Latest news with #AlZaabi


Daily Tribune
05-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Tribune
Drainage, roads and parks rebuilt across Southern Governorate
Flood-prone streets across the Southern Governorate are being dug up and rebuilt, with new drainage pipes, roadworks and public spaces marking the biggest repair push in years. Work has begun across most areas to install underground pipes and rainwater tanks in an effort to stop water from pooling during downpours. The problem has long blocked roads and damaged infrastructure. The system now stretches across dozens of neighbourhoods and has been described as overdue by residents. Some of the busiest routes have seen resurfacing. In Sanad, Road 77 has been redone. In Isa Town, Cairo Avenue and Damascus Avenue are both being improved. Inside blocks 907, 909, 950, 913, 914, 645, 646 and 929, repair teams have been working on smaller roads. Sewage upgrades are under way too. A complete network has been laid in Block 924, and 40 homes in Hoorat Sanad have been connected. Other blocks including 915, 916, 917, 643, 939, 805, 807, 812, 813, 814 and 926 have had a mix of road surfacing, water pipe repairs and drainage works. Above ground, public spaces are being rebuilt. In Block 950, Askar Park has reopened after repairs. Zayed Town's Block 718 now has a walking path, and Isa Town gained a new family park in Block 802. Block 939 saw the construction of the Mahza' Mosque while four Eid prayer sites were added in Constituency Four. Two rest areas were also built in Jari Al Shaikh. Green spaces and playing fields have not been ignored. Al Bayan Park in Block 921 has been repaired. The same applies to Al Marageeb Park and Al Qadhi Football Pitch in Block 809. Traffic engineers have reworked the junction linking Riffa Avenue with Al Muaskar Highway in an effort to ease congestion. More footpaths have gone in across Isa Town and Askar. Three new roads now link A'ali with Jari Al Shaikh. Car parks have been added at several schools, including Uqba bin Nefea Primary Boys' School and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Girls' School. Municipal council member Hamad Al Zaabi said drainage channels and new roads have been built in Zallaq's Block 1056, with paving and lighting due to finish within four months. Other works include resurfacing Road 55, repairs in Block 944, a new junction in Hoorat Ennaga in Block 1062, and road maintenance in Dar Kulaib's Block 1048. Al Zaabi added that some families in the area had repairs made to their homes and rain barriers installed through the Cities and Villages Development Programme. A rest stop was also added in Block 1056, and further tree-planting and cleaning are ongoing. The work is being carried out through coordination between government ministries, councils and local communities as part of Bahrain's long-term push to raise living standards.


Time of India
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
UAE: Disney announces first new theme park in 16 years, and it's coming to Abu Dhabi
Disney's upcoming Abu Dhabi park on Yas Island promises a unique blend of Emirati culture and Disney magic. (Representative Image) When Disney announced its first new theme park in 16 years, to be located in Abu Dhabi, it wasn't just about bringing back the classic Disney magic. The ambitious project promises to deliver an experience that is 'authentically Emirati in style, but fully Disney in experience,' said Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, the Abu Dhabi-based company partnering with Disney, in a media statement. An Emirati Disney Destination Like No Other The upcoming Disney park on Yas Island aims to blend the rich culture of the UAE with Disney's iconic entertainment. 'We want visitors to feel the culture of the UAE while enjoying the magic of Disney,' Dr. Al Zaabi told reporters in an exclusive interview. This destination will offer guests not only magical rides and familiar characters but also a deep sense of the UAE's spirit and soul. The project, officially signed off in April, is currently in the design phase, with Disney and Miral's development teams holding regular workshops to shape the park's features. This will be Disney's seventh theme park worldwide and the first in over a decade, further establishing Yas Island as a global family entertainment hub. Unmatched Accessibility and Regional Impact Strategically positioned between Asia, Europe, and Africa, the new Disney park is set to become the most accessible Disney destination worldwide. Over 500 million tourists live within a four- to five-hour flight radius, making it an ideal location for travelers. The park is less than 30 minutes from Dubai and just minutes from Abu Dhabi's key airports, making it a prime draw for both residents and international visitors. 