Leading global thinkers from the fields of design, development, technology, transportation and sustainability share ideas on the future of tourism and innovation on Yas Island

Abu Dhabi, 29 October 2015

Leading experts from the worlds of design, development, technology, transportation and sustainability, have gathered for the first Yas Island "Innovation Lab" as part of a long-term programme led by Miral Asset Management focused on developing Yas Island as a next-generation tourism destination.

The development of Yas Island is pivotal to position Abu Dhabi as a leading global destination, and the inaugural 'Innovation Lab' - held during the UAE's "Year of Innovation" as announced by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates - is a continuation of multiple efforts in this area.

Miral, which is responsible for the promotion of Yas Island to global markets, as well as the development and management of the destination's leisure and entertainment attractions including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Yas Marina, launched the "Innovation Lab" to generate new ideas to re-imagine future experiential possibilities for Yas Island. 18 international experts gathered at the event to share their ideas around themes including landmark developments, activation, transportation and connectivity, immersive visitor experiences and sustainability.  

Mohamed Abdulla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral said: "We have a vision to become Abu Dhabi's creator of destinations. Our ambitions for Yas Island are to create a place that people cannot experience anywhere else in the world. It's an ongoing process requiring us to create, share and refine ideas that we can bring to life to delight visitors and residents. We have always looked to work with the world's leading innovators and thinkers to help shape and deliver our vision. The Innovation Lab is a great example of how we are really able to unlock creativity from great minds around the world. A number of the proposed ideas, if implemented, would be world-firsts, and would position Yas Island as a destination offering unique and spectacular experiences for the Middle East and beyond. " 

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For more information about Miral and Yas Island contact:
Rohan Cornelio
+971 50 668 5735
rohan.cornelio@edelman.com

ABOUT YAS ISLAND
Yas Island aims to be the Middle East's ultimate leisure destination, a playground for fun, adventure, entertainment and thrill-seeking action.  Its world-class attractions include Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld theme parks, Yas Mall, Yas Links Golf Club as well as a year-round programme of events including performances by award-winning international artists and the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Along with seven hotels, a concert arena, marina, beach, links golf course and more than 100 cafés and restaurants, Yas Island offers shopping, dining, entertainment and more. For business events including meetings, incentives conferences and exhibitions, Yas Island offers a wide range of venue options and in-house event management services. Located a 10-minute drive from Abu Dhabi Airport, 25 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai, Yas Island is the perfect choice for an escape with family or friends. For more information, visit: yasisland.ae.

About Miral
Miral is Abu Dhabi's creator of destinations, uniting people and places through unique, immersive and exciting experiences. Responsible for the development and management of Yas Island, Miral's assets encompass entertainment, hospitality, leisure, sport, dining, retail and real estate destinations. Today, Yas Island is home to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Yas Links Golf Course, Yas Mall, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Marina and seven hotels including the flagship Yas Viceroy. Miral was established by Abu Dhabi's Executive Affairs Authority. For more information on Miral, visit www.miral.ae.

© Press Release 2015