When in Abu Dhabi: The Best Action-Packed Theme Parks You Need to Visit

One possible reason for this is the increasing popularity of the most exhilarating experiential offerings in the country. After all, Abu Dhabi is home to some of the most action-packed destinations, including the three best theme parks in the world found on Yas Island.

Below is a quick guide you can use to experience first-hand the wonders of Yas Theme Parks.

1. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi offers plenty of adrenaline-pumping adventures inside a uniquely shaped futuristic complex.

Like the brand it carries, the theme park highlights speed in most attractions there. In fact, this is where you’ll find record-breaking rides like Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest rollercoaster.

Best for: Thrill Seekers, Adventure Seekers, Thrill Seekers, Deal Hunters

Not sure which rides to try on your first visit? Here are a few not-to-miss experiences in the theme park you can start with:

• Formula Rossa: With a top speed of 240 kilometres per hour achieved within 5 seconds, this roller coaster offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Equipped with a similar hydraulic launch system to that used by aircraft carriers, Formula Rossa doesn’t need tricky corners and unexpected turns to be exciting (though it also has those).

• Flying Aces: Hailed as the world’s top roller coaster with the steepest ascent (51-degree angle), this ride also comes with the tallest loop that reaches a jaw-dropping height of 52 meters.

• Fiorano GT Challenge: Get competitive in a heart-stopping race with your friends on this roller coaster aboard two cars designed to look like the Ferrari F430 Spider shuttling through twisting parallel tracks.

How to Get There

Ferrari World on Yas Island is accessible via the Sheikh Zayed Road headed south towards Abu Dhabi. From there, take the Yas Island East Exit and follow the blue signs with “Yas Leisure Drive” written on them. You’ll then see brown tourist signs stating “Ferrari World Abu Dhabi / CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi” that will guide you straight to the park.

Note: You’ll find other ways to get to Yas Island under the Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World sections.

What to Wear

• Comfortable, modest clothing

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Light jacket or shawl

• Reusable or disposable masks for all rides (except Formula Rossa, Fiorano GT, Flying Aces, and Turbo Track)

What to Bring

• Proof of vaccination – ALHOSN UAE “Green Pass” or other proof of vaccination or negative PCR test result (14 days validity)

• Face mask

• Bottled water

Ticket Price

General Admission tickets for single-day visits to Ferrari World cost AED 295 (USD 80.31).

Family and Friends tickets are also available for AED 221.25 (USD 60.24) per person for groups of four or more.

You can also get annual passes to all three Yas Theme Parks for as low as AED 83 (USD 22.60) per month. Choose among the following types of passes based on your budget and desired benefits:

• Silver – AED 83 per month/AED 995 per year; restricted three-park access plus 15 percent discounts on dining, shopping, and Family and Friends tickets.

• Gold – AED 91 per month/AED 1,095 per year; unrestricted three-park access plus 25 percent discounts on dining, shopping, and Family and Friends tickets, and more.

• Diamond – AED 241 per month/AED 2,895 per year; quick pass access for three parks, 25 percent discounts on dining, shopping, and Family and Friends tickets, and more.

Opening Hours: 11 p.m. to 8 p.m.

2. Yas Waterworld

A water park with an Emirati heart, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is the perfect destination for water-based adventures that revolve around the colourful culture and rich history of the UAE.

Designed for all ages, the park is also an excellent destination to get away from busy city life and just spend quality time with your loved ones.

Best for: Adventure Seekers, Leisure Travellers, Thrill Seekers, Social Seekers, Deal Hunters

Yas Waterworld is a water park in Abu Dhabi with more than 40 rides, slides, and attractions. If it’s your first time here, consider trying out the following experience first:

• Dawwama: The highlight of the park, this six-person attraction is also hailed as the first and biggest hydromagnetic-powered tornado slide in the world, measuring 238 metres long.

• Bubble’s Barrel: Perfect for surfing enthusiasts, this sheet wave is the biggest FlowBarrel 10 Double globally. With 1,250-horsepower pumps, this attraction allows guests to ride waves as high as three metres.

• Falcon’s Falaj: A 300-metre raft ride that caters to six guests at a time, this attraction combines more than enough rapids, drops, twists, and turns with the region’s longest mammoth water coaster to keep your adrenaline pumping.

How to Get There

To get to Yas Waterworld, you can follow the directions stated in the “How to Get There” section in Ferrari World (except the final step – follow the signs pointing to Yas Waterworld/Warner Bros. World, instead).

