You will be spoiled for choice in Abu Dhabi and Yas Island theme parks in the UAE. Abu Dhabi (the state or emirate) has three core regions: the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, the city of Al Ain in eastern Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra in western Abu Dhabi. If you're into thrills and theme parks, however, there's one clear highlight: Yas Island Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi. This epic man-made island adventure is home to not one, not two, but three world-class theme parks.
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Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
You can't miss it. It is, without a doubt, an iconic structure - indeed, one of the most iconic - on Yas Island.
Its most impressive feature is the 50-metre-high, 200,000 square meters (2,152,782 square feet) Ferrari red roof with silver edges, supported by a steel frame made from 12,370 tons of steel. It looks twisted and otherworldly, inspired by the luscious curves of the Ferrari GT chassis. A Ferrari logo adorns the roof. It is the most recognizable Ferrari logo in the world, measuring 65 meters (213 feet) by 48.5 meters (159.1 feet).
Impressive as it isFerrari World Abu DhabiArchitecture is not the main attraction. Thrill seekers flock to this mostly covered Ferrari trademarkleisure parkfor its more than 40 thrilling attractions, including many unique roller coasters and its two record-breaking rides: Formula Rossa and Flying Aces.
Formula Rossa: the fastest roller coaster in the world
Formula Rossa holds the record for the fastest roller coaster in the world.
This is a stylish 16-seater train with seats designed to look like Ferrari Formula 1 racing cars. The coaster doesn't have a complex seat belt system to draw your eyes away from its sleek shape. Just a deceptively simple but secure lap bar keeps the driver in his seat.
This undoubtedly adds to the excitement as the coaster climbs up to 52 meters (170.60 feet) and accelerates from zero to a top speed of 240 km/h (149.129 mph) in just 4.9 seconds. Formula Rossa is so fast that you'll experience 4.8g, which is comparable to the g-force experienced by Formula 1 drivers in cornering (4-6g) and braking (5g).
Flying Aces: the tallest non-inverted roller coaster in the world
The Flying Aces is a military biplane themed roller coaster. Flying Aces isn't as flashy or fast as Formula Rossa, but it remains one of the most exciting races in the Ferrari World. This is especially true if you opt for one of the outside seats, where your feet can hang freely.
This ride has tons of twists, turns and drops. It climbs 63 meters on a 51-degree incline and lands at the top of the world for the tallest non-inverted roller coaster loop.
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabiit is the pearl of Yas Island and stands in stark contrast to the ultra-elegant and starkly modern structure of Ferrari World.
Inspired by the pearls of the United Arab EmiratesDivingheritage, this water park features traditional Emirati architecture. Spread across 14.97 hectares, it is a land of interactive water adventures and offers over 40 thrilling rides, slides and experiences for the whole family.
Below are some of the most memorable attractions at Yas Waterworld.
Forever
Dawwama is the world's largest six-person tornado roller coaster and has the world's longest six-person slide. You and your group ride atop a six-person round raft that slides down the mountain-top waterslide. You'll twist, twist, turn, climb and slide (it's a rollercoaster experience, only on a water slide instead of rails) just before descending a 20-meter tornado funnel. This is great fun; you will want to go again.
bubble barrel
when you lovesurf, this flowboard tour is for you. Your claim to fame? The biggest wave of leaves in the world! Ride your board standing, squatting or on your stomach. You can do whatever you want and as your skills allow.
jewel drops
if you want extremeAdrenalineHurry, you can't miss Jebel Drop. This is the steepest water slide in the water park. Gravity and water pull you down a hair-raising 10-story abyss. Remember to keep your body straight, arms across your chest and legs crossed to minimize friction and ensure the fastest possible fall.
cycle of death
The Liwa Loop is a body speed water slide, just like Jebel Drop. However, the Liwa Loop has a one-person launch pod. On a three, the floor drops below you and you slide down a vertical waterslide. You know the slide protects you from falling over the side of the slide, but it can still be a scary eight-second ride.
Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi
This is the first Warner Bros. theme park. of the world. This is the place to be if you want to meet Batman, Superman, Wile E. Coyote, Fred Flintstone and many other famous characters from Warner Brothers movies, TV shows and comics.
