Record Visits Propel Yas and Saadiyat to New Heights

Abu Dhabi's crown jewels, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, are experiencing a tourism boom. Miral, the leading experience creator behind these destinations, announced record-breaking visitation numbers for 2023, solidifying their positions as premier leisure and cultural hubs.

Yas Island, renowned for its theme parks and entertainment offerings, saw a staggering 38% increase in visits compared to 2022, reaching over 34 million. Saadiyat Island, known for its beaches and cultural attractions, wasn't far behind with a 44% visitation surge.

This phenomenal growth aligns perfectly with Abu Dhabi's ambitious Tourism Strategy 2030. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Miral's Group CEO, emphasized their commitment to "position Yas Island as a global entertainment and leisure destination, and Saadiyat Island as a leading beach, nature, and cultural destination. "

Theme parks and CLYMB Abu Dhabi, an indoor climbing facility, experienced a particularly significant rise in popularity, with visitation jumping by 83% in 2023. The allure of Yas Island extended beyond regional borders, with international visits skyrocketing by 167%, primarily driven by tourists from India, the UK, Russia, and Germany.

The island also witnessed a surge in consumer events, exceeding expectations with an 87% increase in attendance. Over 560, 000 people flocked to Yas Island to enjoy world-class concerts, performances, and family events featuring renowned artists like The Lion King, UFC, NBA, and Blackpink.

MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism also flourished, with a 77% rise in the number of groups hosted and a 62% increase in related spending. This success stems from Miral's collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau, establishing a joint business event fund to strengthen the emirate's position in the MICE sector.

Summer 2023 proved to be a blockbuster season, with Yas Island's theme parks experiencing a 96% visitation surge in July and August compared to the previous year. Hotels on the island mirrored this success, boasting a remarkable 90% occupancy rate during the peak summer months.

The future of Yas Island promises even more excitement. A significant expansion is underway at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, featuring an additional 3. 3 kilometers of thrilling slides scheduled for completion in 2025. The highly anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will also be a major draw, allowing visitors to step into the magical world of Harry Potter. Leisure options will further expand with the development of Yas Bay Beach, a 560-meter beachfront project at Yas Bay Waterfront.

Saadiyat Island isn't resting on its laurels either. Exciting partnerships with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will bring innovative attractions like TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, a multi-sensory art experience, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, poised to be the largest of its kind in the region.

Yas and Saadiyat Islands' commitment to excellence has been recognized internationally. Together, they garnered over 170 prestigious awards in 2023, highlighting their record-breaking achievements and contributions to the tourism industry.

Miral, responsible for managing these destinations, aims to continue fueling Abu Dhabi's economic growth by attracting tourists, boosting revenue, and creating job opportunities. This aligns seamlessly with Abu Dhabi's ambitious Tourism Strategy 2030, aiming to attract nearly 40 million visitors by 2030, generate 178, 000 new jobs, and significantly increase the tourism sector's contribution to the UAE's GDP. With their unwavering dedication to innovation and exceptional experiences, Yas and Saadiyat Islands are poised to remain at the forefront of Abu Dhabi's tourism landscape.