Yas Bay is Abu Dhabi’s buzzing new entertainment hot spot on Yas Island. Whilst evenings out have traditionally focussed on the glitzy hotels of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, Yas Bay offers an alternative, trendy, and somewhat Mediterranean, al fresco vibe.
Yas Bay Waterfront offers an array of licensed fine dining and entertainment venues, centred around the impressive Etihad Arena, Hilton Hotel, and Cafe Del Mar Beach Club.
Whether you want to sample real culinary delicacies at Asia-Asia or enjoy hand-crafted cocktails at Siddharta Lounge, Yas Bay is the place to be in Abu Dhabi at night.
What can I find at Yas Bay?
There are no fewer than 20 restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues at Yas Bay, as well as the Hilton Hotel, Cafe Del Mar Beach Club, and Etihad Arena. The orientation of the bars and restaurants along protruding piers ensures sea views from most outlets.
Access to bars and restaurants is via palm-lined pathways, which are illuminated at night and offer shade during the day.
Amongst the bars and restaurants, there are numerous sculptures and artworks highlighting aspects of Abu Dhabi’s past, the most iconic being the large bronze-coloured statue of a diver emerging from the bay close to the Etihad Arena.
Dining at Yas Bay
The Trilogy by Buddha Bar
Dominating the two-story building at the end of ‘pier 71’, The Trilogy by Buddha Bar is a three-venue entertainment concept. On the ground floor, you can enjoy Arabic flavours at the north African and middle eastern inspired Bushra restaurant. Alternatively, Zeera offers an ’explosion’ of Indian flavours and takes inspiration from its varied menu from across the subcontinent.
Both restaurants are licensed but if you’re all about the beats, head upstairs to the Siddharta Lounge. Here you can enjoy views across the water whilst chilling out with a cocktail in the open-air rooftop bar. Thursday nights are ladies’ nights with 25 percent off the food menu (which is tapas style) and three free drinks for ladies. The night really comes alive with Siddharta Lounge’s unique entertainment set featuring acrobatics, exotic fire dancers, and a live DJ.
Please note that a dress code does apply. Shorts, flip-flops (thongs), and open-backed sandals are not permitted.
Open daily from 6.00pm until 2.00am. Call +971 50 601 1193
Akiba Dori
Akiba Dori is a trendy, neon-filled, non-traditional Japanese restaurant offering on modern take on Japanese street food. You will find some Japanese classics, such as sushi, sashimi, and gyoza, as well as a variety of Japanese-inspired salads and Tokyo-style pizzas.
Open daily from 12 noon to 12 midnight. Call +971 4 770 7949 for reservations.
Asia-Asia
Fine dining at its best, Asia-Asia offers a variety of delicately prepared east-Asian inspired dishes. The indoor air-conditioned space is beautifully decorated with seats ‘under the cherry tree’, being popular with couples looking for a romantic spot. In addition to delicious food, the drinks menu contains an array of signature cocktails and Asian beers.
For a special night out, try the Essence of Asia package, which includes a 4-course tasting menu and three drinks for AED 300. Available daily from 6pm.
Open Sunday to Thursday 6.00pm-1.00am and 2.00pm -1.00am on Fridays and Saturdays. Call +971 2 235 8663 for reservations.
Central
If bowling, monster burgers, and massive shakes are your thing, you can’t miss a trip to Central. Inspired by the bustle of New York, Central brings you ‘the ultimate in food-meets-fun’. Central is sure to deliver whether you’re with the kids, a group or friends, or a couple looking for some light-hearted fun.
The menu includes healthier options like poke bowls, an extensive kids’ menu with salad and crudites, pizza, pasta, nuggets, and burgers. The drinks menu is comprehensive, with ice teas, smoothies, beers, wines, and cocktails.
In addition to bowling, central also boasts a state-of-the-art gaming arcade. Special packages are available, which include a burger, soft drink, and 50 AED of gaming credit for 100 AED (Monday to Thursday, 4:00 pm-8:00 pm).
Open Monday to Thursday, 4.00 pm until 12 midnight, From 12 noon until 3.00 am on Fridays and Saturdays and from 12 noon until 12 midnight on Sundays. Call +971 2 235 8756 for reservations.
Emmy Squared
The trendy New York brand has chosen Yas Bay as its first international location. Specialising in Detroit-style square pizzas, with crispy toppings, fluffy dough, and cheesy frico crust, Emmy Squared also has some delicious burgers and other American classics on the menu.
