UAE: 10 Years of Yas Island – From the Desert to a Leisure Hub
During the past ten years Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island has been transformed from a desert island into an international leisure and entertainment destination: One of the first milestones in the island’s development was marked by the opening of the Yas Marina Circuit Formula 1 racing track, which was completed in 2009. This year, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was hold on the track for the tenth time.
As the first theme park on the island, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi opened its gates for the first time back in 2010 (cf. EAP 1/2011), which was followed three years later by the opening of Yas Waterworld water park (cf. EAP 2/2013). Since this summer, residents and tourists have been able to also visit the new Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi indoor park (cf. EAP News f. July 25th, 2018). In addition to these three parks the Island provides a the Yas Mall shopping and retail complex, a golf course and Yas Beach, which overlooks the island’s mangroves.
His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral Asset Management, is proud of the achieved: “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”, said Al Mubarak.
The next projects announced for Yas Island include the CLYMB indoor park (cf. EAP News f. October 20th, 2016), the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi marine theme park (cf. EAP News f. December 13th, 2016) and the Yas Bay mixed-use project consisting of a harbor, an entertainment district as well as business and residential buildings. (eap)