'This will be a game-changer for regional tourism. We're filling a massive geographic gap between the Far East and Europe,' said Dr. Al Zaabi. Disney's partnership with Miral also highlights confidence in the UAE's infrastructure and expertise. 'They were impressed with what we've already built Ferrari World, SeaWorld, Warner Bros. World. It showed that we can deliver at global standards,' Al Zaabi explained. 'It's a testament to the quality, safety, and strategic vision of Abu Dhabi.' Miral's Vision: Continuous Growth and Fresh Experiences Miral's ten-year master plan aims to keep Yas Island dynamic and fresh by adding at least one new experience every year. This includes expanding hotel infrastructure, developing themed zones, and launching new attractions. 'We are expanding Warner Bros. World, adding more hotels, and continuing to invest in family zones and indoor offerings,' the CEO said. Regarding land availability, Al Zaabi confirmed that Miral still holds a significant land bank on Yas Island. 'We are still designing and developing several attractions. Over the past 15 to 18 years, we have grown organically, adding rides and experiences. We'll continue with the same effort and mindset. ' The company also plans to expand the Warner Bros. World Yas Island hotel, managed by Hilton, with announcements about further expansions coming soon. Breaking the Summer Tourism Myth Miral has also challenged the longstanding belief that summer is a slow period for tourism in the region. In fact, over the last three years, Yas Island's attractions have enjoyed occupancy levels between 90% and 98% during July and August, numbers comparable to traditional peak months like December. 'Summer has become just as busy. We've cracked that myth,' Dr. Al Zaabi stated, attributing the success to indoor attractions, family-focused campaigns, and growing interest from key markets including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, India, China, and Europe. The recent 13,000-square-metre expansion at Yas Waterworld, featuring more than 20 rides and slides, was deliberately timed to open during summer, marking Miral's third major attraction launch in peak heat. 'Every time you come back to Yas Island, you'll find something new. That's our commitment,' the CEO promised. Tailored Experiences and Cultural Connection Beyond physical expansions, Miral prioritizes creating customized experiences that reflect visitor preferences. From parent-child slides to ladies-only days, many initiatives stem from direct guest feedback. 'It's not about what we want. It's about you, our guests and what you want. That's how we measure success,' Dr. Al Zaabi explained. One of Miral's most viral marketing campaigns, which achieved 1.4 billion views, originated from a junior intern's idea brought to life by the team. Miral also selects brand ambassadors carefully to resonate with diverse audiences. Bollywood and Hollywood stars have helped elevate Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World's profiles in India and beyond, emphasizing Yas Island's role as a cultural melting pot with global appeal. Economic Growth and Future Prospects Tourism is a key pillar in the UAE's economic future, and Miral sees itself as a major contributor. The sector aims to create 178,000 new jobs and increase its GDP contribution from $62 billion to $90 billion by 2031. 'Every new expansion means more jobs, longer visitor stays, and more local spending. That's the ripple effect we're focused on,' the CEO said. Currently, Yas Island visitors stay an average of 2.4 nights, with plans to increase this closer to three nights as new attractions open. While the exact opening date for Disney Abu Dhabi remains under wraps, Al Zaabi confirmed that design work is progressing rapidly. The site benefits from strong connectivity, including the future GCC railway, upgraded Abu Dhabi airport, and existing transit links. 'This is not just a win for Abu Dhabi. It's a win for the UAE and for the entire region,' he concluded. 'Having Disney next to Warner Bros., SeaWorld, and Ferrari World… that's something no other destination in the world can offer.'


