{{short description|Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates}} {{Promotional|date=January 2026}} {{about|the manmade island|the natural island|Sir Bani Yas}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox islands |name =Yas Island |country=United Arab Emirates |coordinates={{coord|format=dms}} |image_name=Yas Marina Circuit + Ferrari World -Abu Dhabi.jpg |image_caption=View of Yas Island as seen from the sky (2010) }}
'''Yas Island''' ({{langx|ar|جزيرة ياس}}) is an artificial island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates named after the Arabian Bani Yas tribe.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yasisland.ae/en/maps--tools/maps--directions/ |title=Yas island maps and directions |publisher=yasisland.ae |access-date=12 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019053117/http://www.yasisland.ae/en/maps--tools/maps--directions/ |archive-date=19 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> It has been created through extensive land reclamation.<ref>[https://www.meed.com/leisure-tourism-meed-project-of-2011/#:~:text=Inside%20Saudi%20Arabia's%20water%20market&text=Description:%20The%20Ferrari%20Experience%20is,within%20the%20building%20was%20ongoing. https://www.meed.com/leisure-tourism-meed-project-of-2011/#:~:text=Inside%20Saudi%20Arabia's%20water%20market&text=Description:%20The%20Ferrari%20Experience%20is,within%20the%20building%20was%20ongoing.]</ref> It occupies a total land area of {{convert|25|km2|abbr=on}}. It is a leisure island and one of the largest tourism projects in Abu Dhabi.
Yas Island holds the Yas Marina Circuit, which has hosted Formula One's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009.<ref name="auto"/> It is also home to Ferrari World park, which contains Formula Rossa, the once fastest rollercoaster in the world.<ref>{{cite web |title=Record Holders - Speed |date=23 April 2023 |website=Roller Coaster DataBase |url=https://rcdb.com/rhr.htm |access-date=23 April 2023 |archive-date=14 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014201117/https://rcdb.com/rhr.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
Yas Island was named the world's leading tourism project at the World Travel Awards in November 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arabianbusiness.com/yas-island-named-world-s-leading-tourism-project-10964.html |title=Yas Island named World's Leading Tourism Project |publisher=arabianbusiness.com |date=11 November 2009 |access-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017154830/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/yas-island-named-world-s-leading-tourism-project-10964.html |archive-date=17 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Development== The island's development was initiated in 2006 with the aim of turning the island into a multi-purpose leisure, shopping and entertainment center. The investment was planned as a multi-staged project to unfold in phases until 2018, with project stakeholders foreseeing the possibility of extending development by adding new venues and upgrading existing facilities.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=http://www.dubaifaqs.com/yas-island.php |title=Yas Island leisure destination in Abu Dhabi |publisher=dubaifaqs.com |access-date=12 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112070626/http://www.dubaifaqs.com/yas-island.php |archive-date=12 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Attractions==
===Ferrari World=== {{main|Ferrari World Abu Dhabi}}
[[File:Formula Rossa coaster.jpg|thumb|Formula Rossa, the world's fastest rollercoaster in Ferrari World Abu Dhabi]] Ferrari World was opened in November 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ferrariworldabudhabi.com/history/ |title=Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Grand Opening |publisher=ferrariworldabudhabi.com |access-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021124414/https://ferrariworldabudhabi.com/history/ |archive-date=21 October 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Formula Rossa, one of the park's roller coasters, was the fastest roller coaster in the world when it opened, at 240 km/h (149.1 mph). The speed record has since been broken by Falcon's Flight by 10 km/h.
