Yas island
A 30-minute drive from Abu Dhabi, Yas island is fast emerging as a popular entertainment hub. The destination is packed with adrenaline pumping adventure activities and recreational spots that are an ideal escape from your hectic work schedule. One of the highlights is the Yas Marina Circuit, hosting the annual F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. A range of track day packages including driver experiences, passenger experiences, private driving tuition programmes and racing license courses are available to choose from.
Car enthusiasts would also like to check out Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park with rides and attractions alongside shopping and an impressive F&B space.
If you are looking to spend a relaxing day by the beach, head to the island’s southern shore, Yas Beach, and enjoy water sports followed by a dining experience at one of the restaurants and bars serving Arabic and global cuisine.
On the west shore, is Yas Links Abu Dhabi, a well-known golf course featuring a 7,450-yard par 72 course, utilising five teeing grounds per hole.
Enjoy shopping at Yas Mall that houses over 300 international brands and 68 restaurants and bars.
Saadiyat Island
Spread across 27 sq km of space, Saadiyat Island gives an insight into the rich culture of the emirate and is home to the world’s largest single concentration of cultural assets including Zayed National Museum and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Visit Manarat Al Saadiyat and enjoy ‘The Saadiyat Story’ exhibition that offers an interactive narrative on the history and cultural vision behind the island. Another prominent exhibition and event venue is the UAE Pavilion.
Play some golf at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, the region’s first ocean course. Relax and unwind at the Saadiyat Beach Club offering a host of leisure amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, spa facilities, sauna and steam rooms, kids’ pool and play areas in addition to private cabanas and loungers.
Nature lovers would be interested to know that the Saadiyat beach plays host to Hawksbill sea turtle nests every year.
Sir Bani Yas Island
Experience nature and wildlife at Sir Bani Yas Island. The region’s largest wildlife reserve, the Arabian Wildlife Park is nestled on this island. The reserve is an abode to more than 10,000 free roaming animals such as Arabian oryx, gazelles, giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs. Explore the area in a specially-designed vehicle along with expert guides.
Try out a variety of equestrian activities at the high-end stables on the island, where you can customise experiences according to individual capabilities.
Another interesting aspect of Sir Bani Yas Island is that it houses the UAE’s only discovered Christian monastery.
Sir Bani Yas Island tour packages can be enjoyed with Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna and Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara.
Nurai Island
Located to the east of the Abu Dhabi city coastline, in the Arabian gulf, the stunning Nurai Island can be accessed from all major ports of the UAE. The island is a short boat ride from Saadiyat Island.
Spend time at the luxurious boutique island resort, Zaya Nurai Island, an all-villa resort with high-end amenities and services for both business and leisure travellers. Guests can choose from five dining options serving local and international cuisine.
Rejuvenate yourself with a wellness treatment at the resort’s world-class oceanside spa. The highlights include the Nurai Signature experience, which involves an interactive session with a therapist, using Thai massage.
Al Maryah Island
Touted as a renowned business and lifestyle destination in Abu Dhabi, the island offers a state-of-the-art financial centre, retail outlets, and premium hotels. The island’s vibrant waterfront plays host to a number of festivals and events such as the UAE National Day and Chinese New Year.
Al Maryah Island is packed with fine F&B outlets, restaurants and chic cafés that can be enjoyed at properties including The Galleria, Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi.
An ideal pick for corporates, the destination also has the international financial centre, Abu Dhabi Global Market with a plethora of office spaces.
The island is also establishing itself as a trusted option for healthcare with big institutions like Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi addressing critical care requirements of the region.
Nisha Shroff and Sanchita Nambiar
