Developer Miral considers further Yas Island attractions

January 28, 2020

Abu Dhabi-based developer Miral is considering further developments on the nation’s Yas Island, looking beyond the current development of the first SeaWorld Entertainment attraction in the Arabian Gulf - scheduled to open in 2022.

Revealing that he sees Yas Island as being 55% complete, in an interview last week with Arabian Business, Miral Chief Executive Mohamed Al Zaabi suggested that more attractions could be added. Currently home to Warner Bros. World, Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld, as well as the new CLYMB Abu Dhabi adventure attraction, Al Zaabi advised “our next attraction will be SeaWorld. We’re at a very advanced stage of design and we are on track to finish the construction by 2022.”

He also noted that alll the theme parks are making money, commenting “we are very happy. All our theme parks are profitable and that has always been the case.”

Miral was set up in 2011 to manage and develop a collection of government assets in Abu Dhabi - including Yas Island.

In addition to the new SeaWorld, Miral is also developing the world’s first Warner Bros. hotel.

Set to open in 2021, the US$112 million themed property is called The WB Abu Dhabi, and will boast Warner Bros decor.

Al Zaabi added “it will be home for Bugs Bunny and superheroes.

“Our customers will have the chance to meet and dine with the Warner Bros characters as well as enjoy staying in the themed first Warner Bros Hotel.”

He also revealed plans were in place for more hotels, stating “we’re very much focused on the entertainment and tourism sectors, that’s our focus and it will always be our focus. We did a study in 2015 and we decided to add 800 more rooms, that’s 550 in Hilton and 250 rooms in (the) Warner Bros Hotel.

“Actually, when we announced the plan in 2015 we said we need 1,500 rooms, so still more to come. That is to cater for the current and future demand for our theme parks and entertainment sector.”

Meanwhile, Al Zaabi said plans to install Skytran technology - an elevated rail system - on the island are still at a very early stage.

Miral signed an agreement in 2016 with Skytran to explore introducing the suspended transportation system on Yas Island.

Miral and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism have also partnered with Sportainment Entertainment and Sports (SES) and Feld Entertainment to host events and live shows at the Yas Bay Arena - Abu Dhabi’s new indoor venue - which is scheduled to open later this year.

Images: Yas Waterworld [in the foreground] and Warner Bros. World (top) and Yas Waterworld (below).

7th January 2020 - World’s tallest indoor climbing wall opens in Abu Dhabi

31st December 2019 - Abu Dhabi National Museum edges towards 2021 opening

17th December 2019 - Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi gains confirmation as world’s largest indoor theme park

18th October 2019 - Work advances on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Bay entertainment and lifestyle precinct

30th July 2019 - Abu Dhabi announces massive funding for events and entertainment

30th April 2019 - Yas Island attractions secure multiple wins at World Travel Awards

17th April 2019 - Yas Waterworld sets Guinness World Record

18th December 2018 - Laservision creates immersive experience on Abu Dhabi’s Reem Island

7th December 2018 - Yas Waterworld secures World Travel Award

26th October 2018 - Miral partners with Microsoft to transform Yas Island visitor experience

5th August 2018 - New US$1 billion Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi attraction opens

26th June 2018 - Abu Dhabi developers look for Yas Island to become top global leisure destination

6th January 2018 - Builder announced to deliver Abu Dhabi’s multipurpose Yas Arena

26th April 2017 - Zhonghong Group buys 21% stake in SeaWorld with plans to bring brand to China

30th January 2017 - SeaWorld to open on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island

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