Abu Dhabi tourism boosted as Yas and Saadiyat Islands see visitor surge
Abu Dhabi developer Miral has announced record-breaking visitor numbers across Yas Island and Saadiyat Island in 2024, reflecting strong year-on-year growth.
Yas Island recorded more than 38m visits in 2024, a 10 per cent increase over 2023, according to Miral.
Hotel occupancy reached 82 per cent, peaking at 90.5 per cent in August, with a 9 per cent year-on-year increase and a 17 per cent rise in average daily rate.
Yas Island and Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Island also achieved a 10 per cent increase in hotel and museum visitation.
Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, said the performance reflects the company's alignment with Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy and its focus on sustainable growth and economic diversification.
He said: 'These results highlight the strength of our strategic partnerships and our ongoing commitment to elevating Abu Dhabi's global appeal'.
Yas Island's theme parks and CLYMB recorded a 20 per cent rise in visitation, with GCC traffic up 56 per cent and international visits up 40 per cent, driven by growth from India (44 per cent), China (81 per cent), the UK (40 per cent) and Russia (29 per cent).
Attendance at consumer events rose 10 per cent, supported by a year-round calendar of concerts and shows including Hamilton, UFC, Formula 1, NBA, Disney on Ice and the Wireless Festival.
Business tourism also grew, with a 17 per cent increase in events and a 7 per cent rise in room nights.
To support this growth, Miral unveiled the Yas Island Metaverse project in collaboration with e& enterprise, offering virtual experiences of the destination's venues and attractions.
Saadiyat Island achieved 74 per cent hotel occupancy in 2024 and a 14 per cent rise in ADR. Key source markets included the UK (11 per cent growth), India (30 per cent) and China (58 per cent), reinforcing the island's positioning as a cultural and leisure destination.
Upcoming openings include a 16,900sq m expansion of Yas Waterworld in summer 2025, featuring 12 new rides, and a 560m beachfront development at Yas Bay.
Warner Bros. World Yas Island will expand with DC attractions, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and two new rides.
Saadiyat Island's cultural offerings were bolstered by the launch of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi on April 18 and the upcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, set to be the region's largest when completed by the end of 2025.
In 2024, Yas Island received over 175 global awards, while Saadiyat Island earned more than 20, cementing its status as the Middle East's leading beach destination.
Miral, which manages Yas Island and leads Saadiyat Island's destination strategy, continues to support Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to attract 39.3 million visitors annually, create 178,000 jobs and contribute AED90bn ($24.5bn) to the national GDP.
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Time Out Abu Dhabi
10 hours ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
These are the very best things to do indoors for summer in Abu Dhabi
Let's face it – when the pavements are almost melting, any plans involving the great outdoors are officially cancelled. But don't panic. Just because the weather's taking a scorcher turn doesn't mean your social calendar has to dry up – there are numerous things to do indoors in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is serving up an air-conditioned playground of epic proportions, packed with pulse-raising adventures, world-class dining, cultural heavy-hitters and cool-as-a-cucumber dessert drops. Whether you want to fly (indoors, obviously), feast, flex your artistic muscles, or just find a fun way to tire out the kids, this city's got a long list of ways to beat the heat without breaking a sweat. From five-star food to art-filled escapes, trampoline thrills to teamLab chills, here's your ultimate guide to staying cool and having a blast indoors this summer. The best indoor activities in Abu Dhabi to keep you cool over summer Dine at one of the city's best restaurants Okay, first up, the easy one. If we're talking indoor things to do, then we'd be remiss not not mention the capital's outstanding food scene. But let's face it Abu Dhabi's restaurant culture is constantly evolving, and for the average eater-outer, it can be difficult to keep up. A new restaurant here, a fabulous menu there… where to start? That's where we come in. Enter the Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards 2025 and our definitive guide to dining in the capital. Pick any, pick them all, just make sure you pick 'indoor' on the booking because it's about to get hot outside. Head to Clymb Abu Dhabi Who says you can't spike your adrenaline indoors? And there aren't many things better for that than conquering your fear of heights at the world's largest indoor skydiving flight chamber and the region's tallest climbing wall at CLYMB. Beginners can take a swing at three different walls during a 60-minute intro session, learning everything from bouldering basics to auto-belaying, with expert instructors at hand. At just Dhs120 per session, you can climb solo or if you're really getting into the groove, there are courses to help you perfect your skills. If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can combine indoor climbing with skydiving in the CLYMB Combo ticket (Dhs315) for a double dose of adrenaline. Combo tickets from Dhs315. Sun-Thur (11am to 9pm), Fri-Sat (noon to 11pm). Clymb, Yas Mall, Yas Island, (0600 511115). Get mesmerised at TeamLab One of the coolest things to land in Abu Dhabi to date, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is a super definite must for an indoor activity bucket list. Set within Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi, the new museum spans over 17,000sqm and takes visitors on a multi-sensory journey. The innovative museum sits at the intersection of art, science, and technology. The environment in which the artworks are in creates various phenomena that become the artwork, offering a dynamic, ever-evolving guest experience, and ensuring that no two visits will be the same. Dhs150 for adults (18 and above), Dhs115 for teenagers (13-17) and Dhs50 for children (4-12). Saadiyat Cultural District, Cool down with some summer desserts Too hot to handle? Hawksbill Restaurant at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has the sweetest solution. Whether you've just finished a round of golf or you're simply chasing dessert goals, their limited-time summer menu delivers chilled indulgence with a twist. Take your tastebuds on a ride with the matcha tiramisu – a refreshing spin on the creamy classic. Or opt for the showstopper: birds' nest kunafa, a crunchy kunafa nest filled with chocolate and pistachio ice cream shaped like bird eggs. It's part dessert, part work of art. If you're after something lighter (and Instagram-worthy), the poached pear with coconut yoghurt, granola and pomegranate is the way to go. The seasonal lineup is all about keeping it cool – and delicious. À la carte. Daily 7am-11pm. Hawksbill Restaurant, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Saadiyat Island. (056 660 8780). Shake it off (and smash it up) There are some days when you just want to break stuff. Enter the Smash Room. Take any lingering anger out on inanimate objects and break everything in your sight. We can't think of many things more cathartic than that tbh. And now, it is launching a special summer package where you and up to three mates can smash 50 glass items, a washing machine, a printer, a TV and four CPUs to pieces for Dhs1,164.94. It's a great way to relieve all those pent-up emotions and release stress. From Dhs69 per person. Open Mon-Thu 12.30pm-10pm; Fri-Sun 12.30pm-11pm. Nahil Building in Al Rawdah Street W58, Abu Dhabi. hello@ thesmashroom. Discover amazing exhibitions at Manarat Al Saadiyat Found in the Saadiyat Cultural District, Manarat Al Saadiyat is one of the best art galleries in Abu Dhabi. While some of the exhibitions here have an entry fee, many throughout the year are totally free to visit, and you can also attend a free weekly sound healing session on Mondays. Open daily 10am-8pm. Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, (02 657 5800). Take part in a free fitness session at The Galleria Al Maryah Island Window shopping is one of the best free things to do in Abu Dhabi, but if you're looking for something a little more active, you should be signing up for one of the free fitness sessions at The Galleria. There are yoga and Zumba classes, as well as a free guided walk, and you can find all the details here. Free. Tue, Thu, Sun 8.30am-9.30am (adult yoga), Wed, Sat (mummy-and-child yoga), Mon, Wed, Fri 8.30am onwards (walk), Tue, Thu 9am-10am (Zumba). The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Check out the Cultural Foundation Located next to the historical Qasr Al Hosn Fort, the Cultural Foundation has been fostering creative talent in Abu Dhabi since