Yas Island, also known as the Middle East’s family entertainment and leisure destination, home to the United Arab Emirates’ biggest water park celebrated its 10th anniversary year in 2018. Yas Island presented its portfolio of experiences and attractions to the Indian travel market, while providing a ‘sneak peek’ of what’s in store for visitors in 2018 as well as upcoming projects for the year 2022.
While speaking exclusively to Express Travel World, Mohammed Al Zaabi, chief executive officer, Miral said, “Connectivity is key for Yas Islands. We are creating a seamlessly connected, ‘wall-less’ destination. Yas Island is developing itself to be the best family and fun destination while promoting ‘Estidama’, sustainable tourism to research, rescue, rehabilitate and return to the environment, creating awareness about the depleting marine life.”
Al Zaabi further added, “Our agenda is to divert the traffic from the Indian market from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Travellers from India are among the top three nationalities amongst China, India and Russia, visiting Yas Island and second largest nationality that visits Abu Dhabi.” The island also celebrates Diwali as a part of its annual festivities. The package starts from INR 10,000 a night, for two adults and a child, inclusive of entry to the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s first Ferrari branded theme park offering entertainment experience through a mix of 37 Ferrari inspired rides and attractions.
Furthermore, Al Zaabi confirmed that a new theme park and a unique activity destination are on track to launch this year;Warner Bros.World, Abu Dhabi, with 90 percent construction completed, will open its doors this summer; and CLYMB, a sports and entertainment facility, with the widest flight chamber ever and the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall. Those who visit the flight chamber will be able to simulate the experience of skydiving within a width of 9.7 metres, making it the world’s widest.
Along with the existing Yas Viceroy Hotel and various three, four and five-star hotels, Al Zaabi established that by the year 2019, the AED 12 billion Yas Island development will also include two new hotel complexes including Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Resort, a 641-room family resort. The hotel will be proximal to SeaWorld, Abu Dhabi which will open in the year 2022 as the first SeaWorld outside the United States of America, without orcas. At a later stage, an arena with the capacity of 18,000 will serve purpose to sporting events as well as concerts.
From conference venues to gala event facilities, as well as management services for MICE events, Yas Island aspires to combine business with pleasure, allowing travellers not only from India, but from around the world, to have a holistic experience.
As told to Janhavi Laud