You can also try the following routes:

Ride the bus – Ride buses under transit line no. 218 that passes near Yas Waterworld. Get off at Yas Leisure Drive and start walking to your destination, which is only six minutes away.

Ride the Metro – From the airport, head to terminal 3 to Ibn Battuta Mall. When you arrive, hail a cab or drive straight to Yas Waterworld.

What to Wear:

• Proper swimwear (no metal buttons, buckles, accessories, etc.)

• No translucent clothing in public areas

• No long pants or denim

• Waterproof swim diapers for babies and toddlers

What to Bring:

• Proof of vaccination – ALHOSN UAE “Green Pass” or other proof of vaccination or negative PCR test result (14 days validity)

• Bottled water

• Sunscreen (preferably SPF30 or more)

• Towels (also available for rent at the Guest Service desk)

• At least two sets of clothing

Ticket Price

General Admission tickets for single-day visits to Yas Waterworld cost AED 270 (USD 73.51).

Family and Friends tickets are also available for AED 810 (USD 220.52) or AED 202.50 (USD 55.13) per person for groups of four. For larger groups, a 25 percent discount on general admission tickets is available (if purchased in the same transaction and for UAE residents only).

Children under four years old get free admission.

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is also covered by the three-park annual passes (see Ticket Price section under Ferrari World).

Opening Hours: From Sunday to Thursday: from 10:00am - 8:00pm

Fridays 15, 22, 29 July the park is open to the public from 9:00am - 4:00pm, then operates for Ladies Night from 5:00pm - 11:00pm

Saturdays for Neon Nights from 10:00am - 9:00pm

3. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Looking for a whimsical adventure for the whole family? Warner Bros. World is the perfect place for you.

Located beside Yas Waterworld, this theme park has rides and attractions revolving around some of the most popular cartoon characters and superheroes of all time, including Superman, Batman, Looney Tunes, and many more.

Best for: Thrill Seekers, Adventure Seekers, Social Seekers, Deal Hunters, Leisure Travellers

Rides and attractions in the Warner Bros. theme park are divided into six Lands:

• Warner Bros. Plaza: This classic vintage Hollywood-themed area is where you’ll find restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops in the theme park.

• Bedrock: Home to The Flintstones, this is the perfect place to experience some of the most nostalgic rides that will bring you back to the old days of Stone Age fun.

• Dynamite Gulch: Emulating the Southwest American desert in cartoon form, this Land features some of the most famous animated characters from Hanna Barbera and Looney Tunes.

• Cartoon Junction: This whimsical town is designed as the meeting place for guests and some of their most beloved cartoon characters, including Scooby-Doo, Bugs Bunny, and many more.

• Gotham City: A fictional city based on DC comic books, this Land is where Batman fights his nefarious foes. It is also the perfect venue for some of the most heroic exploits that guests can participate in.

• Metropolis: Home to Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and the rest of the Justice League, this Land offers immersive experiences revolving around conquests of some of the world’s mightiest defenders.

How to Get There

Free shuttle buses are available from Dubai to Yas Island that can get you not only to Warner Bros. World but also to Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World. Simply head to the following bus stops at the designated time and present your Yas Theme Park ticket:

• Big Bus Tours Service Area at the Deira City Center

• Parking 7 stop at Ibn Battuta

If you’re already in Abu Dhabi, take shuttle buses headed to Route B.

You can also go with the routes presented under the “How to Get There” sections of Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld, as the three parks are adjacent to one another.

What to Wear:

• Comfortable, modest clothing

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Light jacket or shawl

• Face masks

What to Bring:

• Proof of vaccination – ALHOSN UAE “Green Pass” or other proof of vaccination or negative PCR test result (14 days validity)

• Bottled water

Ticket Price

General Admission tickets for single-day visits to Yas Waterworld cost AED 295 (USD 80.31).

Family and Friends tickets are also available for AED 885 (USD 240.94) or AED 221.25 (USD 60.24) per person for groups of four. For larger groups, a 25 percent discount on the general admission tickets is available (if purchased in the same transaction and for UAE residents only).

Children under four years old get free admission.

The three-park annual passes also cover Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi (see Ticket Price section under Ferrari World).

Opening Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

When in Abu Dhabi, make sure you do not miss the opportunity to visit one or more of these awesome theme parks on Yas Island.

A frequent Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, or Warner Bros. World visitor? Get your Yas Parks Annual Pass here for year-round access to your favourite theme parks.