Eliana Willis

Yas Island Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi were the places to be this Eid Al Adha with attractions galore for all family members to enjoy.
Yas Island, the capital’s leading leisure and entertainment destination delivered world-class entertainment, dazzling fireworks and family-friendly packages with Yas Theme Parks experiencing an astonishing surge in guests and families, with a remarkable increase of over 100 percent in domestic and international visitation compared to the previous year. Notably, one-third of all guests chose to explore the captivating wonders of the newly unveiled SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Yas Island’s recent launch of the summer edition of Miami Band’s sensational hit song, “AlHamdullah w Chefnakom,” has caused a remarkable surge in popularity within the GCC market. This musical masterpiece not only captivated audiences but also propelled Yas Theme Parks to new heights, experiencing an astounding 200% increase in GCC country visitation compared to the previous year, 2022.
Neighboring Saadiyat Island was the ultimate choice for guests seeking an island getaway this Eid break, with over 80 percent hotel occupancy. From luxurious resorts, fine dining restaurants and white sandy beaches, visitors were spoilt for choice.ADVERTISEMENTMohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, said: “We were delighted to welcome families from across the world this Eid. These numbers are a reflection of our commitment to positioning Yas Island as a global destination for entertainment and leisure, and Saadiyat Island as a leading beach, nature and cultural destination, as well as contributing to Abu Dhabi’s overall economic growth. We look forward to continuing to exceed our guests’ expectations and creating unforgettable memories that last a lifetime on both islands.”
For endless entertainment at every corner, Yas Theme Parks offered a treasure trove of fun activities for the young and young at heart. All-inclusive entertainment packages with ‘Kids Go Free’ offers saw families flocking to Yas Island’s leading theme parks; Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi and SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Yas Mall, the largest mall on Yas Island, greeted thousands of enthusiastic shoppers through its doors during the Eid break.  With extended opening hours until 2am, there was plenty of time to take advantage of the mall’s 50 new retail and dining outlets, special performances, family-friendly activities and a host of exciting giveaways.
In June, Yas Mall saw a 21% increase in footfall compared to June 2022 and the 10-day Eidiyah campaign for Eid Al Adha witnessed great success, recording an impressive 29% increase in participant numbers compared to last year’s celebrations, while more than 16,000 shoppers took part in the mall’s ‘Spend and Win’ campaign over Eid Al Adha to stand the chance of winning an Audi E-tron GT 2023.
Over at Yas Bay Waterfront, spectators were treated to dazzling displays of fireworks lighting up the night sky – adding to the overall exuberance of the holiday spirit. Guests and families turned out in droves to enjoy the festive atmosphere and take in the awe-inspiring views with restaurants being fully packed. Likewise, Yas Marina and The Fountains saw the total number of visitors doubling that of last year, witnessing an increase in attendance from international visitors, once again highlighting Yas Island Abu Dhabi’s leading position as a global tourism hub for travelers from across the world.
Fans of legendary Saudi Arabian singer, Rabeh Sager were in for a holiday treat as he took center stage at Etihad Arena. Drawing fans both young and old, the crowd-pleaser thrilled the close-to-capacity crowd with a rendition of some of his most iconic songs at the expansive arena.
Yas Island hotels enjoyed a 90 percent occupancy, Yas Plaza Hotels is home to top hospitality brands including Radisson Blu, Crowne Plaza, Centro, Yas Island Rotana, Park Inn by Radisson and Staybridge Suites. With 1,760 room keys, direct cyan beach access and 21 award-winning restaurants and bars, Yas Plaza Hotels was the place to be this Eid. Meanwhile, the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island and the Hilton hotels enjoyed equally high occupancy during the Eid break.

For the ultimate staycation on Yas Island this summer, the incredible ‘Kids Go Free’ offer can be availed with a minimum stay of two nights, where little ones can stay, eat and play for free. Packages start at AED 595 for 3-star hotels and AED 645 for 4-star hotels. The offer is valid for stays until September 30, 2023.
Meanwhile, hotels located on the untouched shores of Saadiyat Island attracted numerous visitors and the luxury resorts saw an occupancy of over 80% with guests seeking to ‘travel without travelling.’
Visitors looking for ultimate luxurious family getaway were spoilt for choice between the spectacular St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, the refined Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, the luxurious Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, all-inclusive Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, the stylish Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel, and the serene and exclusive private island resort, Nurai Island.
Miral Destinations, a subsidiary of Miral Group, remains committed to delivering exceptional entertainment experiences with best-in-class family offerings.
Yas Island and its world-class theme parks, experiences and attractions were recognised with seven awards in the globally renowned World Travel Awards in 2022. In addition to scooping the accolade of World’s Leading Theme Park Destination 2022, Yas Island received the flagship Middle East’s Leading Tourism Development award for the fourth consecutive year, testament to the global reputation Yas Island has as a leisure and entertainment hub.

