BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)

With record-breaking visitor numbers, world-class IP attractions and new immersive experiences, Yas Island is positioning itself as one of the world’s premier entertainment and tourism destinations.

According to Miral Destinations, a subsidiary of Miral and a one-stop trade and promotional partner for Yas Island and Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi, Yas Theme Parks witnessed its best summer, recording a 9% increase in footfall compared with last year. In August alone, international visitor numbers grew by 50% year-on-year.

Yas Theme Parks saw notable increase in visitors from key markets, including the GCC with 31% growth, China (31%), Russia (86%) and the UK (47%).

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Liam Findlay, Chief Executive Officer of Miral Destinations, said that Yas Island is emerging as one of the world’s biggest entertainment destinations.

“Yas Island is full of famous IPs like Ferrari World, Warner Bros, and SeaWorld; and in a couple of weeks’ time we have the Formula 1 Grand Prix,” Findlay said.
The record-breaking summer results reinforce Yas Island’s appeal as a year-round destination. “Our busiest time in the year is summer. We have indoor theme parks, and our hotels are running at the highest occupancy through summer,” Findlay said.

Hotel occupancy on Yas Island reached 85% over the summer, peaking above 90% in August, according to Miral Destinations.

As part of this continued momentum, Miral announced the launch of “Stranger Things: The Experience”, bringing the supernatural world of the hit TV series to the Middle East for the first time. The immersive exhibition opens on November 14 and runs until February 15 on Yas Island. This global-first regional launch adds another unique layer to Yas Island’s entertainment offering, the CEO noted.
“To have such experiences in Abu Dhabi and on Yas Island, is not just a milestone for the UAE, but for the region. Anything that creates greater experiences, better customer experience, opens up the region, gets tourists here, making the region stronger,” he added.

Miral Destinations and Yas Island aim to be the number one family destinations in the world, Findlay said. “Yas Island is getting bigger and better.”