=== Yas Waterworld === {{main|Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi}}
Yas Waterworld is a water park located in Yas Island. It has the Surf's up! Bubbles' Barrel slide which is the largest surf-able sheet wave surf in the world. The World Waterpark Association awarded it the Leading Edge Award in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yaswaterworld.com/en/news/press-centre/yas-waterworld-abu-dhabi-takes-home-world-waterpark-associations-inaugural-leading-edge-award-1.html |title=Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi takes home World Waterpark Association's inaugural Leading Edge Award - Yas Waterworld |publisher=yaswaterworld.com |access-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017153329/http://www.yaswaterworld.com/en/news/press-centre/yas-waterworld-abu-dhabi-takes-home-world-waterpark-associations-inaugural-leading-edge-award-1.html |archive-date=17 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The park was named as one of the 20 best water parks in the world by the ''Los Angeles Times'' in May 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/themeparks/la-trb-top-20-water-parks-04201330-pg,0,3909060.photogallery?index=la-trb-top-20-water-parks-04201330-pg-002 |title=Photos: 20 best water parks in the world |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025140215/http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/themeparks/la-trb-top-20-water-parks-04201330-pg,0,3909060.photogallery?index=la-trb-top-20-water-parks-04201330-pg-002 |archive-date=25 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was also listed by CNN as one of the top 12 water parks in the world in July 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/worlds-best-water-parks/index.html |title=12 of the world's best water parks |date=31 July 2013 |publisher=CNN |access-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020000244/http://edition.cnn.com/2013/07/31/travel/worlds-best-water-parks/index.html |archive-date=20 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> It also won the World Travel Awards award for the Middle East's Leading Tourist Attraction of the year 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldtravelawards.com/award-middle-easts-leading-tourist-attraction-2013 |title=Middle East's Leading Tourist Attraction 2013 |publisher=worldtravelawards.com |access-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017144137/http://www.worldtravelawards.com/award-middle-easts-leading-tourist-attraction-2013 |archive-date=17 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> During its five years of operation, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi has received more than 35 awards and it was voted the Middle East's Leading Waterpark at the World Travel Awards. In 2018 the most memorable moments was the introduction of Cinesplash, which is the region's first and only 5D water adventure.
=== Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi === {{main|Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi}}
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is located on Yas Island near Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld.<ref name = lat>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-warner-bros-abu-dhabi-20160419-story.html|title=Warner Bros. theme park in Abu Dhabi set to open in 2018|website=Los Angeles Times |date=19 April 2016|access-date=27 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202054439/http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-warner-bros-abu-dhabi-20160419-story.html|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> WB World is organized into six themed lands, Gotham City, Metropolis, Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch and Warner Bros. Plaza. Gotham and Metropolis are based on the cities of DC Comics superheroes Batman and Superman. Warner Bros.'s ''Looney Tunes'' and Hanna-Barbera cartoon libraries are featured in Cartoon Junction and Dynamite Gulch except for Bedrock which features The Flintstones. Warner Bros. Plaza mimics the Hollywood of the past.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lodderhose|first1=Diana|title=Warner Bros To Build Gotham City & Metropolis For B Abu Dhabi Theme Park|url=https://deadline.com/2017/04/warner-bros-world-abu-dhabi-building-real-life-gotham-city-metropolis-1-billion-theme-park-batman-superman-1202076927/|access-date=27 April 2017|work=Deadline|publisher=Penske Business Media, LLC|date=25 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427014749/http://deadline.com/2017/04/warner-bros-world-abu-dhabi-building-real-life-gotham-city-metropolis-1-billion-theme-park-batman-superman-1202076927/|archive-date=27 April 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The park opened on 25 July 2018, which makes it the world's third Warner Bros. theme park.<ref name=lat/> Visitors can enjoy the gleaming urban landscape of Metropolis, where they can revel in the heroic optimism of the Justice League - whose members include Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and The Flash.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kuttab |first=Jasmine Al |title=Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi to open for public today |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/warner-bros-world-abu-dhabi-to-open-for-public-today |access-date=14 September 2024 |website=Khaleej Times |language=en}}</ref>
=== CLYMB Abu Dhabi === {{Main|CLYMB Abu Dhabi}}