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TAT and Alipay promote ‘Amazing Thailand, A Must-visit Destination This Summer Holiday’

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Alipay are expanding their partnership to promote the ‘Amazing Thailand, A Must-visit Destination This Sumer Holiday’ marketing campaign with an aim to enhance the travel experience for tourists from China, Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia, and South Korea by allowing them to pay seamlessly with their home mobile wallets via Alipay+.
Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and the South Pacific, said “The expanded partnership with Alipay will help bring a smoother consumer experience to Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, and open up more resources to Thai businesses, especially the vast number of SMEs to help them develop digital operations and marketing capabilities.”
Platforms like Alipay are becoming increasingly important for destination markets like Thailand, because they play a significant role in shaping travellers’ decisions on airlines, hotels, and destination selection, added Mr. Tanes.
Thailand welcomed over 1.4 million Chinese tourists in the first half of 2023, and with Chinese travellers on average spending 24% more on Alipay when abroad during this first half compared to first half 2019, this signals new growth trends that Thailand is preparing to capitalise on with its increased cooperation with Alipay.
As travel revives, Alipay is launching a series of campaigns in summer 2023 with regional partners like TAT, which feature a variety of promotions on travel-related services, such as shopping, attractions, and transportation. Thailand is seen as the destination with the greatest potential in Southeast Asia to promote Cashless Society spending, and as part of this Alipay aims to increase tourist flows to secondary cities across Thailand.ADVERTISEMENTAlipay became available in Thailand in 2015, and now connects Chinese travellers to 550,000 local traders across the country. Thailand is among the top four outbound travel destinations by total transaction volume on Alipay.
Alipay is a payment platform trusted by the Chinese people, and is thus well-positioned to promote Thailand as a trusted travel destination. It works with payment platforms in Thailand, such as TrueMoney, Kasikornbank, and Krungthai Card (KTC), and may soon add PromptPay to this list.

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The problem of disruptive tourists, which included a German lady who stripped in a temple in Ubud town and an American who defaced a Balinese police cruiser, has become so severe that province governor Wayan Koster last month issued an order to affix a list of seemingly apparent dos and don’ts onto visitor passports. At least 136 non-citizens have been deported by the local authorities so far this year for different offences.
So starting in 2024, the province will begin collecting a fee from all out-of-country visitors equal to around $10 per person, with the proceeds going toward environmental and cultural preservation.
With 439,475 visitors reported as of May, Bali’s tourism industry has almost quadrupled since it reopened to international visitors in 2022. After reopening, however, tourists once again engaged in a wide variety of socially unacceptable behaviours, such as brawling with police and engaging in sexual activity in public.
Moreover, as a result of many visitors consistently breaking local traffic restrictions, the government has declared that tourists would no longer be allowed to rent motorcycles.
In addition, tensions have been rising because of the frequent disrespect displayed by visitors to the people and their traditions.ADVERTISEMENTThe idea of charging tourists from outside a fee was originally proposed in 2019, far before the outbreak of the coronavirus global crisis.
Furthermore, there is precedent for such a tax: at the beginning 2023, Malaysia requested that hotels resume charging a 10 ringgit ($2) per night tourist tax, and in the previous year, Bhutan imposed a fee of $200 a night for visitors’ stays, with authorities justifying the tax due to the strain tourism has placed on the country’s infrastructure.
Some local companies are worried that Bali’s forthcoming electronic tourist tax may prevent visitors from outside. However, Koster is certain that the minor fee will not have a negative impact on the province’s tourism industry.
Bali still ranks high on lists of the most stunning travel destinations. In addition to its beautiful beaches and mystical temples, Bali is home to a wide variety of other natural wonders. The island is mostly made up of beautiful mountainous regions with lush vegetation, picturesque lakes, breathtaking waterfalls, iconic rice fields, flower gardens, flowing holy rivers, and hidden gorges.

