Despite Economic Headwinds, Abu Dhabi Continues to Promote Yas Island Destination

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Aldar, one of Abu Dhabi's largest real estate developers, announced this week they are showcasing Yas Island at ITB Berlin, the world's leading travel trade show for the sixth consecutive year.

Despite the economic slowdown in the UAE region in recent years, Yas Island has continued to evolve since it first welcomed the world for the first Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009. Located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi Airport, Yas Island has a large number of destinations catering to the interests and needs of both business and leisure travellers.

Over the course of 2011 and into 2012, an events program in music, sport and culture has been launched that has brought many famous names to perform on Yas Island, including Sir Paul McCartney, Prince, Aerosmith, Beyoncé, Britney Spears. In March this year it will host Sir Elton John and, on 3rd and 4th June 2012, Madonna will perform to an already sell-out crowd.

Yas Marina Circuit has captured the imagination of the world as the host of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix over the past three years. The purpose-built circuit, set amid the clear turquoise waters and mangroves of Yas Island, offers a unique combination of facilities: a state-of-the-art F1™ circuit, multiple track configurations, two race control and pit areas, five covered grandstands, a racing school, drag racing centre and karting track.

Since it first opened in November 2009, The Yas Hotel has developed its reputation as an iconic five star hotel in Abu Dhabi, and has welcomed high-level governmental meetings, awards ceremonies and corporate conferences. In July 2011, Aldar awarded the Viceroy Hotel Group the contract to operate the hotel. The first Viceroy Hotel in the Middle East, the newly named Yas Viceroy Hotel will now offer Viceroy's unparalleled signature service, unique dining concepts and a refurbished lobby by renowned design firm Poltrona Frau Emirates of Abu Dhabi.

Six hotels on Yas Island comprise 1,800 rooms and facilities, which have been developed around a plaza close to the race track, Yas Links Golf Course and the Yas Marina & Yacht Club. The hotels are owned and managed by Aldar and operated by global brands IHG (Crowne Plaza and Staybridge Suites) and Rezidor (Radisson Blu and Park Inn) and leading regional operator Rotana (Rotana and Centro).

Yas Links Golf Course, which opened in the summer of 2010, continues to go from strength to strength as the first true links course in the region, and has further strengthened Abu Dhabi's position as a major golf tourism destination. The course's position as a leading global golfing venue has been secured in 2011 with the winning of an unprecedented 8 awards and honours including being voted one of the World's Top 100 Courses by Golf World and 'Best Golf Course in the Middle East' by Golf Digest.

Yas Links, in partnership with The Yas Viceroy Hotel, also became the chosen venue for the second year running of The Emirates Airlines Invitational hosted by Abdulla Al Naboodah - 56 of the European Tour's Professionals competed in this one day Pro Am with Richie Ramsay setting a new course record 62 (10 under Par). The course has recently joined the Abu Dhabi Authority for Tourism and Culture in its new campaign "Golf In Abu Dhabi" - in partnership with the three other championship courses in the Capital.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the world's largest indoor theme park and the first ever Ferrari theme park in the world. The park hosts over more than 20 Ferrari-inspired rides and attractions for the entire family including the world's fastest roller coaster and the region's first duelling coaster.

In October 2011, a 400m long beach was opened to the public, with water sports, food and beverage and other facilities opening there shortly.  It will feature a beach club called C Club featuring sunbeds, cabanas and private bungalows on pontoons. The complex will also include a gym and tennis courts as well as a convention centre dedicated to private event and functions.

Yas Mall, A major retail complex, is currently under development (opening in 2013) and Yas Waterworld Aqua Park, a waterpark with an original and immersive theme which pays tribute to Emirati culture and the country's pearl diving heritage, is set to welcome guests in the fourth quarter of 2012.