CLYMB Abu Dhabi opened in November 2019. It includes the world's tallest indoor climbing wall, at {{convert|43|meters}} tall, as well as the world's widest vertical wind tunnel, at {{convert|10|meters}} wide.<ref>{{cite web |title=World's tallest indoor climbing wall will open in Abu Dhabi |first=Andrea |last=Smith |date=20 November 2019 |url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/indoor-flight-chamber-tallest-climbing-wall |work=Lonely Planet |access-date=23 April 2023 |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424023044/https://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/indoor-flight-chamber-tallest-climbing-wall |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== SeaWorld Abu Dhabi === {{main|SeaWorld Abu Dhabi}}
On 13 December 2016, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment announced a new partnership with Miral to bring SeaWorld Abu Dhabi a new idea to add it to Yas Island. The park, is situated to the northeast of Ferrari World, and opened in May 2023, it is the first SeaWorld without orcas.<ref name="SeaWorld Abu Dhabi announcement">{{cite web|title=SeaWorld Announces Partnership with Miral to Develop SeaWorld Abu Dhabi|url=https://seaworldcares.com/seaworldabudhabi|website=seaworldcares.com|publisher=SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment|access-date=13 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213191143/https://seaworldcares.com/seaworldabudhabi|archive-date=13 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SeaWorld AD-Orlando Sentinel">{{cite news|last1=Pedicini|first1=Sandra|title=SeaWorld announces new theme park in the Middle East, with no orcas|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/seaworld/os-seaworld-theme-park-middle-east-abu-dhabi-20161213-story.html|access-date=13 December 2016|work=OrlandoSentinel.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213184026/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/seaworld/os-seaworld-theme-park-middle-east-abu-dhabi-20161213-story.html|archive-date=13 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The park has developed an area of 183,000{{nbsp}}square meters which is split into eight zones featuring more than 100,000 marine animals. Starting with Abu Dhabi Ocean to Once Ocean – the hub and spoke model of the park that transports visitors to the other realms: Micro Ocean, Endless Ocean, Tropical Ocean, Rocky Point, Polar Ocean with Arctic and Antarctica.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Ashwani |title=SeaWorld Abu Dhabi opens: 10 mind-blowing things you need to know about UAE's new theme park |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/largest-aquarium-zero-gravity-flip-rides-10-things-to-know-about-seaworld-abu-dhabi |access-date=14 September 2024 |website=Khaleej Times |language=en}}</ref>
=== Disneyland Abu Dhabi === {{Main|Disneyland Abu Dhabi}}
In May 2025, The Walt Disney Company announced that they will develop a theme park with Miral Group on Yas Island.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://disneyparksblog.com/disney-experiences/disney-announces-abu-dhabi-theme-park/ |title=Disney Announces Plans for New Theme Park and Resort with Miral in Abu Dhabi |date=7 May 2025 |access-date=7 May 2025}}</ref> The theme park will be fully developed and built by Miral, with Walt Disney Imagineering leading creative design and operational oversight. It will be the second Disney resort not to be operated by Disney Experiences in any capacity, after Tokyo Disney Resort. Miral is also responsible for many of the other attractions on Yas Island.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/the-walt-disney-company-and-miral-announce-plans-for-disney-theme-park-and-resort-on-yas-island-abu-dhabi/ |title= The Walt Disney Company and Miral Announce Plans for Disney Theme Park and Resort on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi |date=7 May 2025 |access-date=7 May 2025}}</ref>
== Sports and entertainment ==
=== Yas Marina Circuit === {{main|Yas Marina Circuit}}
[[File:Yas Marina Circuit, October 12, 2018 SkySat.jpg|thumb|upright|Yas Marina Circuit as seen from space.]]
The full circuit length is {{convert|5.554|km|mi|abbr=on}} and can be configured in five different ways to accommodate a variety of motorsport events. Yas Marina Circuit is the only motor sports venue in the world that offers covered and shaded grandstands throughout the facility, coupled with pit lanes that run partially beneath the track. It is the venue for the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/about-yas-marina-circuit |title=ABOUT YAS MARINA CIRCUIT |publisher=yasmarinacircuit.com |access-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017165624/http://www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/about-yas-marina-circuit |archive-date=17 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Three charter boat companies operate from Yas Marina namely Jalboot Marine, Captain Tony's and Azure Marine. Seawings operates flights to and from Dubai to Yas Marina and 20 minute Abu Dhabi tours from Yas Marina.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnmarinas.com/en/marinas/yas-marina |title=Welcome to Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi |publisher=cnmarinas.com |access-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922124903/http://www.cnmarinas.com/en/marinas/yas-marina |archive-date=22 September 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Cycling === Yas Island has been part of the course of the Abu Dhabi Tour and later the UAE Tour road cycling races in the UCI World Tour.
