Indians on top as Yas Island achieves 38 million visits in 2024; more rides, jobs coming

Abu Dhabi: Yas Island recorded a landmark 2024 with 38 million visits, a record-breaking 10 per cent increase from the previous year, according to Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, the Group CEO of Miral – the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi.
Visitors from India topped the list, followed by China, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
“India is a very important market for us,” Al Zaabi told Gulf News during Arabian Travel Market 2025.
“We saw almost 40 per cent growth from India in 2024, followed by China with about 80 per cent growth, signaling strong post-COVID recovery. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are also among the top four markets, with the UK, Russia, and Germany forming the rest.”

Theme parks visitations up 20%

There has been a 20 per cent growth in visits to theme parks such as SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, CLYMB, Yas Waterworld, among others.
“We reached 82 per cent occupancy year-round in all our hotels on Yas Island. In August, the occupancy was almost 90 per cent in some of the hotels.”

“We have seen a 17 per cent increase in the average daily rate. Also, we have seen 10 per cent growth in visitations to Saadiyat Island.

Expansions, more rides, rooms

To keep pace with soaring demand, Miral is undergoing significant expansion, including next phase of Yas Waterworld, which will open this summer with 12 new rides and attractions. Also, Warner Bros World will add two signature rides and continue its Wizarding World of Harry Potter project. Ferrari World will unveil a ride, which has four world records to its name.
With growing number of footfalls to the island, there is a need for more hotel rooms.
“In the coming five years, we will increase capacity by at least 30 per cent, including the expansion of Warner Bros. Hotel.”

Competition is healthy
Looking beyond Yas Island, Al Zaabi is confident about the GCC’s emergence as an international tourism hub, citing the region’s expanding airport infrastructure and interconnected destinations like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh.

“With over 800 airport gates in the GCC and cities just an hour apart, tourists will be able to enjoy diverse experiences across the region,” he said.
“Competition is healthy. It pushes us to innovate and deliver world-class offerings.”

Saadiyat Island a cultural hub

Saadiyat Island is also gaining traction as a cultural magnet. The newly opened teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi has exceeded visitation forecasts by 50 to 80 per ent within just the first 10 days. The much-anticipated Natural History Museum is on track for completion this year as well.

More jobs in tourism sector

Al Zaabi reaffirmed Miral’s alignment with Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification agenda.
“We’ve created jobs in 220,000 tourism sector, and the goal is to reach 250,000 this year. We want to create 178,000 additional jobs by 2030. With the UAE’s tourism sector already contributing 9 to 10 per cent to GDP, the target is to achieve 50 per cent contribution to the GDP contribution by 2030-31,” Al Zaabi added.