Miral announced that Yas Island and Saadiyat Island achieved a remarkable surge in visitors over the summer period, further solidifying their status as must-visit destinations for families and travelers from across the globe. This year, Yas Island, the UAE’s leading leisure and entertainment destination, witnessed a significant increase in domestic and international guests, with a remarkable 72% increase in visitation to Yas Theme Parks from GCC countries, followed by a 24% increase from India. Hotels on Yas Island enjoyed an impressive 83% occupancy rate throughout the summer season with a 29% increase in international hotel guests, and a remarkable 90% hotel occupancy in August 2024 alone compared to the previous year. The combination of world-class attractions, thrilling experiences and exclusive offers made Yas Island the go-to destination for families seeking unforgettable summer adventures. Saadiyat Island continues to captivate guests with its pristine beaches, luxurious resorts and cultural experiences. These resorts along the shores of Saadiyat Island continued to draw visitors from around the globe, boasting an impressive occupancy rate of over 65% over summer, 73% occupancy in August 2024. Saadiyat Island’s summer hotel occupancy rose by 13% compared to 2023 with international hotel guest arrivals growing by 19%. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, said: “We are thrilled with the success Yas Island and Saadiyat Island have achieved this summer. Their remarkable performance has truly elevated this season into one of the most vibrant and high-demand periods in Abu Dhabi’s tourism calendar. The impressive occupancy rates and increase in visitation reflect our ongoing efforts to position Yas Island as a global destination for entertainment and leisure, and Saadiyat Island as a leading beach, nature and cultural destination. We …
Read More »Yas Island unveils all-new Airport Lounge at Zayed International Airport
Yas Island Abu Dhabi launched Yas Island Lounge – a sophisticated space situated at the arrival’s hall of the state-of-the-art Zayed International Airport. This latest addition to Zayed International Airport’s impressive array of facilities further enhances the guest experience providing a seamless transition from arrival to their preferred choice of stay in Abu Dhabi. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by a dedicated Yas Concierge team, ready to assist with all their holiday needs. Officially inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations and Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, the lounge aims to provide travellers with a warm and informative welcome to the world-class attractions and experiences Yas Island offers. The lounge offers a relaxing environment where travellers can unwind after their journey, discover Yas Island’s attractions, book experiences while enjoying complimentary refreshments. Additionally, guests will have access to a selection of retail merchandise and the latest Yas Island Magazine, which features exclusive news, offers and upcoming events, serving as a perfect guide to discovering a world of entertainment options on the 25 sq. km island. Yas Island Airport Lounge will also feature the Yas Explorer Passport, designed to enhance every visitor’s Yas’ experience by encouraging exploration and engagement. Upon picking up their Yas Explorer Passport, visitors can register online via a QR code, allowing them to participate in exciting draws. As they explore various locations on Yas Island, guests collect stamps and earn points, which can later be redeemed for exclusive rewards for adults, kids and even the littlest of adventurers. Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations, said: “We are thrilled to introduce the Yas Island Airport Lounge to …
Read More »34 million visits in Yas island last year : CEO Miral
Mohamed Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral shared that last year was successful with Yas island receiving 34million visits and the recently opened SeaWorld welcoming over one million at the special collaboration between WB and Etihad Airways. Yas island is one of the key entertainment destinations for the entire family hence even during summer, they experience a good footfall of visitors from across the globe. One of the key reasons for the destination to receive visitors all year around is that all their parks are indoor which is an advantage making it one of the most visited places in Abu Dhabi.
