Miral announces record-breaking visitation at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island and Saadiyat Island in 2024

United Arab Emirates-based developer Miral has revealed that Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island recorded over 38 million visits while Saadiyat Island saw a 10% increase in visitation compared to 2023.

Revealed during Arabian Travel Market 2025, visitation to Yas Island, which 10% increase by comparison with 2023, was the location’s highest performance since 2019.

Hotel occupancy on Yas Island averaged 82% during the year - peaking up to 90% in August 2024 - an annual 9% growth in hotel occupancy alongside a 17% increase in the average daily rate (ADR) compared to 2023.

Similarly, Saadiyat Island saw a 10% visitation growth across its hotels and museums compared to 2023.

Welcoming this growth, Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Miral Group Chief Executive, advised “these exceptional results are testament to our commitment to contributing to the achievement of Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a leading global destination, in alignment with the Emirate’s Tourism Strategy and broader ambitions for sustainable growth and economic diversification.

“Through the development of world-class destinations and immersive experiences, we are not only attracting visitors from around the world but also creating joyful moments that leave a lasting impact.

“The continued success of Yas Island and Saadiyat Island stands as a powerful testament to the strength of our strategic partnerships and our shared dedication to elevating Abu Dhabi’s global appeal.”

Yas Island's theme parks and CLYMB™ saw an impressive 20% rise in visitation alongside an astonishing 56% increase in visitation from the GCC compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, international visits to the theme parks also saw significant growth, with a 40%, rise, led by a substantial increase from key markets, including India (+44%), China (+81%), the UK (+40%), and Russia (+29%).

The destination also experienced a 10% attendance increase for its consumer events in 2024, bolstering its position as a leading destination for world-class events. This impressive growth was led by a year-round calendar of world-class concerts, performances, and family and sports events, including Diljit Dosanjh's Dil-Luminati Tour, Wireless Festival Middle East, UFC, NBA, Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Disney on Ice, Abu Dhabi Comedy Week, the Backstreet Boys, among many others. The year also saw the regional debuts of hit musicals, Hamilton, Life of Pi, Matilda and Chicago, contributing to Yas Island’s event attendance growth.

Saadiyat Island continues to attract visitors seeking an elevated blend of cultural immersion.

In addition to an increase in visitation compared to the previous year, the destination achieved a remarkable 74% hotel occupancy in 2024, alongside a 14% increase in the average daily rate (ADR) compared to 2023. The destination also experienced prominent visitation growth from key markets, including a 11% growth from UK, 30% growth from India and 58% growth from China, further solidifying its position as a leading beach, nature and cultural destination.

Moving Forward
Several exciting developments on Yas Island are set to reach completion in 2025, including the first phase of the 16,900 square metre expansion of Yas Waterworld, set to open this summer 2025, with 12 new rides and experiences.

Additionally, the 560 metre beachfront development at Yas Bay will serve as an addition to leisure and lifestyle experiences at Yas Bay Waterfront. Furthermore, Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is set to significantly expand its footprint in the coming years with new DC attractions, the highly anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter, as well as two additional rides, building on the theme park’s immersive and action-packed experiences.

The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, anticipated to be the largest of its kind in the region, is set for completion towards the end of 2025 and will offer visitors a fascinating journey through the history of the natural world while showcasing the incredible diversity of life on Earth.

Showcasing their excellence and innovation as leading destinations, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island received over 190 awards and recognitions in 2024.

Images: Yas Island from the air (top), the Louvre Abua Dhabi on Saadiyat Island (middle) and the Warner Bros. Hotel on Yas Island (below).