Time of India
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Disney's new Abu Dhabi park underway : Set to transform regional tourism
Disney's upcoming Abu Dhabi park on Yas Island promises a unique blend of Emirati culture and Disney magic. (Representative Image) When Disney announced its first new theme park in 16 years, to be located in Abu Dhabi, it wasn't just about bringing back the classic Disney magic. The ambitious project promises to deliver an experience that is 'authentically Emirati in style, but fully Disney in experience,' said Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, the Abu Dhabi-based company partnering with Disney, in a media statement. An Emirati Disney Destination Like No Other The upcoming Disney park on Yas Island aims to blend the rich culture of the UAE with Disney's iconic entertainment. 'We want visitors to feel the culture of the UAE while enjoying the magic of Disney,' Dr. Al Zaabi told reporters in an exclusive interview. This destination will offer guests not only magical rides and familiar characters but also a deep sense of the UAE's spirit and soul. The project, officially signed off in April, is currently in the design phase, with Disney and Miral's development teams holding regular workshops to shape the park's features. This will be Disney's seventh theme park worldwide and the first in over a decade, further establishing Yas Island as a global family entertainment hub. Unmatched Accessibility and Regional Impact Strategically positioned between Asia, Europe, and Africa, the new Disney park is set to become the most accessible Disney destination worldwide. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo by Taboola by Taboola Over 500 million tourists live within a four- to five-hour flight radius, making it an ideal location for travelers. The park is less than 30 minutes from Dubai and just minutes from Abu Dhabi's key airports, making it a prime draw for both residents and international visitors. 'This will be a game-changer for regional tourism. We're filling a massive geographic gap between the Far East and Europe,' said Dr. Al Zaabi. Disney's partnership with Miral also highlights confidence in the UAE's infrastructure and expertise. 'They were impressed with what we've already built Ferrari World, SeaWorld, Warner Bros. World. It showed that we can deliver at global standards,' Al Zaabi explained. 'It's a testament to the quality, safety, and strategic vision of Abu Dhabi.' Miral's Vision: Continuous Growth and Fresh Experiences Miral's ten-year master plan aims to keep Yas Island dynamic and fresh by adding at least one new experience every year. This includes expanding hotel infrastructure, developing themed zones, and launching new attractions. 'We are expanding Warner Bros. World, adding more hotels, and continuing to invest in family zones and indoor offerings,' the CEO said. Regarding land availability, Al Zaabi confirmed that Miral still holds a significant land bank on Yas Island. 'We are still designing and developing several attractions. Over the past 15 to 18 years, we have grown organically, adding rides and experiences. We'll continue with the same effort and mindset. ' The company also plans to expand the Warner Bros. World Yas Island hotel, managed by Hilton, with announcements about further expansions coming soon. Breaking the Summer Tourism Myth Miral has also challenged the longstanding belief that summer is a slow period for tourism in the region. In fact, over the last three years, Yas Island's attractions have enjoyed occupancy levels between 90% and 98% during July and August, numbers comparable to traditional peak months like December. 'Summer has become just as busy. We've cracked that myth,' Dr. Al Zaabi stated, attributing the success to indoor attractions, family-focused campaigns, and growing interest from key markets including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, India, China, and Europe. The recent 13,000-square-metre expansion at Yas Waterworld, featuring more than 20 rides and slides, was deliberately timed to open during summer, marking Miral's third major attraction launch in peak heat. 'Every time you come back to Yas Island, you'll find something new. That's our commitment,' the CEO promised. Tailored Experiences and Cultural Connection Beyond physical expansions, Miral prioritizes creating customized experiences that reflect visitor preferences. From parent-child slides to ladies-only days, many initiatives stem from direct guest feedback. 'It's not about what we want. It's about you, our guests and what you want. That's how we measure success,' Dr. Al Zaabi explained. One of Miral's most viral marketing campaigns, which achieved 1.4 billion views, originated from a junior intern's idea brought to life by the team. Miral also selects brand ambassadors carefully to resonate with diverse audiences. Bollywood and Hollywood stars have helped elevate Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World's profiles in India and beyond, emphasizing Yas Island's role as a cultural melting pot with global appeal. Economic Growth and Future Prospects Tourism is a key pillar in the UAE's economic future, and Miral sees itself as a major contributor. The sector aims to create 178,000 new jobs and increase its GDP contribution from $62 billion to $90 billion by 2031. 'Every new expansion means more jobs, longer visitor stays, and more local spending. That's the ripple effect we're focused on,' the CEO said. Currently, Yas Island visitors stay an average of 2.4 nights, with plans to increase this closer to three nights as new attractions open. While the exact opening date for Disney Abu Dhabi remains under wraps, Al Zaabi confirmed that design work is progressing rapidly. The site benefits from strong connectivity, including the future GCC railway, upgraded Abu Dhabi airport, and existing transit links. 'This is not just a win for Abu Dhabi. It's a win for the UAE and for the entire region,' he concluded. 'Having Disney next to Warner Bros., SeaWorld, and Ferrari World… that's something no other destination in the world can offer.'


