Miral said Warner Bros. World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, had been named Best Theme Park in the World at the 2026 Liseberg Applause Award, becoming the first theme park in the Middle East to receive the recognition.
The Applause Award, presented as part of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Honors Event, is regarded by the attractions industry as its oldest and most prestigious honor.
The award was accepted on behalf of the team by Hind Galadari, general manager of Warner Bros. World, and Daniel Wills, executive director of projects delivery at Miral.
First Middle East park wins global industry award
Miral said the recognition marked a milestone for the region’s leisure and entertainment sector, with Warner Bros. World becoming the first Middle East-based theme park to secure the accolade since the award’s launch in 1980.
The Applause Award recognizes theme parks for excellence in management, operations and creative achievement. Only one park is selected during each award cycle.
Previous winners include Universal Studios Japan in 2025, Siam Park in 2024, Tokyo DisneySea in 2022 and Xcaret Park in 2018.
Miral Group Chief Executive Mohammad Abdalla Al Zaabi said the award reflected the work of teams and partners involved in developing immersive guest experiences at the attraction.
“Receiving the 2026 Liseberg Applause Award as the first theme park in the Middle East is an incredibly proud moment for us,” Al Zaabi said in a statement.
He said the recognition also supported Miral’s efforts to position Yas Island as a global destination for leisure and entertainment while contributing to Abu Dhabi’s 2030 tourism vision.
Expansion plans add Harry Potter-themed land
Developed in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, Warner Bros. World is the region’s largest indoor theme park, featuring six themed lands, rides and live entertainment experiences.
Miral said the attraction was preparing for an expansion that would introduce a Harry Potter-themed land alongside two new DC-themed rides as part of what it described as the park’s next phase of story-driven experiences.
The company said the recognition underscored its broader strategy of expanding Abu Dhabi’s leisure and tourism offering while contributing to economic diversification initiatives in the emirate.
Miral expands Abu Dhabi tourism portfolio
Miral oversees the development and destination management of Yas Island and manages the destination strategy for Saadiyat Island.
Its portfolio includes attractions such as Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, CLYMB Yas Island and Etihad Arena.
Miral said future developments on Yas Island include the Harry Potter-themed expansion at Warner Bros. World and a Disney Theme Park Resort.
