Today's Edition
Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)
With a long-term expansion strategy, Yas Island guarantees new attractions and experiences for its visitors every year, said Miral Group CEO Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi.
At a media roundtable on Monday, Dr. Al Zaabi announced the opening of the highly anticipated first phase expansion of Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi’s iconic waterpark operated by Miral Experiences.
The new development, which starts welcoming visitors on Tuesday, spans over 13,000 square metres and introduces more than 20 new rides, slides, and attractions — including several regional firsts — as well as a new dining experience.
The expansion is timed to accommodate rising demand during the summer season, Dr. Al Zaabi said.
For example, the Warner Bros. Hotel on Yas Island reached 98.8% occupancy during Eid. Due to this high demand, plans are underway to increase the hotel’s room capacity by 30-40% over the coming years, Dr. Al Zaabi said.
“Yas Waterworld’s expansion is a testament to Miral’s commitment to position Yas Island as one of the world’s leading family entertainment destinations,” the Miral Group CEO said.
“We have a clear plan to add new experiences every year. The promise to our customers is: Every time you visit Yas Island, at least once a year, you will see something new.”
Dr. Al Zaabi pointed out that the growing popularity of summer visits has been driven by increased tourism from regional markets such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and international visitors from India, China, the UK, and Germany.
Yas Island benefits from its exceptional location, just minutes from Zayed International Airport and home to multiple world-class theme parks within close proximity, he said.
“The success we see now, with July and August as busy as December, reflects the strength of our master plan and close collaboration with partners,” Dr. Al Zaabi added. “Safety, accessibility, and unique experiences continue to make Yas Island a preferred destination.”
‘Lost City’ Now Open
Yas Waterworld’s new phase, themed “Lost City”, continues the park’s original narrative inspired by the UAE’s pearl diving heritage, enriching the guest experience with immersive storytelling and culturally rooted attractions.
Designed with inclusivity in mind, the expansion features dual slides tailored to different age groups. The addition also includes an enhanced kids’ zone and new indoor food and beverage outlets, all shaped by over a decade of visitor feedback.
Long-term Vision
Looking ahead, Miral plans to continue its expansion, with new rides, attractions, and hotel capacity, including the upcoming Disney theme park, a landmark development set to become the seventh global Disney destination and the first in the Middle East.
“We are proud to have signed the agreement with Disney, which reflects the maturity and capability of the UAE’s entertainment sector,” Dr. Al Zaabi said.
“Disney Abu Dhabi will blend authentic Emirati heritage with iconic Disney storytelling, creating an unparalleled experience.”
He added that Miral’s long-term vision is aligned with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism targets to grow the tourism sector’s GDP contribution from Dh62 billion to Dh90 billion by 2030 and create 178,000 jobs in tourism over the next five years.
