Yas Island is growing in popularity as a one-of-its-kind leisure and entertainment hub for travellers visiting the UAE. What kind of growth have you seen in the past year?
Year-on-year, we continue to welcome leisure travellers from across the globe who come to Yas Island in search of a destination like nowhere else. Last year alone, 27 million visitors enjoyed the Island’s unrivalled line-up of world-class leisure and entertainment experiences, and this undoubtedly has a marked effect on Abu Dhabi’s tourist numbers which reported a rise of 4.9% in the first five months of 2018 (according to the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi). Yas Island has long been favoured by South Asian travellers and only continues to grow in terms of popularity, as is evident by a significant increase in Indianvisitation to our theme parks this year.
Give us an overview of the top experiences for travellers here?
Yas Island offers visitors a diverse mix of award-winning leisure and entertainment experiences, from one-of-a-kind theme parks, world-class shopping and superb dining, to a links golf course, exciting water and motor sports and the most enjoyable musical and family events, all within its 25 sq km. Today, Yas Island is home to the recently opened theme park Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi and the award-winning theme parks Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld, in addition to Yas Marina Circuit (home to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix™), Yas Marina, Yas Beach, Yas Links golf course, Abu Dhabi’s largest mall, more than 160 dining experiences, seven hotels, and indoor and outdoor concert venues — all of which are complemented by a range of visitor services that enable guests to enjoy a seamless visit.
Yas Marina Circuit is considered one of the most well-known attractions at Yas Island. What sets this Formula 1 track apart from any other racetrack circuit?
Yas Marina Circuit is one of the world’s most technologically-advanced Formula 1® circuits in the world and is a renowned centre for motorsports excellence in the Middle East. The circuit plays host to the annual Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in addition to an extensive year-round programme of professional and grassroots motorsport events. Yas Marina Circuit is also a leading MICE venue, regularly hosting a diverse range of corporate meetings, conferences and events. Many may not know that the circuit is home to the world’s only F1® twilight race, and features the longest straight on any current F1® circuit spanning 1,173 metres.
Experience Hub has tied up with VFS Global to promote the destination and provide packages for trade partners in India. What kind of growth from the Indian market are you expecting?
Yas Island is no stranger to Indian travellers who have been frequenting some of the Island’s top attractions in recent years, including Yas Marina Circuit and our award-winning theme parks Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and the recently opened Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. Around nine million Indians are expected to travel to the GCC by 2021, and we are confident that Yas Island’s popularity in the Indian market will continue to grow as we introduce new and exciting attractions.
What kind of lodging, shopping and dining options are available to travellers at Yas Island?
Yas Island is home to seven hotels, which range from affordable 3-star comfort to sophisticated 5-star luxury, including the iconic Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi whose stunning LED canopy has become a truly iconic landmark amidst the Yas Marina Circuit. When it comes to shopping, visitors needn’t look any further than Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi’s largest shopping mall, home to 400 of the world’s top fashion brands. Yas Island boasts over 160 delectable dining experiences with a wide variety of cuisines. Guests in the mood for al fresco dining can enjoy waterside restaurants at Yas Marina or indulge in family-friendly gastronomy at Yas Mall’s Cascade Dining.
Any message you would like to share with travellers who are keen to put Yas Island on their bucket list?
With so many exhilarating experiences to choose from, Yas Island is a destination best enjoyed at leisure—don’t try to squeeze everything in over a couple of days! Make the most of your stay on Yas Island by booking one of our packages which give you free access to Yas Beach and tickets to Yas Island theme parks to make each night spent on the island even more memorable.
The much-awaited warner bros.tm world abu dhabi has finally opened up. What would you say is the usp of this theme park?
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi offers guests endless family fun and entertainment with over 29 rides, attractions and live shows inspired by DC Super Heroes including Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, as well as animated favourites such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Scooby-Doo, all under one roof. The 1.65 million sq. ft. indoor park is the third theme park to open on Yas Island, bringing its leisure and entertainment experience to a new level of distinction.