All the action on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA

If you’re sticking around in the sweltering summer, we have just the perfect place for you to get the coolest entertainment in the UAE: Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. Four members of the Expatmedia.net team tried Yas Island’s three award-winning theme parks plus the record-breaking CLYMB Abu Dhabi. We also ate at some of the amazing restaurants there, and called one hotel home for four days as part of the epic Yas Island theme park holiday package.

Budget offer for families

Families will definitely love the Yas Island holiday package that includes trips to its theme parks, hotel stays and dining options   at a budget price. When booking a Yas Island theme park holiday package for one night or more, two kids under the age of 12, accompanied by two paying adults, can stay for free under the same room booked with the parents, play for free at Yas theme parks, kart for free with every session booked at Yas Marina Circuit, and dine for free on the same meal plan as the parents, inclusive of the Half-Board Flex and Half-Board Flex Premium plans. There’s also complimentary access to Yas Beach and 20 percent discount off spa experiences. Stay packages start at Dh478.

What to do

If you have kids or if you’re simply just a kid at heart, you definitely need to try Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

The Ferrari-inspired indoor theme park has a lot of family-friendly rides you can try, plus plenty of street entertainment, including roving musical performers, acrobats and even an opera singer! The only time you’ll leave the cool comfort of the air-conditioned theme park is when you try Formula Rossa, the world's fastest rollercoaster; and Flying Aces, the world's highest rollercoaster loop. But don’t worry. The insanely great rides are worth it!
 
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Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

We had a splash-tastic time at the UAE’s mega waterpark with its mind-boggling 40 rides and experiences. It has the world’s largest six-person tornado water coaster, a freefall drop waterslide, the region’s largest wave pool, a pool with slides, water jets and a huge dumping water bucket, and Rush Rider where you can bodyboard like a pro. We also enjoyed sitting at their outdoor theatre and watching a young visitor diving for pearls.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

We turned to complete fanmode just meeting all our favourite cartoon characters and superheroes at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. It’s DC Super Hero Season at the world’s largest indoor theme park until September 4 and you are sure to catch your favorite superhero at the grounds. That’s not all. There’s also plenty of family-friendly rides and activities to choose from!
 
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CLYMB Abu Dhabi

We literally saw a woman walking on air at CLYMB Abu Dhabi, the world’s biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber. The indoor skydiver wowed us with her skills as she soared up, zoomed down and did all sorts of aerobatics with the grace of a ballerina.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Yas Bay

You definitely need an afternoon to just take a stroll along Yas Bay. It's a very cool place to hangout to check the waterfront, the giant scuba diver peeking from the water, the Etihad Stadium and the various restaurants along the way. We recommend starting at the farthest end of Yas Bay to get a selfie with the giant scuba diver by the water, and then take a free golf cart ride to Central (more about this as you scroll down below).

Where to eat

The Starlight Restaurant

At Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the best restaurant is undoubtedly The Starlight Restaurant. The Expatmedia.net team literally felt like stars the minute we walked into the Hollywood theatre-style restaurant. The food was also Michelin-level, from the burrata to the steak. And just before we capped off the superstar dining experience with a delicious cheesecake dessert, our favorite cartoon frenemies stopped by for a selfie!

Central

This restaurant and gaming center is quite possibly the coolest restaurant we’ve ever visited on Yas Bay. Central is literally the restaurant of my childhood dreams. The fun dining space also includes a bar, a gaming zone where you can play arcades or billiards, plus a bowling alley! There’s also a pingpong table that can serve as your dining table so you can eat and play at the same time!

Aquarium

We loved the Yas Marina view at Aquarium restaurant. Ambiance is definitely big here. The cool outdoor seating area features a live DJ, while the indoor area offers a more intimate space with the fishes (literally swimming in the aquariums built into the walls).
 
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Mamma Rossella

At Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, our Italian food craving was satisfied at Mamma Rossella. Portions are big enough for two people to share, and definitely worth every bite. The pizza was really good.

Where to stay

Our home for four days at Yas Island was Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island. We loved its proximity to all of the attractions, dining areas and theme parks on Yas Island. Literally, everything was less than a five-minute drive away. Plus, the staff were very friendly. We loved waking up to their breakfast at Jing Asia. The spread is modest but tastefully curated—which is exactly what you need to start your day. PIA/Expat Media
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