Abu Dhabi’s tourism success story reached new heights as Miral announced that Yas Island and Saadiyat Island collectively secured more than 195 regional and international awards in 2025. The milestone recognition highlights the emirate’s expanding influence across entertainment, hospitality, sustainability, dining and destination marketing.
The achievements reflect the scale of ambition driving Abu Dhabi’s tourism ecosystem. From record-breaking theme parks to world-class beach resorts, the awards demonstrate how Yas and Saadiyat Islands have evolved into globally competitive lifestyle destinations that resonate with visitors from around the world.
Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, described the recognition as a testament to long-term vision, strategic collaboration and a commitment to delivering memorable guest experiences. He emphasised that the collective wins represent not only operational excellence but also Abu Dhabi’s broader tourism ambitions.
Yas Island Strengthens Its Global Leadership
Yas Island once again demonstrated its global stature by being named ‘World’s Leading Theme Park Destination’ at the World Travel Awards. The destination also secured ‘Best Integrated Leisure Destination’ at the 2025 MENALAC Awards, reinforcing its position as a fully integrated entertainment hub.
Several of Yas Island’s flagship attractions received individual honours. Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi was recognised as both ‘World’s Leading Theme Park’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Theme Park’. Yas Waterworld earned the title of ‘Middle East’s Leading Water Park’, while Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi was named ‘Middle East’s Leading Tourist Attraction’. CLYMB Yas Island maintained its title as ‘Middle East’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction’, showcasing its continued appeal among thrill-seekers.
SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi gained significant acclaim through its ‘Draw Me the Sea’ campaign. The initiative secured top honours at the PRCA MENAT Awards and achieved Gold recognition at the International Business Stevie Awards and the SABRE Awards. Beyond marketing excellence, the campaign underscored the park’s commitment to marine conservation and environmental education, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s reputation for responsible tourism.
Yas Bay Waterfront further elevated the island’s standing by securing more than 20 dining and lifestyle awards. Restaurants such as Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar, Bushra by Buddha-Bar, Barbossa and Cafe del Mar gained widespread recognition for culinary excellence and guest experience. Yas Marina achieved the prestigious Gold Anchor Platinum Award, while Etihad Arena received leading venue honours at the Eventex Awards and the Middle East Event Awards.
Yas Marina Circuit, home to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, collected 16 awards highlighting sporting excellence, fan engagement and sustainability initiatives. Meanwhile, Yas Links was named ‘Abu Dhabi’s Best Golf Course’ at the World Golf Awards, contributing to its tally of 12 accolades.
Saadiyat Island Shines as Luxury and Beach Haven
Saadiyat Island delivered another standout performance, earning more than 20 prestigious awards and reinforcing its reputation as a refined beach and cultural destination. It was named ‘Best Beach Destination, Middle East’ and ‘Best Luxury Destination, Middle East’ at the CEO Destinations Travel Awards. Additionally, it secured ‘Middle East’s Leading Beach Destination’ at the World Travel Awards.
Luxury hospitality played a central role in Saadiyat’s success. Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island received multiple honours, including ‘Middle East’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort’ and ‘Abu Dhabi’s Leading Family Resort’. Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort earned a Michelin Key and Michelin Select recognition, reflecting its exceptional service standards and premium guest experiences. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club also strengthened the island’s sporting profile by securing multiple 59club Global Awards along with Gold Flag honours, underlining its commitment to excellence in golf operations and sustainability.
Saadiyat’s blend of pristine beaches, luxury resorts and cultural attractions continues to attract discerning travellers seeking both relaxation and enrichment. The island’s consistent recognition across hospitality and leisure categories signals its growing influence in the global luxury travel market.
Marketing Excellence and Global Partnerships
Beyond attractions and hospitality, Yas Island’s marketing innovation played a pivotal role in its award-winning year. The ‘Chief Island Officer’ campaign captured international attention and won Gold at the Effie Awards MENA. Campaigns featuring global basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal and the India-focused ‘Zindagi Ko Yas Bol’ initiative earned multiple accolades across performance marketing and celebrity endorsement categories.
The Annual Pass programme also received Gold recognition at MENALAC, the CX & Loyalty Summit & Awards and the Marketing Society Awards GCC. These honours reflect the destination’s success in fostering long-term guest loyalty while delivering tangible value to residents and repeat visitors.
Yas Island further strengthened its international presence by earning awards in China for strategic collaboration and positioning as a family-friendly destination. This global outreach highlights Miral’s ability to adapt its messaging across diverse markets while maintaining a unified brand identity.
Sustainability and Guest Experience at the Core
A recurring theme across the 195-plus awards is the emphasis on sustainability and guest-centric innovation. From marine conservation awareness at SeaWorld Yas Island to sustainability initiatives at Yas Marina Circuit and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, environmental responsibility has become integral to destination development.
Equally important is the focus on delivering seamless, memorable experiences. Whether through advanced ride technologies at theme parks, personalised hospitality services at luxury resorts or immersive entertainment at Etihad Arena, both islands continue to raise service benchmarks.
This balance between entertainment excellence and sustainable development aligns closely with Abu Dhabi’s long-term tourism strategy. The awards serve as measurable proof that the emirate is not only attracting global attention but also meeting international standards of quality and responsibility.
A Milestone Year for Abu Dhabi Tourism
Securing more than 195 awards in a single year is more than a symbolic achievement. It signals maturity, resilience and consistent growth within Abu Dhabi’s tourism landscape. Yas Island’s dominance in entertainment and integrated leisure, combined with Saadiyat Island’s leadership in luxury and beach tourism, creates a powerful dual offering that appeals to families, adventure seekers and high-end travellers alike.
Miral’s integrated approach—combining infrastructure development, creative marketing, sustainability initiatives and strategic partnerships—has positioned both islands as global benchmarks in destination management.
As international travel demand continues to evolve, Yas and Saadiyat Islands stand as clear examples of how visionary planning and collaborative execution can translate into tangible global recognition. The milestone not only celebrates past achievements but also sets the stage for continued growth, innovation and international acclaim in the years ahead.
For Abu Dhabi, the message is clear: its tourism ambitions are not just aspirational—they are award-winning realities.
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