Last updated September 5, 2026
Alberto-g-rovi / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Abu Dhabi
Yas Island is Abu Dhabi's entertainment hub, built around Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, and the Yas Marina Circuit, which hosts Abu Dhabi's Formula 1 Grand Prix. A large outlet mall and a golf course round out the island, along with a marina lined with restaurants.
Purpose-built and spread out — theme parks, a mall, and a marina connected by wide roads, with a resort feel rather than a walkable town center.
Best for families who want theme parks and water parks within a short drive of their hotel, and for motorsport fans visiting around the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Consider the Corniche or Saadiyat Island instead if you want a walkable neighborhood or a quiet beach stay — Yas Island is built for theme parks and driving between attractions, not strolling.
Our take A waterfront Yas Bay base with a private beach and real pool space, an easy drive or shuttle from the theme parks.
Our take A gridshell structure that literally spans the Yas Marina F1 circuit, for travelers who want the view (and the design) as much as the stay itself.
Our take A mainstream 5-star on the Yas Plaza strip rather than one of the island's newer luxury resorts, with a kids' club, spa and five places to eat — a practical base for the theme parks.
A car or taxi is the practical way to get around the island and to and from the rest of Abu Dhabi; a free shuttle bus connects some hotels to the theme parks.
A car makes sense if you'll visit both Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, since they're a distance apart and public transport between them is limited. If you're staying put on the Corniche, taxis and ride-hailing apps cover everything you need.
