Today's Edition
Miral has announced significant growth in visitor numbers across Yas Island and Saadiyat Island in 2024, setting new records and achieving the best performance since 2019.
Highlighted during Arabian Travel Market 2025, Yas Island recorded more than 38 million visits in 2024, a 10 per cent increase compared to 2023. Its hotels saw the highest performance since 2019, with hotel occupancy reaching 82 per cent.
Occupancy peaked at 90 per cent in August 2024, reflecting an annual 9 per cent growth alongside a 17 per cent increase in the average daily rate (ADR) compared to 2023. Similarly, Saadiyat Island saw 10 per cent growth in visitor numbers across its hotels and museums compared to 2023.
Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, said, “These exceptional results are testament to our commitment to contribute 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.”
Yas Island's theme parks and CLYMB saw a 20 per cent increase in visitors, alongside a 56 per cent increase in visitors from the GCC compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, international visits to the theme parks also saw significant growth, with a 40 per cent increase led by growth across key markets, including India (up 44 per cent), China (up 81 per cent), the UK (up 40 per cent), and Russia (up 29 per cent).
Yas Island also experienced 10 per cent growth in attendance for its consumer events in 2024, bolstering its position as a leading destination for world-class events. This growth was led by a year-round calendar of concerts, performances, and family and sports events, including Diljit Dosanjh's Dil-Luminati Tour, Wireless Festival Middle East, UFC, NBA, Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Disney on Ice, Abu Dhabi Comedy Week, the Backstreet Boys, and many others. The year also saw the regional debuts of musicals such as Hamilton, Life of Pi, Matilda, and Chicago.
Yas Island is rapidly growing into a key destination for corporate events and conferences, offering a unique blend of business capabilities and leisure offerings. The destination recorded a 17 per cent increase in business events and conferences in 2024, with a 7 per cent increase in room nights compared to 2023.
As part of its efforts to further bolster this segment’s growth, Miral announced the development of the Yas Island Metaverse in partnership with e& enterprise, the digital transformation arm of e&. The project leverages cutting-edge metaverse technologies to exhibit business event venues along with attractions and experiences on Yas Island in a comprehensive virtual experience.
Saadiyat Island continues to attract visitors seeking an elevated blend of cultural immersion and leisure. In addition to an increase in visitors compared to the previous year, the destination achieved 74 per cent hotel occupancy in 2024, alongside a 14 per cent increase in ADR compared to 2023. The destination also experienced visitor growth from key markets, including 11 per cent growth from the UK, 30 per cent growth from India, and 58 per cent growth from China, further establishing its position as a leading beach, nature, and cultural destination.
Several developments on Yas Island are set to reach completion in 2025, including the first phase of the 16,900sqm expansion of Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, set to open in summer 2025 with 12 new rides and experiences. Additionally, the 560m beachfront development at Yas Bay will serve as an addition to leisure and lifestyle experiences at Yas Bay Waterfront.
Furthermore, Warner Bros. World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is set to significantly expand its footprint in the coming years with new DC attractions, including the highly anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter, as well as two additional rides.
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, anticipated to be the largest of its kind in the region, is set for completion towards the end of 2025, and will offer visitors a journey through the history of the natural world while showcasing the diversity of life on Earth.
Meanwhile, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi welcomed its first guests at Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island in April. The 17,000sqm multi-sensory art experience was developed in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Japanese art collective, teamLab, and is operated by Miral Experiences.
Yas Island and Saadiyat Island received more than 190 awards and recognitions in 2024. Yas Island raised the bar in 2024, walking away with more than 175 accolades, while Saadiyat Island cemented its standing as the Middle East’s leading beach destination with more than 20 prestigious accolades.
These recognitions reflect Miral’s commitment to spreading joy, and creating unforgettable experiences while bolstering Abu Dhabi’s position as a world-class leisure and entertainment destination, supporting the aspirations of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 to attract 39.3 million visitors, create 178,000 new jobs, and increase the tourism sector's contribution to the UAE's GDP to Dh90 billion annually by 2030.
