Yas And Saadiyat Islands Achieve Record-Breaking Visitation In 2023, Miral Reports

Miral, the leading destination management company, has unveiled astonishing visitation numbers for 2023, marking a significant milestone in the tourism sector of the UAE. During the Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2024), it was revealed that Yas Island and Saadiyat Island experienced a remarkable surge in visitors, setting new records and highlighting their growing appeal as premier destinations for entertainment, leisure, and culture.

Yas Island saw over 34 million visits in 2023, representing a 38 percent increase from the 24.9 million visits in 2022. Saadiyat Island wasn't far behind, with a 44 percent growth in visitation compared to the previous year. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, emphasized the company's dedication to enhancing visitor experiences and contributing to Abu Dhabi’s tourism growth and economic diversification, in line with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030.

The theme parks and CLYMB at Yas Island witnessed an 83 percent increase in visitation in 2023 compared to 2022. The region saw a significant influx of visitors from the GCC, with a growth of 125 percent over the previous year. International visits also soared by 167 percent, mainly from India, the UK, Russia, and Germany.

Consumer events on Yas Island exceeded expectations with an 87 percent increase in attendance. Over 560 thousand attendees enjoyed a variety of world-class events. The destination also welcomed a significant increase in MICE Groups, up by 77 percent from the previous year, thanks to Miral’s partnership with Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau.

The summer season of 2023 was particularly successful for Yas Island's theme parks, which saw a 96 percent surge in visitation during July and August. Hotels on the island also enjoyed high occupancy rates of 90% during these months. Several new developments are underway on Yas Island, including expansions to Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi and the introduction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

On Saadiyat Island, upcoming attractions include teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. These initiatives are part of a partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) to enhance the island's cultural and educational offerings.

In recognition of their excellence and innovation, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island received over 170 regional and international accolades in 2023. These awards underscore their status as leading destinations within the travel and tourism sector.

Miral's strategic management of these destinations aligns with Abu Dhabi’s new Tourism Strategy 2030. This ambitious plan aims to attract 39.3 million visitors by 2030, create 178,000 new jobs, and significantly increase the tourism sector's contribution to the UAE's GDP. Through these efforts, Miral continues to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and boosting tourism revenue for Abu Dhabi and the broader UAE.

With inputs from WAM