One of the best attractions in Abu Dhabi – or in the entire UAE, for that matter – is the unique outdoor scene. After all, there are only a few places you can visit to enjoy the gorgeous glistening sands of the desert and towering skyscrapers of the city.
Still, there will be a time when you’ll need a break from the scorching heat. Fortunately, Yas Island Abu Dhabi – a leisure paradise and the leading tourism project of the world – offers plenty of indoor adventures that are just as exciting as the great outdoors.
Wondering where you can go when visiting the leisure island? Below are Yas Island Abu Dhabi’s three must-visit destinations.
1. Etihad Arena
If you are to name one place in Yas Island Abu Dhabi where lots of wonderful memories have been made, what would it be? For many people, it would be the Etihad Arena.
This famous indoor arena in Abu Dhabi is one of the most sought-after destinations in Yas Island Abu Dhabi, especially during a scheduled event. With a seating capacity of 18,000 and a massive area of 35,000 square meters, this multipurpose venue caters to a wide variety of events, ranging from concerts and cultural performances to sporting competitions.
Most recently, Etihad Arena opened its doors to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). In fact, it has already hosted three successful UFC events since it was first named the “new home” of the American mixed martial arts competition firm in October 2020.
Of course, that’s just one experience you may become a part of in Yas Island Abu Dhabi’s big dome. When you visit, you can also look forward to:
- Luxury suites for a personalized viewing experience
- Safe and secure facilities
- Flexible parking options
- Wheelchair accessibility
2. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Quench your thirst for adventure and your need for speed at the Ferrari World – the only theme park where you’ll find some of the fastest cars in the world.
Named after the popular car brand, this Yas Island Abu Dhabi theme park has many activities in store for thrill-seekers who wish to enjoy a day’s worth of adrenaline-pumping action indoors.
Measuring an astounding 860,000 square meters, the Ferrari World holds the title of being the world’s largest theme park. And under its single massive roof lies other record-breaking attractions you won’t find elsewhere.
Tips for tourists: Abu Dhabi is a beautiful city that is filled with so many other amazing parks and top tourist attractions apart from Ferrari World Abu Dhabi also, so if you want to visit other tourist attractions including Ferrari World, so you should book a private Abu Dhabi tour with a guide from local tour operator companies to discover the best of the city. There are lots of local Abu Dhabi tour provider companies offering budget rate tours for groups and families.
I have added a link to one of the top Abu Dhabi tour provider companies above for your reference which I have experienced or you can just Google for a local Abu Dhabi city tour.
Formula Rossa
The Formula Rossa is one of the few roller coasters that make it to every adrenaline junkie’s bucket list. After all, what thrill-seeking adventurer in their right mind wouldn’t want to try riding the fastest rollercoaster in the world?
Hop to it and you’ll be swept at a top speed of 240 kilometers per hour in just 4.9 seconds 52 meters above the ground.
Take note, however, that they strictly implement a height range of 1.4 meters to 1.95 meters and a maximum weight of 100 kilograms to ensure everyone’s safety.
Flying Aces
If you haven’t got enough of the exhilarating roller coaster ride at Formula Rossa, you might also want to try Ferrari World’s Flying Aces.
Dubbed as the highest rollercoaster in the world, this record-holding attraction is also quite speedy at 120 kilometers per hour.
What separates Flying Aces from Formula Rossa is its heart-stopping 51-degree incline that brings you higher at 63 meters higher.
Of course, you’ll need to be 1.3 to 1.96 meters tall to enjoy this ride.
Scuderia Challenge
Named after Ferrari’s official Formula 1 racing team, the Scuderia Challenge lets you experience what it’s like to be a member of the team – safely, of course, inside a state-of-the-art racing simulator.
With a minimum height limit of 1.3 and 1.5 meters, respectively, you’ll get to choose between the regular and advanced simulators (though you may need to pay an additional fee for the advanced one).
Ferrari World Driving Experience
Of course, your Ferrari World adventure won’t be complete without you getting a chance to ride an actual Ferrari.
Equipped with your UAE driver’s permit, you can choose to be in charge of the wheel and drive a real-life race car after getting a lesson or two from the park’s Ferrari-trained driving instructors. You can even bring an extra passenger with you.
If you’re not that much of a driver, you can also get seated and enjoy the ride of your life as a race car passenger with a professional driver on the wheel.
Either way, you’ll experience first-hand what it’s like to be inside an actual Ferrari.
3. CLYMB Abu Dhabi
Although it may have only opened in 2019, CLYMB Abu Dhabi has quickly become one of the favorite attractions on Yas Island.
Like many things in the UAE, CLYMB already has its fair share of world records. For one, it is home to the largest indoor skydiving flight chamber in the world, which measures an astounding 10 by 26 meters. It also features the world’s highest wall for indoor climbing that reaches a whopping 43 meters.
In other words, this is the perfect stop for thrill-seekers.
Whether you’re a long-time climber or skydiver or a complete beginner in these adrenaline-pumping activities, CLYMB Abu Dhabi is the perfect place for you.
Indoor Skydiving
Aside from the record-breaking flight chamber, CLYMB’s indoor skydiving facility is also lauded for using 16 super powerful fans. That’s four times more than other flight chambers that can help you literally soar to greater heights.
If you’re a newbie, you can choose the beginner package, which includes gear rental, pre-flight training, and expert one-on-one instruction. For experienced and regular flyers, you can also enrol in a membership package (and bring your kids, too).
Indoor Climbing
CLYMB also offers indoor climbing for everyone. There, you can choose from five climbing walls, with varying heights and difficulty levels.
If you’re a pro or someone who wants to take this activity to the highest possible level, you can choose The SUMMYT – the world’s highest indoor climbing wall. At 43 meters, it not only towers over the rest but also presents 13 challenging routes you can conquer.
Other climbing walls are available for climbers with advanced, beginner, and intermediate experience. CLYMB also has packages that include instructor supervision, especially for beginners.
Of course, everyone gets a safety briefing and a chance to check their climbing gear and equipment to ensure a safe and exciting experience.
Indoor Adventure Awaits
Who says indoor destinations can’t be as exciting as the ones located outdoors? These adventures in Yas Island Abu Dhabi prove wonderful adventures can also happen indoors.