Open daily from 12 noon until 1.00 am. Call +971 2 235 8763 for reservations.
Click here for more information.
Hunter & Barrel
Hunter and Barrel offers a ’fresh take’ on the traditional steakhouse with delicious meat, poultry, and seafood cooked over H&B’s signature smoky grill. Communal feasting boards are the order of the day – although the whole menu is sure to have any meat eater salivating.
There are some vegetarian options, including roasted peppers stuffed with ricotta cheese, as well as numerous non-meaty side dishes. Whether you’re looking for somewhere for a family feast, or just a good hearty meal, Hunter and Barrel is the place to be in Yas Bay.
Open 11.00am until 1.00am. Call +971 2 886 8299 for reservations.
La Carnita
Mexican food lovers can not fail to be impressed by La Carnita. The Urban chic bar and restaurant offers a stylish space to enjoy all of your Mexican favourites.
In addition to the usual suspects, there are a variety of tacos, including achiote chicken served with pineapple salsa, fried chicken served with peanut and lime hot sauce, and spicy Mexican chorizo. The distinctive main course menu includes sesame lamb chops with a pomegranate glaze and the oh-so-tasty ’El Pollo Loco.’
A selection of Mexican beers and cocktails are available to perfectly complement your meal.
Open Monday to Thursday 6.00pm until 2.00am, Friday 12 noon until 2.00am, Saturday 1.00pm until 2.00am and Sunday 12noon until 2.00am. Call +971 50 185 8068 for reservations.
The Lighthouse
For a totally delicious and laid-back brunch, head to The Lighthouse on Saturdays and Sundays. Available from 12:00 to 4:00 pm, guests can choose two starters, one main and one dessert, from a selected menu of delicious treats. The roasted red beets with pistachio-coated goat cheese is a particularly tasty option for a starter!
Open from 8:00 am daily, The Lighthouse is a convenient spot for breakfast in the bay. The varied menu includes avocado toast, eggs benedict, shakshouka, pancakes and waffles, and more unique options such as the goat cheese honey pie.
A daily happy hour between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm makes The Lighthouse a great place for an early evening drink, and with 50% off pizza, you might as well stay for dinner too!
Open from 8.00 am until 12 midnight Sunday to Thursday and from 8.00 am until 1.00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Call +971 2 236 7831 for reservations.
Lock, Stock & Barrel
Tasty bar grub, big screen sporting action, live music, and adults only. Lock, Stock, and Barrel is the place to party. Midweek offers special offers on food and alcoholic beverages, including the Tipsy Tuesdays ladies’ night, as well as ’Midweek Madness’ on Wednesdays, which offers both men and women unlimited food and drinks (from a selected menu) for just 200 AED.
Open 4.00pm-1.00am Monday to Thursday, 12 noon -3.00am on Fridays, 1.00pm-3.00am on Saturdays and 12 noon-1.00am on Sundays. Call +971 4 423 8308 for reservations.
Paradiso
If you need to satisfy those Italian cravings, book a table at Paradiso. Be aware that this is no ordinary pizza joint but a fine-dining collaboration between Nicole Rubi (of La Petite Maison) and triple Michelin star chef Pierre Gagnaire.
The menu offers a selection of temptingly different antipasti and sophisticated takes on traditional pizza and pasta dishes. Fish and meat options include sea bass steak with fennel, pepe bucato pasta and grilled lemon at 130 AED, beef tenderloin with crushed hazelnuts, parmesan cheese, salad leaves, and sauce Napoli for 160 AED.
The opulent dessert menu will likely leave you in a quandary as it’s very difficult to choose from the mouth-watering selection.
Open Sunday to Thursday from 12 noon until 11.00 pm and on Fridays and Saturdays from 12 noon until 11.30 pm. Call +971 5 0437 2869 for reservations.
Drop Coffee
Not just a place to get your caffeine fix, one of the best coffee shops in Abu Dhabi, Drop Coffee serves up a range of artisanal coffees as well as an all-day snack menu.
Open daily from 8.00 am until 11.00 pm. Call +971 2 550 4683.
For more details, click here.
Pop Up Stalls and Kiosks
Some more temporary stands and kiosks sell refreshments between the permanent restaurants and bars.
Entertainment at Yas Bay
The Etihad Arena
As well as offering the best in fine dining, Yas Bay is home to the Middle East’s largest indoor Entertainment venue – the Etihad Arena. The Arena has hosted a number of big names, including Coldplay, Maroon 5, and Westlife.
