Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: planning guide
Four parks on one island, the multi-park tickets, and when to go.
Yas Island in Abu Dhabi has quietly become one of the best theme park destinations in the world, and it is an hour from Dubai. Here is how to plan a visit.
The four parks
Ferrari World is under a vast red roof and home to Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster on earth at 240 km/h, plus Flying Aces and a large family section. Warner Bros. World is fully indoor across six lands: Gotham City, Metropolis, Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch and Warner Bros. Plaza. It is the best park for younger children and the coolest in summer. Yas Waterworld is a big outdoor water park with over forty rides including the Bandit Bomber coaster. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is the newest, an indoor marine park across several themed realms.
Which tickets
Singles cost about £58 to £68 each. The multi-park tickets are far better value: two parks for about £97, three for £117, four for £138. The three-park ticket is the sweet spot for a long weekend. Tickets are dated per park after purchase.
When to go
October to April is comfortable outdoors. May to September is very hot, which is why three of the four parks are indoors: do the water park first thing, then spend the middle of the day indoors. Ramadan changes opening hours and food availability; check dates.
Where to stay
Yas Island has a dozen hotels from budget to luxury, all linked to the parks by free shuttle, and many include park perks. Staying on the island for three nights and doing the parks on a multi-park ticket is the efficient plan. Day trips from Dubai are about an hour each way by car.
Beyond the parks
Yas Marina Circuit hosts the Formula 1 finale in November and offers track experiences year-round. Yas Beach and Yas Mall are on the island. The Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque are half an hour away and worth a day.
Practical
Dress codes are relaxed inside the parks but modest in public areas. Everything is card-friendly. Children under three are free at all parks.
