All about Yas Bay: Abu Dhabi’s ultimate waterfront destination
Are you looking for the perfect waterfront destination in the UAE capital? With world-class restaurants, a luxury hotel, a beach club, a boutique cinema and trendy residential options, Yas Bay is the most exciting attraction in the emirate. Let’s take an in-depth look at this jewel in Abu Dhabi’s crown.
ALL ABOUT YAS BAY
From entertainment to high-end living, Yas Bay has a lot to offer since its opening on 1st December 2021. The master plan includes a pier, a hotel, a boutique cinema and a floating beach club.
The 3km boardwalk lined with palm trees is ideal for taking an evening stroll. It is also close to a dozen eateries and has an entrepreneurial, creative zone, accommodation options and an 18,000-capacity multi-purpose arena.
Located on the south shore of Yas Island, the master development is divided into three zones: The Waterfront, Media Zone and Yas Bay Residences.
YAS BAY RESTAURANTS
Yas Bay (YB) is home to some of the best restaurants and bars in the UAE. Here are some establishments you need to add to your itinerary.
POP CITY
Pop City is known for crafting delicious popsicles made from fresh and healthy ingredients. Treat yourself to light bites and popcorn or if you want a caffeine fix, they also serve coffee.
- Average cost for two: AED 35
- Timings: Weekdays, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm | Weekends, 10:00 am – 12:00 am
- Contact: +971-050-235-8653
AKIBA DORI
If you’re looking for some fun and whimsy, head over to Akiba Dori. This restaurant and bar is heavily influenced by Japan’s anime culture and is designed to look like the streets of Tokyo. You can enjoy great food prepared by master chefs, and served with delicious Japanese cocktails.
- Average Cost for Two: AED 235
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 12:00 pm – 12:00 am | Friday and Saturday, 12:00 pm – 01:00 am
- Contact: +971-02-886-8988
BUSHRA BY BUDDHA BAR
Fan of Middle Eastern delicacies? Then you should definitely visit Bushra by Buddha Bar. The ambience is ideal for a laid-back gathering.
- Average cost for two: AED 460
- Timings: Daily, 01:00 pm – 02:00 am
- Contact: +971-800-6996 | +971-50-601-1195
CENTRAL
This is where fun meets food! Bring in your gang and go bowling. Central also features a state of art arcade where you can let your inner child out. Don’t forget to order mouth-watering bites from their extensive menu.
- Average cost for two: AED 285
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 04:00 pm – 12:00 am | Friday and Saturday, 12:00 pm – 03:00 am | Sunday, 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
- Contact: +971-04-423-8311
DROP COFFEE
The speciality coffee shop offers a revolutionising experience. They have nine different brewing techniques to offer you the best!
- Average cost for two: AED 200
- Timings: Daily, 08:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Contact: +971-02-550-4683
ASIA ASIA ABU DHABI
Beautiful flavours from the Spice Route merge effortlessly with Middle Eastern cuisine at this award-winning Pan-Asian gourmet restaurant. You can expect the menu to feature delicious food that is as diverse as Asia. With panoramic views of the pristine waters, it’s time to embark on a culinary journey unlike any other. It even has a full bar available.
- Average Cost for Two: AED 450
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 06:00 pm – 01:00 am | Friday, 12:00 pm – 01:00 am | Saturday and Sunday, 02:00 pm – 01:00 am
- Contact: +971-04-423-8302
LOCK, STOCK AND BARREL
Lock, Stock and Barrel, one of UAE’s most popular bars, is in Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi. Known for its upbeat atmosphere, live music and delectable cuisine, this is the ultimate social hangout spot. While you’re here, you can enjoy live entertainment or watch the latest sporting events.
- Average Cost for Two: AED 390
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 04:00 pm – 01:00 am | Friday, 12:00 pm – 03:00 am | Sunday, 12:00 pm – 01:00 am
- Contact: +971-02-235-8659
CAFE DEL MAR
The legendary beach club Café Del Mar opened in Ibiza’s San Antonio in 1980. Over the decades, it has become famous for chillout music, amazing sunsets and delicious international cuisine. You can expect something similar from the Abu Dhabi iteration. The food is inspired by the Mediterranean Basin and the cocktails are simply phenomenal.
- Average Cost for Two: AED 460
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 am – 12:00 am | Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am – 01:00 am | Pool access, Daily, 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Contact: +971-800-6996 | +971-050-402-2283
DAIKAN IZAKAYA
Looking for wholesome food that will delight your taste buds? There won’t be a better spot than Daikan Izakaya. The restaurant specialises in healthy Asian cuisine, and it’ll have you coming back for more. Eat authentic ramen and yakitori dishes in a unique industrial setting.