Spread over an area the size of 21 football fields (15.33 hectares or nearly 38 acres),Warner Bros World Abu Dhabiis officially the largest indoor theme park in the world and one of the world's leading leisure and recreation destinations. It has 29 rides and attractions and many spectacular seasonal events to enrich your visit.
Warner Bros. World has a central plaza and five zones or lands. Each country has its theme and related attractions.
Die Warner Bros.-Plaza
This is the central square and the gateway to all other countries. Although the entire park is covered, the square gives visitors the illusion of being outdoors with its incredibly high ceilings and midday sky.
rock base
Bedrock is a land that will forever remain in the Stone Age. Meet the Flintstones and the Rubbles. To complete your visit, take a cruise on The Flintstones Bedrock River Adventure, eat a jumbo burger from Bronto Burgers & Ribs, and shop for some souvenirs at Bedrock Boutique.
dynamite canyon
This is the wilderness of the American Southwest with its Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote mainstays, the Jetsons, Marvin the Martian and Yosemite Sam. This zone's must-do experience is Fast and Furry-ous, a reverse roller coaster that will have you feeling like Wile E. Coyote trying to catch Roadrunner.
cartoon crossing
Meet your favorite childhood cartoon characters in Cartoon Junction. Ride the Tom and Jerry Swiss Cheese Spin and join Tom as he chases Jerry, who is obsessed with chasing cheese. You can also enjoy a tour of the Scooby-Doo Museum of Mysteries. For something more active, try the Pogo Stick Daffy Jet-Propelled.
gotham city
This is Batman country. Visit Gotham City to meet the bat-suited hero and his memorable super-villains. Batman: Knight Flight is a high-tech ride that has you soaring, falling and spinning through the Gotham City night sky. If you like dizzying spins, set up Scarecrow Scare Raid, where you ride a jet-like rig attached to a constant rotating arm, which in turn is attached to a rotating column. The Riddler Revolution is a record that slides on an antique, sways and sways in its tracks.leavingstorage.
Metropolis
Metropolis is the city of the popular superhero Superman. At Warner Bros. World, is home to 3D, 4D and 5D experiences. Superman 360: Battle for Metropolis, an immersive 3D projection show. GreenLantern Galactic Odyssey, a 4D flying theater, and Justice League: Warlord Attacks, an immersive 5D ride.
How to get to Yas Island Abu Dhabi
Rent a car or take a taxi to Yas Island Abu Dhabi. It is less than 15 minutes drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport and approximately 25 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi. Following directions on Waze or Google Maps should be easy.
You can use the free transfer service from Dubai to Yas Island if you are coming from Dubai. You can also drive your vehicle. Either way, it should take an hour or so to reach Yas Island.
Once on Yas Island, you should easily find Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World. All three theme parks are located next to Yas Mall and can be accessed directly via Yas Dr. St/Yas Leisure Dr.
Tips to make the most of your Yas Island adventure
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip.
Buy the 3-day unlimited ticket for 3 parks
If you plan to visit all three theme parks, you can save significantly with the Unlimited 3 Days 3 Parks ticket.
Currently, a day ticket for adults costs AED 270 at Yas Waterworld, while the same type of ticket costs AED 310 at Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World. That's AED 890 for all three tickets. On the other hand, an unlimited 3-day ticket to 3 parks costs just AED 545, saving you AED 345 per adult or £74.90.
The 3-Day, 3-Park Unlimited Ticket gives you a full day to enjoy each park and 14 days to visit all three parks. So after seeing one park, you have 13 days to visit the remaining two parks.
So you don't have to rush to visit all three parks. You can see one park, rest for a few days, and then go to the second park. After a few days - as long as it's within the 14-day limit - you can visit your third park.
You can purchase the unlimited 3-day, 3-park ticket online at any theme park.
Check into a hotel on Yas Island
Visit the Yas Island website to checkYas Island Dealsand promotions. Look for theme park packages, particularly at Yas Island hotels.
Many hotels on Yas Island offer free theme park access with every night's stay. So if you stay one night, you can get theme park tickets. Stay three nights or more and get access to all three theme parks.