Miral Reports Record-Breaking Visitation Across Yas Island and Saadiyat Island in 2024

Photography: Courtesy of WAM

Abu Dhabi, April 29, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, has announced record-breaking visitation numbers across Yas Island and Saadiyat Island for the year 2024, reflecting robust year-on-year growth and further solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a global tourism destination.

Unveiled during the Arabian Travel Market 2025, Yas Island recorded more than 38 million visits in 2024, representing a 10 percent increase compared to 2023. Hotel occupancy on the island reached 82 percent, with a peak of 90 percent achieved in August. The island reported a 9 percent year-on-year increase in occupancy and a 17 percent rise in average daily rates (ADR), demonstrating growing demand across hospitality offerings.

Saadiyat Island similarly reported a 10 percent year-on-year increase in hotel and museum visitation, achieving a 74 percent hotel occupancy rate in 2024 alongside a 14 percent rise in ADR. Growth was particularly driven by key source markets such as the United Kingdom, India, and China.

Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, stated that the strong performance reflects the company's alignment with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy and its commitment to sustainable growth and economic diversification. “These results highlight the strength of our strategic partnerships and our ongoing commitment to elevating Abu Dhabi’s global appeal,” he said.

Yas Island’s theme parks and the indoor adventure hub CLYMB recorded a 20 percent rise in visitation. Visitor numbers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries increased by 56 percent, while international visitation rose by 40 percent, notably from India (44 percent growth), China (81 percent), the United Kingdom (40 percent), and Russia (29 percent). Attendance at consumer events, including international concerts and sporting events such as Hamilton, UFC, Formula 1, NBA, Disney on Ice, and the Wireless Festival, rose by 10 percent, reinforcing Yas Island’s appeal as a year-round entertainment destination.

Business tourism also demonstrated strong growth, with a 17 percent increase in hosted events and a 7 percent rise in room nights. In response to the growing demand, Miral unveiled the Yas Island Metaverse project in collaboration with e& enterprise, offering virtual experiences of Yas Island’s venues and attractions.

On Saadiyat Island, the destination’s cultural appeal was bolstered by the opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi on April 18, 2024. The launch of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, anticipated by the end of 2025, is set to further enhance Saadiyat Island’s stature as a premier cultural and leisure destination. Once completed, the museum will be the largest of its kind in the region.

Looking ahead, Miral announced a series of major expansions, including a 16,900-square-meter extension of Yas Waterworld, scheduled to open in summer 2025 with 12 new rides, and a 560-meter beachfront development at Yas Bay. Additionally, Warner Bros. World Yas Island will expand to include new DC Universe attractions, a Wizarding World of Harry Potter area, and two new rides.

During 2024, Yas Island garnered more than 175 global awards, while Saadiyat Island secured over 20 awards, further reinforcing the destinations' international acclaim. Saadiyat Island was recognized as the Middle East’s leading beach destination.

Miral’s achievements support the broader Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to attract 39.3 million visitors annually, generate 178,000 jobs, and contribute AED90 billion to the national GDP, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s ambition to establish itself as one of the world’s leading tourism hubs.