Yas Island: Experience Abu Dhabi's Best Theme Parks & Water Parks

Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is one of those surreal destinations that feels truly unique to the United Arab Emirates – because really, what other country has an entire island devoted to thrilling theme parks, SeaWorld, and giant water slides? 

Fun fact: Yas Island’s name is a tribute to the Arabian Bani Yas Tribe, which means "Children of Yas". 

So what's so special about Yas Island? Other than its renowned reputation as the host of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, this family-friendly island brings together theme parks, shopping, fine dining, and leisurely activities all in one place. Visitors can find the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in a safe, engaging environment – and let’s be real, adults will end up enjoying it just as much as the little ones, if not more.  

Without further ado, here’s a carefully curated round-up of Yas Island’s exciting theme parks and world-class destinations. Get ready for a ride you didn’t see coming. 

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, right on Yas Island, is known for its high-speed roller coasters and immersive racing experiences that make you feel like a professional race car driver. It’s also home to Formula Rossa, which has held the record for the world’s fastest roller coaster since 2010.  

Ferrari World proudly boasts 40 record-breaking rides and attractions that cater to those who have a need for speed. The park has rides and activities for children and adults alike, along with interactive exhibits showing off the Ferrari brand. So, if you’re obsessed with fast cars, or your kids are, then you’ll definitely love Ferrari World. 

Who doesn’t enjoy live shows and interactive games with some of the most iconic TV characters of all time? Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi Theme Park is an immersive star attraction on Yas Island, where your family can meet beloved characters from Looney Tunes, DC Comics, and Hanna Barbera. 

Kids and adults who appreciate a little nostalgia can check out exciting rides and themed zones made for movie and cartoon lovers. The whole park is built to deliver entertainment and storytelling experiences that bring childhood favourites to life.  

With several record-breaking attractions, Yas Waterworld is definitely for the thrill-seekers. It features the world’s largest surfable sheet wave, the first hydromagnetic tornado water slide, the longest suspended water coaster in the Middle East, and the region’s first looping free-fall waterslide. 

It's also a great place for those who like to cool off at theme parks – especially in the hot Arabian desert. This water wonderland has pretty much everything. And let’s be real, it will probably end up being the highlight of your stay in Abu Dhabi, where the sun is always shining, and the heat makes splashing in the water even more tempting. Families can cool off with safe, fun activities, while live entertainment and BBQ events add to the excitement.  

There are plenty of dining options too, plus luxury cabanas where adults (and teens) can unwind as the kids splash around or float lazily down Al Raha River. Honestly, it doesn’t get much better than this. 

Beyond Yas Waterworld, Yas Island has plenty of other water-themed attractions, from splash zones to family-friendly pools. With Abu Dhabi temperatures sometimes rising up to 50 degrees in the summer, a little water-themed fun is always a good idea. Parents can kick back in shaded areas while keeping an eye on their kids as they cool off and make the most of the safe water attractions. 

SeaWorld is a marine life theme park and animal rescue centre that opened in May 2023. The park combines exciting rides with unique animal encounters, and focuses on research, rescue, and rehabilitation. And yes, you can meet dolphins face-to-face at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi – along with penguins and other ocean wildlife that you probably didn't except to find in the heart of the Arabian desert. 

When you’re in town, make sure to check out Yas Mall, which has just about everything you can think of under one roof. You can enjoy chic shopping experiences at international brands, dining, and entertainment. There's even a spa for men, so dads can schedule some self-care after all those intense roller-coaster rides.

The island features waterfront dining and themed restaurants that children will love. After busy days filled with adrenaline-packed fun, you can also explore dining elsewhere in Abu Dhabi. 

Yas Island isn’t all water-themed parks and intense roller-coaster rides. There are other outdoor activities such as go-carting, beach walks, and seasonal events to watch out for. These laid-back attractions provide a slower pace for families who want to balance high-energy rides with relaxation and downtime.

When visiting Yas Island, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and map out which parks and attractions you’d want to visit each day. With so much to do on one island, this helps families make the most of their time and avoid getting lost in the noise. 

Keep in mind, while Abu Dhabi is a relaxed city – it’s not as laidback as Dubai. We recommend observing cultural norms and wearing loose, modest clothes or cover-ups after leaving the water-parks or beaches. This way, you’ll be comfortable and blend in with the locals and residents. 

As for transportation, Yas Island is easily accessible by car or ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem. Staying nearby at family-friendly accommodation like Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate makes it easy to visit multiple attractions in one day. 

Planning to visit the theme parks? Make sure to book tickets in advance for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros Abu Dhabi Theme Park. Booking multi-day passes online is easy and there may even be some unexpected discounts! 

Last but not least, make sure you stay hydrated and safe. Even with indoor attractions, outdoor areas in Abu Dhabi can still be very hot. Make sure to bring along a hat, sunscreen, and some cool shades. With all that sorted, you’re ready for a good time on this fun-packed island. 

Yas Island is packed with world-class attractions, such as the record-breaking roller coasters at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

You can also check out world-first thrills at Yas Waterworld, where you can ride the planet’s largest surfable wave, plunge down the Middle East’s first looping free-fall slide, and soar on record-breaking coasters you won’t find anywhere else.

You also have the immersive Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, where you can get up close and personal with dolphins, penguins, and beloved characters in the heart of the Arabian desert.

Other than visiting theme parks, families visiting Yas Island can enjoy go-carting, attend seasonal concerts and events, and enjoy plenty of other family-friendly outdoor activities. 

Transportation to Yas Island is easy. There are many options, such as taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem. From Abu Dhabi city, it’s just a short drive. Also, the 190 bus route can take you from Abu Dhabi's Central Bus Station to Yas Island in about 40 minutes. 

Travelling from Dubai to Yas Island is also simple with several options. For a budget-friendly choice, take the bus from Ibn Battuta Metro Bus Station. You can also catch the E100 bus from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, then continue by local bus or taxi to Yas Island.

If you prefer more flexibility, driving takes about 1.5 hours and covers roughly 136 kilometres. Taxis are also available for a direct and comfortable ride, although they are a bit more expensive.

Whether you're heading to Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, or Warner Bros. World, these travel options offer easy access to Yas Island from Dubai. 

Yes! Yas Island is designed with families in mind. Kids can enjoy safe rides, splash zones, and themed entertainment, while adults and teens can relax in cabanas, enjoy shopping, or also dive into adrenaline-packed adventures. The island balances adventure, relaxation, and accessibility.

Many visitors also choose to stay nearby in family-friendly hotels, making it convenient to explore multiple attractions in one trip. The island itself has easy transportation options too.

The Yas Island shuttle runs between hotels and attractions, the theme parks, Yas Beach, Yas Mall, and the golf club, making it easy for families to get around without a fuss.  

With so many attractions in one place, it’s best to plan at least two to three days to make the most of your time on Yas Island. A single day might cover just one park, but if you’d like to experience multiple theme parks, shopping, dining, and leisure activities at a more relaxed pace, a multi-day pass is going to be your best option.