Abu Dhabi has become a prime travel destination, recording the highest hotel occupancy rate in 2021 since the steep drop in travels in 2019.

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-to-Miss Experiences in Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

 

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

 

Not-to-Miss Experiences in Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

 

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 u