SAY ‘YAS’ TO FAMILY FUN!

ABU DHABI'S YAS ISLAND IS REDEFINING THE FAMILY VACATION— ONE UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE AT A TIME.

- Tejashee Kashyap

For most travellers, family vacations often tilt in one direction: endless entertainment for the little ones. Your itinerary may be packed with amusement parks, kiddie pools, and early dinners, while you secretly long for a bit of adult indulgence—perhaps a serene beachside lounge, an art gallery visit, or just a few uninterrupted moments of tranquillity. Does family vacation always have to be about prioritising kids’ fun over your own?

However, certain destinations help you find that balance-where both you as a parent and your child can enjoy in equal measure. Yas Island in Abu Dhabi flips the script entirely. I saw parents and their kids’ interests put to best use, balancing childlike adventure with grownup indulgence. It raised the bar, this family-friendly vacation place did not feel like a compromise. Especially if you are travelling with children, this man-made island is like Disneyland on steroids.

Designed For All Ages

On a fine morning, I set out to experience Ferrari World. If you are a Ferrari fan, know that at every turn and stop, you are going to be mesmerised, pausing to take it all in. Supercars suspended midair? Now that’s a sight! The park’s insanely fast rides delivered twists and stomach-dropping turns. The epic zero-gravity fall from Turbo Track feels like minutes rather than mere seconds, while Flying Aces, another very high rollercoaster loop, is heart-thumpingly thrilling.

While you are caught in a wild blur of ‘whees’ and ‘whaws' on the roller coasters, children have plenty to do as well. Rides like Formula Rossa Junior—a scaled-down version of the legendary adult coaster—and Flying Wings, designed for a smooth gliding experience.