United Arab Emirates
Yas Marina Walk is a 5 kilometre paved pedestrian and cycling loop that wraps around the Yas Marina F1 Circuit and the marina basin on Yas Island. It is the most scenic running route in Abu Dhabi outside of the Corniche — runners pass the F1 grandstand, the curved Yas Hotel illuminated arc, the marina's superyachts, and the W Abu Dhabi tower around a single uninterrupted loop. The route is free, lit at night, and connects directly into the wider Yas Island promenade network. This guide covers the loop, when it closes for racing, parking, and the best time to run.
At a Glance
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi |
| Length | ~5 km loop around the F1 circuit and marina |
| Surface | Paved, separate bike lanes in places |
| Opening hours | 24 hours, 7 days a week (closed during F1 events) |
| Admission | Free |
| Lighting | Lit at night |
| Closures | F1 race weekend (early December) and major event days |
| Parking | Free at Yas Mall and Yas Marina lots |
| Best for | Scenic runs, evening loops, photography |
| Distance from central AD | ~25 km / 25 min |
What's on the Loop
Yas Hotel and the Arc
The signature feature is the Yas Hotel (now the W Abu Dhabi — Yas Island), whose curved illuminated grid bridges the F1 circuit. The track passes underneath the hotel arc; at night the LED grid programmed colours make this section the most photographed running spot on Yas Island.
The Marina
The eastern half of the loop runs along the Yas Marina basin. Several superyachts moor here year-round, and a string of waterfront restaurants opens out onto the path. The atmosphere is comparable to Dubai Marina Walk, but quieter and more architectural.
F1 Grandstand and Pit Lane
The northern section runs alongside the F1 grandstand and the pit complex. During non-race months, this section is open to runners 24/7. The grandstand is closed during major event setup periods.
Cafés and Restaurants
The marina-side restaurants run from casual to upscale: shisha lounges, Italian, Japanese, and a sports bar within the marina complex. Most are open from late morning to past midnight. The W Abu Dhabi has a poolside bar accessible to non-guests.
Closures During F1 Season
The track closes for runners during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend (typically the first weekend of December) and for several days before and after for circuit setup and breakdown. Outside the race weekend, the track remains open even when other Yas Marina events use the grandstand. Always check the Yas Marina Circuit calendar before heading out in early December.
Getting There
By Car
Yas Island is the easiest large attraction in AD to reach by car. From central Abu Dhabi, take Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street (E10) east — 25 minutes outside rush hour. Free parking is available at Yas Mall, Yas Marina, and along the marina arrival road.
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Careem and Uber serve Yas Island without restriction. A one-way ride from central Abu Dhabi is approximately AED 60–90; from the airport, AED 30–50. Drop-offs are unrestricted along the marina road.
By Bus
The Abu Dhabi DARB bus runs to Yas Island via routes 190 and X90 from central AD. Both stop at Yas Mall, a 5-minute walk from the running loop's western start.
From Dubai
For Dubai runners, Yas Marina Walk is approximately 90 km / 75 minutes by car via Sheikh Zayed Road (E11). Combine with a Yas attraction (Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Yas Mall) to make the drive worthwhile.
Best Time to Run
- October to April — comfortable. Evening loops after 6 p.m. are the most popular slot; the LED arc and marina lighting are at their best. Race weekend (early December) is the only closure.
- May to September — high humidity from the marina makes daytime running impractical. Most runners shift to before 5:30 a.m. or after 9 p.m. The track and lighting stay open.
For photography, head out 30 minutes before sunset for golden-hour light on the marina, or after 8 p.m. for the LED arc lit against the dark sky.
Practical Notes
- The full route is paved and stroller-accessible
- Public toilets are available at Yas Marina, Yas Mall, and several restaurants
- Drinking water fountains are limited — bring a refillable bottle
- Parking at Yas Marina is free for 4 hours, then chargeable
- Pets are permitted on lead, but several restaurant terraces do not admit dogs
- The track is alcohol-free; the marina restaurants are licensed
- Free Wi-Fi covers the marina and hotel grounds
Nearby
Yas Marina Walk is the entry point to a cluster of Yas Island attractions you can combine into a half-day. Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World, and Yas Mall are all within walking or short-shuttle distance. Yas Beach is 10 minutes by car. The wider Yas Island cycle network connects to Hudayriyat Island and the Saadiyat road bridges for serious cyclists. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is 20 minutes by car.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Yas Marina Walk?
The Yas Marina Walk loop is approximately 5 kilometres around the F1 Yas Marina Circuit and the marina basin. It is paved and lit at night.
Is Yas Marina Walk free?
Yes. The pedestrian and cycling loop is free to access 24 hours a day, except during the F1 Grand Prix weekend and major event setup periods.
When is Yas Marina Walk closed?
The route is closed during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend (typically the first weekend of December) and for several days before and after for circuit setup. Always check the Yas Marina Circuit calendar before going in early December.
Where does the Yas Marina Walk loop start?
There is no formal start point — the route is a continuous loop. The most common starting points are at Yas Mall, Yas Marina, or the W Abu Dhabi (Yas Hotel) entrance. Free parking is available at all three.
Can you cycle on Yas Marina Walk?
Yes. Sections of the loop have dedicated cycling lanes alongside the running path. The wider Yas Island cycle network connects to longer routes.
How do I get to Yas Marina Walk?
By car from central Abu Dhabi (~25 minutes via E10) or by Abu Dhabi DARB bus routes 190 or X90 to Yas Mall. Yas Mall is a 5-minute walk from the western start of the loop.
What is the best time to run at Yas Marina?
Evenings between October and April for comfortable temperatures and atmospheric LED lighting on the Yas Hotel arc. From May to September, run before 5:30 a.m. or after 9 p.m. due to humidity.
Is Yas Marina Walk family-friendly?
Yes. The route is fully paved, stroller-accessible, and well-lit. The marina-side cafés and restaurants cater to families, and the loop connects directly to Ferrari World, Yas Mall, and other family attractions.
Is parking free at Yas Marina?
Free parking is available at Yas Mall and Yas Marina for the first 4 hours; longer stays incur a charge. Parking along the marina road is unrestricted outside of major events.
Can you run on the F1 circuit itself?
No. The Yas Marina Walk is a pedestrian and cycling loop that runs alongside the F1 circuit, not on the racing surface. Public access to the F1 track itself is only available during organised events such as Yas Run Series races.