its launch in 1981. Throughout the year, there are two to three free exhibitions for you to check out, and the children's library inside also has free daily programming for little ones. Free. Open Sat-Thu 9am-8pm; Fri 2pm-8pm. Qasr Al Hosn, Take the kids (or just yourself) to Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi This indoor (which is why the middle of summer is a great time to go) mega-park brings superheroes, villains, cartoons and favourite characters from your childhood to life on Yas Island. Split into six distinct and vibrant zones – Bedrock, Warner Bros. Plaza, Metropolis, Gotham City, Cartoon Junction and Dynamite Gulch – there is plenty to keep even the smallest of adrenalin junkies entertained for hours, while the real thrill seekers risk the faster, white-knuckle rides. Dhs345 (adults), Dhs265 (kids up to 1.1m), free (kids under three). Open daily 10am-9pm. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, (600 511 115). Muse over some art An architectural marvel and cultural and artistic beacon, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is still as impressive today as it was when it opened its doors in 2017. And it's pretty hard to feel bored indoors when you're experiencing that. With exhibition spaces that cover 8,600 square metres and 23 permanent galleries occupying 6,400 square metres, we are not exaggerating when we say there's a lot to see at Louvre Abu Dhabi. And starting September 17, you can view some Mamluk beauty. The new season kicks off in glorious style with a deep dive into the mighty Mamluk Sultanate – a dynasty that ruled swathes of the Islamic world for over 250 years. Think Egypt, the Levant, parts of Turkey and Saudi Arabia's holy sites – all under one powerful banner. Expect intricate craftsmanship, epic diplomacy and a visual journey through a golden age of Islamic art. Centrepieces include the Reception of a Venetian Delegation by the Mamluk Governor of Damascus and the jaw-dropping Baptistery of Saint Louis. This exhibition brings together masterpieces from the Musée du Louvre and Louvre Abu Dhabi's own collection. Dhs63. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island. (02 333 2222). Take a step back in time at Heritage Village Okay, so this heritage site isn't all indoors but enough of it is to ensure you don't fry in the heat – besides, it's one of the best free things to do in Abu Dhabi. Here, you can get a snapshot of traditional Emirati life and heritage, as the village showcases a range of local crafts, explores the history of pearl diving and more. Free. Open Sat-Thu 9am-4pm; Fri 7.30am-noon, 3.30pm-9pm. Al Kasir (02 681 4455). Ferrari World Abu Dhabi This massive Abu Dhabi attraction is a fantastic white-knuckle ride all around. The theme park boasts more than 20 rides and activities, but the one you will want to strap yourself into is the record-smashing Formula Rossa. It's not for the fainthearted, however. The family zone is perfect for little thrill-seekers, with various tamed-down versions of the park's fast rides. There are heaps of less terrifying rides suitable for mini thrill-seekers such as the car carousel, driving school and an awesome supercar museum – we can but dream as we gaze at the gorgeous motors. From Dhs265 (kids), Dhs345 (adults). Open daily 11am-8pm. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, (02 496 8000). Xtreme Zone at The Galleria If your kids are bouncing off the walls (and let's face it, you might be too), Xtreme Zone at The Galleria is where all that energy gets channelled into pure fun. This 44,200 sq ft mega playland is the third and biggest of its kind – and it's packed to the rafters with action for all ages. Expect a 12-lane bowling alley, trampoline park, arcade zone, billiards tables, climbing walls, and the region's first-ever Tag Arena. Whether your crew is into friendly competition or just wants to bounce, bowl and battle it out, there's plenty to keep everyone buzzing. Even the grown-ups can get in on the action – or simply kick back with a coffee at the on-site café while the chaos unfolds. Prices vary. Sat-Wed 10am-10pm; Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, (02 628 9050). Take a trip to the 421 Arts Campus A dynamic cultural hub that fosters creativity and collaboration, you will find a diverse range of art programs and events here. This contemporary art space hosts exhibitions, workshops, performances and artist residencies, providing a platform for both local and international artists. Designed to support the arts community, 421 offers various