Yas Island in Abu Dhabi has launched a comprehensive programme of live match screenings, dining offers, and entertainment activations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, positioning itself as a key destination for football fans and travel professionals alike. The initiative spans multiple venues across the island, blending sports viewing with leisure amenities to attract both regional visitors and international travellers.
Venue-by-Venue Breakdown
At Yas Bay Waterfront, several outlets are participating. Lock, Stock & Barrel will host live screenings alongside daily happy hours and themed nights. The Lighthouse offers all-day happy hour deals, while Bua Thai and Daikan present special dining packages. Marcella introduces a “Predict. Win. Celebrate.” competition, awarding dining vouchers to guests who correctly forecast the tournament winner.
Belgian Café Yas Island, part of the Yas Plaza Hotels cluster, operates 24/7 with themed activations and score-prediction challenges. Fans wearing their team’s jersey receive a complimentary drink. Crafty Fox Yas Links shows major fixtures on big screens, extends happy hours, and distributes a limited-edition football newspaper.
Yas Sports Majlis at Yas Marina Circuit offers premium screenings and interactive experiences, including driving simulators and karting. The Rush Fan Zone at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island provides happy hour deals, group packages, and interactive competitions. For longer stays, the Stay & Play package bundles hotel accommodation, breakfast, and access to a theme park.
The activation aligns with broader Abu Dhabi tourism strategies. Earlier this year, Abu Dhabi deepened ties with India through a high-level trade mission, and Yas Island’s own “The Answer Is Yas” campaign hit record metrics before expanding to a 2.0 phase. The World Cup programming is expected to further boost visitor numbers from key source markets.
Travel agents and tour operators can leverage these packages for group bookings. The combination of live football, F&B promotions, and theme park access offers a multi-day itinerary option for families and fan groups. Airlines such as Etihad, which recently launched free medical insurance for international visitors with DCT Abu Dhabi, may see increased demand on routes to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH).
Yas Island’s World Cup programme runs throughout the tournament period, with no end date specified. Hospitality partners are encouraged to contact Yas Island’s trade desk for commissionable rates and group packages.
