Schools, accommodation, restaurants, hotels and more on Yas Island.
The first question expats must ask themselves when they arrive in the UAE’s capital is – Where to live in Abu Dhabi?
From accommodation and the closest supermarkets to schools and of course, dazzling amenities, where you choose to live will have a major impact on how your time in Abu Dhabi will be spent.
But don’t worry if you are having a hard time choosing your next home because at Yalla UAE we bring you a quick guide to living on Yas Island that will answer your important questions.
WHERE CAN WE LIVE ON YAS ISLAND?
Yas Island has an abundance of accommodation options for you and your family to call your new home. Residents can choose between living in private accommodation which has been almost exclusively developed by Aldar Properties or enjoy life in an apartment that is owned by a hotel.
Popular private compounds to live include Water’s Edge, Ansam, West Yas, Yas Acres and Noya. Prices vary from area to area with studio apartments available from as little as AED 52,000 and topping AED 1.7 million for a three-bed apartment in Water’s Edge.
Many hotels on Yas Island offer separate accommodations from their usual facilities for guests. You can find residences in Yas Plaza Hotels at the Staybridge Suites and DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences. These apartments usually offer flexible contracts from one day to one year.
Yas Island is also very close to Al Reef, Khalifa City and Al Raha which are full of accommodation options.
WHERE CAN WE SHOP ON YAS ISLAND?
When it comes to shopping on Yas Island, Yas Mall is the place to be. One of the biggest shopping malls in Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall is home to more than 370 international brands, 65 food and beverage venues and a whole host of entertainment activities including a 24-screen Vox Cinemas and the world-famous Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. A great place to do the weekly shop, Yas Mall also contains a mega-sized Carrefour. The mall is also very convenient for residents due to its late opening hours.
And for those looking to kit out their new accommodation, there is an enormous IKEA for all your furniture needs beside Yas Mall.
IS THERE PUBLIC TRANSPORT ON YAS ISLAND?
Like the rest of Abu Dhabi, those who wish to use public transport can avail of the bus. The 102 service takes you to Saadiyat Island and the city centre and for those wishing to travel to Dubai, the 106 service runs every hour. There are also plenty of taxis to catch should you be in a hurry with the district being home to the first driverless taxis in the UAE.
WHAT SCHOOLS ARE ON YAS ISLAND?
While Yas Island is known for being an entertainment destination, the area is fast becoming a place where children can receive a top-quality education thanks to an increasing number of schools. Parents can check out West Yas Academy, SABIS International School – Yas Island and Noya Aldar Academy and more schools on Yas Island.
WHAT HOTELS ARE ON YAS ISLAND?
Yas Island is a hotbed for tourists thanks to a huge number of hotels on the island. A haven for tourism, you have the choice to stay underneath the iconic grid shell of W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island next to Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Plaza Hotels which contains five hotels including the Yas Island Rotana Abu Dhabi, Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi and Centro Yas Island as well as the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island that overlooks Yas Bay Waterfront and the WB hotel that celebrates all the famous characters from Warner Bros Studios.
WHERE TO EAT ON YAS ISLAND?
The aforementioned hotels on Yas Island are great places to visit should you consider yourself a gastronome, however, the place that is bursting with cuisine connoisseurs and excitable epicures is Yas Bay Waterfront. Opened at the end of 2021, Yas Bay Waterfront is home to 16 restaurants serving fare from around the globe. Check out the likes of Akiba Dori, Hunter & Barrel and Siddharta Lounge by Buddha Bar among others.
Another charming place to bring friends and family for a delicious meal is Yas Marina where you can sample tasty plates from the likes of Aquarium, Stars N Bars, Iris Yas Island and The Scene by Simon Rimmer.
WHAT FAMILY THINGS TO DO ARE ON YAS ISLAND?
There is a reason why Yas Island is known as the UAE’s premier leisure and entertainment district. You can take a ride on the fastest rollercoaster in the world, Formula Rossa, at Ferrari World, leave terra firma at CLYMB Abu Dhabi, discover the wonder of Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi or make a splash at Yas Waterworld. And don’t forget Central where you can enjoy a tasty meal before taking on various arcade games.
WHAT SPORTS CAN WE DO ON YAS ISLAND?
Golf fans will feel right at home in Abu Dhabi with two enticing golf clubs; the world-class Yas Links Abu Dhabi and the recently opened nine-hole course, Yas Acres Golf & Country Club. For those who have a need for speed, you can hit the track at Yas Marina Circuit and emulate your racing heroes as you get behind the wheel. Or if you are more interested in a leisurely pursuit, go for a walk or cycle around the track for free on Tuesday evenings.
WHERE TO WATCH FIREWORKS ON YAS ISLAND?
Abu Dhabi never needs an excuse for a fireworks’ display and Yas Bay Waterfront is the perfect location to catch those kaleidoscopic sky boom displays throughout the year. UAE National Day and Eid celebrations are particularly encapsulating.
ARE THERE MUSIC GIGS ON IN YAS ISLAND?
As the entertainment hub of Abu Dhabi, most if not all music gigs in Abu Dhabi take place on Yas Island. The Etihad Arena is a spectacular gold structure at the tip of Yas Bay Waterfront where many musicians showcase their talents when they come to the capital to play. Etihad Park is also a superb venue for concerts. With a capacity of up to 40,000, Etihad Park is the scene where the famous Yasalam After-Race Concerts take place.
IS YAS ISLAND WHERE THE ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX TAKE PLACE?
Yes, for one epic weekend Yas Island is a cacophony of revving car engines as the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes centre stage. Run over four-days, this fantastic festival is not only for motorheads as the island puts on one of the greatest sporting shows in the world.
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