Yas's transport travails leave revelers stranded

Public buses should be more readily available to attendees, even for Yas Island's less marquee events.

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"Do somewhere different" is the Yas Island philosophy to weekend entertainment, and on most fronts, it's a fitting motto. Far from the beaches and malls of Abu Dhabi, this once desolate strip of sand has been transformed into a destination of luxurious lodging and high-flying entertainment.

Sadly, "doing somewhere different" is easier said than done. Friday evening's Nelly Furtado show offers a case in point.

When the singing stopped, hundreds of guests were left wandering in search of taxis as midnight approached. Some waited for hours. While a new city bus is reported to run between Khalidiya and Yas hotels, ticket holders would be excused for missing it. None passed the arena's main gate during the exodus after the event.

Yas Island has rightly staked its claim as one of the region's top entertainment destinations. During the Formula 1 - the island's main yearly draw - show-stopping concerts and races were matched by equally impressive logistics. Fans were able to avail themselves of public transportation that smoothly shuttled crowds to and from the event.

Yet events throughout the year will require the same attention, particularly when it comes to transportation. Public buses should be more readily available to attendees, even for Yas's less marquee events.