#Abu Dhabi #UAE #Yas Island #Miral #Saadiyat Island

Record-Breaking Year for Yas and Saadiyat Islands

In an impressive announcement during the Arabian Travel Market 2025, Miral, a leading entity specializing in immersive destinations in Abu Dhabi, revealed that Yas Island recorded over 38 million visits in 2024—a remarkable 10% increase over the previous year. This marks the highest level of visitation since 2019.

Miral's achievements extend beyond just visitation, as the hotel occupancy rates on Yas Island soared to 82%, peaking at 90% during the busy month of August. This trajectory represents a significant 9% growth compared to the previous year, with a corresponding 17% increase in the average daily rate (ADR).

Saadiyat Island also showcased significant growth, with a 10% increase in visits across its hotels and museums compared to 2023, positioning it as a hub for cultural and leisure experiences. According to Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, these exceptional results reflect their commitment to Abu Dhabi's vision of becoming a leading global tourism destination while facilitating economic diversification and sustainable growth.

The theme parks on Yas Island, alongside CLYMB™, experienced a remarkable 20% rise in visitation, fueled by a staggering 56% growth in visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). International visits surged by 40%, with notable increases from India (+44%), China (+81%), the UK (+40%), and Russia (+29%). Additionally, consumer event attendance rose 10% in 2024, further solidifying Yas Island's position as a premier destination for world-class events.

A calendar packed with exciting events, including the Diljit Dosanjh's Dil-Luminati Tour, Wireless Festival Middle East, and the NBA, has greatly contributed to this growth. Notably, 2024 saw the regional debuts of popular musicals such as Hamilton, Life of Pi, Matilda, and Chicago, attracting a diverse crowd eager for entertainment.

Moreover, Yas Island is becoming a sought-after venue for corporate events, with a 17% increase in business conference bookings and a 7% rise in room nights compared to 2023. Miral is tapping into innovative technologies with the planned development of the Yas Island Metaverse, partnering with e enterprise to create a digital platform showcasing the island's venues and attractions.

Saadiyat Island, recognized for its blend of cultural and leisure offerings, achieved a commendable 74% hotel occupancy in 2024, with a 14% ADR increase. The location experienced notable visitation growth from key markets, with 11% from the UK, 30% from India, and 58% from China, enhancing its appeal as a beach and cultural destination.

Exciting developments are on the horizon for Yas Island, including the first phase of the Yas Waterworld expansion, set to open in summer 2025. This expansion will add 12 new rides and experiences, accompanied by the new beachfront development at Yas Bay, promising unique leisure opportunities. Furthermore, Warner Bros. World™ will also undergo extensive expansions, introducing new DC attractions and the highly anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The upcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, anticipated to be the largest of its kind in the region, is set to provide an engaging exploration of the natural world by late 2025. Similarly, the recently launched teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi offers a multi-sensory art experience, captivating visitors through cutting-edge artistic expressions.

Not to be overlooked, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island garnered over 190 awards in 2024, with Yas Island achieving more than 175 accolades and Saadiyat Island earning over 20 prestigious recognitions. With Miral leading the destination management efforts, these developments align with Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030, aiming to attract a total of 39.3 million visitors by 2030 and create around 178,000 jobs in the tourism sector, contributing AED 90 billion to the economy.

Miral's portfolio of world-class experiences and strategic initiatives highlights its dedication to enhancing Abu Dhabi’s status as a global tourism leader while fostering economic growth and job creation, ensuring sustainable development for years to come.