Latest news with #YasWaterworld
CNBC
11-05-2025
- Business
- CNBC
Disney, Abu Dhabi and a growing theme park capital at 'crossroads' of world
Disney's announcement last week that its newest theme park will be in Abu Dhabi offers further confirmation of the status of the United Arab Emirates as a global consumer crossroads located in the Middle East. At the center of the UAE's economic engine is man-made Yas Island, located 20 minutes from the center of Abu Dhabi and which first began development in 2006 for the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Since that 2009 debut for F1 in the region, Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Yas Island have followed. By 2024, Yas Island's traffic hit 38 million visitors. "The UAE in many respects is the crossroads of the world," Iger said of Disney's decision. "About 500 million people that are income qualified, meaning they can afford to visit one of our parks, live within a four-hour plane trip here." The UAE is the second-largest economy in the Arab world, after Saudi Arabia, and the more diversified market-based economy. Since the mid-2000s, Abu Dhabi has been actively pursuing new economic opportunities, with major efforts accelerating in the 2006–2008 period under its strategic Economic Vision 2030 plan, when Yas Island development began. A 6-8 hour flight from 80% of the world's population — and boasting the largest global airline hub in the world, clocking 120 million passengers each year — the strategic geography, massive investment, and major consumer attractions situate Yas Island to continue to expand its status as a global consumer epicenter. "Abu Dhabi continues to be a destination of choice for the world," said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, and Chairman of Miral — the developer of Yas Island, which will fully develop and build the park working with Disney Imagineers. Historically, Dubai has led the way in diversifying away from reliance on oil, but Dubai has always been more dependent on non-oil revenue to drive its economy. Its crude reserves pale in comparison to Abu Dhabi, with just 1% of its GDP coming from oil. By comparison, Abu Dhabi holds 90% of the UAE oil reserves, and draws 60% of its GDP from petroleum. Included in the UAE economic plan is a target of reducing oil revenue to less than 40% of its GDP. The consumer economy is a key part of the plan, but the UAE's future is far from centered only on creating more tourist attractions. Karen Young, senior research scholar at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, said the center of Abu Dhabi's economic significance remains finance. "Abu Dhabi is a finance capital, led by its multiple sovereign investment vehicles," she said. The Disney park is another display of that economic power. "Its power comes from its ability to deploy capital, not attract tourism," Young said. Disney will not be investing capital in the project, although it does have current plans to invest $60 billion in other theme parks around the world. The UAE's investment strength isn't just on display at home, but expanding to many U.S. projects as well, including recent deals to power AI infrastructure within the country. "The theme park is a nice addition to other attractions in Yas island, and is an effort to bring quality of life amenities to residents and tourists," Young said. But she added, "Dubai's economy is much more dependent on tourism." As a result of its greater need, Dubai's success with consumer attractions has been more uneven than Abu Dhabi's, according to experts, which deliberately chose a slower growth model given its significant oil reserves — it gave a financial lifeline to Dubai following the 2008 financial crisis. But the move toward a more diversified economy is showing signs of major acceleration with the Disney deal. Overall, the UAE "is absolutely in a growth mode," said Dennis Speigel, Founder & CEO of International Theme Park Services, an industry consultant. Abu Dhabi and Yas Island have built on demand at a proper pace, he says, developing a critical mass of leisure entertainment. While Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have all been trying to attract Disney going back as far as a decade, Speigel said Yas Island is the right location for a Disney theme park in what he referred to as the final frontier for leisure development. Disney isn't saying when the park will open, with executives only pointing to general theme park construction timelines, which can take up to five years from design to development and buildout. As construction of the Disney park proceeds, it may face questions about worker conditions, which have long been an issue of controversy in the region's development boom. But for now, Speigel says, "bringing the Disney organization's commitment to Abu Dhabi and Yas Island demonstrates that this area within the UAE has reached the pinnacle of entertainment."
