At W Abu Dhabi-Yas Island, W Insider Essa Al Ansari draws on his experience growing up in the UAE to suggest what to do and where to dine when visiting the UAE’s capital city.
What’s the most important thing for travellers to pack?
Don’t forget to bring t-shirts and trousers, long sundresses, scarf or pashmina, flip flops or sandals, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, a waterproof sun cream, a swimsuit, and a sunhat.
What’s there to do on Yas Island?
They are turning the island into a multi-purpose leisure, shopping, and entertainment centre. Things to do while visiting: Theme parks: Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World™ and Yas Water world. Lifestyle and shopping: Cascade dining and Yas Mall. Leisure activities: MAD Club, Yas beach,Yas Marina and Yas Links
What are your top restaurant recommendations on Yas Island?
World-class dining options include quick bites and leisurely eateries complete with indoor and outdoor terrace seating. I often suggest people try Cipriani, Angar, Amici, Texas Roadhous, or Garage – our new outlet to open at the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island.
What’s one thing that always surprises guests about your hotel?
The structure of the hotel from the outside and how it’s the only hotel in the world built on a racetrack!
What must visitors do on Yas Island?
Leisure activities: MAD Club, Yas beach, Yas Marina and Yas Links.
What’s the best option for outdoor exercise on Yas Island?
Running or cycling around the Yas Marina Racetrack.
Tell us about your popular Instagram @fitnesswithessa.
After losing 85kg of weight in four years as an Emirati, I always wanted to inspire and help others. I started “Fitness with Essa” Campaign across Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and LinkedIn to motivate others and educate them about what a healthy lifestyle is and how I lost 85kg naturally without any sort of operation or medication. I then stated motivational talks around the world with schools, corporate companies, banks and government entities. I am the face of Dubai Fitness Challenge and was one of the ambassadors for Abu Dhabi World Olympics!
Follow Essa on Instagram @fitnesswithessa, or better yet stop by the W to meet him
For more information on W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, visit www.wabudhabiyasisland.com
For more details on events taking place at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island over Race Weekend, click here or visit www.wrevup.com/F1
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