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Exploring Abu Dhabi needn’t be confined to the capital’s streets. You can also take to the sea and view some of the more than 200 islands that are scattered in the waters around the main island. The majority of the islands are flat, sandy and uninhabited, but each has its own character. Futaisi Island, a 10-minute boat ride south of Abu Dhabi, has a long history and is packed with interesting flora and fauna. Both Saadiyat Island and Yas Island are under development. Saadiyat Island will soon become the cultural capital of Abu Dhabi while Yas Island is home to Yas Marina Circuit and an 18-hole, championship-ready, all-grass Links golf course.
Yas Island
Just off Abu Dhabi city, this emerging entertainment destination is within a 30- minute drive of the UAE capital and 50 minutes from Dubai. Here you’ll find the fabulous Yas Marina Circuit – the worldclass motor sports race track which hosts the annual Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the stunning Yas Marina, the Yas Links Abu Dhabi Golf Course and seven new hotels, including the breathtaking, signature Yas Hotel. A development by Aldar Properties, Yas Island was selected="true"="true"="true"="true"="true"="true"="true" as the ‘World’s Leading Tourism Development Project’ at the 2009 World Travel Awards.
www.yasisland.ae
Yas Marina Circuit
The state-of-the-art Yas Marina Circuit is home to the annual F1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Forming the centrepiece of Yas Marina Circuit is The Yas Hotel, a five-star, signature hotel – the only one in the world to straddle an F1™ circuit and breathtakingly built half on land and half over the Yas Marina.
It is 365 days of action at Yas Marina Circuit, as year round the track plays host to some of the world’s top motor racing series. A full calendar of motorsports and entertainment events include the future champions of Formula 1™ in the GP2 Asia Series and Australia’s legendary motor racing series the V8 Supercars. Top fuel dragsters made their Middle East debut at the International Drag Racing Festival and the world’s top sports car series, the FIA GT Championship. Opportunities at Yas Marina Circuit extend well beyond the Grand Prix, with the Circuit being a state-of-the-art mixed use venue that can be adapted to meet any event, exhibition or conference.
Yasmarinacircuit.com
Yas Links Abu Dhabi
On the west shores of Yas Island, the Yas Links Abu Dhabi Golf Course is designed by Kyle Phillips, one of the world’s leading golf course designers, in line with the traditional form of links golf commonly associated with the coastal towns of Scotland and Ireland. The Yas Links features a 7,450-yard par 72 course, utilising five teeing grounds per hole, with all 18 benefiting from ocean views. It has a clubhouse and world-class, floodlit practice ranges.
yaslinks.com
Ferrari World
From October 28, 2010 you can get into the fast lane at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi - the world’s first Ferrari theme park and its largest indoor theme park. More than 20 rides and attractions lie beneath its huge, iconic red roof, including Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, reaching speeds of 240 kmph; Ferrari World Abu Dhabi delivers the thrill of some of the world’s most inventive rides, eye-catching surroundings, authentic aromas and distinctive sounds of Italy.
ferrariworldabudhabi.com
Just 500 metres off the coast of Abu Dhabi city, the 27-square kilometre Saadiyat Island is undergoing remarkable transformation to become a world-class leisure, residential, business and cultural hub of global proportions, housing the world’s largest single concentration of premier cultural assets. These will include the Zayed National Museum, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi, a performing arts centre and a maritime museum – all designed by Pritzker prize-winners. Saadiyat, a natural island, is a multifaceted destination. It is zoned into seven different districts, each featuring diverse offerings. Saadiyat will boast a range of hotels and resorts such as the Shangri-La, Rotana and St. Regis as well as a number of restaurants and shopping malls. It will also include schools and the New York University-Abu Dhabi campus.
Saadiyat will be a relaxed waterfront home for residents; a cultural magnet for art lovers; the home of dazzling architectural icons; a pristine beachfront tourism destination and a focal point for compelling sporting experiences. Saadiyat Island is just seven minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi, 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 50 minutes from Dubai.
The magnificent 18-hole ‘ocean’ masterpiece Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, designed by golfing legend Gary Player, reinforces the emirate’s fast-rising status as a world-class golfing destination of distinction. More information is in the golfing section.
sbgolfclub.ae
Manarat Al Saadiyat
This purpose-built visitor centre – Manarat Al Saadiyat (which translates from Arabic as ‘a place that provides enlightenment’) brings the island’s vision to life. This exciting artistic venue will host a dedicated space for touring international cultural and art exhibitions, and has been designed in line with international specifications to house a variety of art pieces. The centre will eventually encompass four major galleries, a central events space, sales centre, 250-seat theatre and restaurant and is opening in phases. Currently two galleries have opened to the public. The state-of-the-art Saadiyat Island exhibition, ‘The Saadiyat Story,’ is on permanent display and provides visitors with an interactive narrative on the history and cultural vision behind the island. Additionally, the ‘Arts Abu Dhabi Gallery’ is a permanent space for a series of exhibitions and educational programmes organised by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC).
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