=== Yas Links === thumb|upright|Part of Yas Links with Yas Beach in the background
Yas Links is a golf course designed by Kyle Philips, ranked 44th World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses outside the USA (Golf Digest 2018).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.golfdigest.com/story/worlds-100-greatest-golf-courses|title=Ranking: World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses|last1 = Szurlej | first1 = Ron | last2 = Whitten |first2 = Dom | last3 = Furore | first3 = Stephen |website=Golf Digest|language=en|access-date=16 December 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191211102558/https://www.golfdigest.com/story/worlds-100-greatest-golf-courses|archive-date=11 December 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> 1.8 million cubic meters of material were dredged to form the 18 Hole Championship Golf Course, Golf Club & Golf Shop, pool Area, air-conditioned swing studio and meeting and conference rooms for corporate events.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yaslinks.com |title=Yas Links |publisher=yaslinks.com |access-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022140923/http://www.yaslinks.com/ |archive-date=22 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
As of August 2019, Yas Links Abu Dhabi is managed by Troon International.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://golfdigestme.com/troon-international-to-manage-middle-east-flagship-venue-yas-links/|title=Troon International to manage Middle East 'flagship venue' Yas Links|date=1 August 2019|website=Golf Digest Middle East|language=en-US|access-date=16 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216133602/https://golfdigestme.com/troon-international-to-manage-middle-east-flagship-venue-yas-links/|archive-date=16 December 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Yas Beach === Yas Beach is a beach located in Yas Island close to Yas Links. The beach is lined with mangroves. A mangrove tour is launched daily from Yas beach by the Noukhada Adventure Company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yasbeach.ae|title=Yas Beach|publisher=yasbeach.ae|access-date=17 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017153022/http://www.yasbeach.ae/|archive-date=17 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
====du Arena and Forum==== thumb|The crowd at Bocelli's Concert in du Arena, Abu Dhabi in 2013
The du Arena (formerly known as the "Yas Arena" until June 2012)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/yas-arena-rebrands-after-deal-with-du-1.451057/ |title=Yas Arena rebrands after deal with du |last1=Olson |first1=Mary-Louise |date=13 May 2012 |website=The National |publisher=Abu Dhabi Media |access-date=19 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126051425/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/yas-arena-rebrands-after-deal-with-du |archive-date=26 November 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> is a large open-air concert venue located in Yas Bay. The venue opened in 2009, depending on configuration, the venue can hold up to 35,000.
The re-branding preceded the first Madonna concert, part of her MDNA Tour, in the Arab region on 3 and 4 June 2012. du and Think Flash revamped the venue for Madonna's concert, including building up a new 23{{nbsp}}m x 54{{nbsp}}m stage and developing a complex pyrotechnic and lighting system.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.arabianbusiness.com/du-arena-gets-revamp-for-madonna-concerts-458086.html|title=Du Arena gets revamp for Madonna concerts|work=ArabianBusiness.com|access-date=28 November 2018|language=en|archive-url=http://www.freezepage.com/1338242309ICLIORDJNA?url=http://www.arabianbusiness.com/du-arena-gets-revamp-for-madonna-concerts-458086.html|archive-date=28 May 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
The arena has hosted many international musicians under the telecom's entertainment platform du Live! in addition to Beyoncé, Madonna, including the Rolling Stones, Janet Jackson, Black Sabbath, Eric Clapton, Kylie Minogue, Shakira, Linkin Park, Nickelback, Eminem, Rihanna, Andrea Bocelli, Marie Osmond, Metallica, The Weeknd, Kanye West, Enrique Iglesias, Sting, Creamfields dance music festival featuring DJs such as Tiesto, David Guetta and Armin Van Buuren.<ref name="http://www.du.ae/en/dulive/Default">{{cite web |url=http://www.du.ae/en/dulive/Default |title=du Live! |publisher=Du.ae |access-date=25 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220085153/http://www.du.ae/en/dulive/Default |archive-date=20 February 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Furthermore, the du Arena has also been the venue for the Middle East's first KCON event featuring various K-pop artists such as BTS, Taeyeon of Girls' Generation, Cho Kyuhyun of Super Junior, Monsta X, Ailee, SS301, and Spica last 25 March 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/from-korea-with-love-our-guide-to-kcon-2016-in-abu-dhabi-1.224512/|title=From Korea, with love: Our guide to KCON 2016 in Abu Dhabi - The National|date=21 March 2016 |access-date=22 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527132845/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-life/from-korea-with-love-our-guide-to-kcon-2016-in-abu-dhabi|archive-date=27 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
The "du Forum" (formerly known as the "Flash Forum" until June 2012) is an indoor events venue. It seats up to 4,500. The venues are owned by Adler Properties and operated by Spectra.
