How to spend 36 hours on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi Premium

Experience the ultimate adventure at Yas Island with Ferrari rides, indoor skydiving, marine life encounters, and superhero encounters.

At Yas Island, ride in a Ferrari, click selfies with flamingos, freefall into a gravity defying tunnel, feed a cute harbour seal, or say hello to a superhero! Built as one of Abu Dhabi’s largest tourism projects in 2009, the island houses some of the world’s most opulent entertainment arenas, an F1 racetrack, a golf course, and luxury hotels. Everything on Yas Island looks shiny new; the island itself is built like a giant amusement park; with dramatic buildings set against exceptionally bright skies. 

It is situated 10 minutes from the Abu Dhabi International Airport, and 40 minutes from Dubai.

Here’s how to spend three days on Yas Island, a quick trip to adjacent Saadiyat Island included.

Speed thrills 

If you are an adrenaline junkie, try Turbo Race at Ferrari World. In 30 seconds, it takes you up through the roof only to descend in a heart-stopping vertical drop. If you do not have the heart or the stomach for it, like this writer, choose a quaint ride — such as The Magic of Italy — where you can steer a 1958 Ferrari California 250 miniature through a track built to resemble an Italian landscape, complete with every landmark such as the Colosseum di Roma, Venice and Maranello. It is delightful, calming, and surely memorable.  

One of the earliest theme parks to open here (in 2010), Ferrari World is also for those who love the brand and its iconic cars. You can delve into the history as well, tracing it from the first car built by Enzo Ferrarri in 1940 to being a public company in 1960.

 Walk on air