Al Etihad
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi launches comprehensive packages featuring cultural highlights, family attractions
6 May 2025 23:20 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Saadiyat Island has introduced a range of new packages combining accommodation with access to cultural venues, entertainment options, and family-friendly activities. The offers are available through the official website, Stay & Play package includes accommodation at one of the island's hotels, daily access to a Yas Island theme park, entry to the new teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi digital art space, breakfast, and beach Stay & Event package includes accommodation with teamLab Phenomena entry and access to scheduled entertainment events in Abu Dhabi. Upcoming events include the musical MAMMA MIA! (June 11-22), a performance by André Rieu (October 18), the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (December 5-7), and Abu Dhabi Comedy Season (until July 12).For families, the Kids Go Free offer is valid from June 1 to September 30. It includes free stays for up to two children under 12 year in a sharing a room with two adults, complimentary children's meals when booked on the same dining plan, and entry to theme parks including Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World™ and SeaWorld® Abu Dhabi. Entry to teamLab Phenomena is also those not staying overnight, single-entry tickets to teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi are available online. The venue features interactive installations exploring digital art, nature and technology. All packages and tickets are available exclusively through
Time Out Abu Dhabi
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
This is the official kid-approved itinerary for a holiday in Abu Dhabi
Think your little ones are just along for the ride on family holidays? Think again. The UAE capital has officially handed over the holiday planning reins to the people who care most about fun: the kiddos, of course. The result? A brand-new, seven-day itinerary for a holiday in Abu Dhabi that's all about racing, roaring, exploring and making memories. The 'Kids Recommended' itinerary is part of a bold summer campaign by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, based on insights from over 7,000 children (aged 5 to 12) and their parents across nine countries. That's right – real research with real kids, all pointing to what actually makes a holiday unforgettable: connection, imagination and a whole lot of play. Here's what the tiny travel agents had to say: 90 percent want to make new friends while on holiday. 89 percent dream of stepping into their favourite games, films or fantasy worlds. And a whopping 85 percent want to become zookeepers, astronauts or race car drivers for the day. So, what is the ultimate kid-designed Abu Dhabi holiday? Here's the itinerary: Day 1: Yas, please Start big with a day of thrills at Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi — splashy rides, racing dreams and smiles for miles. Day 2: Lights, camera, action Enter the worlds of superheroes, Looney Tunes and wizardry at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. It's air-conditioned magic for all ages. Day 3: Into the wild Meet camels, lions and lemurs at Emirates Park Zoo, or head out to the mangroves for a nature kayaking adventure. (Binoculars optional, excitement guaranteed.) Day 4: Culture day, the kid way From hands-on art workshops to Emirati storytelling, kids can get creative at places like Manarat Al Saadiyat or dive into futuristic fun at Louvre Abu Dhabi. Day 5: Make-believe made real Let your imagination run wild at teamLab Phenomena, where digital art reacts to your every move. This isn't just art – it's immersive magic. Day 6: Chill time Every kid-approved itinerary includes a bit of downtime. Relax by the pool, grab ice cream, and maybe hit the beach. Corniche or Saadiyat? Your call. Day 7: Time travel and dinosaurs Wrap things up with a visit to the soon-to-open Zayed National Museum or Natural History Museum. Because what's cooler than seeing a T-rex fossil and the story of the universe? This campaign isn't just a cute gimmick, it's turning childhood ideals into real family adventures and puts Abu Dhabi firmly on the map as a place where imagination runs wild – and where grown-ups are encouraged to play along too. So this summer, skip the spreadsheet planning and follow the blueprint that's been dreamt up by the people who know fun best. Trust us – it's all kid-approved. More going on in Abu Dhabi UAE residents can now save big time on flights thanks to a new Skyscanner feature No complaints here You can now get a robotaxi from Zayed International Airport Trips to the airport just got an upgrade Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted 20 incredibly fun ways to explore Abu Dhabi after dark The city is at its most fascinating once the sun goes down
Gulf Business
30-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Yas Island sees 38 million visits, Saadiyat Island grows 10% in 2024: Miral