Sharjah 24
30-06-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SDHR launches 2nd cohort of job seekers training programme
Broad Participation Across the Emirate This new cohort includes 788 trainees from among job seekers who have been distributed across five different training centers in the Emirate to ensure wide geographic coverage and convenient access for participants. These include 187 trainees in Sharjah City, 124 in the Central Region, 184 in Khorfakkan, 170 in Kalba, and 123 in Dibba Al Hisn. A Balanced Six-Month Training Journey The programme spans a total of six months and is structured to provide both academic and practical training. The first three months are dedicated to specialised qualification programmes designed to enhance the skills and competencies of the trainees, followed by another three months of field training in cooperation with accredited training institutions as well as government and semi-government organisations. As part of the programme's support structure, each trainee receives a monthly stipend of AED 6,000 throughout the duration of the programme. Orientation and Banking Services for Trainees During the introductory workshop, participants received a comprehensive overview of the programme's components and implementation mechanisms. In addition, there was a strong emphasis on the importance of administrative structure and professional discipline in the workplace. To facilitate financial arrangements, Sharjah Islamic Bank began activating participants' bank accounts to ensure the timely disbursement of their monthly stipends. A Strategic Vision to Empower Emirati Talent His Excellency Abdullah Ibrahim Al Zaabi, Member of the Sharjah Executive Council and Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Human Resources (SDHR), highlighted that the launch of this new cohort is a continuation of Sharjah's commitment to developing and empowering national talent. He emphasised that this initiative is a direct outcome of the leadership's vision to invest in human capital and to create meaningful employment opportunities for Emiratis. He noted that the previous cohort demonstrated the programme's success in preparing UAE nationals through targeted training that is closely aligned with the evolving needs of the labor market. A Sustainable Approach to Workforce Development Al Zaabi reaffirmed that the expansion of the programme in its second phase is a testament to the success of a strategy that links training directly with employment opportunities. He added that the Human Resources Department will continue to roll out this programme in partnership with a wide network of government and semi-government entities to ensure a sustainable and impactful outcome, enabling job seekers to confidently and competently enter the labor market.


Al Etihad
30-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Yas Island promises new experiences every year as Abu Dhabi tourism boom fuels long-term expansion: Miral
30 June 2025 23:02 Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)With a long-term expansion strategy, Yas Island guarantees new attractions and experiences for its visitors every year, said Miral Group CEO Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi. At a media roundtable on Monday, Dr. Al Zaabi announced the opening of the highly anticipated first phase expansion of Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi's iconic waterpark operated by Miral Experiences. The new development, which starts welcoming visitors on Tuesday, spans over 13,000 square metres and introduces more than 20 new rides, slides, and attractions — including several regional firsts — as well as a new dining expansion is timed to accommodate rising demand during the summer season, Dr. Al Zaabi example, the Warner Bros. Hotel on Yas Island reached 98.8% occupancy during Eid. Due to this high demand, plans are underway to increase the hotel's room capacity by 30-40% over the coming years, Dr. Al Zaabi said. 'Yas Waterworld's expansion is a testament to Miral's commitment to position Yas Island as one of the world's leading family entertainment destinations,' the Miral Group CEO said. 'We have a clear plan to add new experiences every year. The promise to our customers is: Every time you visit Yas Island, at least once a year, you will see something new.'Dr. Al Zaabi pointed out that the growing popularity of summer visits has been driven by increased tourism from regional markets such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and international visitors from India, China, the UK, and Island benefits from its exceptional location, just minutes from Zayed International Airport and home to multiple world-class theme parks within close proximity, he said. 'The success we see now, with July and August as busy as December, reflects the strength of our master plan and close collaboration with partners,' Dr. Al Zaabi added. 'Safety, accessibility, and unique experiences continue to make Yas Island a preferred destination.' 'Lost City' Now Open Yas Waterworld's new phase, themed 'Lost City', continues the park's original narrative inspired by the UAE's pearl diving heritage, enriching the guest experience with immersive storytelling and culturally rooted with inclusivity in mind, the expansion features dual slides tailored to different age groups. The addition also includes an enhanced kids' zone and new indoor food and beverage outlets, all shaped by over a decade of visitor feedback. Long-term Vision Looking ahead, Miral plans to continue its expansion, with new rides, attractions, and hotel capacity, including the upcoming Disney theme park, a landmark development set to become the seventh global Disney destination and the first in the Middle East.'We are proud to have signed the agreement with Disney, which reflects the maturity and capability of the UAE's entertainment sector,' Dr. Al Zaabi said.'Disney Abu Dhabi will blend authentic Emirati heritage with iconic Disney storytelling, creating an unparalleled experience.' He added that Miral's long-term vision is aligned with Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism targets to grow the tourism sector's GDP contribution from Dh62 billion to Dh90 billion by 2030 and create 178,000 jobs in tourism over the next five years.