From Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District to four world-class theme parks on Yas Island
2023 was a year of milestones for Miral, a leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in the region. The force behind some of the best tourist destinations in Abu Dhabi recently reported that Yas Island recorded over 34 million visits in 2023. This is a 38 percent year-on-year (YoY) rise. Meanwhile, Saadiyat Island’s visitor numbers jumped by 44 percent.
In an interview with Economy Middle East, Group CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi underscored the company’s role “in enhancing Abu Dhabi’s global appeal as a leading tourism hub with unique and world-class offerings.”
Saadiyat Island
In Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat and Yas Islands are known for their many interesting tourism offerings.
Miral describes Saadiyat Island as a destination that “offers a transformative luxury getaway where vibrant living, arts and culture, tranquil beaches, lavish hospitality, and pristine nature merge.” Located 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi Airport and Downtown Abu Dhabi, The island is home to global and regional hotel brands, including St. Regis Saadiyat Island and Park, Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, and Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort.
The World Travel Awards also named the island Middle East’s Leading Beach Destination for the 13th consecutive year, thanks to its 8-kilometer stretch of natural beach. This is a place ideal for tourists who want to experience Abu Dhabi’s thriving marine life. It’s home to endangered hawksbill turtles as well as humpback and bottlenose dolphins.
Meanwhile, its Cultural District has its own appeal. This district features the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first outpost of the iconic museum outside France, celebrated for its dome architecture. This area is also home to the Abrahamic Family House and a branch of the Berklee School of Music.
It’s bound to get more interesting with a slew of upcoming projects, including TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Museum Abu Dhabi, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and Zayed National Museum.
Entertainment is also endless, with options such as Saadiyat Beach Club, the Gulf’s first beachfront golf course, Mamsha Al Saadiyat beachfront promenade, and easy access to the attractions of Yas Island.
Read more: Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island welcomes over 34 million visits in 2023, says Miral
Yas Island
Yas Island is conveniently located off the coast — just 20 kilometers from Abu Dhabi city center. As a unique holiday destination, it boasts crystal-clear waters and is home to some of the UAE capital’s most iconic landmarks.
These include the Yas Marina Circuit, which is renowned for hosting the annual Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Yas Mall is a vast retail and dining complex directly linked to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, featuring over 370 international brands and 68 dining options.
For golf enthusiasts, Yas Links offers the first true links golf course in the Middle East, with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and the prestige of hosting the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
On Yas Beach, tourists are treated to a full-service experience with extensive leisure activities and dining options. Yas Marina enhances the luxury with its dedicated waterway and yacht marina. The vibrant Yas Bay waterfront transforms from day to night with its lively Pier71 Boardwalk.
Yas Island has a total of 10 hotels, including WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton, the world’s first Warner Bros.-themed hotel. In addition, it houses CLYMB, the world’s biggest indoor skydiving chamber. It spans 10 meters (32 feet) and reaches 54.6 meters (179.2 feet) high.
Visitors to the island can explore these through Yas Express, a complimentary shuttle service that connects major attractions.
Theme Parks Galore
Apart from the aforementioned Yas Island attractions, the island is also home to four theme parks. These are Ferrari World Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
- Ferrari World Yas Island Abu Dhabi
This is the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park. The park offers over 40 thrilling rides and attractions. These include Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest rollercoaster. Here, visitors can experience the adrenaline rush induced by Formula 1 racing while immersing themselves in interactive experiences that showcase Ferrari’s storied history. The park first welcomed guests in 2010 and has been named the “World’s Leading Theme Park” several times.
- Yas Waterworld Yas Island Abu Dhabi
A standout Emirati-themed waterpark, Yas Waterworld draws inspiration from the UAE’s rich pearl diving heritage. It offers 45 attractions, many of which are unique to Yas Waterworld — including the region’s first hydro-magnetic-powered six-person tornado waterslide. Among its accolades is the title, “Middle East’s Leading Water Park”.
- Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Warner Bros. is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic entertainment brands in the world. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi — the world’s first-ever Warner Bros. branded indoor theme park — gathers its most popular stories and characters under one roof. The expansive part features six thematic lands: Metropolis, Gotham City, Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch, and Warner Bros. Plaza. The park offers tourists the chance to meet and interact with characters like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo, and more.
- SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
This is the region’s first marine life theme park. Its narrative itself is already worthy of buzz. “One Ocean” emphasizes the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and human activity. To embody this, the park has several immersive experiences scattered throughout eight themed realms. These experiences feature up-close animal encounters, thrilling rides, and educational exhibits. The park is also home to the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center, which is dedicated to marine life conservation.
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