W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is the most striking building on Yas Island and the place to stay if you want to be in the middle of the action. The hotel stands over the Yas Marina Circuit, with two towers on either side of the Formula One track joined by a bridge, all wrapped in a sweeping lattice canopy that lights up in changing colours after dark. Formerly The Yas Hotel, it relaunched as a W in 2019 and brings the brand’s playful design and nightlife energy to the island. Rooms look over the circuit, the marina or the mangroves and the sea, and the rooftop pools and lounges are a scene in their own right, especially on race weekend in late autumn and during concerts at the nearby Etihad Arena. The hotel has a spa, a fitness centre and several restaurants and bars, and it is a short drive or shuttle ride to Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld and Yas Waterworld.
Location and getting around: the hotel is in the heart of Yas Island beside Yas Marina, with the Yas Bay waterfront and Etihad Arena a short ride away and Yas Mall, Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World a few minutes by car. Abu Dhabi International Airport is about fifteen minutes away, Saadiyat Island around twenty and downtown around thirty. Taxis, ride-hailing apps and the free Yas Express buses link the island’s hotels and parks.
Rooms and who it suits: rooms are bright and design-led, and many have views of the track or the marina. It suits couples and friends who want style, rooftop pools and nightlife, motorsport fans, and families on a theme-park break who want something more fun than a standard resort. It is less suited to travellers seeking a quiet beach holiday, since there is no beach on the doorstep, though Yas Beach is a short drive.
Good to know: prices rise sharply for the Formula One weekend and big concerts, when the hotel books out far ahead; at other times rates are competitive for a five-star. Ask whether your room faces the track or the marina. Breakfast is not always included, so compare rates. Parking is available on site, and the hotel can help with theme park tickets and transfers.
Why stay here
- ✓Built over the Yas Marina Circuit
- ✓Rooftop pools and lounges
- ✓Spa and fitness centre
- ✓Several restaurants and bars
- ✓Marina and circuit views
- ✓Minutes from the Yas theme parks
- ✓On-site parking
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
Good questions
Is the W Abu Dhabi really built over the race track?+
Yes, its two towers sit either side of the Yas Marina Circuit, joined by a bridge over the track. The lit canopy is one of the island’s landmarks.
How far is it from Ferrari World?+
A few minutes by car, taxi or the free Yas Express bus. Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld and Yas Waterworld are also close.
Is it busy during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?+
Very. The hotel books out early and prices rise sharply for race weekend, so book months ahead if you want to stay then.
