Abu Dhabi revved up by Yas Hotel

In the midst of the Yas Marina Circuit, looking like something out of Avatar, the Yas Hotel is Abu Dhabi's latest leisure and entertainment attraction. Located close to Khalifa City, Al Raha Gardens and the upcoming Al Raha Beach development, the hotel's restaurants, bars and coffee shops are a welcome change for facilities-deprived residents, not to mention the marina and F1 racetrack.

The opening of the hotel in November 2009 has brought dining options and leisure facilities closer to residents of the surrounding areas, says Stephen Banks, director of sales and marketing, Aldar Hotels and Hospitality. And although the hotel is still in the pre-opening stage, with snagging and renovation discreetly under way, it's become a popular site for events.

With access roads and bridges complete, Yas Hotel is just a 20-minute drive from the Corniche, a five-minute drive to Saadiyat Island, about 45 minutes from Dubai Marina and 15 minutes from the Abu Dhabi International Airport. Communities like Al Raha Gardens and Khalifa City are close to the hotel, says Stephen. The only issue at present is access across the E11 (Abu Dhabi-Dubai) highway. "Once the tunnel between the highway, Raha Gardens and the island opens, the area's 25,000-35,000 residents will have direct access to Yas Island."

Of course, Yas Island's facilities aren't just for locals. With its Ferrari theme park, marina, upcoming golf course, mall and other leisure facilities, it's being developed as a tourist attraction in its own right, with Yas Hotel and the other hotels (20 altogether are planned) to enjoy the spoils of this. "For now we're still targeting individual travellers and corporates," says Stephen, adding that within two years they hope to attract a more exclusive clientele.

Racing ahead

The design is futuristic, most notably the 5,096 pivoting diamond-shaped glass panels that make up the structure's distinctive grid shell. Inside, speed-lines race along the floor - from the lobby to the conference rooms, business areas and guest rooms. Every guest room and all but two of the restaurants have views of the F1 track... plus the soundtrack. Lillian Tool, an Abu Dhabi-based architect who recently stayed at the hotel with her family, says finding a lunch spot can be difficult on race days, as all the restaurants are booked in advance. "Palm Garden, the open landscaped area overlooking the track, is always jam-packed during races, especially since the garden has one of the best views of the track," she says. "As a motorhead mum, I was thrilled to find that there was something for all of us. My kids enjoyed playing in the garden; my husband and I enjoyed watching the race, often from the privacy of our room. And when the noise got too loud during the GP2 race recently, the kids were offered ear plugs to block out the noise!" As most of the hotel's restaurants have views of the track, those unable to get their hands on a ticket can still watch the races by reserving a table. "At the moment, we have the capacity for approximately 45,000 people to watch the races from the periphery of the track," says Stephen.

Green light?

"Environmentally, we try to stay aware of our wastes and usages," says Stephen. "We recycle wherever possible. We have an in-house team to review processes every month and come up with new ways to reduce our carbon footprint and save energy. Although we're not classified as a green building, the hotel itself does not consume that much energy."

Looking at the grid shell, the hundreds of light bulbs seem excessive; however, they're all LED globes, designed to illuminate with minimal energy consumption. The shell has another role too. "The fact that the shell covers a large part of the building also prevents the sun's rays and direct heat from entering the premises, thus cutting down on the usage of air-conditioning systems. The glass panels on the grid shell act in a manner similar to solar panel, giving shade to the building while creating a draft of air between the grid shell and the building."

On the cards

Aside from motor races, the hotel has hosted a range of events. Recently, it staged the Abu Dhabi Boat Show while last year, a series of concerts were held in the vicinity. In February, the restaurants were venues for the Gourmet Abu Dhabi 2010 food festival while golf events and championships are currently being planned. The hotel plans on hosting an annual jazz festival as well. Some of Yas Island's other attractions that are coming online include Ferrari World in the second half of 2010 and the Yas Links Golf Course Clubhouse on March 25. "At present there are nine holes in the golf course. By July, that number should have doubled to 18, along with the F1 track," says Stephen. "Quite a few Abu Dhabi residents stay here. Many expats enjoy the experience of a hotel that's so different from the regular five-star hotels they are used to. More than overnight stays though, the hotel receives day visitors who want to enjoy the facilities available or spend an evening at one of the restaurants. We have a fairly balanced ratio of expatriate to Emirati guests. We feel privileged that the local population has accepted us."

Ahmad Bin Hamid Al Khan, a UAE national and Abu Dhabi businessman, says the reason he prefers to dine at Yas Hotel is the level of service and the privacy afforded to families. "I feel safe bringing my wife and children here. Every restaurant has a private seating area," he says. "My family and I can enjoy our meal in peace."

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