Miral Reports Record-Breaking Summer with Strong Growth in Visitations Across Yas Island and Saadiyat Island

 Miral, the leading creator of immersive destination and experiences in Abu Dhabi, announces record-breaking summer for Yas Island, the UAE’s premier leisure and entertainment destination, and Saadiyat Island, the UAE’s captivating destination with its pristine beaches, luxurious resorts and cultural experiences. The summer witnessed a remarkable surge in visitors, further reinforcing their standing as premier destinations for families and international travellers alike, where Yas Island recorded a 15% increase in visitation numbers while Saadiyat Island saw 14% increase across its cultural landmarks and hotels.

Yas Theme Parks witnessed its best summer ever, achieving a 9% increase in visits compared to last year, with August, alone, achieving a 16% surge and international visitation growing by 50% year-on-year.   The Yas Theme Parks also saw particularly strong contributions from key markets including the GCC (+31%), China (+31%), Russia (+86%), and UK (+47%).

 

As for Saadiyat Island, this summer saw a 14% increase in cultural landmark visitation, with the newest attraction, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, delivering exceptional performance, surpassing visitation expectations since its opening in April 2025.

Hotels’ performance across both destinations this summer also saw great growth.  Yas Island achieved an average occupancy rate of 85% over the summer, with occupancy peaking at more than 90% and ADR reaching its highest at AED 1,470 at The WB Abu Dhabi hotel in August 2025, alone.  As for Saadiyat Island, its hotels and resorts recorded a strong 66% hotel occupancy and achieved its highest ADR at an average of around AED 1,000 all through summer.

Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral said: “This summer has been a milestone season, with growth across Yas Island’s world-class attractions, and Saadiyat Island’s cultural landmarks, combined with the exceptional debut of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat, reflecting the strength of Abu Dhabi’s diverse leisure and cultural offering. These results show that visitors from across the globe are increasingly seeking the immersive experiences our emirate provides, reinforcing Abu Dhabi position as a global destination for tourism.”

Elsewhere on Yas Island, performance figures were equally impressive, reinforcing its position as a global entertainment and leisure destination, with footfall on Yas Marina and Yas Bay Waterfront increasing by 27% compared to last summer.

With hotel occupancy on Yas Island peaking this summer, the Yas Neighbour Hotel Partner program, launched last year, delivered remarkable results, recording a 67% growth. The program’s performance highlights the strength of Yas Island’s integrated proposition and its pivotal role in driving Abu Dhabi’s wider tourism agenda. By leveraging Yas Island's success to that of the neighbour hotels in the capital, the project not only adds visitor capacity but also boosts the destination's overall value chain, cementing Yas Island's status as a top growth driver for the emirate's hospitality and tourism sector.

Yas Island’s popular ‘Kids Go Free’ offering recorded an incredible 31% growth in 2025. This, coupled with the destination’s continued commitment to enhancing its summer experiences, drove significant visitation from key source markets including GCC, UK, India and Russia.

These strong summer results reaffirm Yas Island and Saadiyat Island’s status as world-class destinations for leisure, entertainment, and luxury, continuing to attract visitors from across the globe.

Suit Up and Channel Your Inner Hero at City Walk’s Superhero Run

 Get ready to unleash your inner hero! City Walk is hosting one of its most action-packed, family-friendly events of the year the “Superheroes Run” on Saturday, 15 November from 6:30PM. Gather your loved ones, suit up in your favourite superhero costumes and take on the 2.5km or 5km course for an evening of fun, fitness and unforgettable moments.

The event promises a high-energy atmosphere for all ages: from upbeat DJ sets and interactive photo moments to colourful face painting and family-friendly activities, excitement awaits at every turn. Arrive by 5:30PM to join the pre-run live music and after you cross the finish line, continue the celebrations with DJ party and fun activities, plus a variety of retailer booths offering bites, drinks and treats at the fountain area.

Adding to the thrill, participants can win a total of AED 27,500 in TICKIT points, Dubai Holding’s rewards program, redeemable at City Walk. Highlights include:

• Best Dressed Heroes: Let your creativity shine! Three top costumes will each win AED 2,500 in TICKIT points.
• Runners’ Rewards: Fastest finishers in the 2.5km and 5km races will each win AED 10,000 in TICKIT points.

Winners will be announced at 8:45PM, so stick around, cheer on your fellow heroes, and celebrate in true City Walk style.

Registration is now open at City Walk’s website for AED 65 per person. Children under 12 and People of Determination join for free, so grab your cape, tie your laces and get ready to save the day — because at City Walk, every hero deserves their moment to shine.

STEP INTO THE FESTIVE SEASON WITH FLAVOUR, GATHERINGS, AND SKYLINE MAGIC AT MEI

 This December, MEI at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam invites guests to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with an experience woven together by exceptional food, soulful energy, and one of Dubai’s most iconic views.

From December 1^st, MEI will offer two exclusive set menus, perfectly made for group and corporate Christmas celebrations. Each menu has been designed to reflect the restaurant’s distinctive blend of Chinese and Japanese influences, bringing people together over refined flavours and warm, joyful moments.

The AED 500 menu offers a journey through signature starters and handcrafted dim sum, leading to indulgent mains such as Wagyu beef in black pepper sauce and Cantonese crispy duck, before closing with a classic dessert duo of Baked Alaska and chocolate fondant.

The AED 700 premium menu elevates the experience with refined ingredients, featuring highlights such as Peking duck, jasmine tea–smoked short rib, and grilled Chilean seabass paired with delicate dumplings and sushi platters, capturing the spirit of celebration through thoughtful, elegant flavours.

As the year draws to a close, MEI will host a New Year’s Eve celebration where the magic of its setting takes centre stage. Surrounded by the shimmering lights of the Madinat waterways and framed by the majestic Burj Al Arab, guests will step into a night that feels both elegant and alive. A roaming band, live percussionist, and DJ will set the rhythm of the evening, carrying guests into 2026 with an unforgettable countdown.

Seating for the evening is available across MEI’s various spaces, with minimum spends set at AED 1,000 for the bar, AED 1,500 for the lounge, AED 2,500 for indoor dining, AED 4,000 for outdoor terrace seating, and AED 25,000 for the private dining room. Whether guests choose an intimate dinner indoors or a celebration under the stars on the terrace, every table has been designed to be part of one of the city’s most memorable countdowns.

Meet Sally Maddison – the powerhouse behind MINT Market UAE

 I'd love to introduce you to Sally Maddison as a potential interviewee for your publication – she's the founder of MINT Market, UAE’s purpose-led marketplace spotlighting the most exciting small and sustainable brands.

Sally isn’t just another entrepreneur. With over two decades in global events and marketing, she’s masterminded everything from high-octane activations for Audi, adidas, Sony PlayStation, Jaguar, Heineken, and Esquire to some of Dubai’s most iconic cultural moments (Ahlan! Hot 100, Grazia ME launch in Bahrain). Since 2008, she’s been at the heart of the region’s creative industry, shaping how brands connect with communities.

Now, with MINT Market, she’s channelling all of that experience into a bold mission: to give soulful, homegrown brands a powerful platform in a retail world dominated by mass players. Her story bridges big-brand brilliance and grassroots grit – making her a rare voice who can speak with authority on both.

Why Sally?

• She’s a thought-leader on conscious consumerism, showing how values-driven shopping is reshaping the UAE retail scene.

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Kindly let me know if you feel she might be a fit for any upcoming stories you're working on, and I'd be happy to share further details. Additionally, if you could let me know if there are any other stories you're working on and I'd love to see how I can support you.