Read More »Miral inaugurates solar rooftop project at Warner Bros. World
Miral champions sustainability as Miral inaugurates Abu Dhabi’s largest solar rooftop project at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, incorporating approximately 16,000 solar modules, producing nearly 40 percent of its annual energy demand with a 7-megawatt peak (MWp) capacity. This will benefit Miral’s three hotels, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Yas Island and WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton. The frameworks follow a similar agreement between Miral and Emerge to deploy on-site solar energy systems at SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi with a capacity of 8.4 megawatts (MW). In parallel, nearly 150 rooftop solar panels significantly reduce energy consumption across Miral’s three hotels, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Yas Island and WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton. Miral’s sustainability drive extends to its three hotels on Yas Island. In addition to more than 45 electric car chargers for guests, the hotels are committed to minimising single-use plastic bottles, reducing food waste, and implementing energy-efficient lighting and air conditioning systems. Innovative technologies, such as air-to-water generators, produce more than 148,200 litres of pure, drinkable water for guests per day across all three hotels – equivalent to almost 302,400 plastic water bottles. Additional water conservation and harvesting measures contribute to substantial annual savings in water consumption, exceeding 1,200,000 litres between all properties. In addition, nearly 150 solar collectors for hot water systems ensure collective monthly savings of 72,000 kWh in energy consumption. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral, commented: “Sustainability remains an integral part of Miral’s vision to transform the leisure, entertainment, and tourism sector. Guided by the UAE’s vision to transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy, our continued commitment to combat climate change is testament to our efforts in creating a sustainable …
Read More »90% occupancy in summer this year at WB : Miral CEO
In an exclusive interview with TravelTV Middle East, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral revealed that this summer, there has been 90% occupancy at the newly opened Warner Bros hotel with a daily rate of AED 1200/-. Al Zaabi reiterated, “We are very proud of the success of those hotels, especially Warner Bros hotel for example in summer only this year we achieved 90% occupancy and the average daily rate of 1200AED and that is unheard of before. We think that this is the vision of Yas island. In 2021, Miral we opened 3 hotels: Hilton Abu Dhabi, Double Tree as well as in collaboration with Warner Bros Discovery Warner Bros Abu Dhabi hotel.” On the sidelines at the Future Hospitality Summit Abu Dhabi, Al Zaabi further shared, “over the last 15 years Miral has been creating an unique and unforgettable destination and experiences in Abu Dhabi which helped to vision Abu Dhabi as a global hub for tourism, leisure and entertainment, we are the trusted partner here in the sector and we are very happy that the role that we are playing to transform the sector to attracting the sector in Abu Dhabi as well as the role we are playing to diversify the economy of the emirate and increase the revenue of the tourism sector. Miral looks after a number of attractions in Yas island and we oversee the strategy of Saadiyat destination management through our portfolios and we are very proud of the contribution that we are bringing here to the tourism industry from economic impact as well as revenue of tourism and very importantly the number of jobs that we have created over the past …
Read More »Yas Island Metaverse initiative launches virtual tourism experience
Yas Island has launched a virtual exploration platform, offering international visitors access to the emirate’s iconic landmarks. The users’ digital avatars provide a journey through attractions and cultural sites, showcasing Abu Dhabi as a leading tourism destination. The initiative is part of a pioneering collaboration between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Aldar, Miral, twofour54, and Ethara. The virtual Yas Island experience was developed by Super League and breaks through on Roblox, accessible at Yas Island Tycoon – Roblox. Users’ digital avatars take a journey through key Abu Dhabi landmarks on Yas Island and beyond, including SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park, Aldar Square, twofour54’s Yas Creative Hub, and an Experience Abu Dhabi dedicated area featuring Louvre Abu Dhabi, Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Sir Bani Yas Island, Al Ain Oasis and Al Jahili Fort. Participants will be able to traverse the 25-square-kilometre virtual site and experience a playable, socially engaging world designed to entertain and inform audiences globally. Throughout a blend of interactive experiences, immersive environments, games, and soon to come one-of-a-kind events, players can explore and build cultural and entertainment attractions within Abu Dhabi. As users progress through the virtual destination and its attractions, they will experience more adventures such as theme park rides, driving across Yas Island in race cars and constructing virtual homes. Customisable avatars and surprise awards are part of every player’s personalised adventure. The gamified experience will continually evolve with new partnerships and experiences. His Excellency Saeed Al Fazari, Strategic Affairs Executive Director at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “This immersive adventure in the virtual realm is the latest example of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to utilising innovation …
Read More »Yas Seaworld opens in Abu Dhabi, MENA region’s first dedicated marine research and rescue center
