Latest news with #MohamedAbdallaAlZaabi
Gulf Insider
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Insider
Yas Waterworld Adds 20+ New Rides in Abu Dhabi
Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, has officially opened the doors to its highly anticipated expansion — adding over 13,445sqm of attractions. The newly launched area, dubbed the 'Lost City,' builds on the waterpark's storytelling legacy of The Legend of the Lost Pearl and includes more than 20 new rides, slides and experiences. The expanded destination was unveiled in a ceremony attended by Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral. This launch brings Yas Waterworld's total offering to more than 60 rides and attractions — making it one of the most extensive waterparks in the region. Key highlights of the new expansion include several rides debuting in the Middle East for the first time: Al Falaj Race: The region's first side-by-side duelling tube raft ride Bahamut's Rage: A dramatic log flume experience with high-impact splashes Al Sahel Junior: The region's first mini zero-gravity boomerango designed especially for younger guests Al Mafras: A desert-themed water slide with a splash landing. Red Dunes: A twisting enclosed aqua tube built for younger thrill-seekers Dawwama Junior: A child-friendly version of the iconic vortex ride Mataha Madness: A family raft ride with disorienting spins and surprises Sadaf Swirl: The region's first high-speed raft ride with spin-powered thrills The new zone also features a brand-new dining venue. Also Read: Dubai Airshow 2025 Opens Registration With New Night Events, Runway Networking, And Focus On Innovation
Time of India
a day ago
- 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
a day ago
- 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.'
The Wire
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Wire
Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Welcomes Guests to Its New Expansion on July 1
• Miral expands the water's greatest playground with more than 20 new rides, slides and experiences in addition to a new dinning offering • Signature rides include Al Falaj Race, the region's first side-by-side dueling tube raft race, Al Sahel Junior, the first mini zero-gravity junior boomerango, and Bahamut's Rage, a high-thrill log flume water ride and more ABU DHABI, UAE, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Miral, Abu Dhabi's leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, is thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated expansion of Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, officially opens to the public as of July 1. This monumental phase of the waterpark's development, spanning 13,445sqm, significantly enhances its world-class offerings, introducing a "Lost City" theme, a continuation of the park's original story 'The Legend of the Lost Pearl', with more than 20 new exhilarating rides, slides and experiences, alongside a new dining experience, packed with splash-filled fun for guests of all ages. With this expansion, Yas Waterworld becomes home to more than 60 rides, slides, and attractions, offering more aquatic adventures than ever before. Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral, stated: "The expansion of Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi represents another bold step in our mission to deliver exceptional, world-leading and joyful experiences on Yas Island. These new rides not only transform water-based entertainment in the region but also reflect our ongoing commitment to creating innovative destinations that captivate visitors of all ages. As we continue to contribute to Abu Dhabi's tourism growth and economic diversification, we're proud to offer yet another reason for families and thrill-seekers to explore everything Yas Island has to offer, further positioning it as a top global destination for entertainment and leisure." Families can now dive into an array of new adventures including Al Mafras, a twisting, desert water slide for kids, featuring smooth turns, exciting slopes, and a fun-filled splash landing, Red Dunes, a twisting, closed aqua tube slide designed for maximum excitement or compete to become the champion of Al Falaj Race, the region's first side-by-side dueling tube raft race, with high-speed drops, sharp twists, and head-to-head action. The expanded waterpark also features Al Sahel Junior, the region's first mini zero-gravity boomerango, featuring exciting drops, winding slides, and vertical zooms for a splash-filled adventure and young thrill-seekers can take on Dawwama Junior, a scaled-down version of the park's iconic tornado slide. Guests are invited to navigate the perplexing twists and turns of Mataha Madness or get caught in the swirling excitement of Sadaf Swirl. For those chasing the adrenaline, Bahamut's Rage offers exhilarating drops on a high-thrill log flume water ride. Little ones, and adults too, will enjoy the interactive fun at Bandit's Playground, a dynamic splash zone packed with surprises located within the all-new Bandit's Village. These incredible additions are just a taste of what's new, expanding the waterpark's impressive collection to over 60 rides, slides, and attractions, promising endless fun for everyone! Get ready to make a splash, discover hidden treasures and secret passageways while experiencing the "greater" of Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi's expanded park. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: Photo - Logo - (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire.
FACT
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
Yas Waterworld's epic expansion will open on 1 July
Yas Waterworld promises 12 new rides, including the UAE's highest slide. Big news for thrill-seekers: Yas Waterworld is about to get even bigger, better, and wetter. The iconic Yas Island waterpark is expanding, promising more slides, more splashes, and a whole new level of excitement from Tuesday, 1 July 2025. Miral, the powerhouse developer behind Yas Island's immersive attractions, has revealed that the much-loved waterpark is about to level up, adding 12 new rides and slides, plus new dining options to its already impressive lineup. Designed for guests of all ages, the expansion promises new adventures at every turn. Young thrill-seekers will love Al Sahel Junior, the region's first mini zero-gravity boomerango, featuring dramatic drops, twisting slides, and vertical zooms. Other highlights include Dawwama Junior, a pint-sized version of the park's iconic tornado ride, and Rimal Racer, where little ones can race side-by-side for maximum splash factor. Families can also dive into Mataha Madness, a twisting maze of watery fun, the swirling excitement of Sadaf Swirl, and the adrenaline-pumping drops of Bahamut's Rage, a high-thrill log flume ride. Over at Bandit's Village, kids can explore Bandit's Playground, an interactive splash zone packed with surprises. Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral, stated: 'The expansion of Yas Waterworld, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, represents another bold step in our mission to deliver exceptional, world-leading and joyful experiences on Yas Island. These new rides not only transform water-based entertainment in the region but also reflect our ongoing commitment to creating innovative destinations that captivate visitors of all ages. As we continue to contribute to Abu Dhabi's tourism growth and economic diversification, we're proud to offer yet another reason for families and thrill-seekers to explore everything Yas Island has to offer, further positioning it as a top global destination for entertainment and leisure.' This next chapter in Yas Waterworld's story introduces a new theme: The Lost City, building on the park's original Legend of the Lost Pearl narrative. Guests will uncover hidden treasures, secret passages, and even more immersive adventures, all woven into the new attractions. Once the Yas Waterworld expansion is complete, the park will boast over 60 rides and attractions. Among the headline-grabbers are the UAE's highest waterslide and the GCC's first amusement ride integrated within a waterpark — featuring a 15-metre plunge shared with 19 fellow adrenaline junkies. Consider us intrigued (and slightly terrified). So mark your calendars and start practising your cannonballs – Yas Waterworld's expansion is about to make a splash. GO: Visit for more information.