It was also the venue for the 2022 IIFA (International Indian Film Academy Awards), the FINA World Swimming Championships, and various UFC fighting events.
In November 2022, the Arena promises to be transformed for the Middle East’s first-ever stage musical performance of ‘The Lion King.’
The Du Arena and Du Forum are also within a 5-minute taxi ride from Yas Bay.
For more details about the Etihad Arena and the upcoming line-up of shows, click here.
Cafe Del Mar Beach Club
Open from 10:00 am daily, the cafe Del Mar beach club is the ideal place to listen to some tunes, have a few cocktails, and work on your tan. The price of a day pass varies from day to day, with complimentary passes available for ladies on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
The beach is artificial and leads into a beautiful infinity pool with a swim-up bar, rather than the sea, but there are plans to extend the amenities. In addition to the main pool, there is a smaller plunge pool and numerous private jacuzzis. Showers, changing facilities, a fully licensed restaurant and bar, and private cabanas are available.
Open 10.00 am to 12 midnight from Sunday until Thursday and from 10.00 am until 1.00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Note Cafe Del Mar Beach Club is an adults-only venue.
Click here for more information.
Central
As well as offering great family food, Central promises to be there for ’the big kids, the small kids, the the-just-want-to-play kids, and the out-for-a-good-time kids’ with its bowling alley and state-of-the-art arcade. It’s a great place to have fun as a family or with a group of friends.
Open Monday to Thursday from 4:00 pm to 12 midnight, on Fridays and Saturdays from 12 noon until 3:00 am and Sundays from 12 noon until 12 midnight.
White Abu Dhabi
If you’re looking to dance the night away, head to Abu Dhabi’s premier nightclub, ‘White’. State-of-the-art sound, huge LED screens, and crowd scanning lasers make White an Abu Dhabi experience like no other.
Open Fridays and Saturdays from 11.00 pm until 3.30 am.
How do I get to Yas Bay?
Yas Bay is situated on Yas Island opposite the Al Raha Beach area, just ten minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
It takes approximately 35 minutes to travel by taxi from Abu Dhabi’s Corniche Road. Buses to Yas Island are also available from Abu Dhabi’s Al Wahda Bus Station.
Seasonal Water Taxis are in operation between Yas Bay and the Raha Beach area. These are currently suspended (September 2022).
Can I park at Yas Bay?
There is ample parking at Yas Bay. There is an underground car park for the Hilton Hotel and Etihad Arena and a large car park at ground level adjacent to the Hilton Hotel and waterfront area. Roadside parking spaces are also available a short walk from the bars and restaurants.
Can I stay at Yas Bay?
The Hilton Hotel is at the heart of the Yas Bay development. Boasting 545 modern rooms and suites, the Hilton offers an elegant escape with free access to Cafe Del Mar and complimentary Yas Island Theme Park passes.
The luxurious resort has its own spa and fitness centre, swimming pool and jacuzzi, and a kids club and splash pad for the little ones. The hotel has four restaurants, including all-day dining options at Osmo and the poolside bar.
Alternative accommodation can be found at the Yas Plaza, just a ten-minute walk from Yas Bay.
The W Hotel at Yas Marina Circuit is also within walking distance. Both can be accessed with a free Yas Shuttle service that runs between the hotels and major attractions of Yas Island, including the Yas Island theme parks.
More Frequently Asked Questions About Yas Bay
In addition to the waterfront promenade, which is great for scooters and skates, there is a well-designed playground and a skatepark just a short walk from the Yas Bay retail plaza.
In terms of dining, Central offers the most family-friendly and cost-effective menu and the option for children to play in their bowling alley or amusement arcade.
For Lolly lovers, the Pop City stall offers healthy, fruity ice lollies (popsicles) in a variety of flavours.
There is no beach at Yas Bay, but there is the Cafe Del Mar Beach Club.
The closest public beach can be found at Yas Beach Club, a 5-minute drive from Yas Bay.
Be Aware: Drinking in Abu Dhabi
The UAE continues to have strict rules about public decorum and decency. Whilst alcohol is increasingly available, it is still illegal to be ’drunk’ in public, and public displays of affection continue to be frowned upon. You may see some people flaunting these rules, but we encourage you to exercise caution when under the influence of alcohol in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
You can read more about Abu Dhabi’s current alcohol rules here.
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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