If you’re looking for a family friendly holiday destination that offers excitement, great weather and tons of fantastic experiences, look no further than Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. This stunning location is a world class hub of entertainment, with attractions perfect for families of all ages. In this post we’ll explore how to get there from the UK, where to stay on a variety of budgets plus the best activities to enjoy with your family.

Getting to Abu Dhabi from the UK

Traveling to Abu Dhabi from the UK is easier than ever. Direct flights leave from London Heathrow and Manchester to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and are available with airlines like Etihad Airways and British Airways. Flight times are around 7 hours, making it a comfortable journey for families. LHR is pretty consistently much cheaper than Manchester for direct routes, so it will often be cheaper to travel to LHR, which is what we did. Note that the Manchester return flights home depart at 2am.

Some example return flight prices we have recently found:

• LHR – AUH – 5 night stay in November – £250pp Direct with Etihad
• LHR – AUH – Friday – Monday long weekend in November – £278pp Direct with Etihad
• LHR – AUH – ‘Manchester region’ Half Term – £396 direct with Etihad

Looking for a super budget-friendly option?

Low-cost airline Wizz Air operates flights from lots of UK airports to Abu Dhabi with a layover. The stop over is usually around 3 – 5 hours. This does increase your travel time slightly but can save you hundreds of pounds on each traveller.

• Luton – AUH – 27th Oct – 3rd Nov (Half Term week) – £414pp indirect with Wizz
• Luton – AUH – Friday – Wednesday in November – £203pp indirect with Wizz
• Leeds – AUH – Wednesday – Monday in October – £231pp indirect with Wizz

Getting from Abu Dhabi Airport to Yas Island

Yas Island is located around 10-15 minutes by car from Abu Dhabi International Airport, making the transfer quick and stress-free. Families can choose from several options to get to their hotel.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available at the airport, and the fare to Yas Island is usually around £10-£12. Taxi fares within Yas Island are affordable, with most rides costing around £2.50 per journey, making it an ideal option for families who want flexibility when moving around. We ended up getting Taxis to the theme parks as we were too hot to wait for the bus!

Yas Express

Some Yas Island hotels offer complimentary shuttle services from the airport. The shuttle buses depart from the airport parking lot, opposite the arrivals door. The bus stops at the following hotels – W hotel, Hilton Hotel, Yas Plaza hotels, WB Hotel and Double Tree Hotel. You can use the Yas Express to get around for free during your stay.

Yas Island Hotels

Yas Island offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all types of budgets, from family-friendly budget hotels to more luxurious stays. One of the biggest advantages of staying on Yas Island is that many of the hotels offer free theme park access. This adds incredible value to your stay, especially if you plan to visit the island’s famous theme parks which are expensive when purchasing day tickets.

Budget-Friendly Hotels

• Park Inn Abu Dhabi Yas Island: This 3 star hotel offers great value for money, with family rooms, an outdoor pool and playground. It is close to the beach and offers all inclusive packages.
• Yas Plaza Marina (formerly Yas Island by Rotana): Another excellent budget option, this hotel offers modern rooms, a great breakfast buffet, a kids club and kids pool. A great option close to the beach.

Mid-Range Hotels

• Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island: This 4-star hotel offers stunning views of Yas Links Golf Course and the Arabian Gulf. With family rooms, an outdoor pool, and easy access to Yas Island attractions. Prices are affordable, and the free park tickets add tremendous value.
• Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island: Offering family-friendly amenities, a kids’ pool, kids club and spacious rooms, this hotel is an excellent choice for families seeking a bit of luxury without breaking the bank.

Luxury Hotels

• W Abu Dhabi Yas Island: Located right on the Yas Marina Circuit, this iconic 5-star hotel offers breathtaking views, luxurious rooms, and high-end dining options. If you’re visiting during the Formula 1 season, this hotel is right at the heart of the action.
• The WB Abu Dhabi: This luxury 5* hotel features a large outdoor pool, a kids’ club, and the perfect location. This is the hotel we stayed in and it is fantastic for a special occasion trip. The food is amazing, characters are frequently seen around the hotel and you are walking distance to Warner Bros world and Yas Waterpark.

