Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, is set to host the second edition of the Ruwad Awards on 12 February. The annual awards programme celebrates the people shaping world-class guest experiences across Yas Island.
Launched to honor the “pioneers” who bring The Yas Way to life, the Ruwad Awards recognize outstanding individuals and teams whose dedication, innovation and leadership play a vital role in elevating Yas Island as a global destination for leisure, entertainment and tourism.
The efforts of teams across Yas Island’s attractions, hotels, and entertainment venues have produced tangible results. The destination delivered a record-breaking summer season, achieving a 15% year-on-year increase in visitation. This continued focus on operational excellence and guest experience is driving sustained growth and reinforcing Yas Island’s position as a leading entertainment destination.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
The 2026 ceremony will take place at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, bringing together colleagues from across Miral’s portfolio, including theme parks, attractions, hotels, retail, entertainment venues and destination partners. Building on the success of the inaugural edition, the programme has expanded this year to include 19 award categories, with five new additions designed to spotlight an even broader range of contributions across the destination.
Yas Waterworld
Yas Island has firmly cemented its status as one of the world’s premier leisure destinations, with its collection of theme parks earning major recognition at the World Travel Awards 2025. At an island-wide level, Yas Island was named World’s Leading Theme Park Destination 2025, reflecting the scale, quality and diversity of its entertainment offering. Individually, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi was recognised as Middle East’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2025, highlighting its immersive indoor experiences and broad international appeal. Yas Waterworld continued its strong awards legacy with the title of Middle East’s Leading Water Park 2025, while Ferrari World Abu Dhabi reinforced its global reputation as World’s Leading Theme Park 2025 synonymous with high-adrenaline innovation and record-breaking rides. Together, these accolades underline Yas Island’s ability to deliver world-class theme park experiences that appeal to families, thrill-seekers and international visitors alike, positioning Abu Dhabi at the forefront of global entertainment tourism.
Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi
W Abu Dhabi was voted World’s Leading Marina Resort 2025, Middle East’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel 2025, Middle East’s Leading Marina Resort 2025
and Abu Dhabi’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel 2025 but the World Travel Awards
W Abu Dhabi
Last year, over 400 individuals were celebrated for their exceptional contributions. With five new award categories introduced this year, alongside a cash prize of AED 5,000 for each winner, the 2026 edition marks an exciting evolution of the programme.
The Ruwad Awards reflect Miral’s ongoing commitment to nurturing talent, recognizing excellence and fostering a culture that consistently delivers memorable guest experiences across Yas Island.
For more information, visit www.yasisland.com