UAE-based Miral, Abu Dhabi's creator of destinations, has projects worth Dh6.2 billion ($1.68 billion) under construction on the emirate's Yas Island including the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, a next-generation marine-life theme park, and Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi’s ultimate waterfront experience.

These entertainment and leisure projects on Yas Island have resulted in 28 million tourist visits last year, said a top official.

"These 2018 figures confirm Yas Island’s position as one of the top globally-recognised destinations, and we’re delighted to see continued growth, especially as Miral achieves key milestones such as the opening of Warner Bros World last summer," remarked CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi.

He said 2018 was another successful year and reflected its commitment to help grow and develop the nation’s tourism industry.

The announcement comes as Miral received the ‘Middle East’s Leading Tourism Development Project’ for Yas Island at the World Travel Awards Middle East, last week.

Miral said it has more development plans in the area as it continues to grow Yas Island into an entertainment, leisure and business destination.

Upcoming attractions to come include CLYMB, a new sport facility that will feature the world’s widest indoor skydiving flight chamber and highest indoor climbing wall, complements Yas Island’s existing experiences. It also provides a record-breaking option for adrenaline and fitness enthusiasts.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, a next-generation marine-life theme park which also includes the UAE’s first dedicated R4 marine research, rescue, and rehabilitation and release centre, is another project that will be an exciting addition to the island’s immersive attractions and experiences.

Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi’s ultimate waterfront experience, is also progressing and will be a vibrant community to live, work and play.

Once complete, it will include Yas Bay Arena, The Residences – which will feature 15,000 residents – a promenade and pier with 37 cafés and restaurants, 19 retail outlets, a beach club, and two hotels. It will also become the new hub for Abu Dhabi Media Zone, twofour54, it added.-TradeArabia News Service