===Etihad Arena=== {{main|Etihad Arena}}
Etihad Arena is an 18,000-seat indoor arena in the Yas Bay district which opened in January 2021.<ref name="Staff">{{cite web|author=Staff|date=7 January 2021|title=Fans are back: UFC will have 'limited' attendance at three-card 'Fight Island' stint at Etihad Arena|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/01/ufc-limited-fans-attendance-etihad-arena-fight-island-mma-conor-mcgregor-dustin-poirier|access-date=7 January 2021|website=MMA Junkie|publisher=|archive-date=4 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304233227/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/01/ufc-limited-fans-attendance-etihad-arena-fight-island-mma-conor-mcgregor-dustin-poirier|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Newswire">{{cite web|author=Newswire|date=10 January 2021|title=Etihad Arena lists official COVID-19 safety measures for fans at January UFC Fight Island shows|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/1/10/22223333/etihad-arena-lists-official-covid-19-safety-measures-for-fans-at-january-ufc-fight-island-shows|access-date=11 January 2021|website=MMA Fighting|publisher=|archive-date=2 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202130140/https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/1/10/22223333/etihad-arena-lists-official-covid-19-safety-measures-for-fans-at-january-ufc-fight-island-shows|url-status=live}}</ref>
====The du World Music Festival==== The du World Music Festival has been organized annually by ''du Live!'' and their partners since 2011. The first du World Music Festival took place at the Burj Khalifa Steps in Downtown Dubai and The Walk in JBR between 26 February and 25 March 2011, with performances by artists from around the world such as Tamer Hosny, Mona Amarcha, Janet Kapuya, Mashrou' Leila, Amit Chatterjee Alliance, Sponge Cola, Wust el Balad.
The second du World Music Festival took place also at the DownTown Burj Khalifa Steps, took place on 7–16 March 2012. Free and ticketed events included performances by Gabrielle, The Gipsy Kings, Amr Diab, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Stanley Clarke, Salif Keita, Sarah Geronimo, George Benson.
The third du World Music Festival took place between 22 March 2013 and 6 April 2013, and included Andrea Bocelli, Natalie Cole, Guns N' Roses, Kadim Al Sahir, Amr Diab, Eraserheads, Sonu Nigam, Train, Frank Gambale, Papon among others. This edition included performances at the du Arena in Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre in Dubai, and in Ras Al Khaimah.
