It has been months, if not a year, since your last couple getaway. Wouldn’t it be nice to fly to Abu Dhabi for a quick weekend escape?
Since you won’t have much time to explore and get around, it’s best to concentrate all your activities in a single location.
These three places to visit in Abu Dhabi are all in Yas Island Abu Dhabi, a top leisure and entertainment hub in the UAE capital. You can stay at one of the luxurious hotels onsite, then take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service, Yas Express, to go around the Island.
So, if you’re ready, read on for the places you should not miss on your Yas Island Abu Dhabi weekend getaway.
- Yas Beach
It’s beach weather every day in Abu Dhabi, and on Yas Island Abu Dhabi, beach lovers definitely have a place to go for their weekend beach getaway.
Yas Beach is a beach club located on the southwestern facing side of Yas Island Abu Dhabi. It offers a tranquil yet easily accessible beach escape in the hustle and bustle of Abu Dhabi’s entertainment hub.
You and your loved one will surely enjoy the powdery white sand beach, the crystal-clear waters of the sea and the refreshing view of the surrounding mangroves. There’s an infinity pool for when you tire of the sea, including a kiddie pool with a waterfall feature.
If you’re hankering for some water fun, you can go kayaking, sailing or jet skiing. If you simply want to relax, order some food and drinks and lounge around on one of the sunbeds and cabanas or rent one of the private chalets.
Yas Beach is a great place to unwind. For the best time, visit in early spring, when it’s not too hot yet. The heat could be unbearable in the summer months. Additionally, do not go on a public holiday. Since Friday and Saturday are the weekend in the UAE, best to leave your visit for Sunday. Come early, so you can get the best sun loungers available.
The beach opens at 7 am and closes at 10 pm, but this could change depending on the day and season.
If you’re staying at a hotel on Yas Island, ask for a Yas Beach voucher, which will give you complimentary access to the beach club. Otherwise, you will have to pay an entrance fee, which usually gets more expensive during the weekend.
- Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
There’s nothing like soaking in a refreshing pool of water to help relieve the heat of the Abu Dhabi tropical desert climate.
Now, imagine having 37 acres worth of pools, rides, and slides to explore in one of Abu Dhabi’s most memorable attractions. Visit one of the most iconic water parks in the world, the Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, also located in Yas Island and one of the three world-class theme parks on the Island.
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi has the largest six-person tornado coaster in the world. However, if you’d much rather just float around in an endless pool of calm, blue waters instead of doing something strenuous, this water park has that, too.
The water park has more than 40 rides, slides and experiences available, so choose your activity according to your preferred activity level.
For luxurious, personalised service, book an Al Waha private cabana. A private cabana will give you a space you can call your own amidst the hustle and bustle of the water park. You will also get your own butler and an exclusive menu.
For some leisurely water fun, spend time at the Amwaj wave pool. Let your mind drift as you float on your back amidst the gentle ebb and flow of the water. If you need rest, take a sunbed at the Amwaj beach and sunbathe.
For some variety, you can go on a tube and float around the Al Raha River. This relaxing lazy river ride will not demand anything from you. Just lie back, relax and let the water do the rest. All you need to do is float around in relaxed comfort around the lazy waterway.
And if you’re ready for something a little more strenuous, there’s the Yadi Yas crazy river ride. This time, though, you will need to hold on tight, as this one is no gentle ride down the river.
- Yas Mall Abu Dhabi
While here, try to visit the biggest mall in Abu Dhabi and the second largest mall in the UAE.
Yas Mall Abu Dhabi has everything you want and need all in one place, including a direct link to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi just in case you find yourself in the mood to try the fastest rollercoaster in the world.
CLYMB Abu Dhabi is also easily accessible if you want to give indoor skydiving and indoor wall climbing a go – you know, just because you can, and it’s a new experience to try while on your quick weekend escape.
At Yas Mall Abu Dhabi, ‘shop til you drop’ is not just a smart tagline. It is more than possible to spend a whole day at the mall without visiting all of its 245 shops.
Shop FACES’ no-makeup makeup look at this beauty shop’s Yas Mall Abu Dhabi outlet. Other notable shops at the mall include Zara, DKNY, Mango, Tommy Hilfiger, Boss, Ted Baker, Beverly Hills Polo Club, Kalash, L’Occitane, Jo Malone, Bobbi Brown, and Sephora. Yas Mall Abu Dhabi also has the only Apple customer experience store in the emirate.
Abu Dhabi’s largest mall also does not disappoint when it comes to the number of dining options available. The mall currently has 67 restaurants and cafes, including the top-rated restaurant, Texas de Brazil.
The other highly rated food outlets in Yas Mall Abu Dhabi are The Cheesecake Factory, Texas Roadhouse, Al Fanar Restaurant and Café, Shakespeare & Co., Zaza, Paul Café, and Asha’s.
While at the mall, you should try watching a movie at the VOX Cinemas. Yas Mall Abu Dhabi has 20 of the biggest IMAX screens in Abu Dhabi, including four that use cutting-edge 4DX technology.
Watching a movie at a VOX cinema is not like your typical casual affair. It is an experience to savour. You can even order a three-course meal at the cinema and enjoy your movie while reclining on spacious, adjustable leather seats.
Ready for a Quick Escape?
Yas Island Abu Dhabi is an ideal weekend getaway destination. It has everything you may want and need on a quick escape, including the beach, a mega waterpark, and an enormous shopping mall.
Yas Island Abu Dhabi also has hotels onsite plus an island-wide shuttle, so getting around is highly convenient. And when you clock out after a day of fun and shopping, check in to your Yas Island hotel spa and end every day on a wonderfully blissful note.
