Yas & Saadiyat Islands Record Unprecedented Summer Tourism Growth in UAE

Abu Dhabi’s premier destinations, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, have recorded a record-breaking summer, attracting an unprecedented number of visitors from across the globe. Yas Island, renowned for its leisure and entertainment offerings, witnessed a 15 per cent increase in visitor numbers, while Saadiyat Island, known for its cultural landmarks, beaches, and luxury resorts, saw a 14 per cent rise in tourist arrivals. This surge highlights the UAE’s growing appeal as a world-class tourism destination, drawing families, international travellers, and culture enthusiasts alike.

Yas Island’s theme parks delivered their best summer ever, achieving a 9 per cent overall increase in visitation compared to last year. August alone registered a remarkable 16 per cent surge, with international visits jumping 50 per cent year-on-year. Key markets driving growth included the GCC and China, each recording 31 per cent growth, Russia at 86 per cent, and the UK at 47 per cent. This growth emphasizes Yas Island’s position as a premier leisure hub in the UAE, attracting visitors with its diverse attractions, immersive experiences, and family-friendly offerings.

Saadiyat Island also performed strongly, with cultural landmark visits increasing by 14 per cent this summer. The island’s newest attraction, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, opened in April 2025, exceeded visitor expectations and became a key driver of international tourism. The combination of world-class cultural experiences and luxurious resorts has positioned Saadiyat Island as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking both relaxation and enrichment, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s global tourism footprint.

Hotel occupancy on both islands mirrored this success. Yas Island achieved an impressive 85 per cent average occupancy, peaking at over 90 per cent in August 2025, with The WB Abu Dhabi hotel achieving its highest ADR of AED 1,470. Saadiyat Island’s hotels and resorts recorded a solid 66 per cent occupancy, with ADR averaging around AED 1,000 throughout the summer. These results demonstrate the growing demand for high-quality hospitality options in Abu Dhabi and underscore the islands’ role in enhancing the emirate’s tourism ecosystem.

Dr Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, commented, “This summer has been a milestone season for both Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. Growth across Yas Island’s attractions and Saadiyat Island’s cultural landmarks, along with the exceptional debut of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, reflects the strength of Abu Dhabi’s immersive leisure and cultural offerings. These results confirm that global visitors are increasingly seeking the rich experiences our emirate provides.”

Footfall at Yas Marina and Yas Bay Waterfront rose by 27 per cent compared to last summer, highlighting the growing popularity of these integrated leisure spaces. Additionally, the Yas Neighbour Hotel Partner programme, launched last year, achieved a 67 per cent growth in occupancy, demonstrating the success of extending Yas Island’s tourism appeal to neighbouring hotels. This strategic initiative not only increases visitor capacity but also strengthens Abu Dhabi’s overall hospitality and tourism value chain.

Yas Island’s “Kids Go Free” programme saw a 31 per cent growth in 2025, further enhancing its appeal for family travellers. Combined with the destination’s continued efforts to improve summer experiences, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island attracted significant visitation from top source markets including the GCC, UK, India, and Russia. The strong summer performance reaffirms both islands’ positions as world-class destinations, offering unmatched leisure, entertainment, cultural, and luxury experiences.

This record-breaking summer at Yas Island and Saadiyat Island underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to maintaining its status as a global tourism hotspot. With continued investments in attractions, cultural experiences, and hospitality, the UAE is poised to welcome even more international visitors in the years ahead, further cementing its reputation as a leading destination for families, culture seekers, and leisure travellers worldwide.