Miral has reported an increase in visitor numbers for Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, setting new records. In 2023, Yas Island welcomed over 34 million visits, marking a remarkable 38 percent rise compared to the previous year. Similarly, Saadiyat Island experienced a 44 percent growth in visitor numbers, aligning with the sustainable expansion of Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry.
Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, said: “These record-breaking figures reiterate our commitment to positioning Yas Island as a global destination for entertainment and leisure, and Saadiyat Island as a leading beach, nature and cultural destination. Aligned with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, our goal is to deliver new leisure, entertainment, and cultural destinations and experiences that enhance visitor experiences while generating sustainable value and contributing significantly to Abu Dhabi’s tourism growth and economic diversification.”
The theme parks and CLYMB at Yas Island saw a substantial 83 percent increase in visitors in 2023 compared to 2022. Visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries showed remarkable growth of 125 percent compared to the previous year. Furthermore, the theme parks across the island witnessed a significant 167 percent rise in international visits, driven primarily by travelers from India, the U.K., Russia, and Germany.
Read more: Miral’s Yas Waterworld making waves with exciting expansion coming soon
Vibrant consumer events
Consumer events on Yas Island experienced a surge of 87 percent, attracting more than 560,000 attendees to concerts, performances, and family and sports events. The island also hosted 23 MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) groups, marking a 77 percent increase compared to the previous year, with a total spending increase of 62 percent. July and August of 2023 recorded an impressive 96 percent surge in visitation compared to 2022. Hotels on Yas Island also saw growth, with a 90 percent occupancy rate during the months of June to August.
New developments and attractions
Yas Island has exciting new developments in the pipeline, including a 16,900 square meter expansion of Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi and the introduction of a Harry Potter theme park at Warner Bros. World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Another project in progress is the development of a 560-meter beachfront at Yas Bay Beach, enhancing leisure and lifestyle experiences at Yas Bay Waterfront.
Saadiyat Island is also witnessing the launch of new attractions in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). These include teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, a captivating multi-sensory art experience at Saadiyat Cultural District, as well as the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
In recognition of their outstanding offerings, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island received over 170 regional and international accolades in 2023. Yas Island alone received 130 awards, while Saadiyat Island was honored with more than 40 awards in the travel and tourism sector.
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