right beside the Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island, is often claimed to be one of the most beautiful marinas in all of Abu Dhabi. For yachting enthusiasts, this is one the top destinations in the Middle East. The Marina features 227 berths catering to boats from 8 to 150 metres. In line with the latest global trends, visitors can expect top-grade service and easy access to nearby islands. Yas Marina is also home to the world-renowned Cipriani Restaurant, famous for their Italian delicacies and sophisticated atmosphere.
Beachside Fun on Yas Beach or an Adrenaline-fuelled Vacation at Yas Waterworld
When it comes to beaches in Abu Dhabi, Yas Island’s Yas Beach certainly takes the leading spot. Yas Beach is famous for its all-day entertainment offer and the “LivDay – LivNight” concept, essentially reminding visitors that this is a place where the fun never stops. Days are spent relaxing on the beach or by the pool, possibly in one of the popular daybeds, with a delicious drink from the extensive cocktail offer. As the sun sets, the fun moves poolside, where world-famous DJs offer great music and top-grade entertainment almost daily. The hedonistic party atmosphere does not stop until the wee hours of the morning, making Yas Beach one of the top nightlife venues in Abu Dhabi. Yas Beach masterfully utilises all it has to offer, staying true to its motto: “Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, and breathe the wild air.”
Adrenaline junkies, families, and all those looking for a one-of-a-kind fun experience will enjoy Yas Waterworld. Yas Waterworld is the world’s only theme park based on the rich tradition of pearl hunting in the Emirates. Its inspiration is taken from the “Legend of the Lost Pearl,” which tells the story of a young girl in search of a magnificent pearl that would bring prosperity to her village. The futuristic theme park spans an area of about 15 football fields and is most famous for its record-setting hydromagnetic water slide. This exciting 6-person ride simulates an unforgettable tornado-like experience and is a stunning 235 metres long.
With its 45 different attractions, slides and rides – five of which are not available anywhere else in the world – Yas Waterworld is truly a megalopolis among theme parks.
Yas Island is a unique planning endeavour spread out over an area of 25 km. The Island never rests and never sleeps, as new attractions and content are constantly added to its extensive offer. New plans are already being made – the new Warner Bros theme park is scheduled to open in 2018, confirming the Island’s status as a state-of-the-art entertainment hub.
More information about Yas Island is available on www.yasisland.ae
Photo credits: Nirvana travel, Yas Island