Yas, Saadiyat bolster Abu Dhabi’s global tourism rank

Dubai: Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations, spoke about the significant role of Yas and Saadiyat Islands in boosting Abu Dhabi’s prominence as top tourism spots globally. He highlighted how their goal was to place Yas Island among the world’s top ten tourist destinations, achieved through adding iconic attractions like Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi.

Findlay emphasized the uniqueness of Yas and Saadiyat Islands, offering diverse entertainment experiences not commonly found elsewhere. He noted Yas Island’s strategic location between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, leveraging the tourism traffic from both cities and the support from airlines like Etihad Airways and Emirates Airline.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Miral Destinations focused on enhancing Yas Island’s offerings. They invested in promotional campaigns and marketing strategies, leading to a strong rebound post-pandemic. India emerged as a significant tourist market, with successful campaigns driving increased visitors from there.

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Findlay highlighted the importance of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as key tourist sources, especially Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Yas Island’s attractions cater to a wide range of preferences, making it a preferred summer destination for GCC tourists. Visitor numbers from GCC countries surged by 125 percent compared to 2022.

Regarding Saadiyat Island, Findlay underlined its complementary role to Yas Island. Saadiyat’s natural beauty, beaches, wildlife, and cultural experiences attract visitors seeking a different experience. Notably, Saadiyat Island received numerous accolades, including the Best Beach in the Middle East award for twelve consecutive years.

In conclusion, Findlay emphasized the integral role of Yas and Saadiyat Islands in Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector development. While Yas Island offers integrated entertainment and cultural experiences, Saadiyat Island complements with its natural charm and cultural offerings, making both islands key contributors to Abu Dhabi’s tourism success.