Marriott’s hip W brand has made its much-anticipated debut in Abu Dhabi with the opening of W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix race, where guests will be at the heart of the action.

The hotel is the brand’s second W Hotel to open this year in the UAE after W Dubai – The Palm and has the bragging rights to be the only hotel in the world located atop a Grand Prix racetrack.

Inside, guests are greeted by Bedouin-inspired tents, large columns and seating inspired by local mangroves. Custom-designed Welcome Desks mimic the form of oil droplets and jewel tone furnishings, depicting the colours of liquid gold, a distinctive historic trade in Abu Dhabi.

Guests can catch the action of the racetrack from the hotel’s 499 guestrooms and suites, which have floor-to-ceiling windows. 

A range of dining options are available including Garage, a one-of-a-kind a la carte food hub with five unique mini concepts: Steam Table serving up noodles and dumplings, Nikkei House offering Peruvian/ Japanese cuisine, Mezza Bar focusing on Lebanese mezze, Meat Vault offering grilled cuts, and Tart Van which serves – as the name suggests – only scrumptious tarts.

Event planners will be impressed by the 4,480 sqm and 26 spaces on offer, the largest of which can accommodate up to 2,000.

W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is located just 15-minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and also in close proximity to Ferrari World, Warner Brothers Studios and Abu Dhabi’s biggest shopping centre, the Yas Mall.