Abu Dhabi’s premier leisure and entertainment hub, Yas Island, welcomed over 38 million visits in 2024, marking a 10% increase from the previous year.
Hotel occupancy rose to 82%, peaking at 90% in August, with a 9% annual growth and a 17% jump in average daily rate (ADR). Saadiyat Island also posted a 10% increase in visits across its hotels and museums.
Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, stated, “These exceptional results are testament to our commitment to contributing to the achievement of Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a leading global destination… creating joyful moments that leave a lasting impact.”
Theme parks, events drive tourism surge
Yas Island’s theme parks and CLYMB™ reported a 20% increase in visitors, driven by a 56% surge in GCC visitors and a 40% rise in international tourists. Growth from India (44%), China (81%), UK (40%), and Russia (29%) led the gains.
A robust events calendar—including the UFC, Formula 1®, Hamilton, and Backstreet Boys—fueled a 10% boost in event attendance, reinforcing the Island’s status as a global events destination.
Saadiyat Island shines in culture and leisure
Saadiyat Island achieved 74% hotel occupancy in 2024, alongside a 14% ADR increase. Visitor growth surged from China (58%), India (30%), and the UK (11%), driven by its blend of beachfront relaxation and cultural offerings, including the recent opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi.
Looking ahead, Yas Island will debut an expanded Yas Waterworld in summer 2025 and unveil a new beachfront at Yas Bay. The much-anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter will also join Warner Bros. World™.
Meanwhile, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is on track to open by late 2025, becoming the region’s largest museum of its kind.
In recognition of their excellence, Yas and Saadiyat Islands garnered over 190 awards in 2024, with Yas Island alone securing 175 accolades.
Miral’s growth aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, aiming for 39.3 million visitors, 178,000 new jobs, and a AED 90 billion tourism GDP contribution annually.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
