Miral Reports Record Visitor Numbers for Yas and Saadiyat Islands in 2024

Record Visitor Numbers for Yas and Saadiyat Islands in 2024

In a recent announcement at the Arabian Travel Market 2025, Miral, a leading provider of immersive destinations in Abu Dhabi, reported exceptional visitor figures for Yas Island and Saadiyat Island for the year 2024. Yas Island welcomed over 38 million visitors, reflecting an impressive 10% increase from the previous year. This surge in popularity has significantly impacted hotel occupancy rates, which reached a high of 82% on Yas Island, the best performance since 2019.

The peak occupancy in August 2024 hit an astonishing 90%, contributing to a 9% annual growth in hotel utilization. Furthermore, the average daily rate (ADR) for hotel stays saw a remarkable increase of 17%, when compared to 2023. Similarly, Saadiyat Island demonstrated a 10% rise in visitor numbers to its hotels and museums, affirming its status as a cultural hotspot.

Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, the Group CEO of Miral, commented, "These remarkable results confirm our commitment to contributing to Abu Dhabi's vision of becoming a leading global travel destination. Our efforts in creating world-class experiences not only attract visitors from around the globe but also generate joyful moments that leave lasting impressions. The ongoing success of Yas Island and Saadiyat Island is a testament to the strength of our strategic partnerships and our shared commitment to enhancing Abu Dhabi's global allure."

Yas Island's theme parks also recorded a stunning 20% increase in visitor numbers, with a 56% surge in visitors from the GCC region compared to the previous year. Internationally, visits grew by 40%, led by significant increases from key markets such as India (+44%), China (+81%), the UK (+40%), and Russia (+29%). The destination also reported a 10% rise in consumer events throughout 2024, solidifying its position as a premier venue for world-class gatherings.

The growth trajectory was supported by a full calendar of concerts, performances, and family-friendly events, including the renowned Diljit Dosanjh's Dil-Luminati Tour, the Wireless Festival Middle East, UFC events, NBA games, the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Disney on Ice, and the Abu Dhabi Comedy Week. Notably, this year also saw the regional premieres of acclaimed musicals like Hamilton, Life of Pi, Matilda, and Chicago.

Moreover, Yas Island is establishing itself as a significant hub for corporate events and conferences, experiencing a 17% increase in business gatherings and a 7% rise in overnight stays relative to 2023. To further promote the growth of this segment, Miral has announced the development of the Yas Island Metaverse, in collaboration with e, the digital transformation division of e. This ambitious project aims to utilize advanced metaverse technologies to depict venues, attractions, and experiences at Yas Island in a comprehensive virtual format.

Meanwhile, Saadiyat Island continues to attract visitors seeking a sophisticated blend of culture and leisure, achieving an impressive hotel occupancy rate of 74% and an ADR increase of 14% in comparison with 2023. The region recorded significant growth in tourists from vital markets, including an 11% increase from the UK, 30% from India, and 58% from China, enhancing its reputation as a premier destination for beach, nature, and cultural experiences.

Several exciting developments are set to be completed on Yas Island by 2025, including the first phase of a planned 16,900 square meter expansion of Yas Waterworld. This enhancement will debut in summer 2025, introducing 12 new rides and experiences. Additionally, a 560-meter beach project at Yas Bay Waterfront will enrich the leisure and lifestyle offerings available in that area. Warner Bros. World™ is also set to expand its offerings in the coming years, featuring new DC attractions and the eagerly awaited "Wizarding World of Harry Potter," along with two more rides to enhance the immersive experiences of the theme park.

The Abu Dhabi Natural History Museum, anticipated to become the largest of its kind in the region, is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025 and will provide visitors with a captivating journey through natural history. Recently, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi opened its doors to guests in the Saadiyat Cultural District on April 18, offering a 17,000 square meter multisensory art experience developed in partnership with Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism and the renowned Japanese art collective teamLab.

Notably, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island collected over 190 awards and recognitions in 2024, further solidifying their status as premier destinations. Yas Island earned more than 175 accolades, while Saadiyat Island garnered over 20 prestigious awards.

Miral manages the destination development of Yas Island and oversees the management strategy for Saadiyat Island. With its remarkable portfolio of experiences and destinations, Miral aims to contribute significantly to the economic growth of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, by increasing tourism revenue and creating job opportunities, in alignment with Abu Dhabi's 2030 tourism strategy, which aims to attract 39.3 million visitors by 2030, create 178,000 new jobs, and boost the tourism sector's contribution to the UAE's GDP to 90 billion AED annually.