Latest news with #DrMohamedAbdallaAlZaabi
UAE Moments
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
Disney Abu Dhabi to Blend Magic with Emirati Identity
When Disney opens its highly anticipated theme park in Abu Dhabi, visitors can expect more than Mickey ears and thrilling rides, they'll be stepping into a place that celebrates the heart of the UAE. 'This destination will be authentically Emirati in style, but fully Disney in experience,' said Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, the developer behind Yas Island's attractions. 'We want visitors to feel the culture of the UAE while enjoying the magic of Disney.' Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement! A Historic Milestone for Disney and Abu Dhabi This project marks Disney's first new theme park announcement in 16 years and its seventh globally. It's also the brand's debut in the Middle East. Since being signed off in April 2025, the project has entered the design phase, with Disney and Miral working closely through regular development workshops. With this, Yas Island further cements its place as a global entertainment hub, already home to Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. The World's Most Accessible Disney Park? Strategically positioned between Europe, Asia, and Africa, Disney Abu Dhabi is expected to become the most accessible Disney park in the world. Over 500 million people are within a 4-5 hour flight, and the park will be just minutes away from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports. 'This will be a game-changer for regional tourism. We're filling a massive gap between the Far East and Europe,' Al Zaabi explained. Why Disney Chose Abu Dhabi Disney's partnership with Miral reflects its confidence in the UAE's infrastructure and proven track record. 'They were impressed with what we've already built. We've shown that we can deliver at global standards,' Al Zaabi said. Miral's long-term strategy involves launching at least one new experience on Yas Island every year, expanding hotel capacity, and continuously introducing fresh entertainment offerings to encourage repeat visits. Miral's Big Plans Yas Island continues to evolve. Warner Bros. World is expanding, more themed hotels are in the pipeline, and new zones are under development. Miral also confirmed it has ample land for future growth. 'We've always grown organically, adding rides, attractions, and experiences, and we'll continue at that same pace,' Al Zaabi said. Busting the Summer Myth Forget the idea that summer is a dead season. Yas Island's attractions are recording 90–98% occupancy rates during July and August, rivaling winter peaks. Al Zaabi credits this to indoor attractions, family-friendly programming, and increased interest from regional and international markets like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, India, China, and Europe. The latest summer-focused addition? A massive 13,000-square-metre expansion at Yas Waterworld with 20+ new rides and slides. Experiences Tailored to You Miral doesn't just build attractions, it listens. From ladies-only days to parent-child slides, guest feedback drives decision-making. Even their most viral campaign, with 1.4 billion views, came from a junior intern's pitch. 'It's not about what we want, it's about what our guests want. That's our measure of success,' Al Zaabi said. Building the Future Tourism is a major pillar of the UAE's economic future. Miral is playing a key role in achieving national targets like 178,000 new tourism jobs and raising the sector's GDP contribution from $62 billion to $90 billion by 2031. 'Every new expansion means more jobs, longer stays, and more local spending,' Al Zaabi said. Currently, the average Yas Island visitor stays 2.4 nights. The goal is to stretch that closer to 3 nights with every new launch. What's Next? While the CEO didn't reveal a specific opening date for Disney Abu Dhabi, he confirmed that design work is moving fast. The site will benefit from top-tier connectivity, including the future GCC railway, upgraded Abu Dhabi airport, and other transit links. 'This isn't just a win for Abu Dhabi,' Al Zaabi concluded. 'It's a win for the UAE and for the entire region. No other place in the world can say it has Disney, SeaWorld, Ferrari World, and Warner Bros. side by side.'
Arabian Business
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arabian Business
Yas Waterworld unveils massive expansion with over 20 new rides in Abu Dhabi
Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, has officially opened the doors to its highly anticipated expansion — adding over 13,445sqm of attractions. The newly launched area, dubbed the 'Lost City,' builds on the waterpark's storytelling legacy of The Legend of the Lost Pearl and includes more than 20 new rides, slides and experiences. The expanded destination was unveiled in a ceremony attended by Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral. This launch brings Yas Waterworld's total offering to more than 60 rides and attractions — making it one of the most extensive waterparks in the region. Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Key highlights of the new expansion include several rides debuting in the Middle East for the first time: Al Falaj Race: The region's first side-by-side duelling tube raft ride Bahamut's Rage: A dramatic log flume experience with high-impact splashes Al Sahel Junior: The region's first mini zero-gravity boomerango designed especially for younger guests Al Mafras: A desert-themed water slide with a splash landing. Red Dunes: A twisting enclosed aqua tube built for younger thrill-seekers Dawwama Junior: A child-friendly version of the iconic vortex ride Mataha Madness: A family raft ride with disorienting spins and surprises Sadaf Swirl: The region's first high-speed raft ride with spin-powered thrills The new zone also features a brand-new dining venue.
