MIRAL hosted a media roadshow in Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia highlighting how Yas Island is becoming the number one family destination in the Middle East.

Miral CEO, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi presented some of the unique and immersive experiences available only on Yas Island, the home of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Yas Marina, Yas Mall and Yas Marina Circuit and more. With new parks, attractions and adrenaline rides planned, Yas Island is set to attract more than 48 million visits by 2022 as it becomes a global destination for leisure and entertainment.

During his visit, the CEO exclusively revealed the new “Mission Ferrari” ride at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, recently voted top theme park in the Middle East in the 2017 World Traveller Awards. Set to launch later in 2018, the unrivalled rollercoaster experience places visitors at the heart of a gripping adventure featuring two large 3D movie displays, more than 15 effects including explosions and live-fire for the first time in the region. With cutting edge propulsion systems and technology, guests experience a unique and dramatic tilt, drop and switch ride like nothing else available in the region.

In addition, the calendar of events for the first half of 2018 was revealed with an event promised each week until Ramadan. The live entertainment and sporting action includes the Cairo Sound Music Festival, the world-famous Harlem Globe Trotters, The Illusionists, a Brazilian Carnival and seven free family festivals.

Miral CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi said: “2018 will become a milestone in our journey to create a global destination for entertainment and leisure. With a new theme park, record-breaking attractions and an action-packed events series which appeals to all ages and tastes, we are establishing Yas Island as the number one family destination in the region with more innovative experiences planned for the years ahead.”

Miral places guests at the heart of its strategy to create unique, personalized and memorable experiences and has invested in a number of in-market Saudi activities including visitor surveys, interactive mall activations and joint marketing partnership with local travel agencies and tour operators. Yas Island meets the needs of Saudi families seeking a combination of shopping, relaxation, discovering new experiences and a range of both affordable and high-end dining and hotel options, including ‘stay and play’ packages, which combine hotel overnight stays with theme park access.

Al Zaabi also highlighted how Yas Island will continue to evolve as a leading destination in which to live, play and work in which smart connectivity and state of the art mobility solutions will create a seamlessly connected ‘wall-less’ destination where guests can plan their visit with a simple touch of their smartphone or device.

Opening next year, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will be home to 29 rides, shows and attractions across six themed immersive worlds. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will bring together Super Heroes and Super-Villains from the DC Universe, including Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, as well as Warner Bros.’ iconic animated properties such as Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo and Tom and Jerry, creating a family-friendly destination for fans of all ages.

Another exciting experience, the world’s widest flight chamber and tallest indoor climbing wall, CLYMB, will also open next year. Visitors to the 9.75-metre-wide flight chamber will be able to mimic the experience of skydiving, while the record-breaking 43 meter vertical climbing wall is complemented by other ascents graded to match a range of experience and skills.

In 2019, Yas Island‘s mega project, Yas Bay, will comprise three zones in which to play, work and live with an entertainment district, media zone and Residences at Yas Bay. The iconic and vibrant waterfront and entertainment district will feature a recreational pier, more than 50 restaurants, 20 shops and a new live entertainment venue, Yas Arena, with 18,000 capacity ready to host the best in music, sporting and cultural events.

Yas Bay will also involve a new media zone that’s expected to welcome 10,000 working professionals and Residences at Yas Bay, which offers the promise of urban island living. Welcoming visitors regionally and internationally, Yas Island’s AED12 billion development will also include two new hotel complexes including Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Resort, a 641-room family resort.

In 2022, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will open its doors as the first-of-its-kind marine life-themed park, which will include the UAE’s first dedicated marine life research, rescue, rehabilitation and return center. The park will be the first SeaWorld to open without orcas, and will integrate up-close animal experiences, mega attractions, and a world-class aquarium with the latest technology in visitor engagement.

Al Zaabi noted: “Both Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia have embraced the potential of tourism in their 2030 vision and we were delighted to highlight how destinations such as Yas Island can attract ever growing numbers of regional visitors while putting the Middle East on the global tourism map.” — SG