Miral and SeaWorld® Parks & Entertainment, announced the opening of Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the first dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return center in the region. The 8,602 m2 center, is located on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island and will be a key contributor to marine-life conservation in both the UAE and the wider region by conducting integrated research, rescue, rehabilitation, return and education programs. Attended by UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, HE Mariam Al Mheiri, Chairman of Miral, HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, and a number of UAE officials and senior representatives from SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, the center’s opening is a commitment to the UAE’s declaration of 2023 as the Year of Sustainability. The center’s efforts will aim to improve the public’s knowledge and commitment to the conservation of the region’s marine wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems, leveraging the experience and knowledge gained from SeaWorld’s nearly 60 years of marine animal care, rescue, rehabilitation and conservation to the region. Chairman of Miral, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, commented on this milestone, saying, “We are very proud to begin 2023, the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, with opening the first dedicated marine research and rescue center in the region, Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue. This is a cornerstone in the emirate’s journey of education and conservation, inspiring the next generation of marine scientists to learn more about Abu Dhabi’s impactful long-term vision of protecting our marine wildlife and their habitats. Together with SeaWorld, we will be pushing the limits of science and conservation to become the foremost knowledge hub for marine scientists, not only in the UAE, but also in the wider region.” …
Read More »‘Stayin’ On Yas’ reinvents staycation holiday goals
Yas Island Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s leading leisure and entertainment destinations has launched the new marketing campaign ‘Stayin’ On Yas’, encouraging staycationers and vacationers to ‘break like you mean it’ in a brand new integrated roll-out. Offering a glimpse of holiday promise, the campaign celebrates everything holidaymakers seek during a staycation and more; from record-breaking theme parks, racing, climbing and flying to world-class shopping, dining, golfing and luxury hotels, all packed into one 25 km2 destination. The new campaign, ‘Stayin’ On Yas’, features three holiday-makers channeling the Bee Gees on a staycation like no other, as they experience the wide range of activities on Yas Island in style. The re-imagined campaign is styled in the format of music video, taking viewers on a lyrical journey with the new Yas Island anthem ‘Stayin’ On Yas’, a modern day tribute to holidays, inspired by the hit Bee Gees classic. Set against a backdrop of Yas Island’s most iconic attractions including world-class theme parks Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi; shopping haven Yas Mall, Yas Links Abu Dhabi golf course and record-breaking adventure hub CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, the campaign redefines what it means to be on a staycation. With a range of safety and wellness guidelines firmly in place, the 70’s inspired ode to fun celebrates the rejuvenating power of staycations and reminds audiences of how important it is to take a break, whilst providing a message of positivity and hope as well as a snapshot of holidays past, present and future. Released to complement summer holiday packages, the campaign brings fun-starved holidaymakers a glimpse of blue skies, sunshine, wave machines and theme …
Read More »Yas Island Abu Dhabi prepared to welcome travellers from Saudi Arabia back to the destination
Yas Island Abu Dhabi looks forward to welcoming back travellers from Saudi Arabia to the award-winning destination following the announcement of relaxed quarantine measures for fully vaccinated travellers to the UAE. With improved health measures, Yas Island Abu Dhabi is a destination where visitors of all ages can enjoy unforgettable experiences in a safe environment. Since the start of the pandemic, Yas Island has been reassuring visitors of their safety and well-being during their time at the destination. 95% of eligible team members across the destination have been vaccinated, including attractions, experiences, hotels, restaurants, and retailers in support of Abu Dhabi’s vaccination program. In addition, Yas Island’s theme parks and attractions were awarded the ‘Go Safe’ certification by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, CLYMB Abu Dhabi earlier in the year, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Mall, as well as W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island – the first hotel in the UAE to receive the accreditation – and all Yas Plaza hotels. The certification is one of 25 health and safety accreditations received by the destination, including the coveted WTTC ‘Safe Travels’ stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council in August 2020 – the first destination in Abu Dhabi to receive the international honour. During the summer months, Yas Island introduced its popular ‘Kids Go Free’ packages across the destination for the ultimate summer break, and has now extended the package to holidaymakers from Saudi Arabia. Until 30 September 2021, children below the age of 12 will be able to stay and play for free – one child for every one paying …
Read More »Enter and enjoy Yas Island with FacePass
Miral announced that Yas Island is on track to become a fully contactless destination through the adoption of FacePass. This cutting-edge contactless technology is part of Miral’s digital transformation strategy for Yas Island. Rolled out in phases across the island, it will streamline guest experiences using facial recognition, with Yas Theme Parks leading the way as the first theme parks in the region to adopt FacePass. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral commented, “We are thrilled to be pioneering the adoption of the FacePass technology within the regional leisure and entertainment industry, and delivering on our promise of creating a world-class wall-less destination using the latest technology. Yas theme parks will be the first in the region to implement complete contactless access and payment solutions. This cutting-edge functionality is in line with our digital transformation strategy, and a testament to achieving our vision of positioning Yas Island as a top global destination for entertainment, leisure and business.”
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