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Miral has committed more than AED12 billion to a five-year development programme on Yas Island that will expand existing theme parks, introduce new immersive rides and grow the destination’s hospitality capacity, the company announced on Monday. The investment aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 and focuses on enhancements that respond to changing visitor demands while building on the island’s established leisure infrastructure. According to Miral, the programme covers a pipeline of new projects alongside upgrades to current attractions and will increase the overall room count by 35 percent through additions that include a 250-room expansion of the Warner Bros hotel and a new lifestyle hotel at Yas Bay.
The spending will deliver new rides and experiences at Ferrari World, Warner Bros World and other sites, with the Harry Potter-themed expansion of Warner Bros World, spanning roughly 63,000 square metres and featuring Diagon Alley, Hogwarts Castle and the Forbidden Forest, scheduled for completion in 2029. Miral’s announcement, made at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, stated that the programme remains distinct from the separately announced Disney resort development on the island. The company said the investment will also elevate the quality of existing accommodation while adding new rooms to meet rising demand.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Miral, said in the announcement that the investment reflects the company’s commitment to Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision and its ambition to shape one of the world’s most dynamic tourism destinations. He noted that Yas Island has become a global success story demonstrating how world-class experiences contribute to economic growth, enhance quality of life and strengthen the emirate’s appeal to international audiences. Al Mubarak added that over the next five years the investment will build on existing momentum by introducing new experiences and expanding hospitality and leisure offerings to meet evolving visitor expectations.
Miral’s development strategy has already produced substantial growth in visitation, with the company reporting that Yas Island recorded 34 million visits in 2023, a 38 percent increase from the previous year. The latest programme extends Miral’s track record of large-scale investment, which previously included AED4 billion toward the AED12 billion Yas Bay master plan that delivered hotels, a waterfront district and supporting infrastructure. Data published on Miral’s website shows the company has similarly driven 44 percent visitor growth at Saadiyat Island since assuming its management in 2022.
The five-year plan arrives one week after Miral confirmed the Harry Potter lands at Warner Bros World in partnership with Warner Bros Discovery Global Experiences, a project that will increase that park’s footprint by about 26 percent. Industry reports from The National and Khaleej Times indicate the combined effect of these initiatives will further position Yas Island as a year-round destination capable of hosting major events and attracting both regional and international tourists. Miral stated that the new developments will create lasting value for residents, visitors and future generations while supporting the emirate’s sustainable growth and economic diversification goals.
Abu Dhabi’s broader tourism sector has benefited from Miral’s ongoing management of key assets, including SeaWorld Yas Island, CLYMB Yas Island and Etihad Arena, which together form part of a portfolio that has attracted partnerships with global brands such as Ferrari, Warner Bros and, most recently, Disney. The company, which also oversees destination management for Saadiyat Island, continues to integrate cultural, entertainment and hospitality elements to differentiate the emirate in a competitive global market. Miral’s latest commitment underscores the sustained capital deployment required to maintain Yas Island’s status among leading leisure destinations.
