Exploring Abu Dhabi city needn't be confined to the capital's streets. You can also take to the sea and view some of more than 200 islands that are scattered in the waters around the main island.
Yas Island
Guests staying in any of the Yas Plaza hotels now have free access to Yas Island Beach, with regular shuttle buses taking them there.
The state-of-the-art Yas Marina Circuit is home to the annual F1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. At the circuit’s centrepiece is Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, a five star, iconic hotel – the only one in the world to straddle an F1 race track being breathtakingly built half on land and half over water.
Yas Marina and Yacht Club
Attracting Super Yachts from as far away as Australia for the annual Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and, Yas Marina and Yacht Club are central to Abu Dhabi’s ambitions of becoming a strong rival to traditional yachting grounds such as the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Overlooking the stunning Yas Marina F1™ Circuit, Cipriani [hyperlink to www.aldarmarinas.com] features signature dishes from Harry’s Bar in Venice and classic Italian favourites.
Yas Links Abu Dhabi
On the west shores of Yas Island, this award-winning golf course, designed by Kyle Phillips, one of the world's leading golf course architects, is in line with the traditional links golf commonly associated with the coastal towns of Scotland and Ireland. Voted among the 'Top 10 New International Golf Courses' by the influential US publication Golf Magazine, Yas Links features a 7,450 yard par 72 course, utilising five teeing grounds per hole, with all 18 benefiting from ocean views.
Saadiyat Island
Just seven minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi, 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 50 minutes from Dubai, the 27 square kilometre Saadiyat Island is undergoing remarkable transformation into 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.
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. Two galleries are open to the public: 'The Saadiyat Story,' on permanent display, gives visitors an interactive narrative on the history and cultural vision behind the island, and the
'Arts Abu Dhabi Gallery', hosts a series of exhibitions and educational programmes.
UAE Pavillion
Moved piece by piece from Shanghai, where it hosted the UAE’s national exhibition at the World Expo 2010, the pavilion stands now close to Manarat al Sadiyiat adding to the island’s cultural attractions.
With its own unique style, this exclusive club celebrates the elegance of its renowned sister on the Riviera. Leisure services include an outdoor swimming pool, a workout room with fitness and wellness programmes, spa facilities, sauna and steam rooms, kids' pool and playing areas, and private cabanas and loungers set on the stunning, white beach.