facilities, including galleries, studios and spaces for educational activities. The aim here is to really engage the public with art in all its forms, encouraging dialogue, innovation and artistic expression, with a focus on nurturing creativity. While you can pop in for a coffee, make sure you check out their website for upcoming events. Open Tue-Sun 10am-8pm. Mina Zayed, (02 676 8803). Get energised at one of the best pubs in town When the tummies start rumbling, you'll have to sit down somewhere – and the best spot to do that with an infectious bubbly atmosphere? McCafferty's. No matter how pumping the venue, service is quick – almost too quick – and we could easily spend an afternoon, or even a full day here. The food is your typical pub grub: Think burgers, fish and chips, roast dinners and pizzas, with a decent amount of vegetarian and vegan options. With a generous happy hour, great pub grub, and lively atmosphere, McCafferty's is an all-Irish, all-round winner. Open daily 9am-2am. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, (058 598 3623). Go for a BOUNCE There are lots of fun stuff to try at the fun indoor park, including a huge trampoline that's four times the size of a standard trampoline and can generate a force of over 14Gs, which is what fighter pilots feel. X Park is a brilliant way to find your inner Spider-Man and jump around its many obstacles and pipes to work up a sweat, from its spider wall to its climbing wall. Kids can unleash all their pent-up energy in this parkour zone. From Dhs90 (per session). Times vary. Marina Mall, Al Marina, Abu Dhabi, Level up at Pixoul Gaming If immersive gaming is your thing, Pixoul Gaming should be on your to-visit list. This new state-of-the-art virtual reality and Esports hub in Al Qana features an elaborate Virtual Reality Gaming Zone, an Esports Academy with a focused training facility for gaming athletes and global gaming tournaments, a retro gaming zone, and an Esports bar, making it one of the top things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi. From Dhs95. Open Sun-Thurs 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight; Fr. Al Qana, (02 418 6699). Head to the flicks Air-conditioning, popcorn, comfy seats – what's not to love about going to the movies? It's also the ideal way to introduce little people to the big screen – VOX Cinema's KIDS concept features brightly coloured, smaller-than-average screening rooms that show all the latest age-appropriate blockbusters in a family-friendly environment. Cinemacity Al Qana also has its very own Kids Cinema (there are VIP and 3DMax screening rooms, too), making these two great options for a movie date with the little ones. Prices and times vary. Cinemacity Al Qana, VOX Cinemas, Tickle your grey matter at Prison Island A super-fun outing for the whole gang, Prison Island will keep young and old engaged with puzzles, quizzes, and other brain teasers that need to be solved in order to unlock the prison cell's doors. There are 26 cells altogether but you can decide how many you want to tackle. Teams can be made up of two to six players and kids as young as eight can participate (although they need to be accompanied by an adult). From Dhs99. Sun-Thu 10am-10pm. Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Abu Dhabi Mall, Al Zahiyah, Escape from a haunted room Looking for a real fright? Abu Dhabi's Dark Room is the OG horror escape room in town and it's not for the faint of heart. Picture this: you're trapped in a room filled with spine-tingling puzzles, riddles and clues. The only way out? Solve everything before time runs out – but there's a twist. A live actor is lurking inside, adding an extra layer of terror to the experience. Whether you're braving it with friends or family, Dark Room's themed rooms will have you thinking, escaping, and most likely, running for your life. Who said indoors had to be boring? From Dhs130 per person. Dark Room, Khalifa Bin Zayed The First St, Al Markaziyah West, W2. (055 186 1589). Zoom down Velocity at WTC Mall The longest and tallest stainless-steel slide in the Middle East, Velocity at WTC Mall in Abu Dhabi is a thrill if ever there was one. The attraction has a 68-metre and 54-metre spiral ride that stretches from the top level of the mall to the bottom, with twists and turns that tempt you to take the plunge. It's one of the top things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi while you get in some quick retail therapy. Dhs25 (single slide), Dhs35 (single slide with video experience), Dhs40 (double slide), Dhs50 (one-day unlimited slides, Mon-Thu). Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Level 1, WTC Mall, Take the kiddos to Leo & Loona while you chill Parents, brace yourselves – Leo and Loona Kids Park has crash-landed into both Yas Mall and Dalma Mall and it's an absolute haven for kids (and a sneaky win for parents who want to sip coffee in peace). Leo and Loona is all about interactive play and storytelling. With over 30 attractions spread across themed zones, kids can whizz down glow-in-the-dark slides, pedal their way to victory on go-karts, get messy in creative workshops zipline and even play supermarket manager (good luck explaining why you don't need ten imaginary watermelons). The in-house restaurant at Yas Mall is the brainchild of award-winning chef Kasper Kurdahl and hospitality whiz Zsolt Pleszinger, who have created a menu that fuses Italian and American favourites with a Middle Eastern twist. So yes, while the kids go wild, you can tuck into something that doesn't come from a plastic tray. From DhsDhs179. Open daily. Leo & Loona, Yas Mall and Dalma Mall. Have a blast at Air Maniax Just the place for burning off the excess of energy that only kids seem to possess, this should be on your list if you're trying to entertain kids in Abu Dhabi this summer. This inflatable indoor adventure park boasts super-fun zip lines, a warrior assault course, a ninja warrior zone, a multi-sports arena, and a dedicated toddler area. If a few hours here don't tire your kids out, we're genuinely stumped as to what will. Best of all? Abu Dhabi has two Air Maniax parks to try out: one in Marina Mall, and one in Yas Mall. From Dhs80. Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. First floor, Marina Mall; Ground floor, Yas Mall, Play games at Central If burgers, beats, bowling and a big dose of nostalgia make for a good night out in your book, the Central is a 'food-meets-fun' venue lighting up Yas Bay. It's an unabashed spot that goes from children's birthdays to late evenings that are for those 21 and over, and it can somehow shift from kids playing retro arcade games and running about to a popping patio with the older crowd going back and forth between Central and LSB next door. Prices vary. Open Mon-Thu 4pm-midnight; Fri-Sat noon-2am; Sun noon-midnight. Yas Bay Waterfront, Drop by KidZania This interactive, activity-packed indoor park allows kids to explore, play, and learn all at the same time. A scaled-down version of a real city, KidZania is where little ones can role-play 60 real-life activities, including trying out jobs and shopping for their own groceries. It's one of the best things to do with kids aged four to 16 in Abu Dhabi. From Dhs105. Sun-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm. Yas Mall, Yas Island, Get chilly at Snow Abu Dhabi Never mind the heat – if you fancy a little fun in the snow this summer, we've got you covered. The highly revered Snow Abu Dhabi, one of the biggest snow parks in the world, opened its doors at Reem Mall in 2023 and has been a huge hit ever since. With over 20 rides and attractions across 9,732 square feet of ice-cold fun and themed characters, the theme park offers a fun family (or friend) day out when you're not in the mood to soak up the rays at one of Abu Dhabi's pool days or beach clubs. Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Level 2, Reem Mall, Al Reem Island, Enjoy e-karting at Adrenark Adventure The region's largest indoor adventure park, Adrenark Adventure in Al Qana, is home to nearly 20 attractions and activities, including the UAE's first-ever three-storey e-karting track. There's a lot to do here for everyone from toddlers to teenagers, making it one of the best things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi. Dhs99 (toddler pass), Dhs141 (discovery pass), Dhs188 (adventure pass), Dhs314 (Get Tired Playing pass). Sun-Thu10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Al Qana, (02 418 6699). Summer in Abu Dhabi Psst: This is when summer officially starts in Abu Dhabi No complaints here Yas Waterworld's epic new expansion is opening this summer – including 12 new slides Weeeeee! 25 brilliant beach and pool day passes in Abu Dhabi Grab your SPF – a lush day by the water awaits
Tourism Breaking News
3 days ago
- Tourism Breaking News
DCT and Rotana unveil summer campaign to drive regional tourism and cement Abu Dhabi's year-round appeal
