The island’s development project was initiated in 2006 by Abu Dhabi-based Aldar Properties (master developer), with the aim of turning the island into a multi-purpose leisure, shopping and entertainment center at an estimated total cost of over $40 billion. This investment was planned as a multi-staged project to unfold in phases until 2018, with project stakeholders foreseeing the possibility of extending development by adding new venues and upgrading existing facilities.It occupies a total land area of 2,500 ha (25 km2), of which 1,700 ha will be claimed for development. Yas Island holds the Yas Marina Circuit, which has hosted the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009

Ferrari World – The Park’s foundation stone was laid on 3 November 2007. The development was completed in a little under three years, opening to the public for the first time on 27 October 2010.Formula Rossa, one of the park’s most famous attractions, is the world’s fastest roller coaster reaching a speed of 240 kph (149mph)

Yas express –  Saadiyat route shuttle service is the latest route (launched July 1) which interlinks St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi with Yas Island’s attractions. Operating daily with 3 pickups in the morning and 3 drop offs in the afternoon, the shuttle service transports guests to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld, Yas Island. The afternoon service offers three pickups from Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, dropping visitors back to each of the respective resorts on Saadiyat

Yas Links –  is an award-winning golf course designed by Kyle Philips, ranked 24th World’s best Golf courses outside the USA (Golf Digest USA, 2012). 1.8 million cubic metres of material were dredged to form the 18 Hole Championship Golf Course, Golf Club & Golf Shop, pool Area, air-conditioned swing studio and meeting and conference rooms for corporate events

Yas Waterworld –  Surf’s up! Bubbles’ Barrel slide has the largest surf-able sheet wave surf in the world

Marina Circuit – The full circuit length is 5.554 km and can be configured in five different ways to accommodate a variety of motorsport events. Yas Marina Circuit is the only motorsports venue in the world that offers covered and shaded grandstands throughout the facility, coupled with unique pit lane s that run partially beneath the track

Yas Plaza Hotels –

The six Yas Plaza hotels includes:

• Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island
• Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi Yas Island
• Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Yas Island
• Park Inn Abu Dhabi Yas Island
• Rotana Yas Island
• Centro Yas Island

Yas Island got named as the “World’s leading Tourism Project” in 2009 by the World Travel Awards. It is island is being developed by Al Dar properties at an outlay of $40 billion. It has residential properties at its “Yas Villas” project which is on the other side of the island.