5 Can’t-Miss Experiences to Celebrate Your Birthday

Birthdays were used to celebrate gods, goddesses, and royalty in ancient times. It wasn’t until Roman times that birthdays became more personal, and honoring someone’s birth took hold. Blowing out candles on a cake, giving presents, and singing “Happy Birthday” became part of this annual bash later on. 

To celebrate a birthday is to cherish life. What is a more perfect way to cherish life than to get a jump on adrenaline-inspired ideas for commemorating the day you came into this world? And if you happen to be headed to or live in Abu Dhabi, there is one absolutely suitable destination for high-octane fun: Ferrari World Yas Island™, Abu Dhabi.

5 of the Best Things to Do on Your Birthday

Ferrari World Yas Island™, Abu Dhabi is the first of its kind in the world, a Ferrari-branded theme park. Not only is it home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, the Formula Rossa (which careens at 240km/h in 4.9 seconds), but it is also the site of thrilling and unique experiences.

Before you blow out those candles and unwrap those presents, get your heart pumping with these hyper-intense experiences only at Ferrari World Yas Island™.

1. The Roof Walk Experience

You can marvel at Abu Dhabi’s spectacular skylines from a bridge (Sheik Zayed Bridge), from the world’s tallest loop ride (the Marina Eye), and from a skyscraper (Observation Deck at 300). Or you can go sightseeing on a roof and see the entirety of Yas Island.

The Roof Experience is one of the more unique ways to enjoy the grandeur and beauty of Abu Dhabi’s biggest leisure island. Walk atop the theme park’s iconic red roof, which takes up over 200,000 square meters. You’ll be up there for about 90 minutes with an experienced guide and a full body harness to ensure your safety.

Age and weight restrictions apply.

2. F1 Simulators

A roof walk feels a bit tame for your adventurous spirit? Head over to the world’s first Ferrari esports arena and experience top-of-the-line F1 simulators. 

Pick from any of the F1 tracks from around the world, buckle up, and brace yourself for an electrifying 8-minute drive. Rip through the tracks, smash those hairpin turns, and conquer other racers as you soar to the finish line.

The F1 Simulators are perfect for any esports hobbyists with varying skill levels. You can use the simulators to improve your racing skills or challenge friends in a game or two.

To make sure you’re comfortable throughout your race, don’t wear open shoes, flip-flops, or any inappropriate footwear. 

Height and weight restrictions apply.

3. Karting Academy

A simulated race is one thing, but the feel of an actual track is a whole other experience you’ll appreciate on your birthday.

You’ve watched the Scuderia Ferrari become victorious on the racing circuit, from the brutal 24-hour Le Mans to the historic Mille Miglia. Now, you have the opportunity to get behind a Scuderia Ferrari racer and make like Michael Schumacher on the 290-meter-long go-karting track.

The Karting Academy is the first electric go-cart circuit in the region and one of the most fun rides at  Ferrari World. You not only get to fulfill a fantasy, but you also get to try a one-of-a-kind racing circuit, a fitting experience for celebrating your birthday.

Age and height restrictions apply.

4. Drive a Ferrari

If you’re not up for a racing challenge but want to know what it feels like to get behind the wheel of one of the world’s most iconic cars, sign up for Drive a Ferrari.

This signature experience from the theme park gives you two options: drive or ride. In the Driver Experience, you’ll have 20 minutes to steer a Ferrari around Yas Island roads and surrounding areas (with a Ferrari-trained instructor). As a passenger, you get 15 to 20 minutes in the world-famous sports car with an experienced driver.

Since you’re likely to drive (or ride in) a Ferrari Portofino, you’ll go from 0 to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds at a maximum speed of 199 mph. The theme park offers other models, but ask the Driving Experience staff what model you can upgrade to.

Can you drive or ride with friends? Yes, you can bring up to two other passengers.

Although you can book the experience onsite, it is advisable to get tickets ahead of your visit to ensure you’ve got a slot.

An international driver’s license is required for the Driver Experience.

5. VIP Experience

It is your birthday, so why not indulge in some red carpet treatment? The VIP Experience at the theme park offers two ways to enjoy a first-class visit: with others on a Shared Experience or exclusively on a Private Experience.

The former will be more affordable, but the latter does offer more privacy and more inclusions, like the Roof Walk Experience and F1 Simulators.

As a VIP, you get a guided tour to all the attractions, skip the lines, enjoy all the rides, and get custom souvenirs.

Celebrate your birthday with high-octane fun, and it’s sure to be one memorable day.