Timeframe: when Yas Island was but a bridge and four roads

Fifteen years ago, today's buzzing, family-friendly destination was a construction site

Yas Island in May 2007 was but four roads. All photos: Yas Marina Circuit

In May 2007, Yas Island is barren but for a bridge leading to it.

Construction begins on Yas Marina Circuit in 2007.

An outline of the track begins to appear in August 2007.

In August 2007, tractors dig up sand to make way for what will become the marina.

In February 2008, buildings slowly begin to emerge around what will become the race track.

As the track is laid down in 2009, the marina slowly begins to take shape. Next, the remaining sand will be dug up and the area flooded with sea water.

Canopies begin to be hung up over the start and finish line as the outer shell of Yas Viceroy Hotel is built in 2009. Construction for a complex of hotels to the left of the Viceroy is also under way.

Seating stands rise out of the sand in 2009 at what will become turn seven of the Yas Marina Circuit.

Formula One drivers race around turn seven at Yas Marina Circuit.

The start and finish line: now ready to welcome tens of thousands of Formula One fans.

Yas Viceroy Hotel, which began operating as a W Hotel in 2018, is hugged by the marina - where luxury yachts park for the race weekend.

Yas Marina Circuit in all its glory at dusk, complete with new coastline.

The sandy island is transformed with grassy hills where Formula One fans can watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Formula One drivers get ready to begin the race at Yas Marina Circuit.

Cast your mind back 15 years, to when the UAE, now brimming with vast man-made islands, towering skyscrapers and entirely new cities, was unrecognisable when compared with today.

An agreement had only just been signed between the UAE and France to develop a satellite Louvre museum. What was then known as the Burj Dubai was a mere 150 storeys. In December, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque would open to the public for the first time.

And, in May that year, Yas Island was still a desert area with but four roads and a bridge.

Construction began that month on the Yas Marina Circuit, which would go on to hold the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. By August, an outline of the now world-famous track had begun to appear, as tractors dug up sand for what was to become a marina.

It was another 30 months before it would open, but it has since become known as one of the UAE's biggest attractions, attracting tens of thousands of tourists every year for the racing event.

Its home, Yas Island, has also become a major draw for travellers and families. This month, renowned American comedian Kevin Hart became its first chief island officer, promising “big things are coming”.

But anyone who's lived in the UAE for any length of time already knew that, judging by the sheer amount of development over the past 15 years.

Ferrari World, now home to the fastest roller coaster in the world, opened in 2010, the year after the circuit. Yas Waterworld, the UAE's first mega water park, opened in 2013. Popular shopping centre Yas Mall opened in 2014.

More recently, there has been the opening of Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi in 2018 and its themed hotel — a world first — only last year.

The world's tallest indoor climbing wall opened at Clymb Abu Dhabi in 2019, while the still-growing Yas Bay is poised to become the country's next biggest waterfront destination.

And that's only scraping the surface on what's there now — from restaurants to hotels and the Yas Links golf course — not to mention what's yet to come.

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