- Average Cost for Two: AED 190
- Timings: Weekdays, 12:00 pm – 12:00 am | Weekends, 12:00 pm – 02:00 am
- Contact: +971-02-235-8680
EMMY SQUARED
Emmy Squared, a renowned American chain, has opened its first overseas restaurant in Yas Bay, Yas Island. Their award-winning delectable items like Detroit-style pizza and Le Big Matt burger will make this your favourite food joint with just one visit. Besides, its ginger ale is worth trying.
- Average Cost for Two: AED 215
- Timings: Daily, 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
LA CARNITA
La Carnita offers street-style and comfort food. Treat yourself to tacos, churros, beer and a selection of fresh cocktails.
- Average cost for two: AED 300
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 06:00 pm – 02:00 am | Friday and Sunday, 12:00 pm – 02:00 am | Saturday, 01:00 pm – 02:00 am
- Contact: +971-050-185-8068
HUNTER & BARREL
Welcome to a steakhouse and bar that will take you through culinary history in a modern restaurant setting. At Hunter & Barrel, you will enjoy fine meats with the sounds of a crackling fire and the tantalising scent of smoky beef. Its unbeatable beverages also deserve recognition. Make sure to try its seasonal sides when you visit.
- Average Cost for Two: AED 530
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 am – 12:00 am | Friday and Saturday, 11:30 am – 01:00 am
- Contact: +971-050-185-8068
PARADISO
Famous restaurateur Nicole Rubi and Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire have created Paradiso. This eatery celebrates life and is inspired by the vibrant Mediterranean culture and the rustic French Riviera. Boasting a musical ambience, it is the perfect spot to take your friends for an amazing meal and night of dancing!
- Average Cost for Two: AED 440
- Timings: Weekdays, 10:00 am – 12:00 am | Weekends, 10:00 am – 02:00 am
- Contact: +971-050-437-2869
WHITE ABU DHABI
Ranked no.1 in the MENA region, it is one of the finest clubs in Abu Dhabi. Sway to the Hip Hop, R&B and Urban tunes! Make the most of the multi-sensory clubbing experience with floor-to-ceiling animated LED screens and scanning lasers.
- Average cost for two: AED 440
- Timings: Friday and Saturday, 11:00 pm – 03:30 am
- Contact: +971-50-639-8934
THE LIGHTHOUSE
Offering an ideal blend of food, innovation, and design, this restaurant advocates the idea of eating fresh, seasonal meals created from the greatest quality sources. The menu features unique Mediterranean-inspired meals made using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Average Cost for Two: AED 150
- Timings: Weekdays, 08:00 am – 12:00 am | Weekends, 08:00 am – 01:00 am
- Contact: connect@thelighthouse.ae
SIDDHARTA LOUNGE
Enjoy the lovely sea breeze while you dine and drink at the lounge. The breathtaking Arabian Gulf view is complemented by delicious Mediterranean flavours, contemporary cocktails and a bustling ambience. If you love beat music, you are bound to have an amazing time!
- Average Cost for Two: AED 450
- Timings: Daily, 06:00 pm – 02:00 am
- Contact: 800-6996 | +971-050-601-1194
ZEERA
Zeera, by the renowned Buddha-Bar group, is inspired by India’s vibrant colours and flavours. The menu includes edgy cocktails and delicious food for a complete sensory experience. The restaurant takes luxury dining to the next level.
- Average Cost for Two: AED 460
- Timings: Daily, 01:00 pm – 01:00 am
- Contact: +971-050-601-1193 | 800-6996
HOTEL IN YAS BAY
You can stay at the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island and enjoy its superb facilities. The long promenade of the waterfront surrounding the hotel provides several dining options and unique attractions. The hotel has luxurious rooms, event halls, a stunning swimming pool, fitness centres, a spa and fun activities for kids.
Plus, the hotel is just minutes away from Abu Dhabi’s main attractions, including fabulous theme parks like Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi.
- Contact: +971-2-208-6888
LIVING IN YAS BAY
Want to call this beautiful district your home? With plans to build housing for up to 15,000 residents in 35 low/mid-rise buildings, it is quickly becoming a top choice among investors and home buyers. The area borders the Arabian Gulf and has plenty of parks where you can go for a jog or long stroll, one of the advantages of living in Yas Bay.