Yas Island Theme Parks

One of the major draws for families visiting Yas Island is its world-class theme parks. Here’s a look at the four main parks that you won’t want to miss:

1. Warner Bros. World Yas Island

This indoor theme park is a paradise for kids and adults who want to relive their youth! Divided into six immersive lands, Warner Bros. World features characters like Batman, Superman, Scooby Doo and Bugs Bunny. From thrilling rides to family-friendly attractions, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. It’s also air-conditioned, which is essential in the desert heat! I have written a specific post on Warner Bros World here.

2. Ferrari World Yas Island

Car enthusiasts and thrill-seekers will love Ferrari World. Home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa (which is currently closed, boo). In addition to the high-speed attractions, there are family-friendly rides, simulators, and Ferrari-inspired shows for the whole family to enjoy. The park is located within Yas Mall (more info below) and can be done with just half a day. The mall offers lots more fun activities to fill your day. We did indoor skydiving which I would really recommend.

3. Yas Waterworld

If you love a waterpark, Yas Waterworld is the place to be. With over 40 rides, slides, and attractions, this water park is ideal for a fun day out. It is currently being expanded so will have lots more to do in 2025! There’s something for all ages, from high-speed water slides to a lazy river and wave pools. Don’t miss the chance to ride the Dawwama, the world’s largest six-person tornado water slide! Check out our specific post on Yas Waterworld.

4. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is the newest addition to Yas Island. It is the first SeaWorld that doesn’t have Orcas. With interactive exhibits and shows, this park has an emphasis on education. Our kids really enjoyed this one. Don’t miss the Manta Rollercoaster, it was a lot more intense than I was expecting!

Yas Mall: Shopping and Entertainment for Families

Yas Mall is more than just a shopping mall; it’s a family-friendly entertainment hub. With over 370 shops, it’s the largest mall in Abu Dhabi, but it also offers plenty of activities to keep the little ones entertained:

KidZania

This interactive city lets kids explore different career roles, from doctors to pilots, in a fun, educational environment. They can earn KidZos (currency) and learn financial literacy.

Clymb

This has the worlds largest indoor sky diving experience and can be enjoyed by children as young as 3 (as long as the smallest helmet fits them!). Leo is 5 and absolutely loved it.

Cinema

Yas Mall has a massive cinema complex, perfect for a family movie night.

Fun Works

This large area has a soft play, ‘Air park’ and a variety of rides and arcade games.

Kidz Factory

They have creative areas include The Art Mill, where you can express art in different forms like wood, paper, canvas, or experiment with science through activities like slime making and volcano explosions.

AirManiax

Inflatable park, trampolines and warrior assault course.

Dining

There are numerous family-friendly dining options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants. You’ll find everything from fast food to international cuisine.

Yas Beach Abu Dhabi

Yas Beach is a popular leisure spot on Yas Island Abu Dhabi, offering a relaxing retreat with white sands and crystal-clear waters. You can reach Yas Beach by taxi or the complimentary Yas Express bus that operates around the island. The entrance is free for certain Yas Island hotel guests. Otherwise there is an entry fee of between 80-150 AED and this gets you a towel, sun lounger, umbrella and access to the pool. Once there, you can enjoy water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding, swim in the sea or pool, and dine at the beach bar and restaurant.

Final Thoughts on Yas Island

Yas Island Abu Dhabi is a fantastic destination for families looking for a holiday with lots to do and explore. With its world-class theme parks, family-friendly hotels and convenient transportation options, it offers an unforgettable holiday experience. The free park tickets with certain hotel bookings make it great value for families.

Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking to indulge in some luxury, Yas Island has something for every family.

Some links in this post are affiliate links. Our trip to Abu Dhabi was a PR trip but all opinions are our own.