Miral's CEO hosts company's first Kuwait roadshow

KUWAIT: As the region's top family entertainment and leisure destination celebrates its 10th anniversary year, Yas Island yesterday presented its unique portfolio of immersive experiences and world-class attractions while providing a 'sneak peek' of what's in store for visitors in 2018 during a roadshow in Kuwait.

Miral CEO, Mohamed Abdalla Al-Zaabi, met with local media to highlight the successful journey of Yas Island over the last decade and how it is constantly evolving and innovating its attractions, parks and in-bound tourism opportunities to become the favorite destination for families in the region.

Yas Island yesterday presents a rich portfolio of unique attractions and theme parks creating immersive experiences for visitors from the region and around the world all in one destination just seven minutes away from flights arriving into Abu Dhabi airport.

The island is home to two world-class theme parks including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world's first Ferrari branded theme park offering unique entertainment experience through a winning mix of 37 Ferrari inspired rides and attractions, and Yas Waterworld, an Emirati-themed waterpark and home to more than 43 rides, slides and attractions. Together the parks and Yas Island as a destination have been recognized for excellence in more than 17 international awards from both the industry and travellers themselves.

Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of options on Yas Island's catering to all tastes and age groups, from enjoying a tranquil getaway with plenty of fun under the sun at Yas Beach, to satisfying luxury shopping desires in the biggest shopping destination in Abu Dhabi emirate with more than 2.5 million square footage of retail and entertainment, at Yas Mall.

Yas Island also features Yas Marina Circuit, one of the most technologically-advanced Formula 1 circuits in the world and a home for motorsports in the Middle East, as well as Yas Marina, a vibrant venue offering dining, fitness and leisure facilities in a stunning marine setting.

In line with its vision to attract more than 48 million visits by 2022, Yas Island continues to expand its portfolio of world-class attractions by bringing new theme parks, attractions and unique projects arriving to the destination in 2018 and beyond.

During the event, Al-Zaabi confirmed that a new world-class theme park and a unique record-breaking 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 one-of-a-kind sports and entertainment facility, set to impress with the widest flight chamber ever and the world's tallest indoor climbing wall.

In addition, Yas Island's calendar of major 2018 events was revealed, with 22 events in the first half of the year on weekly basis until mid-May. Upcoming live entertainment and sporting action includes the world-famous Harlem Globe Trotters, The Illusionists, a Brazilian Carnival and a total of seven family festivals, which are entirely free to the public.

"We are very excited to share these updates on incredible parks, experiences and attractions coming to Yas Island appealing to potential Kuwaiti visitors," said Mohamed Abdalla Al-Zaabi, Miral CEO. "As the number one destination for families, we are confident that Yas Island will continue to attract visitors from all across the GCC especially with the new additions coming soon to Yas island" added Al-Zaabi.

With the excitement starting to build up rapidly for its opening this summer, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will be home to 29 immersive rides, entertaining shows and interactive attractions. The fully-immersive world-class park will also include retail outlets featuring a wide collection of merchandise inspired by Warner Bros. franchises as well as a full range of dining options from full-service sit down to grab and go.

The indoor venue will bring together stories and characters from the studio's renowned portfolio of DC Comics' superheroes through six immersive themed lands all under one roof, including the vibrant 'Cartoon Junction' which will bring together Bugs Bunny, Scooby Doo, and other famous characters under a stylized cartoon sky, as well as 'Metropolis' which will transport guests to a Manhattan-styled city of towering skyscrapers and featuring characters such as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman.

The other attraction opening its doors this year during the second half of 2018, the record-breaking sports and entertainment venue, CLYMB, will feature a 9.75-meter-wide (32-foot) flight chamber, the facility will a game-changer for indoor skydiving, while also offering the highest climbing wall at a soaring 43 meters, as well as a series of other walls that are suitable for all ages and abilities.

The Miral CEO also emphasized how Yas Island will continue to evolve as a leading destination for family entertainment and leisure, with evolving smart connectivity and state-of-the-art mobility solutions that will create a seamlessly connected 'wall-less' destination where guests can plan their visit with a simple touch of their smartphone or device.

At a later stage of development, Yas Island's mega project, Yas Bay, will comprise three zones where residents, visitors and commuters can enjoy an entertainment district, media zone and the Residences at Yas Bay, which offers the promise of urban island living. The vibrant waterfront and entertainment district will feature a recreational pier, over 50 restaurants, 20 shops and a new live entertainment venue, Yas Arena, with 18,000 capacity for music, sporting and cultural events.

Yas Bay's new media zone is expected to welcome 10,000 working professionals and Residence, and 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, which will provide visitors with a five-star opportunity to extend their leisure and business stays.