Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s premier leisure and entertainment hub, looks forward to welcoming back travellers from Saudi Arabia to the award-winning destination following relaxed quarantine measures for fully vaccinated travellers to the UAE. With improved health measures, Yas Island Abu Dhabi is a destination where visitors of all ages can enjoy unforgettable experiences in a safe environment.
Since the start of the pandemic, Yas Island has been reassuring visitors of their safety and wellbeing during their time at the destination. 95% of eligible team members across the destination have been vaccinated, including attractions, experiences, hotels, restaurants and retailers in support of Abu Dhabi’s vaccination program.
In addition, Yas Island’s theme parks and attractions were awarded the ‘Go Safe’ certification by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi earlier in the year, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Mall, as well as W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island – the first hotel in the UAE to receive the accreditation – and all Yas Plaza hotels. The certification is one of 25 health and safety accreditations received by the destination, including the coveted WTTC ‘Safe Travels’ stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council in August 2020 – the first destination in Abu Dhabi to receive the international honour.
95% of eligible team members across the destination have been vaccinated
During the summer months, Yas Island introduced its popular ‘Kids Go Free’ packages across the destination for the ultimate summer break and has now extended the package to holidaymakers from Saudi Arabia. Until 30 September 2021, children below the age of 12 will stay and play for free – one child for every one paying adult. This includes complimentary admission to the island’s world-class theme parks, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, as well as opportunities to stay and eat for free at the island’s diverse portfolio of hotels.
Yas Island also welcomed Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island in February 2021, located in the vibrant Yas Bay development. The property is Yas Island’s first five-star family hotel with beach, offering 545 spacious rooms and suites, and also includes a beach club, provides easy access to The Waterfront’s numerous entertainment and nightlife attractions include the pier71, 37 F&B outlets and 19 retail outlets. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is part of Miral’s AED 4 billion investment into the overall AED 12 billion masterplan of Yas Bay, which will feature three distinct areas across 14 million square feet; The Waterfront, where Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is located, The Residences, and Yas Creative Hub.
This year also saw the first live event at the all-new Etihad Arena, the region’s largest multi-purpose arena, with UFC Fight Island™ Triple Header hosting a limited number of fans. A line-up of live events will be announced throughout the year following its success, with popular stand-up comedian, Michael McIntyre, scheduled to take the stage on 16 July.
2020 marked Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s 10th anniversary, and the award-winning theme parked celebrated by launching two new first-of-their-kind experiences – the Roof Walk and Zip Line. Guests from Saudi Arabia can scale the Park’s signature red roof and take in spectacular vista views of Yas Island, zipping from the heart of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi through the Flying Aces rollercoaster loop.
The Waterfront’s numerous entertainment and nightlife attractions include the pier71, 37 F&B outlets and 19 retail outlets.
Liam Findlay, General Manager, Experience Hub, said: “Despite the challenges of the pandemic, our teams across the destination have responded vigilantly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our guests and staff – we have re-evaluated our health protocols to provide a safe environment against Covid-19. Building on this milestone, we have pushed ahead with our developments while carefully rolling out offerings to our visitors in line with government protocols in our efforts to recover from the initial lockdown period. We are delighted to welcome back travellers from Saudi Arabia as we eagerly prepare the reopening of more borders across the region.”
To date, Yas Island has introduced numerous safety measures such as the widely commended ‘Yas Wellness Program’ and the ‘#TogetherAtYas’ platform, an online platform that offers guests from Saudi Arabia a guide to the comprehensive safety measures on Yas Island and is a one-stop-shop for all the responsible and fun experiences on Yas Island.
Launched as part of ‘#TogetherAtYas’, the Yas Wellness Programme is a comprehensive wellness programme that was created in addition to the island’s enhanced hygiene and social distancing measures. It grants guests direct access to a dedicated team of Yas Wellness ambassadors, a team of specially trained individuals who can answer guests’ queries on the health and safety measures in place at the reopened Yas theme parks, hotels and attractions, as well as answers questions regarding openings and closures.