Yas Island investment tops AED12bn, separate from Disney

Miral’s five-year programme will expand attractions and accommodation, as exclusive Harry Potter rides add to the destination’s growing appeal.

The latest Yas Island investment will fund more attractions and places to stay across Abu Dhabi’s theme park destination—with the planned Disney resort sitting outside the headline budget.

Miral has announced more than AED12 billion of investment over the next five years. The programme covers new developments, expansions and improvements to existing attractions, alongside additional hotel rooms. Its official announcement does not break down spending by project or provide individual opening schedules.

There is already a substantial addition taking shape at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. Three Harry Potter lands—Diagon Alley, Hogwarts and the Forbidden Forest—will occupy approximately 63,000 square metres, featuring exclusive rides created for the park. Construction is targeted for completion in 2029; a specific opening date and project budget have not been disclosed in that announcement.

Meanwhile, the separately funded Disney resort planned for Yas Island’s waterfront will bring themed accommodation, attractions, dining and shopping. Miral will finance, build and operate it, with Disney leading creative design. No confirmed opening date or project budget was identified in the announcements reviewed.

For prospective visitors, these are developments to follow when planning a future holiday, rather than additions available on an upcoming trip.

The TT Take:

For visitors willing to make the trip, more attractions—and Harry Potter rides created specifically for Abu Dhabi—are a welcome prospect. Exclusive attractions give fans a reason to travel beyond collecting another photograph of Hogwarts. The ambition is clear. The next task is turning that ambition into people booking flights.

Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office