Yas, we welcome tourists

Up until three years ago, not many people had heard of Yas Island. Today, the 2,500-hectare natural island in Abu Dhabi is the region's entertainment hub. In its short history, Yas has played host to some of world's biggest music acts, and accommodated a range of sporting events, from golf to sailing. With hospitality options, all-round facilities and recreational options, the island sets an example for entertainment hubs around the world. And now, it is has gained a spot on the global sporting calendar by being home to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Motoring and more

The Yas Marina Circuit, home to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, was unveiled on October 30, 2009. After two years of intensive planning and construction, which involved 14,000 staff members and 35 million construction man-hours, the circuit opened its doors to a captivated crowd of about 50,000 spectators who came to watch the final race of the Formula One World Championship and the inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Built to encourage the growth of sporting culture in the UAE, the circuit is home to a racing school, a drag racing centre and a conference hall that ensure it remains in use all year round.

For racing enthusiasts, petrolheads and those who like all things Italian, the Ferrari World theme park offers plenty of fun for all ages. With its iconic red roof, which is modelled on the side profile of a Ferrari GT and features the largest prancing horse logo ever created, the park is a must-visit. Located just down the road from the Yas Marina Circuit it boasts more than 20 rides and attractions including the world's fastest roller coaster, the Formula Rossa. Reaching speeds of upto 149mph (239kmph) in just 4.9 seconds, the Formula Rossa recreates the G-force felt during a race; riders are even required to wear safety goggles, just like a racer during the Grand Prix. There's also a tower ride which shoots riders 62 metres (203 feet) into the air with G-forces similar to those which Lewis Hamilton might experience. Visitors can also stroll through a Ferrari paddock, handle tools used during races and train to be part of a pit crew. Opened last November and covering 80,000 square metres, Ferrari World is the world's largest indoor park and houses the largest collection of classic and modern Ferrari race cars outside of the company's Maranello headquarters in Italy.

The theme of motor racing on Yas Island even extends to the destination's hospitality offering. The Yas Hotel, recently renamed the Yas Viceroy, is the first hotel ever to be built over a Formula One race circuit. The property's two towers are linked by a bridge, under which runs the racetrack.

Designed to reflect the ergonomics and speed-lines of high performance cars, the hotel is an iconic structure both inside and out and the 5,000-LED panel grid shell that veils the two towers and the adjoining bridge lights up the entire Island. The shell can change colour so the hotel becomes a light show, even keeping time to the beats from the various concerts that are a regular feature on the island.

Music and more

While Yas Island has an overriding motor racing theme, the island is also pulling in tourists with performances by a roster of international artists. In October 2010, Flash Entertainment, the live events company based in Abu Dhabi, launched the Yas Island Show Weekends, a series of concerts featuring global superstars. These were clubbed with weekend hotel deals at one of the several properties on the island, with a view to bring in visitors from other emirates and further afield. Among the artists who have performed at the venue are the Jonas Brothers, Nelly Furtado, Guns N' Roses, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder and Janet Jackson, who performed to 50,000 spectators at the Yas Arena.

Golfing and more

From motor racing to golf, Yas Island has emerged as a sports destination. Opened last year, the Yas Links Abu Dhabi is the UAE's newest golf course. Decorated with a number of coveted accolades by Middle East Golfer as well as Golf Course Architecture, Yas Links has recently been ranked 95 within the Golf World's list of the top 100 courses for 2011. Designed by course architect Kyle Phillips, the 7,414-yard, par-72 championship course provides golfers with some challenging conditions from uneven fairways to pot bunkers and strong winds. A semi-private golf club, Yas Links offers a variety of facilities including golf and social memberships, conference and meeting rooms, a pool and two restaurants which overlook the course and the local mangroves.

In the UAE, one is never very far from the water, boats and impressive yacht clubs. With facilities to accommodate 143 yachts of up to 90 metres, as well as ‘super-yachts' up to 150 metres in length, the Yas Marina is yet another iconic structure on Yas Island. Located at the heart of the Yas Marina Circuit, the five-star yacht club and marina offers a host of premium leisure facilities and boasts a 45-metre high observation tower, which provides excellent views of the Formula One racetrack. The architect of the yacht club, Omiros Emmanouilides, described the design as "a composition of dynamic and fluid forms that link the buildings to the nautical theme, the heritage of the location and the new F1 character of Yas Island."

Wet future

In line with becoming one of the UAE's largest leisure destinations, Yas Island is still developing new attractions and recently unveiled the theme of a new water park. Based on an original story, the theme ‘The Lost Pearl' follows the adventures of a young Emirati girl in search for an exquisite pearl which brought prosperity to the pearl diving community of her village. The story will take visitors through more than 40 exciting rides, slides, and attractions, including a pearl diving show to reflect the traditional Emirati heritage.

Currently under construction, the Yas Island Waterpark is located adjacent to Ferrari World and covers an area of more than 15 hectares. Due for completion early next year, the water park is set to become an integral part of the island's entertainment.