Yas Waterworld

On January 24th 2013 the long awaited Yas Waterworld opened for business on Yas Island, a 30 minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi.

With 43 rides and attractions, Yas Waterworld is quickly becoming a must visit attraction during any trip to Abu Dhabi. There are a number of unique rides at the park including the longest suspended roller coaster in the Middle East.
Liwa Loop– The only looping water slide in the Middle East, this enclosed water slide drops the rider straight down before sending you on an inverted loop and spitting you out. Easily the top attraction for those seeking an adrenaline rush.
Dawwama– This giant water slide sends six people in one raft through a series of drops and turns using hydro magnetic technology into the 65 foot funnel. Though they allow children on the ride make sure they can hold on tight.
Slithers Slides– A series of six raft required water slides, featuring laser and light shows and though not the adrenaline rush of some rides, these rides are some of the best fun Yas Waterworld has to offer.
For a full list of attractions see the Yas Waterworld Attractions

Yas Waterworld boasts three children’s play areas including low profile slides, a tot’s play area and Marah Fortress a children’s paradise with six water slides, two dumping buckets and countless water sprayers.
With a courteous staff, good food and a park filled with non stop attraction you can easily spend an entire day if not two days soaking in the sun. Enjoy.

Tip: Getting to the park early is essential if you want to beat the crowds and ride the top attractions. The park opens everyday at 10 am and, as always, Friday is the best day to do almost anything in Abu Dhabi, particularly in the morning. Also bring your own towel if possible, towels are 30 dirhams each to rent at the park.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mousque

Perhaps the most iconic building in Abu Dhabi, The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must see attraction when visiting Abu Dhabi.

Commissioned by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, it was completed and open for worship in 2007. With a price tag of $545 million every detail of this beautiful landmark has been meticulously planned and executed.

Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must when in Abu Dhabi. Visitors can tour the mosque everyday, but timings change based around daily prayer times. Please check their website for timings, both self tours and guided tours are available Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center. Give yourself ample time, at least an hour, before your tour to both walk the grounds and get yourself on a guided tour. The guided tours last about 45 minutes and is by far the best way to see and learn about the mosque. Guided tours are free and are given on a first come first serve basis to groups of fewer then eight. Tour guides begin tours in the main atrium located on the eastern facing wall and are free of charge.

Arrive for the earliest tour to beat the rush or wait for an evening tour to see the mosque during a golden sunset. Either way visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque will enhance you understanding of Abu Dhabi and Islamic culture. Enjoy.


Tip: Please be aware that decent clothing is a must here at the mosque.
For men please wear long pants and a collared shirt.
For women it is recommended you wear a loose fitting outfit with long sleeves, long pants and no plunging neck lines. Following these guidelines and bringing your own pashmina or head cover is also recommended. Follow these tips and you will avoid having to wear the mosque provided abaya and head scarf.
Sandals or slip on shoes are also suggested, as you will need to remove them to enter the main prayer hall.

Arriving in Abu Dhabi

When traveling in a foreign country your experience at the airport can be confusing, stressful and off putting. Luckily, the Abu Dhabi airport is quite small and with a few tips you can be in and out with little issue.
There are 3 passenger terminals at the current airport (a new airport, the $7 billion Midfield Terminal is under construction set to open in 2017),
Terminals 1 & 2 service most airlines and upon arrival you will be ushered into the main terminal on your way to immigration, baggage claim and customs.

Immigration here is not quite as large as some, but there seem to be an excessive number of options and making sure you get into the right line can be key to your quick exit. The first thing you may notice is a long line of men to the far left. Most of these guys are migrant workers who upon entering are subject to additional scans and checks. Please do not get in this line.
There are lines for Airline Crew, UAE Citizens, GCC Citizens and Other Nationalities. Your safest bet is in the Other Nationalities line. Long cues are not the norm here but be patient as the lines typically move quickly. Once through immigration it’s time to get your bags.
If you have a large number of bags make sure you grab a porter (these guys wear blue jumpsuits) on your way into baggage claim. There are also a large number of carts you can push yourself, but for around 50 dirhams ($13.50) the porter will take you all the way through the airport to your cab or car.
After you make a quick stop in the duty free bottle shop (this is highly recommended as alcohol is quite expensive in Abu Dhabi) it’s a quick walk through customs and off to either your hotel transport or a cab.
Terminal 3 almost exclusively serves Etihad Airline passengers. This terminal is new, large and most services like immigration and customs are far quicker. Though the walk to the cab stand and other transportation services is a bit longer.
Please remember, that when entering Abu Dhabi, this is a Muslim country and a number of everyday items like medicines are not permitted without approval. It’s best to verbally claim items when prompted by customs (though few westerners are stopped). Contact your embassy for an up to date list of restricted and banned items as the list is ever changing.
Want to make your airport experience even smoother? Check out the Gold Class options.