Yas Island’s theme parks and CLYMB witnessed a 20 pc increase in visitation: Miral
Yas Island, a major entertainment hub in the United Arab Emirates, received 38 million tourists, registering a 10 pc rise, as compared to 2023. This was announced by Miral, a state-owned company that runs destinations in the country.
Miral says that the number of visitors to Saadiyat Island, which is also run by Miral, witnessed a 10 pc increase in the same period.
In a press statement, Miral says that Yas Island registered a hotel occupancy rate averaging 82 pc in 2024 and peaking at 90 pc in August. This marked a 9 pc increase in occupancy and a 17 pc rise in Average Daily Rate (ADR). Saadiyat Island also recorded a 10 pc increase in visitation to hotels and museums.
The statement adds that Yas Island recorded a 17 pc increase in business events and conferences in 2024, with a 7 pc rise in room nights, while Saadiyat Island recorded 74 pc hotel occupancy and a 14 pc increase in ADR. This growth was fuelled by key markets, including the United Kingdom that was up 11 pc, India, up 30 pc and China, which was up 58 pc. The area continues to attract tourism to its museums and cultural destinations, says Miral.
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According to statement, consumer events on Yas Island saw a 10 pc rise in attendance due to a range of concerts, festivals, and sports events, such as UFC, NBA, and the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, along with performances by noted Indian-origin singer Diljit Dosanjh, the Backstreet Boys, and touring musicals including Hamilton, Life of Pi, Matilda, and Chicago.
Miral says that Yas Island’s theme parks and CLYMB witnessed a 20 pc increase in visitation. Additionally, visitors from the GCC rose by 56 pc, while international visitors to the theme parks increased by 40 pc.
Miral adds that several projects are scheduled for completion in 2025. These include the expansion of Yas Waterworld Yas Island with 12 new rides and the development of a 560-m beachfront at Yas Bay Waterfront. Warner Bros. World Yas Island will also see new DC attractions, two additional rides, and the introduction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
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According to the statement, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island received more than 190 awards in 2024. Yas Island earned over 175 recognitions, while Saadiyat Island received over 20.
As per a press statement, Miral says that its efforts are aligned with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to attract 39.3 million visitors annually, create 178,000 new jobs, and raise the sector’s contribution to GDP to USD 24.3 billion.
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Mohammed Abdalla Al Zaabi
“These exceptional results are testament to our commitment to contributing to the achievement of Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a leading global destination, in alignment with the Emirate’s Tourism Strategy and broader ambitions for sustainable growth and economic diversification. Through the development of world-class destinations and immersive experiences, we are not only attracting visitors from around the world but also creating joyful moments that leave a lasting impact. The continued success of Yas Island and Saadiyat Island stands as a powerful testament to the strength of our strategic partnerships and our shared dedication to elevating Abu Dhabi’s global appeal,” says Mohammed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral.
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