Miral, the leading experience creator behind Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, celebrated a banner year in 2023 with a surge in visitor numbers across both destinations. This surge marks a significant milestone for Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry, solidifying Yas Island and Saadiyat Island as premier leisure and cultural hubs.
Record-Setting Visitation Numbers
At the recently concluded Arabian Travel Market 2024, Miral revealed that Yas Island welcomed over 34 million visitors in 2023, a remarkable 38% increase compared to 2022’s 24.9 million. Saadiyat Island also witnessed impressive growth, with a 44% rise in visitation compared to the previous year.
These figures underscore Miral’s dedication to positioning Yas Island as a global entertainment and leisure destination, while Saadiyat Island is carving its niche as a leader in beach, nature, and cultural experiences. This aligns perfectly with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which focuses on developing new attractions and experiences that enhance visitor satisfaction and contribute to the emirate’s economic diversification.
Theme Parks and Events Drive Growth on Yas Island
Theme parks and CLYMB Abu Dhabi, a popular indoor climbing and adventure facility, experienced a phenomenal 83% increase in visitors in 2023 compared to 2022. This growth wasn’t limited to regional tourism; Yas Island also saw a substantial 167% rise in international visits. Travelers from India, the UK, Russia, and Germany were at the forefront of this international surge.
Beyond theme parks, Yas Island’s consumer events in 2023 exceeded expectations with an impressive 87% rise in attendance. Over 560,000 visitors enjoyed world-class concerts, family-friendly shows, and sporting events like the Lion King musical, UFC fights, NBA games, Disney on Ice, stand-up comedy with Kevin Hart, K-pop concerts by Blackpink, iconic performances by Backstreet Boys and Amr Diab, and much more.
The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector also saw significant growth on Yas Island. The destination welcomed 23 MICE groups in 2023, a 77% increase compared to the previous year. This resulted in a 62% rise in MICE-related spending. Miral’s collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau played a key role in this success. Together, they established the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau and Miral Joint Business Event Fund, specifically designed to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading MICE destination.
Summer 2023 proved to be a blockbuster season for Yas Island, with theme parks experiencing a staggering 96% surge in visitation compared to the same period in 2022. Hotels on the island mirrored this success with a 90% occupancy rate during the peak summer months of June to August.
Looking Ahead: Exciting Developments for Yas Island and Saadiyat Island
The future promises even more thrilling experiences for visitors to Yas Island. A 16,900-square-meter expansion to Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is underway, featuring an impressive 3.3 kilometers of additional slides scheduled for completion in 2025. The highly anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a Harry Potter theme park within Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, will also add to the island’s magical charm. Additionally, the 560-meter beachfront development of Yas Bay Beach will further enhance Yas Bay Waterfront’s leisure and lifestyle offerings.
Saadiyat Island is not to be outdone. Upcoming attractions include teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, a multi-sensory art experience nestled within the Saadiyat Cultural District. This innovative space will ignite visitors’ imaginations through the intersection of art and technology. Nature enthusiasts can look forward to the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, poised to be the largest museum of its kind in the region.
Recognition for Excellence
Yas Island and Saadiyat Island’s commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, both destinations received a combined total of over 170 regional and international accolades. Yas Island garnered 130 awards, while Saadiyat Island secured over 40 awards, recognizing their world-class attractions, exceptional experiences, and significant contributions to the tourism industry.
Miral: A Catalyst for Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Growth
As the destination manager for Yas Island and overseeing the Saadiyat Island Destination Management Strategy, Miral plays a pivotal role in driving Abu Dhabi’s economic growth and tourism sector.