Zawya
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Yas Waterworld introduces over 20 new rides, slides, experiences
Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, has officially opened the doors to its highly anticipated expansion today, making the water's greatest playground even greater. Spanning 13,445sqm, the all-new area invites guests to dive into the 'Lost City,' an exciting continuation of the waterpark's original story, 'The Legend of the Lost Pearl'. The launch follows a grand opening event held on Monday, attended by Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, and Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Miral, alongside VIP guests, media, and influencers. The expanded area introduces more than 20 new rides, slides, and experiences, alongside a brand-new dining venue, elevating Yas Waterworld's offerings to over 60 world-class rides, slides and attractions. From heart-pounding thrills to family-friendly splash zones, the diverse mix of additions enhances the park's appeal to families, friends, and adventure-seekers alike, ensuring unforgettable moments filled with discovery, excitement, and non-stop fun. Among the new experiences is Al Falaj Race, the region's first side-by-side duelling tube raft ride, promising fast-paced drops and competitive twists. For those seeking action, Bahamut's Rage delivers an exhilarating log flume journey packed with splashes and surprises. Meanwhile, younger guests can enjoy Al Sahel Junior, the region's first mini zero-gravity boomerango ride featuring exciting drops, winding slides, and vertical zooms for a splash-filled, high-energy adventure. Other new additions include Al Mafras, a desert-themed water slide with a splash landing, and Red Dunes, a twisting enclosed aqua tube slide designed for younger thrill-seekers. Moreover, the Dawwama Junior offers a scaled-down version of the iconic ride, bringing its excitement to little ones through mini vortexes and quick descents. For shared adventures, families can navigate Mataha Madness, a raft that disorients and delights with every twist, or experience the spin-powered rush of Sadaf Swirl, the region's first high-speed raft ride.
Zawya
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi's much-awaited expansion is now officially open
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the region's leading waterpark, has officially opened the doors to its highly anticipated expansion today, making the water's greatest playground even greater. Spanning 13,445sqm, the all-new area invites guests to dive into the 'Lost City,' an exciting continuation of the waterpark's original story, 'The Legend of the Lost Pearl'. The launch follows a spectacular grand opening event held on June 30, attended by HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi and Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Miral, alongside VIP guests, media, and influencers. Bringing a bold new chapter of fun and immersion, the expanded area introduces more than 20 new rides, slides, and experiences, alongside a brand-new dining venue, elevating Yas Waterworld's offerings to over 60 world-class rides, slides and attractions. From heart-pounding thrills to family-friendly splash zones, the diverse mix of additions enhances the park's appeal to families, friends, and adventure-seekers alike, ensuring unforgettable moments filled with discovery, excitement, and non-stop fun. Among the new experiences is Al Falaj Race, the region's first side-by-side dueling tube raft ride, promising fast-paced drops and competitive twists. For those seeking action, Bahamut's Rage delivers an exhilarating log flume journey packed with splashes and surprises. Meanwhile, younger guests can enjoy Al Sahel Junior, the region's first mini zero-gravity boomerango ride featuring exciting drops, winding slides, and vertical zooms for a splash-filled, high-energy adventure. Other new additions include Al Mafras, a desert-themed water slide with a splash landing, and Red Dunes, a twisting enclosed aqua tube slide designed for younger thrill-seekers. Moreover, the Dawwama Junior offers a scaled-down version of the iconic ride, bringing its excitement to little ones through mini vortexes and quick descents. For shared adventures, families can navigate Mataha Madness, a raft that disorients and delights with every twist, or experience the spin-powered rush of Sadaf Swirl, the region's first high-speed raft ride. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: About Miral Miral is the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, that contributes to the growth of the leisure and entertainment industry and Abu Dhabi's economic diversification. It conceives, creates, operates, and manages immersive destinations and experiences that attract visitors from across the world to create unforgettable memories, accelerating the realisation of the Emirate's tourism vision and growth. Responsible for the development of Yas Island and overseeing Saadiyat Island's Destination Management Strategy, Miral's portfolio of world-class assets incorporates entertainment, leisure, culture, sport, dining, retail, and hospitality experiences, aiming to deliver millions of memorable moments for residents and international guests alike. These include Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi; Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi; SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi; teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi; Yas Marina; and Yas Bay Waterfront, home to the UAE's largest indoor multi-purpose venue Etihad