=== Ultimate Fighting Championship === Yas Island has hosted a number of Ultimate Fighting Championship events including UFC 112: Invincible in 2010, UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs. Nelson in 2014, UFC 242: Khabib vs. Poirier in 2019. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the UFC has used Yas Island as part of a bubble branded as "Fight Island" for selected events since UFC 251: Usman vs. Masvidal in July 2020, which hosts UFC events involving fighters impacted by U.S. COVID-19 travel restrictions. This has included numbered UFC pay-per-views, and televised UFC Fight Night cards.<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 June 2020|title=White: Fight Island is in UAE, will host UFC 251|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29287612/ufc-fight-island-host-events-next-month|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705080422/https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/29287612/ufc-fight-island-host-events-next-month|archive-date=5 July 2020|access-date=11 July 2020|website=ESPN.com|language=en}}</ref> These events were primarily held behind closed doors at the du Forum until January 2021, when the UFC began hosting events with a limited number of spectators at the new Etihad Arena.<ref name="Staff"/><ref name="Newswire"/>
=== Sphere === In October 2024, Sphere Entertainment confirmed that it would build the Abu Dhabi Sphere location on Yas Island which would be similar to their property in Las Vegas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/new-sphere-built-in-abu-dhabi-1236032333/|title=Another Sphere Is Being Built, This Time In Abu Dhabi|first=Alex|last=Weprin|website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=October 15, 2024}}</ref> In July 2025, Sphere Entertainment finalized a deal with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism to develop the venue in Abu Dhabi.<ref>[https://www.casino.org/news/contract-finalized-for-second-sphere-in-abu-dhabi/ Contract Finalized for Second Sphere in Abu Dhabi]</ref> In May 2026, the Abu Dhabi Sphere received a $1.7 billion investment with the project set to complete in 2029.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2026/05/19/sphere-entertainment-secures-1-7bn-investment-for-first-international-venue/|title=Sphere Entertainment secures $1.7bn investment for first international venue|first=Owen|last=Lloyd|date=May 19, 2026}}</ref>
== Hotels == [[File:Yas Viceroy Hotel - architettura del futuro - panoramio.jpg|thumb|The outline architecture of the W Abu Dhabi, a five star hotel located on the Yas Marina and the first hotel in world to be built over an F1 race circuit]]
=== Yas Hotels === Yas island hosts nine different hotels across the island catering to various customers and budgets with affordable 3* options up to luxurious 5* hotels.
'''Yas Plaza Hotels'''
Yas Plaza has six hotels: * Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island * Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi Yas Island * Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Yas Island * Park Inn by Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Yas Island * Rotana Yas Island * Centro Yas Island '''Yas Island Hotels'''
As well as the hotels located in Yas Plaza there four other hotels you can stay at on the island including:
* Hilton Yas Bay * The WB Abu Dhabi * W Hotel Yas Island * Doubletree by Hilton Yas Island
== Transportation ==
=== Yas Express ===
Yas express Saadiyat route is a shuttle service which interlinks St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi with Yas Island's attractions. Operating daily, the shuttle service transports guests to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld, Yas Island and back.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yasisland.ae/en/maps--tools/yas-express-/ |title=Yas Express |publisher=yasisland.ae |access-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017215312/http://www.yasisland.ae/en/maps--tools/yas-express-/ |archive-date=17 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Retail ==
=== Yas Mall === {{main|Yas Mall}}
Yas Mall is a large retail mall located in Yas Island. It is considered one of Abu Dhabi's largest malls. In January 2017, Forbes recognized Yas Mall as one of the top five shopping malls in Abu Dhabi.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/bishopjordan/2017/01/03/best-shopping-malls-abu-dhabi/ |title=The Five Best Shopping Malls In Abu Dhabi |website=Forbes |access-date=8 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109023522/http://www.forbes.com/sites/bishopjordan/2017/01/03/best-shopping-malls-abu-dhabi/ |archive-date=9 January 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> In close proximity to Yas Mall is IKEA. The 33,000-square-meter store with a total sales area of 19,150{{nbsp}}square meters is the largest IKEA store in the MENA region.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ikea.com/ae/en/store/abu_dhabi |title=IKEA Yas Island |publisher=ikea.com |access-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017190659/http://www.ikea.com/ae/en/store/abu_dhabi |archive-date=17 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Previously located within the Marina Mall complex, the store was moved to Yas Island primarily due to limited room for expansion. An ACE Hardware is also located in close proximity. The Yas Island branch is the UAE's second largest ACE Hardware store, with 5,200{{nbsp}}square meters of retail space.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.aceuae.com/en/ace-uae |title= Ace UAE |publisher= aceuae.com |access-date= 17 October 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170214002440/https://www.aceuae.com/en/ace-uae |archive-date= 14 February 2017 |url-status= live }}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
{{Developments in Abu Dhabi}} {{Abu Dhabi}}
Category:Populated places established in 2006 Category:2006 establishments in the United Arab Emirates Category:Buildings and structures under construction in Abu Dhabi Category:Islands of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi Category:Artificial islands of the United Arab Emirates Category:Abu Dhabi Central Capital District