50% rise in visitors to Abu Dhabi’s Yas and Saadiyat Islands

Abu Dhabi’s leisure hubs Yas Island and Saadiyat Island recorded their strongest summer on record as international visitor arrivals surged 50%, according to developer Miral. 

 

The growth was driven by travellers from the GCC, China, Russia and the UK.

 

Visits to Yas Island’s theme parks rose 9% year-on-year, with August marking its busiest month to date, up 16%. 

 

Beyond the parks, Yas Bay Waterfront and Yas Marina also saw heightened activity, with footfall increasing 27% on the back of growing demand for dining, nightlife and waterfront events.

 

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Hotels across Yas Island maintained robust performance throughout the season, averaging 85% occupancy and topping 90% in August. 

 

The WB Abu Dhabi, the world’s first Warner Bros-themed property, achieved the highest average daily rate (ADR) at AED1,470.

 

Meanwhile, Saadiyat Island continues to strengthen its position as the capital’s cultural centre, recording a 14% year-on-year rise in visits across its cultural landmarks and hotels, boosted by the April opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. 

 

Alongside Louvre Abu Dhabi and the forthcoming openings of the Natural History Museum in November and Zayed National Museum in December, Saadiyat’s expanding cultural lineup is expected to draw even more visitors interested in art, heritage and design in the coming years.