Post Views: 201 The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Rotana unveiled the first phase of their joint initiative to boost summer tourism to the emirate. This partnership aims to address seasonal travel lulls and strengthen Abu Dhabi's positioning as a dynamic, year-round destination. With Rotana's strong regional appeal and global loyalty network, the collaboration is primed to drive bookings across Abu Dhabi's diverse source markets, particularly the GCC. From June through August, guests staying at Rotana properties in Abu Dhabi can enjoy an exclusive 'Stay 3, Pay 2' summer offer. This campaign is a key activation of the DCT-Rotana partnership, designed to stimulate travel during the traditionally quiet summer months, reinforce Abu Dhabi's appeal as a family-friendly destination, and encourage direct bookings through exclusive incentives. Eddy Tannous, COO, Rotana said: 'As a homegrown brand deeply rooted in the region, we are proud to partner with DCT Abu Dhabi on a campaign that supports the broader vision of positioning Abu Dhabi as a year-round destination. Through this initiative, we are combining strengths to deliver both economic impact and exceptional guest value, reaffirming our commitment to driving tourism growth in the emirate.' As part of DCT Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030, the partnership with Rotana underscores the emirate's commitment to sustained, collaborative growth. It is one of several recent alliances formed to enhance Abu Dhabi's global profile, increase visitor numbers, and deliver seamless, tailored experiences across key international and regional markets. For every three consecutive nights booked, the third night is free. For longer stays, the offer continues (e.g., stay 6, pay 4), creating greater value the longer guests stay. The summer promotion also includes: • Free stays and dining for children across all room categories • Complimentary extra beds for kids, making it ideal for families • Access to curated leisure experiences at participating Rotana hotels in Abu Dhabi
Zawya
29-05-2025
- Zawya
DisRuTech fund is studying the possibility of launching a second fund by 2026
Cairo: Mohamed Okasha, the founder and managing partner of DisRuTech Fund, revealed that studies are currently underway to explore the possibility of launching a second fund in 2026, following the successful closure of the first fund, which aligns with global practices. He added, "Currently, we are focused on the successful closure of our first fund next year, with a positive outlook toward launching the second fund at the right time." In this context, he detailed the strategic plan for 2025 and 2026, which focuses on continuing to support the growth of startups within the investment portfolio, alongside investing in new companies through the first fund. He explained that this period is an extension of the building phase and value enhancement, while planning to begin exits starting in 2027, coinciding with the maturation of some companies and their achievement of strategic turning points that open the door for successful exit opportunities. He noted that the fund recently received an investment of $5 million from Proparco, along with a similar investment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). He pointed out that the latest company to join the first fund's investment portfolio is Hamilton, which aims to connect traditional financing with blockchain technology through the documentation of Real World Assets. He emphasized the role the fund plays in supporting the development of the legislative and regulatory framework for the fintech sector in Egypt by continuously participating in events and institutional dialogues with government entities and strategic partners. Okasha discussed the entrepreneurial environment in the Egyptian market, confirming that it has seen notable development in recent years, with significant growth opportunities, especially in technological sectors and digital services. Despite the challenges faced by the market, these have served as a wake-up call to enhance governance and focus on more sustainable business models. He noted that the entrepreneurial environment has demonstrated higher capital efficiency, meaning a shift away from unnecessary spending and superficial appearances, focusing instead on improving technological products and user experience. He continued, "Most importantly, maintaining a cost structure in Egyptian pounds while achieving revenues in foreign currencies gives companies a greater ability to withstand market fluctuations and enhances their chances for regional and international expansion, which we consider a strategic factor for any tech company aiming to grow from Egypt to the world."
