A bold and visually striking refurbishment to Abu Dhabi’s hospitality landscape, W Hotel on Yas Island has been conceived as a flamboyant, dynamic and deliberately rebellious destination, with Pharos Architectural Controls playing a key role in enabling the expressive lighting control strategy that supports its identity. Positioned as one of the capital’s most distinctive new hotels, and the only hotel in the world built over a Formula 1 track, the development brings together 499 rooms and suites, alongside vibrant social spaces, destination dining and entertainment-led venues overlooking the Yas Marina Circuit.
The design draws inspiration from traditional and artistic influences, interpreted through a contemporary lens that complements the natural landscape of the Emirate. This layered approach is expressed across the hotel’s architecture and interiors, where bold gestures, rich textures and immersive environments combine to create a highly experiential guest journey. Lighting plays a defining role in amplifying this identity, shaping mood, enhancing materiality and reinforcing the hotel’s character throughout its public and hospitality spaces.
W Hotel Yas Island demanded a highly coordinated approach to delivery within a fast-paced programme. The lighting strategy required a high degree of flexibility, enabling seamless transitions between atmospheric hospitality settings, elevated dining experiences and high-energy entertainment moments across multiple venues.
As part of the control solution, Pharos were selected to provide centralised management of lighting scenes and effects across specific areas of the hotel, namely the lighting from the driveway projectors, the entrance fountain, and the dynamic lighting in the lobby area. The system utilises a two-universe Pharos Designer LPC controller alongside a Pharos Designer TPS touchscreen that works seamlessly with any Pharos Designer solution.
This setup enables intuitive control of dynamic lighting, ensuring a flexible and responsive lighting experience throughout the hotel.
Mr. Patel, Managing Director at Creation Gulf, said, “Creating the right atmosphere at the W Hotel Yas Island required a control platform that could adapt effortlessly and provide precise control of the lighting scheme upon entrance. Pharos products gave us the flexibility to deliver dynamic lighting with precision and reliability, while simplifying operation and commissioning within a very tight delivery schedule. The result is a lighting solution that actively contributes to the hotel’s bold and immersive identity.”
John Jarrard, Regional Sales Manager for Middle East & Africa at Pharos, added, “W Hotel Yas Island required a lighting control platform that could match the energy, fluidity and expressive nature of the design concept. Our solutions provide the flexibility to deliver dynamic, scene-based control across a highly diverse hospitality environment.”
By combining robust control capability with creative flexibility, the installation ensures lighting becomes an active part of the guest experience rather than a static backdrop. The result is an environment that reinforces the hotel’s bold identity and supports its position as a landmark destination defined by expression, atmosphere and movement.
Project Credits
Client / Developer – Aldar
Main Contractor – Al Tayer Stocks
Lighting Designer – CD+M
MEP Consultant – WME (Egis Group)
Interior Designer – DWP
Supply, testing, and commissioning of lighting and controls – Creation Gulf
