Yas and Saadiyat Islands in Abu Dhabi are becoming prominent tourist destinations globally, according to Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations. Findlay highlighted the significant growth and development that Yas Island has seen over the years, with attractions like Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi making it a top entertainment destination. He pointed out that the central location of Yas Island between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as well as the support from airlines like Etihad Airways and Emirates Airline, contributes to its popularity among tourists.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented an opportunity for Miral Destinations to enhance their operations on Yas Island, as they focused on preparing and developing marketing campaigns for a strong comeback post-pandemic. Findlay mentioned that India is a key market for tourists visiting Yas Island, with successful promotional campaigns leading to an increase in visitor numbers from India. Additionally, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are major sources of tourists for Yas Island, especially during the summer vacation season.
Findlay emphasized the importance of Yas Island in the tourism sector of Abu Dhabi, offering diverse entertainment, tourism, and cultural experiences for visitors. Saadiyat Island, on the other hand, complements Yas Island with its natural beauty, beaches, wildlife, and cultural attractions. Saadiyat Island saw a significant increase in visitors last year, receiving numerous awards such as the Best Beach in the Middle East by the World Travel Awards for twelve consecutive years.
In conclusion, Yas and Saadiyat Islands in Abu Dhabi are playing a crucial role in establishing Abu Dhabi as a leading global tourist destination. With a focus on integrated entertainment experiences, strategic location, and support from airlines, Yas Island continues to attract tourists from across the world. Miral Destinations’ efforts to promote the islands through targeted campaigns have resulted in increased visitor numbers from key markets like India and the GCC countries. The success of these islands highlights Abu Dhabi’s commitment to offering diverse tourism offerings and unique experiences to travelers worldwide.