Abu Dhabi’s top leisure destination, Yas Island, which has transformed into a world-class destination for families, marks its 10th anniversary this month with a focus on expanding visitor numbers from 27 million now to 48 million by 2022.

Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Miral, a destination developer in Abu Dhabi, said: “We’re celebrating ten years of Yas Island and it’s been a legendary journey. We’ve seen our desert dream for Yas Island spring into life: it is a one-of-a-kind destination that is home to many unique immersive attractions and world firsts.

“We stand proud as we reflect on this progress and look forward to the future: more innovation, more firsts and more iconic projects and experiences that will establish Yas Island as a truly global destination for entertainment, leisure and business.”

Reflecting on the opening chapter of Yas Island’s story, Al Mubarak noted that just twelve years ago, the island was a blank canvas upon which the vision and dream of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces would be imprinted.  

“His Highness’s vision was to create an exceptional quality of life that could be enjoyed by citizens and visitors alike. His idea was to transform one destination - Yas Island – into a vibrant place of experiences for shopping, sports, theme parks, events, music as well as world-class residential living and businesses. Inspired by this wonderful vision, we created the Yas Island of today; a destination that entertains, thrills, excites and unites families with its diverse attractions... We made a dream come true,” said Al Mubarak.

In 2010, Yas Island became home to world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and expanded three years later to include the region’s multi-award winning waterpark Yas Waterworld. This year, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi opened its doors as the world’s first indoor Warner Bros. themed park, a $1 billion megaproject developed by Miral.

Today’s Yas Island is recognized as a total family destination which includes 3 world class theme parks, Yas Mall, Yas Links –a golf course, Yas Marina Circuit and Yas Beach, which overlooks the island’s mangroves.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this month, the Formula 1 2018 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the event highlight of the year, attracting global TV audiences and international visitors to the Yas Marina Circuit, which features the only hotel in the world to span a Formula 1 track.

While the infrastructure and attractions of Yas Island have developed rapidly since the first twilight F1 race took place a decade ago, only 40 per cent of Yas Island’s 25 sq km area is currently utilized.

As Miral continues to develop Yas Island’s portfolio of family-entertainment, leisure and business offerings, upcoming projects include: CLYMB, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the first international marine-life and Yas Bay, a mixed-purpose project which will transform the South of Yas Island into a vibrant public waterfront and entertainment district with residences, business and a media hub. – TradeArabia News Service