Relax 12
Relax 12 is the pool bar at the Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, operating as the most accessible and unpretentious licensed venue in the Yas Island cluster. The bar sits adjacent to the hotel pool, functioning as a casual daytime-to-evening venue that doesn't require the formality or price commitment of the nearby Viceroy and W properties. The concept is straightforward: cold drinks by the pool, a simple food menu, and a relaxed atmosphere that works for hotel guests and local residents who want a drink without the table-minimum culture of the island's premium venues. The crowd is noticeably more mixed in age, nationality, and income bracket than Iris or Garage.
Where to stay near Relax 12
Hotels close to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
What to Expect
A casual pool bar without dress codes or table minimums. Beer and simple cocktails at the lower end of Abu Dhabi hotel pricing. A relaxed crowd of hotel guests, families, and expats who want a straightforward drink.
Relaxed and unpretentious. The lowest-pressure venue on Yas Island.
Background pop and commercial radio. Nothing specialized.
Smart casual. The pool bar context means casual clothes are acceptable during the day. Evenings call for a modest step up.
Budget-conscious visitors who still want a legal licensed venue. Afternoon drinks. A practical starting point before moving to more expensive Yas Island venues.
Cards and cash accepted.
Price Range
Beer AED 50-70, cocktails AED 75-105, spirits AED 65-100, light food AED 45-85
Beer ~$14-19 / EUR 13-17; cocktails ~$20-29 / EUR 19-27
Hours
Daily 11:00 AM-11:00 PM (midnight Thursday and Friday)
Insider Tip
The most budget-friendly licensed venue on Yas Island. Useful as a first stop before a more expensive evening at the W or Viceroy, or as a standalone option if the table minimums elsewhere are unworkable. Afternoon visits (3-6 PM, outside summer) are pleasant with the pool setting.
Full Review
Relax 12 sits within the Crowne Plaza's pool area, accessed through the hotel or directly from the pool deck. The setting is pleasant: sun loungers and casual seating around the pool, with the bar counter on one side. The Yas Island infrastructure visible beyond the perimeter, the Yas Mall towers, a section of the circuit in the distance, provides a contextual backdrop.
The bar operation is simple. Draft beer, bottled beer, standard spirits, and a short cocktail menu covering the basics: mojito, G&T, margarita. Execution is competent but not exceptional, which is appropriate for the format and price. A beer at AED 55 is the cheapest licensed drink available on Yas Island.
Food extends to burgers, wraps, and club sandwiches. Nothing memorable, but functional for absorption alongside an afternoon of drinks.
The crowd differs meaningfully from the W and Viceroy venues nearby. Families with older teenagers, mid-tier hotel guests on package deals, expat groups who don't want the formality of the island's five-star options. This is not a criticism; it's the point. A venue that doesn't require a collared shirt and a AED 2,000 minimum is filling a genuine gap in the Yas Island offering.
During F1 Grand Prix week, even Relax 12 gets busy. The Crowne Plaza draws the mid-range race weekend visitor, and the pool bar operates at extended hours during the race weekend. Outside that period, it's quiet compared to the flagship venues.
The Neighborhood
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Yas Island. Stills Bar is also at the same hotel, accessible from the lobby. The W Abu Dhabi is approximately a 5-minute walk.
Getting There
Taxis and Careem to Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Yas Island.
Address
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
Other Venues in Yas Island
Garage
The W Abu Dhabi's main club venue, styled around a racing garage aesthetic reflecting Yas Island's F1 heritage. DJ nights on Thursday and Friday, with international bookings during Grand Prix week.
Iris Abu Dhabi
Rooftop lounge and venue at the Yas Viceroy hotel, positioned directly above the Formula 1 circuit. Panoramic views of the marina and racetrack. Tables need to be booked during race week.
Stills Bar and Brasserie
Ground-floor bar at the Crowne Plaza Yas Island with a good whisky and craft beer selection. Less formal than the Viceroy or W venues, making it a practical first stop before a bigger night.