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- 1446 SQFT
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- 2113 SQFT
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LEISURE, ENTERTAINMENT AND WELLNESS FACILITIES
YAS CREATIVE HUB
A project by twofour54 Abu Dhabi, Yas Creative Hub hosts renowned figures in media, entertainment, and gaming. International corporations such as CNN, Unity Technologies and Vice Media are ready to make Yas Creative Hub their new home.
Essentially, Yas Creative Hub is home to content creation, gaming, production, media and entertainment in the capital. A place that brings the creative community together provides the required infrastructure to thrive as well. A diverse group of freelancers and businesses operates from here.
Designed by MZ Architects, the space offers the following facilities:
- On-campus studios
- Custom-built offices
- Indoor filming locations
- Production and post-production facilities
It is expected that this hub will attract as many as 16,000 professionals by the end of the current decade.
- Contact: +971-2-401-2454
ETIHAD ARENA
Spanning 35,000 sq. m., Etihad Arena Abu Dhabi is a multi-purpose stadium in Yas Bay, located at the southern end of Yas Island. Corporate events, sporting events, and cultural performances are all held at the arena, which has a capacity of around 18,000 spectators. The UFC fight, Poirier vs McGregor 2, held at this Yas Bay arena, is right up there with the most viewed fights in UFC’s history.
- Contact: +971-2-496-8000
WATERSPORTS ACTIVITIES
FUNFIT WATERSPORTS CLUB & BOAT RENTAL
Go wakeboarding and wake surfing at Yas Bay with Funfit Watersports Club. These activities are suitable for both kids and adults, with coaches to guide them through. And the best part…you can get a custom surfboard! How cool is that??
- Timings: Daily, 10:00 am – 12:00 am
- Contact: +971-052-709-9797
ORCA BOATS
A trip to Yas Bay is incomplete without a boat ride. You can go rowing or speed boating across Orca Park. And if you have a larger party, why not try pontoon boating with a captain? It can accommodate up to 8 passengers.
- Timings: Weekdays, 03:00 pm – 11:30 pm | Weekends, 08:00 am – 11:30 pm
- Contact: +971-050-909-0031
WELLNESS AND GYMS
TOPSTRETCHING
Topstretching is a fitness concept to promote a healthy lifestyle while focusing on increased flexibility. It is a women-only wellness centre which offers a range of specialised stretching techniques. You can also sign up for different classes, including TRX, pilates, aero-stretching, yoga and more!
- Contact: +971-56-422-0377 | +971-50-171-5236
WAREHOUSE GYM
Fitness enthusiasts living in Yas Bay can head over to Warehouse Gym. The state-of-art facility is equipped with the latest machines and offers mixed as well ladies-only classes.
- Timings: Monday to Friday, 05:30 am – 10:00 pm | Saturday and Sunday, 07:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Contact: +971-2-675-2221
ATTRACTIONS NEAR YAS BAY ABU DHABI
There are so many things happening in and around the area that we can guarantee you’ll never run out of things to do in Yas Island. Whether you want to shop, dine or try out adventurous activities, you’ll find everything here.
Here are some of the best family attractions near Yas Bay.
- Yas Beach
- Yas Mall
- Ferrari World
- Yas Waterpark
- Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW FAR IS YAS BAY WATERFRONT FROM DUBAI?
Yas Bay is roughly a 1-hour 15-minute drive from Downtown Dubai.
ARE THERE ANY APARTMENT BUILDINGS IN YAS BAY ABU DHABI?
Many apartments are under-development in the district that are available for sale. If you are considering living in the area, read up on the pros and cons of living in Yas Island.
HOW CAN I CONTACT YAS BAY ABU DHABI’S TEAM FOR A QUERY?
You can call the concerned authorities at +971-800-927-229.
CAN I HOST AN EVENT AT YAS BAY ABU DHABI?
Absolutely. For business events, Etihad Arena and Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island are ideal options. And if you’re looking to throw a party, there are quite a few public spaces where you can do so.
That’s all for our guide on Yas Bay Abu Dhabi. The UAE capital has some incredible tourist spots and YB is an exciting addition to the list.
At the same time, the Bay isn’t just for tourists. In fact, it is set to be a leading business hub. The Yas Creative Hub, Etihad Arena and Hilton Hotel drive business, and the venue is worth visiting whether you want to have a nice day out or plan to operate a business. Looking for specific info? You can check our detailed Yas Island FAQs.
Want to know all about new developments in the ultra-modern UAE capital? Here are all the upcoming attractions in Abu Dhabi you can look forward to.
Cover Image Credit: Yas Bay Abu Dhabi’s official webiste.
