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The W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is a 499-room luxury hotel located on Yas Island within the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Managed by W Hotels since 2019, the property is distinguished by its striking architectural design featuring two 12-storey towers linked by a bridge that crosses the Formula 1 race track. The hotel opened on November 1, 2009, coinciding with the inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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The W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island occupies a unique position on Yas Island within the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The hotel comprises two 12-storey towers with distinct locations: one sits within the Formula 1 race circuit itself, while the other extends into the Marina area. These towers are connected by a monocoque steel and glass bridge that spans across the F1 race track, creating both a physical and visual connection between the two structures. This extraordinary positioning places the hotel at the center of Yas Island's development, which combines motorsports, entertainment, and waterfront facilities.
The hotel's defining architectural feature is its bold design created by Hani Rashid and Lise Anne Couture, principals of the New York-based firm Asymptote Architecture. The two towers and connecting bridge form an integrated composition that responds directly to the site's motorsports context, with the bridge itself becoming a central architectural element.
The most striking visual element is the 217-meter curvilinear glass and steel facade known as the Grid Shell. This facade consists of 5,389 glass elements integrated with a sophisticated LED lighting system, creating a luminous presence that is particularly pronounced at night. The lighting design was developed through collaboration between Asymptote Architecture and Rogier van der Heide and his team at Arup Lighting.
The hotel spans 85,000 square meters across its two towers. The structure was built by Al Futtaim Carillion for Aldar Properties, with construction beginning in 2007. The specialized Grid Shell facade was constructed by Waagner-Biro, a specialist in complex architectural steelwork. The hotel opened on November 1, 2009, timed to coincide with the inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island appeals to travelers with an interest in contemporary architecture and design. The property's architectural prominence as a notable work by Asymptote Architecture makes it a destination for architecture-focused visitors. Its location within the Formula 1 circuit is particularly relevant for guests attending the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, offering direct connection to the event venue. The hotel also attracts travelers seeking a luxury property with a distinctive sense of place and strong architectural identity, as well as those drawn to Yas Island's combination of waterfront and entertainment facilities.
Editorial verification: W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island is affiliated with W Hotels; this was confirmed on the brand's own website or hotel list, and the hotel was matched to its official website by our editorial board.
The hotel is located on Yas Island within the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. One of its two towers sits within the Formula 1 race track itself, while the other extends into the Marina area. The towers are connected by a bridge that crosses over the F1 circuit.
The hotel opened on November 1, 2009, coinciding with the inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The hotel was designed by Hani Rashid and Lise Anne Couture, principals of Asymptote Architecture based in New York. The lighting design for the Grid Shell facade was developed in collaboration with Rogier van der Heide and his team at Arup Lighting.
The Grid Shell is the hotel's distinctive 217-meter curvilinear glass and steel facade featuring 5,389 glass elements integrated with an LED lighting system. It is the primary visual feature of the hotel and is particularly striking when illuminated at night.
The hotel has 499 rooms distributed across its two 12-storey towers connected by the bridge spanning the F1 race track.
The hotel has been managed by W Hotels since 2019. It was previously known as the Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi and later the Yas Viceroy Hotel Abu Dhabi before being repositioned under the W brand.
The 85,000-square-meter structure was built by Al Futtaim Carillion for Aldar Properties, with construction beginning in 2007. The specialized Grid Shell facade was constructed by Waagner-Biro.
W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island is affiliated with W Hotels; this was confirmed on the brand's own website or hotel list, and the hotel was matched to its official website by our editorial board.
W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island is in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Address: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates.
| Location | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
|---|---|
| Address | Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates |
| Brand / alliance | W Hotels |
| Official website | marriott.com |
| Area guide | Yas Island luxury hotels |
| Verified | by the editorial board |
Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W_Abu_Dhabi_%E2%80%93_Yas_Island
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hotel data: Wikidata (CC0), OpenStreetMap (ODbL), official websites.
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