From soaring profits to new partnerships and initiatives, here’s what is shaping Abu Dhabi’s tourism landscape.
Ryan Reynolds is appointed Chief Island Officer of Yas Island
Following in the footsteps of Hollywood greats Jason Momoa and Kevin Hart, comedy king Ryan Reynolds is now the freshest face of Yas Island Abu Dhabi.
Diving into the role in true Reynold’s style, the promotional video announcing his new position as Chief Island Officer sets the scene for what visitors can expect – comedy, excitement and entertainment gold.
From heart-pounding water slides at Yas Waterworld™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi to laid-back moments at Cafe Del Mar Beach Club, Reynolds shows off the many ways visitors can immerse in the island’s offerings. And let’s not forget the adrenaline rush of zooming through roller coasters at Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island Abu Dhabi or the serene beauty of a round of golf on the island’s lush Yas Links Abu Dhabi greens.
In welcoming Reynolds to the team, CEO of Miral Destinations Liam F. Findlay said, “We continue the tradition of excellence established by Kevin Hart and Jason Momoa. Reynolds brings his own unique blend of charisma, energy, and enthusiasm to the role, promising to elevate the Yas Island experience to even greater heights. We’re thrilled to embark on this exhilarating journey with him, inviting fans worldwide to be part of the legacy.”
Etihad Airways announces Q1 profit and free stopovers
Etihad Airways has reported a remarkable profit after tax of AED 526 million (U.S. $143 million) in Q1 2024, a substantial leap from AED 59 million (U.S. $16 million) in Q1 2023. The airline’s success is underpinned by robust passenger revenue, with 4.2 million passengers carried over the quarter, marking a 41% YoY increase.
CEO Antonoaldo Neves attributes the stellar performance to resilience, customer service, and growth strategies. Expansion plans include optimising the network, launching new flights, and enhancing services.
Following the recent commencement of services to Boston and the reintroduction of the A380 on the New York route, Etihad has further solidified its US proposition with the recent announcement that qualifying JetBlue’s TrueBlue and Etihad Guest members can now earn points and redeem flights and upgrades across both airlines.
In a move to increase visitation numbers even further, travellers now also have the option to add a one or two-night complimentary stopover in Abu Dhabi staying at a premier hotel when making flight bookings online at etihad.com. Etihad’s boarding pass also doubles up as the Abu Dhabi pass offering discounts at many of the city’s leading attractions as well as dining experiences.
Neves shared, “We plan to bring more than 100,000 visitors to Abu Dhabi through the Stopover programme over the next year, and we’re confident that once they have a taste of what the capital has to offer, they will return for more. We are thrilled to be working hand in hand with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to showcase what the emirate has to offer to the world.”
Director General for Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi, H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, said, “This innovative initiative provides a snapshot of the diverse experiences available here — from entertainment and culture to leisure and beyond — inspiring travellers to return and immerse themselves in the complete Abu Dhabi experience.”
Hafeet Rail on track to boost tourism between Abu Dhabi and Oman
A rail line connecting Sohar in Oman with Abu Dhabi promises to boost tourism, slashing travel times by 50% while reducing carbon dioxide omissions.
The project has received the green light following agreement between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail and Mubadala Investment Company and construction of the USD3bn rail link will commence imminently.
The travel time between Abu Dhabi and Sahor is expected to be around 100 minutes with train speeds reaching up to 200km per hour. Travellers will be able to enjoy spectacular vistas and epic scenery as the train traverses diverse landscapes including desert, valleys and arid mountainous regions. The train is also scheduled to allow a stop in Al Ain, which will be a bonus for local tourist attractions which include Al-Jahilli Fort, Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort (Al Ain Zoo) and Al Ain Adventure .