Arena, amongst others. Miral also has several projects being developed on Yas Island and across the emirate, including Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, a Harry Potter-themed land within Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, the expansion of Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, and a Disney Theme Park Resort. Miral encompasses three subsidiaries: Miral Destinations, which promotes unique destinations; Miral Experiences, which operates a diverse portfolio of world-class, award-winning immersive experiences; and Yas Asset Management, which operates and manages a portfolio of vibrant destinations including F&B, retail, marinas, and hospitality properties across Yas Island. For more information, visit About Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, operated by Miral Experiences, is a one-of-a-kind waterpark that draws inspiration from the UAE's pearl diving heritage offering families fun-packed adventures, the warmest welcome, and the most engaging themed experience. The opening of the highly anticipated phase one expansion makes Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi home to more than 60 exhilarating rides, slides and attractions, in addition to a diversity of seasonal events and shows, which guests can enjoy creating new memories with every visit. This monumental phase of the waterpark's development, spanning 13,445sqm, significantly enhances its world-class offerings, adding an exhilarating collection of more than 20 new rides, slides and experiences, including region-firsts, and a new dining experience. The expansion also introduces a 'Lost City' theme, a continuation of the park's original story 'The Legend of the Lost Pearl.' Since opening its doors in 2013, Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi took home over 65 accolades from prestigious industry entities. Most recently it received the second consecutive title of 'Middle East's Leading Water Park' at the World Travel Awards 2023 and 2024 respectively. Additionally, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi was named 'Best Water Park' at the International Travel Awards. Considered the pearl of Yas Island, the UAE's premium leisure and entertainment destination, Yas Waterworld, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi combines fun aquatic adventures with local personality to provide guests with an experience unlike anything else. Media Contacts: Miral Destinations Rabie Riman Head of PR rriman@
Al Bawaba
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Welcomes Guests to Its New Expansion on July 1
Miral, Abu Dhabi's leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, is thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated expansion of Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, officially opens to the public as of July 1. This monumental phase of the waterpark's development, spanning 13,445sqm, significantly enhances its world-class offerings, introducing a 'Lost City' theme, a continuation of the park's original story 'The Legend of the Lost Pearl', with more than 20 new exhilarating rides, slides and experiences, alongside a new dining experience, packed with splash-filled fun for guests of all ages. With this expansion, Yas Waterworld becomes home to more than 60 rides, slides, and attractions, offering more aquatic adventures than ever Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral, stated: 'The expansion of Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi represents another bold step in our mission to deliver exceptional, world-leading and joyful experiences on Yas Island. These new rides not only transform water-based entertainment in the region but also reflect our ongoing commitment to creating innovative destinations that captivate visitors of all ages. As we continue to contribute to Abu Dhabi's tourism growth and economic diversification, we're proud to offer yet another reason for families and thrill-seekers to explore everything Yas Island has to offer, further positioning it as a top global destination for entertainment and leisure.' Families can now dive into an array of new adventures including Al Mafras, a twisting, desert water slide for kids, featuring smooth turns, exciting slopes, and a fun-filled splash landing, Red Dunes, a twisting, closed aqua tube slide designed for maximum excitement or compete to become the champion of Al Falaj Race, the region's first side-by-side dueling tube raft race, with high-speed drops, sharp twists, and head-to-head expanded waterpark also features Al Sahel Junior, the region's first mini zero-gravity boomerango, featuring exciting drops, winding slides, and vertical zooms for a splash-filled adventure and young thrill-seekers can take on Dawwama Junior, a scaled-down version of the park's iconic tornado are invited to navigate the perplexing twists and turns of Mataha Madness or get caught in the swirling excitement of Sadaf Swirl. For those chasing the adrenaline, Bahamut's Rage offers exhilarating drops on a high-thrill log flume water ride. Little ones, and adults too, will enjoy the interactive fun at Bandit's Playground, a dynamic splash zone packed with surprises located within the all-new Bandit's Village. These incredible additions are just a taste of what's new, expanding the waterpark's impressive collection to over 60 rides, slides, and attractions, promising endless fun for everyone! Get ready to make a splash, discover hidden treasures and secret passageways while experiencing the 'greater' of Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi's expanded park.