Images: Supplied Miral, the developer behind Abu Dhabi's popular leisure destinations, announced record-breaking visitation numbers across Yas Island and Saadiyat Island in 2024, driven by surging demand from regional and international markets. Unveiled during the Arabian Travel Market 2025, Yas Island welcomed over 38 million visits, marking a ten per cent year-on-year increase and its strongest performance since 2019. Saadiyat Island also recorded a 10 per cent rise in visitors, underscoring its appeal as a luxury cultural and beach destination. 'These exceptional results are a testament to our commitment to contributing to Abu Dhabi's vision of becoming a leading global destination,' said Dr Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Hospitality numbers up across Yas Island's hospitality sector hit 82 per cent occupancy, peaking at 90 per cent in August, alongside a 17 per cent increase in average daily rate (ADR). Theme parks and CLYMB Abu Dhabi saw a 20 per cent jump in attendance, with GCC visitation up 56 per cent and international visits surging 40 per cent, led by India (44 per cent), China (81 per cent), UK (40 per cent) and Russia (29 per cent). The destination's growing status as an events powerhouse was underscored by a ten per cent rise in consumer event attendance in 2024. Major highlights included concerts by Diljit Dosanjh and the Backstreet Boys, the Wireless Festival, NBA, UFC, and Formula 1, as well as regional premieres of hit musicals like Hamilton and Life of Pi . Business tourism also surged, with a seventeen per cent increase in conferences and a seven per cent rise in room nights. Miral revealed its latest digital initiative — a Yas Island Metaverse developed with e& enterprise — aiming to elevate corporate engagement through immersive virtual experiences. Hotel occupancy grew on Saadiyat Island, reports Miral On Saadiyat Island, hotel occupancy hit 74 per cent in 2024, with ADR growing 14 per cent. The island saw significant inbound growth from China (58 per cent), India (30 per cent) and the UK (11 per cent), cementing its appeal as a nature and culture-focused destination. Yas Waterworld expansion announced Looking ahead, Miral is set to unveil a host of new attractions in 2025, further enhancing Abu Dhabi's position as a global leisure and cultural hub. A major expansion of Yas Waterworld is slated for summer 2025, featuring 12 new rides, including the world's first blaster ride designed for kids. At Yas Bay, a 560-metre beachfront development will add to the lifestyle offerings along Yas Bay Waterfront, complementing the area's vibrant leisure scene. Warner Bros. World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi will also see a significant footprint expansion, with new DC attractions, the highly anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and two additional rides, building on the theme park's immersive experiences. Meanwhile, on Saadiyat Island, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi — expected to be the largest of its kind in the region—is on track for completion by the end of 2025. The museum will offer visitors a captivating journey through the history of the natural world and the diversity of life on Earth. Adding to the cultural landscape, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi opened its doors on April 18 at the Saadiyat Cultural District. Spanning 17,000 square metres, the multi-sensory art experience was developed in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Japanese art collective teamLab, and is operated by Miral Experiences. These milestones reflect Abu Dhabi's broader Tourism Strategy 2030, which targets 39.3 million visitors annually, Dhs90bn in GDP contribution, and 178,000 new tourism jobs. Read:
Gulf News
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
New attractions at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi: Rides, slides and family fun this summer
Dubai: The Miral Group has announced that the Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi expansion will open to the public this summer. The new phase will significantly enhance the park's offerings, introducing a host of new attractions and dining experiences. Announced at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, the expansion will feature 12 additional rides and slides designed for guests of all ages. Highlights include Al Sahel Junior, the region's first mini zero-gravity boomerango; Dawwama Junior, a scaled-down version of the park's iconic tornado slide; and Rimal Racer, offering a side-by-side racing adventure for young thrill-seekers. Key highlights of Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi expansion Major expansion: New phase significantly enhances Yas Waterworld's offerings with new attractions and dining experiences. 12 new rides and slides: Designed for guests of all ages, announced at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai. Exciting new rides: Al Sahel Junior: Region's first mini zero-gravity boomerango. Dawwama Junior: Scaled-down version of the iconic tornado slide. Rimal Racer: Side-by-side racing adventure for young thrill-seekers. Family adventures: Mataha Madness: Maze of twists and turns. Sadaf Swirl: Swirling water adventure. Bahamut's Rage: High-thrill log flume ride. Bandit's Playground: Dynamic splash zone for kids. Expanded offerings: Total attractions at Yas Waterworld will now exceed 57 rides, slides, and experiences. New theme – "Lost City": Continues the park's original "Legend of the Lost Pearl" storyline, featuring hidden treasures and secret passages. Family adventures and splash zones Families can look forward to exciting new experiences such as Mataha Madness, a maze of twists and turns; Sadaf Swirl, a swirling water adventure; Bahamut's Rage, a high-thrill log flume ride; and Bandit's Playground, a dynamic splash zone for kids. With the new additions, Yas Waterworld's total attractions will now exceed 57 rides, slides, and experiences. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, said: 'This expansion reflects our commitment to positioning Yas Island as a leading global entertainment destination. The 12 new rides will offer unforgettable aquatic adventures, enriching Abu Dhabi's tourism landscape and supporting broader economic goals.' "Lost City" theme The expansion will also introduce a new "Lost City" theme, continuing the park's original "Legend of the Lost Pearl" storyline. Guests will be invited to discover hidden treasures and secret passages woven into the new attractions.
