Miral, Abu Dhabi’s creator of destinations, today announced major progress in the development of Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi’s new and iconic waterfront destination on Yas Island. With key milestones, including the completion of the public realm and infrastructure in December 2019, and the 75 per cent construction progress of Yas Bay Arena, significant momentum has been achieved across the groundbreaking mixed-use development.
Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral: “Our latest construction update highlights the significant progress we have achieved on our pioneering Yas Bay project. The mixed-use development will be a vibrant and iconic addition to Yas Island and a new, exciting destination for Abu Dhabi. With key construction milestones being achieved, we look forward to working with investors and partners from across the world to further develop this unique destination that sets a new benchmark for Yas Island and the UAE.”
Miral’s AED 4 billion investment into the AED 12 billion project, includes developing the public realm, the infrastructure, the Hilton hotel and Yas Bay Arena. The 14 million square feet development is comprised of three distinct areas: The Waterfront, Residences at Yas Bay, and twofour54.
“With this investment, we are contributing to the emirate’s vision to diversify the economy and getting closer to positioning Yas Island as one of the top global destinations for entertainment, leisure and business,” added Al Zaabi
The main focal point of Yas Bay, The Waterfront, will incorporate Yas Bay Arena, two world-class hotels and a beach club, as well as a pier that are set to have 37 cafés and restaurants, and 19 retail outlets.As one of the most striking components of the waterfront development, Yas Bay Arena, will be a first-of-its-kind, multi-purpose indoor venue, providing flexible capacity from 500 people to around 18,000 people. The new Arena is set to become a major addition to Abu Dhabi’s entertainment and culture offering, hosting large-scale and private events such as sporting competitions and cultural performances.
Brint Jackson, General Manager of Yas Bay Arena, said: “Our work with Miral to bring a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose indoor arena to Yas Bay has culminated in the creation of one of the region’s most exciting and versatile venues, further underlining Yas Island’s reputation as leading global destination for world-class entertainment. The 18,000 capacity arena will be a new landmark for entertainment, occupying an easily accessible, iconic space on the Yas Island skyline that will set new heights of excellence for live events; we look forward to the opening of this incredible new facility.”
John Lickrish, CEO of Flash Entertainment in Abu Dhabi, commented: “We are continually striving to innovate and deliver the best events and experiences for Abu Dhabi. The progress at Yas Bay Arena is therefore truly exciting. We can see the venue taking shape and begin to envision the kind of world class entertainment experience we will be able to offer. As an indoor venue we’ll also be able to put in place a year-round calendar of events that appeal to all tastes. This will be a major driver of growth for the entertainment and cultural sector in Abu Dhabi.”
Yas Bay will also be home to two new world-class hospitality offerings, including a major Hilton hotel set within the Waterfront area. Having reached 60 per cent in construction progress and scheduled for completion in 2020, it is primed to become one of Yas Bay’s key landmarks, comprising 546 rooms with a wide range of food & beverage outlets.
Rudi Jagersbacher, President Middle East, Africa and Turkey at Hilton, said: “We are proud to work with Miral, a strategic development partner for Hilton, in creating a unique 546-room, five-star hotel on Yas Bay. Miral has a proven track record of delivering quality products on Yas Island and we look forward to hosting our business and leisure travelers at the upcoming Hilton on Yas Island.”
Yas Bay also incorporates Residences at Yas Bay, an urban island community with capacity for 15,000 residents through 35 low-to-mid-rise residential plots, out of which 33 are remaining as 2 plots were sold earlier in the year, 19 recreational parks, three Mosques and two schools, all seamlessly connected to the waterfront.
In addition, the new 3.2 million square feet home of twofour54, the globally-renowned creative hub for Abu Dhabi’s media and entertainment industry at Yas Bay, is set to attract 10,000 professionals and will offer world-class facilities and an innovative working environment, helping support the continued growth of the media sector in Abu Dhabi.
As a centerpiece of Miral’s vision to continue to position Yas Island as a top global destination, Yas Bay is set to be an exciting addition to the island’s attractions, enhancing the diverse and unique leisure and entertainment experiences already offered.