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SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is gearing up for Shark Week with a packed agenda of activities. Shark Week aims to showcase the beauty and importance of sharks in our ocean.
It provides a platform to dispel common myths and misconceptions, emphasizing the need for the protection and conservation of sharks due to their vital role in maintaining the health and balance of marine ecosystems.
In anticipation of Shark Week, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is preparing exciting and educational activities. Here is an overview of everything you can expect at the Marine Life Theme Park from July 23 to July 30:
Embark on a Sharkathon
Guests are in for an exciting adventure as they are given clues that help them discover the different shark species in SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s care. Guests can collect their stamps from the Education team for a chance to win a behind-the-scenes tour shark tour on the same day of their visit – a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn more about these magnificent fish!ADVERTISEMENTEducational talks and experiences at the Animal Care Center
Immerse yourself in the wonders of these animals by seeing live shark teeth, as well as an inflatable whale shark and learn about these fascinating animals from SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s expert Educators. The Animal Care Center in the One Ocean realm is your gateway to a deeper understanding of sharks – and while you’re there, keep your eyes peeled for the mobile shark-cart that offers guests information about the marine life.
Endless Ocean is your one-stop-shop for all things shark related
Engage in meaningful conversations with SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s dedicated team through Live Diver Chats, where the Dynamic Habitats team will be diving inside Endless Ocean and answering guest’s questions from inside the aquariums! Keep an eye out for SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s experts who will be stationed all over the park who are prepared to teach guests about how we can all play our part in the conservation of these marine animals and some much-needed myth-busting.
Otherwise, guests can witness an insightful shark feeding session with our Dynamic Habitats team at The Swirl in Endless Ocean, every day at 2:00PM. Additionally, guests are welcome to enjoy different shark-themed activities that are sure to teach them all about these VIPs (Very Important Predators) and their method of target-feeding. There will also be educational talks throughout the week to further expand guests’ knowledge about these animals, their unique behaviours and their importance to the marine’s ecosystem.
Guests can also explore a variety of shark-themed merchandise in Endless Ocean and Abu Dhabi Ocean’s retail outlets. Discover a selection of apparel and souvenirs that celebrate the beauty and power of sharks. After all that learning, guests can satisfy their sweet tooth with a range of delicious shark-themed desserts available exclusively at Endless Ocean’s dining outlets.
Follow SeaWorld Abu Dhabi on social media for daily facts about sharks, and how everyone can contribute to their conservation at @seaworldabudhabi.
For more information on SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, please visit www.seaworldabudhabi.com.

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Ferrari World Abu Dhabi lights up the sky over the Italian Zone in ‘Bell’Italia’ with a mesmerizing ‘Drone Spectacular’ show that will captivate guests, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7h30 pm until September 3.
Featuring a large number of drones hovering in perfect harmony, the breathtaking show returns once again with a spellbinding display of lights and a synchronized performance for families and guests to enjoy. These drones will illuminate the sky with an astounding palette of colors, using cutting-edge LED technology, transforming the show into a breathtaking visual that will leave spectators excited.
The show gives a unique opportunity for guests to enjoy an unforgettable performance that complements the park’s award-winning rides and the family-friendly activities that are in store for guests exclusively all summer long.

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Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, the #DubaiDestinations campaign has rolled out its latest phase inviting residents and tourists to embark on a new journey to discover Dubai’s offerings in the warmer months of the year.
The collaborative campaign, implemented by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), seeks to showcase the city’s unique charm as a summer destination to audiences across the world through engaging stories.
The current season of the #DubaiDestinations campaign, running until the end of August, will showcase the city’s top-rated experiences in the summer and its distinctive attractions ranging
from serene beach destinations and exciting indoor activities to thrilling waterparks and picturesque hotels.
Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), said: “Aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform the emirate into the world’s best city to live and visit, the campaign continues to open new windows into the unrivalled diversity, memorable experiences and creative urban vibe that define Dubai’s character as one of the globe’s greatest destinations. By harnessing the power of storytelling, the campaign seeks to highlight the city’s offerings during the warmer months, with an emphasis on the unique experiences that set Dubai apart as one of the world’s most captivating destinations. This season of the campaign extends a fresh invitation to both the local and global community to explore Dubai’s diverse attractions and share their memorable moments.”ADVERTISEMENTShaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, said: “The latest season of the #DubaiDestinations campaign invites residents and visitors to embark on an exhilarating journey to explore the unique and enriching treasures that Dubai offers in the summer months. As with every season, we join hands with government entities, industry stakeholders from the public and private sectors, and the vibrant creative media community to raise the profile of Dubai’s diverse array of summer attractions. Through interactive guides, engaging media content and other immersive activations, we aim to weave compelling narratives that showcase the essence of the Dubai experience, enticing people from the UAE and all over the world to set out on their own extraordinary adventures in Dubai.”
As part of the campaign, Brand Dubai will introduce a collection of interactive guides, offering valuable insights into Dubai’s premier summer experiences. From top-rated summer camps for children to thrilling water activities, enchanting staycations and indoor hotspots, these guides serve as indispensable resources for exploring the best of Dubai during the summer season.
The #DubaiDestinations campaign will also put the spotlight on indoor destinations, such as malls, restaurants with play areas, indoor sports activities and theme parks, as well as Dubai’s most-loved homegrown food outlets from the ‘Proudly from Dubai’ network, an initiative
launched by Brand Dubai to highlight the success stories of businesses born and initiated in Dubai.
Brand Dubai will be partnering with some of the emirate’s most accomplished creatives including influencers, photographers, digital media content creators, visual artists, animators and videographers to create compelling content about Dubai’s destination offerings.
The campaign is being rolled out over digital, broadcast, print and outdoor media to ensure it reaches large sections of local and international audiences.

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