The theme park is the 1st in the Middle East to receive this honour
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,May 2026: Miral announced that Warner Bros. World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, has been awarded the Best Theme Park in the World at 2026 Liseberg Applause Award, the attraction industry’s oldest and most prestigious award. The recognition makes Warner Bros. World the first theme park in the Middle East to receive the accolade.
Presented by a board of senior leaders from the attractions industry and part of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Honors Event, the Applause Award was accepted by Hind Galadari, General Manager of Warner Bros. World™, and Daniel Wills, Executive Director, Projects Delivery at Miral, on behalf of the entire team.
Dr. Mohammad Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, said, “Receiving the 2026 Liseberg Applause Award as the first theme park in the Middle East is an incredibly proud moment for us. Most importantly, it celebrates the exceptional passion, creativity, and dedication of our teams and partners at Warner Bros. in crafting truly immersive, world-class experiences that deliver joyful and memorable moments for every guest. For Miral, this accolade is a testament to our ongoing efforts in further positioning Yas Island as a top global destination for leisure and entertainment, while contributing to achieving Abu Dhabi’s 2030 tourism vision.”
The Applause Award recognises theme parks for excellence in management, operations, and creative accomplishment. Since its launch in 1980, only 22 theme parks worldwide received the award – only one theme park is recognised per award cycle. Previous winners include Universal Studios Japan (2025); Siam Park, Tenerife, Spain (2024); Tokyo DisneySea, Japan (2022); and Xcaret Park, Mexico (2018).
The recognition highlights Miral’s continued efforts in delivering joyful and memorable moments, in line with its ongoing dedication to further elevate Yas Island’s position as a top global destination for leisure and entertainment, while contributing to the diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economy and strengthening its position as a leading global tourism hub.
Developed in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, Warner Bros. World is the region’s largest indoor theme park, delivering unforgettable guest experiences, state-of-the-art rides, and captivating live entertainment through six immersive lands. The theme park is preparing for its next chapter of story-driven experiences. The landmark expansion will introduce the highly anticipated Harry Potter themed land alongside two new DC-themed rides.
About Miral:
Miral is the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, that contributes to the growth of the leisure and entertainment industry and Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification. It conceives, creates, operates, and manages immersive destinations and experiences that attract visitors from across the world to create unforgettable memories, accelerating the realisation of the Emirate’s tourism vision and growth.
Responsible for the development and destination management of Yas Island and overseeing Saadiyat Island’s Destination Management Strategy, Miral’s portfolio of world-class assets incorporates entertainment, leisure, culture, sport, dining, retail, and hospitality experiences, aiming to deliver millions of memorable moments for residents and international guests alike. These include Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi (now includes 70+ rides and experiences following its expansion); Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; The Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; CLYMB™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi; Yas Marina; and Yas Bay Waterfront, home to the UAE’s largest indoor multi-purpose venue Etihad Arena, amongst others. Miral also has several projects being developed on Yas Island and across the emirate, including a Harry Potter-themed land within Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, and a Disney Theme Park Resort.
Miral encompasses three subsidiaries: Miral Destinations, which promotes unique destinations; Miral Experiences, which operates a diverse portfolio of world-class, award-winning immersive experiences; and Yas Asset Management, which operates and manages a portfolio of vibrant destinations including F&B, retail, marinas, and hospitality properties across Yas Island.
