World-record breaking attractions, idyllic beaches and destination dining.
We stand at an elevated position as Yas Island’s topography stretches out below us. From up high we have an aerial view of mangrove forests, the Arabian Gulf and the Yas Marina Circuit. Engulfed in a sea of Ferrari Red, we carefully walk along a raised walkway as the world’s largest Ferrari symbol gently slopes above us. We have arrived! Welcome to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and the all-new roof walk experience.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the world’s first Ferrari branded theme park and is home to a range of record-breaking rides and award-winning attractions. Encompassing 86,000 square meters, the world’s largest indoor theme park took three years to construct and can accommodate up to 10,000 visitors a day. The park has 37 rides and unique attractions designed to tell the Ferrari story, including a go-karting track, children’s driving school and a programme of entertaining shows that bring the Ferrari brand to life.
In the decade since opening its doors, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has become as much a symbol of the UAE capital as the desert sands and camels that once roamed the area where the park proudly stands. The building’s unique design in its vibrant Ferrari red colouration was inspired by the Ferrari GT body’s side profile with its curvature and smooth lines.
To coincide with the parks tenth anniversary, we at FACT had the pleasure of seeing Ferrari World Abu Dhabi from an entirely new perspective. Two new attractions have recently been launched to celebrate the park’s landmark year, including a thrilling zip line ride and the 90-minute roof walk experience.
The latter takes adventurers up onto the 200,000 square meters roof that carries the largest Ferrari logo (the famed prancing horse) ever created – clocking in at a whopping 65 meters by 48.5 meters! The experience is a memorable one and with safety harnesses attached, we’re led by an expert guide across an elevated walkway circumnavigating the park and taking in fun factoids along the way. Did you know that the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is the only hotel in the world to span a Formula 1 circuit? Neither did we… until now!
Back on solid ground, we’re able to explore the wealth of family-friendly attractions that include Formula Rossa which holds the title of the world’s fastest rollercoaster, travelling from 0 to 240 km/h in 4.9 seconds along a 2.4km track (phew)! You can break another record as you ride the Flying Aces rollercoaster with the tallest inverted loop in the world at a stomach-churning 52 meters in height! Alternatively, you can board the Turbo Track and experience a back-to-back rollercoaster that shoots riders through the iconic red roof we’d walked upon just minutes before, followed by an epic zero gravity fall.
If you’re less of a thrill-seeker, then fear not for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi still has something for you. The park currently features a super cars exhibition and Ferrari shop alongside advanced driving simulators and a selection of smaller rides for younger visitors.
Ferrari World represents a jumping-off point for exploring the wealth of attractions on Yas Island. Abu Dhabi’s leisure destination features several attractive four and five-star accommodation options, the sandy shores of Yas Beach, one of the UAE capital’s premier golf courses and retail therapy in spades at Yas Mall.
The island is also home to Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of their favourite movies. Buckle up and fly through the night skies of Gotham City on Batman: Knight Flight, rock, spin and twist your way through The Riddler Revolution, or prepare to get soaked when embarking on The Flintstones Bedrock River Adventure.
Adjacent to the theme parks lies Yas Waterworld with its 40 rip-roaring rides, slithering slides and exciting attractions. Relax upon the beach at Amwaj or jump into the water and enjoy the regions largest wave pool with four unique wave patterns. For those searching for heart-pounding thrills, the Liwa Loop is the first freefall drop waterslide in the region while Falcons Falaj provides an adrenaline rush on the world’s longest mammoth six-seater water coaster!
Dry off and head to CLYMB another world-record breaking attraction where you can reach new heights at this indoor adventure hub. Gear up and take off in the world’s tallest indoor skydiving flight chamber or brave a selection of exhilarating indoor climbing walls and bouldering experiences. The pinnacle of which is the Summit, offering thirteen routes allowing intrepid explorers to scale the 42-meter high wall, the world’s tallest.
We couldn’t visit Yas Island without mentioning Yas Marina Circuit. Experience the Formula 1 track for yourself on a track day in a Caterham Seven or Formula Yas 3000 car. Navigate the hairpins and chicanes on a track that is usually reserved for the Formula 1 season’s final race. Alternatively, you can opt to slow down the pace and walk, run or cycle the 5.55-kilometre track on Sunday and Tuesday evenings with TrainYas.
After working up a sweat, retreat to the picturesque Yas Marina, where you can indulge in some of Abu Dhabi’s best restaurants while taking in waterfront views where yachts bob upon tranquil waters teeming with fish. For special occasion dining, succumb to Cipriani Yas Island’s Italian charms, in search something fun then it has to be Mr Miyagi’s, and for something more relaxed there’s The Scene buy Simon Rimmer.
Yas Island seemingly has it all and offers the best of Abu Dhabi without having to set foot inside the city centre. Yet there is so much more the come from this family-friendly leisure destination. The first SeaWorld Park to open in 30 years outside of North America is set for 2022, alongside the impending opening of the region’s largest multi-purpose indoor arena, Etihad Arena. When it comes hospitality, Yas Island has you covered with Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island’s introduction on 1 April 2021 and a number of exciting dining destinations, including Asia Asia, Lock, Stock & Barrel Siddharta Lounge and La Carnita coming to the Yas Bay Waterfront.
There’s never been a better time to enjoy for a thrilling getaway on Yas Island.
GO: Visit www.yasisland.ae for more information.
