In 2011, Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol showed us that visiting Spain could be the adventure of a lifetime. So when they said, ‘Zindagi Ko YAS Bol,’ who was I to question them? Luckily for me, the adventure of my lifetime was only a 4-hour plane ride away. It is said that the true essence of Abu Dhabi lies in the harmony of its past with the innovation of its present. Yas Island is a proud example of what happens when heritage and imagination coalesce.
Where To Stay On Yas Island?
Touching down in Abu Dhabi, the air was (mostly) restless with the excitement of those who, like me, had to come for a thrilling getaway. The horizon stretched wide with the peculiar glow of moonlight bouncing off the Arabian waters. After a 15-minute scenic drive, Yas Island greeted
me with modern amusement: roller coasters, theme parks, and a marina. Then came the DoubleTree by Hilton, nestled between the waterscape and the experiences that awaited me each day.
Since I was visiting an emirate for the first time, I was admittedly nervous about my etiquette. Modern cinema hasn’t been too kind when it comes to stereotypes. But to my relief, the Hilton staff were ever ready to answer all my questions with empathy and without judgment. Even better was the grand breakfast buffet I indulged in every morning, and the moonlit stroll at the waterfront I took every night.
TeamLabs Phenomena
My vacation began with a private tour of TeamLabs Phenomena on Saadiyat Island. The experiential exhibition was unlike anything I had seen before. From walking barefoot in water to standing in the middle of a foam tornado, the gallery redefined what art can be. I ran with childlike wonder through a room that seemed endless, and I drank tea with sophistication in front of an exhibit that was sensitive to my sips.
I witnessed magic and felt alive. This is the future. It forces you to ask: what is perception, what is space, what is the boundary between the physical and the digital? I found myself lingering longer than intended, drawn to installations where ambient sound, light, and motion combine to bring Oz-like wonderment.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The next stop was the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, not in the ‘adventure’ realm but an essential pause. Marble domes carved with lace‑fine design, immense courtyards gleaming under the sun, minarets reaching skyward: this is what peace looks like. Looking across the expanse of white stones, I felt very small. The mosque underscores that even amid grand modernity, faith and history should remain deeply present.
Here, it is important to know that women must wear full-sleeved, long and loose-fitted clothes. Women must also keep their heads covered. After getting nearly 20,000 steps in, it was best to enjoy a lavish Lebanese dinner at Amaya. I also ordered a chocolate raspberry iced tea, which I know sounds a bit like it belongs to the joints that serve noodle samosa, but honestly, what a delight!
SeaWorld
Back on Yas Island, my second day started early, and my first stop was SeaWorld, where eight oceanic ‘realms’ unfold under one roof. This is the world’s largest indoor marine theme park. My guide was an actual princess, and I highly recommend taking a guided tour of the place. Not only did I touch sting rays and walk through a corridor full of birds, but I also saw otters at play and magnificent walruses lounging about.
The highlight of this experience was when I entered the baby penguins’ enclosure and touched their soft feathers. The scale of the aquariums and the interactive encounters blend awe with education. Here, conservation, rescue, and research are woven into the visitor experience. You’re not just consuming spectacle; you’re reminded of ecosystems, of fragility, and of the need to protect.
Ferrari World
After a hearty multi-cuisine meal at SeaWorld, I shifted gears, and my next stop was Ferrari World. The red roof alone was hard to miss, and inside, the energy was contagious. The hours I spent at Ferrari World were arguably the most thrilling moments of my life. Riding Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest coaster (reaching speeds of up to ~240 km/h), was an experience that I will never forget.
My heart was in my throat, my belly was about to explode, and my eyes were fighting to stay open. My first-ever roller coaster experience was perfect- everything it should have been. I’ll admit that I am usually not the first person to say yes to speedy rides, but ‘world’s fastest’ is a superlative that commands you to give it a shot.
Then came the other rides: Flying Aces with its sweeping curves, the more family-friendly offerings, shows, and exhibits about the engineering and legacy of Ferrari. It’s theme‑park mechanics, but elevated with design, narrative, and a kind of luxury that only the UAE can offer you. After two exhilarating adventures and 25,000 steps, I devoured Siddharta Lounge’s decadent seafood and scrumptious ice cream. Restaurants there embrace diversity with Arabic, fusion, and international delicacies on the menu.
Warner Bros. World
The following morning, I took an early swim at the DoubleTree and soaked in the last of my Arabian sun. Then, after the roar of Ferrari came the whimsy of Warner Bros. World. On day 3, I stepped inside a storybook where my childhood met cinematic artistry. This theme park came alive. The ‘lands’ were immersive; I could almost hear Bugs Bunny plotting mischief, and nearly see the caped silhouette of Batman against neon cityscapes.
After the high-octane, high-adrenaline thrill of Ferrari World, the gentle laughs and nostalgia of Warner Bros. provided a welcome change of pace. The Green Lantern and Batman rides were extraordinary. I also went inside The Joker’s Funhouse and even went on the courtyard stage to pose with Tweety, Daffy Duck and the rest of the Looney Toons.
There’s something for everyone at Warner Bros. World, and this even extends to their food. To my surprise, the Starlight Restaurant served a decadent Lobster Spaghetti and a score of desserts with tempered chocolate. The chefs were even kind enough to customise a vegetarian biryani for my fellows. As another memorable day came to a close, my step count was yet again at 20,000.
Etihad Arena, Yas Bay Waterfront
At night, I switched from Toons to tunes at the Les Misérables Broadway show at the Etihad Arena. As a child, I sang ‘Castle On A Cloud’ for a group singing competition. Years later, hearing it live in a rendition of the musical felt surreal. Between the major attractions, evenings and nights on Yas Island were equally engaging. There was something magical about winding down at the Yas Bay Waterfront after sunset with yachts bobbing, lights reflecting on water, the scent of sea and possibility.
I had an early morning flight back to Delhi the next day, so for my last meal, I resorted to room service after a relaxing soak. The DoubleTree by Hilton proved to be a perfect base: comfortable to return to, restorative after long days. When I say I ordered a feast, I’m making no exaggerations. I had a fruit platter, steak with sauteed vegetables, pesto fettuccine, fries, passionfruit virgin mojito and ice cream. One thing I learnt about myself on this trip: not a fan of well-done steak.
As my 3-day vacation came to an end, I realised that Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol are really onto something with this holiday niche. If you’re still sceptical about a getaway to Abu Dhabi, here’s my final pitch: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobaara toh Zindagi Ko YAS Bol. Alright, being cheesy aside, when should you go to Abu Dhabi? Anytime. I went during the supposed off-season months, but my thrills were far from few. Is it worth it to go to Yas Island? YAS (Sorry). Something which I couldn’t do, but you must? Visit the Louvre.
Yas Island is not just a destination; it’s a statement: that a place can be ambitious and accessible, magnificent and nuanced. It pulses with energy, yet it also carves out space for stillness. It shows off, yes, but not at the expense of soul. What struck me most over my stay was the balance between extremes: between speed and serenity, modernity and tradition; between art that dazzles and architecture that humbles.
Yas Island does not attempt to be one type of destination alone. It is a playground of possibilities. For those with curiosity to see what is possible when culture, technology, fun, history, and faith are held in tandem, this is a trip that stays with you. This was a trip that stayed with me.
