Day Trip
For Dubai Tourists in Search of an Exciting Day Out!
If you find yourself in Dubai and need an extra day, why not make it a day to remember by heading to one of Abu Dhabi's top theme parks? Just 90 minutes away, the capital of the UAE boasts an impressive lineup: Warner Bros. World, Ferrari World, and Yas Waterworld — each offering its unique escapade. Whether you're traveling with your family, friends, or as a couple, there's an Abu Dhabi park worth the trip.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown to assist you in selecting your ideal Abu Dhabi places to go from Dubai:
Abu Dhabi Places to See: Travel Time & Arrival
Distance: Dubai to Yas Island (where all three parks are situated) is roughly 120 km, i.e., 1.5 hours by road.
Transport Options:
● Car/Taxi: The quickest and most convenient option. Pay AED 250–350 (round trip).
● Shuttle Bus: Several of the Yas Island parks provide complimentary shuttle transport from selected Dubai hotels if you purchase advance tickets.
● Private Tour or Transfer Services: Suitable for groups with hotel collection and delivery.
● Public Bus: An option, but slow, not ideal for a day trip.
Sites to See in Abu Dhabi: Ticket Bundles & Offers
Yas Island regularly has multi-park combo packages:
● 2 Parks in 1 Day: Entry to any two parks for AED 395–435.
● 3-Park Bundle: AED 545–595, usable for several days.
● One-Park Ticket: Approximately AED 325 for adults.
Tip: Plan online — you'll usually get cheaper prices, special seasonal deals, and free shuttle service included.
Comparison of Theme Parks
1. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
● Best Abu Dhabi Places to See For: Families, Cartoon Lovers, Indoor Activities
● Summary: A completely indoor and air-conditioned theme park, it is the largest indoor theme park in the world — one of the ideal Abu Dhabi places to go for summer.
● Zones: Visit six thematic lands, including Gotham City, Cartoon Junction, and Bedrock.
● Top Rides: Batman: Knight Flight, Tom and Jerry: Swiss Cheese Spin, The Flintstones Bedrock River Adventure
Highlights:
● Ideal for children and retro adults.
● Daily live performances and character meet-and-greet.
● Weather-proof: Completely indoors — perfect during hot or rainy days.
2. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
● Best Abu Dhabi Places to See For: Thrill Seekers, Car Enthusiasts, Adults & Teens
● Overview: This park features Formula Rossa, the world's fastest roller coaster — and that's only the beginning.
● Top Rides: Formula Rossa (accelerating 0 to 240 km/h in 4.9 sec), Flying, Aces (the world's highest loop), Turbo Track
Highlights:
● F1 simulations, racing areas, and Ferrari car exhibits.
● Good balance of extreme rides and family-friendly activities.
● Indoor-Outdoor Combo: Mostly indoors with some outdoor coasters.
3. Yas Waterworld
● Best Sites to See in Abu Dhabi For: Water Fans, Families, Summer Vacations
● Overview: Spread across 37 acres with over 40 rides and slides — ideal to beat the UAE heat.
● Top Attractions: Dawwama (world's largest tornado water coaster), Bandit Bomber (roller coaster with water effects), Bubbles Barrel (the most enormous surfable sheet wave)
Highlights:
● Family areas, wave pools, and toddler zones.
● VIP cabanas and soothing river floats.
● Outdoor Only: Best enjoyed in nice or warm weather.
Which Park Should You Choose?
● Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
● Best for families, especially with young kids and cartoon lovers
● Fully indoor – ideal for hot or rainy days
● Features iconic characters like Batman, Bugs Bunny, and The Flintstones
● Great mix of gentle and thrilling rides for all age groups
● Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
● Perfect for thrill seekers and teens
● Home to Formula Rossa – the world’s fastest roller coaster
● Mostly indoor with a few outdoor coasters
● Includes racing simulators, F1 experiences, and Ferrari car exhibits
● Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
● Best choice for water lovers and summer fun while planning sites to see in Abu Dhabi
● Outdoor water park with over 40 slides and attractions
● Ideal for families, couples, and groups
● Features unique rides like the Dawwama tornado slide and Bubbles Barrel wave pool
from
AED 600
AED 540
9 Hours
From AED 600 AED 540
Final Tips for Dubai Day-Trippers
● Begin Early: Depart by 8:00 AM to make the most out of time and avoid traffic.
● Pack Wisely while planning to visit these Abu Dhabi places to go. Carry sunscreen, water bottles, and spare clothes for water parks.
● Combo It Correctly: Ferrari World and Warner Bros. can be covered in a day for ride enthusiasts; otherwise, consider visiting just one park.
● Dining: Both parks offer a variety of food courts and themed eateries, ensuring no meal is left to carry.
● Transport Back: Reserve your return trip early to escape surge pricing in the evenings.
Are These Worth Abu Dhabi Places to See?
A day-long excursion from Dubai to Yas Island theme parks is an ideal side trip for those in need of a break from the norm. Spinning with The Flash, racing with Vettel, or drifting through crazy water pipes, these Abu Dhabi destinations to visit transform a mere day off into a full-fledged memory maker.
If you’re looking for sites to see in Abu Dhabi beyond the usual landmarks, Yas Island’s action-packed parks are a solid and exciting choice.
