February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

Yas Island is a 25-square-kilometre natural island off the coast of Abu Dhabi that has been developed into one of the Middle East’s largest leisure, entertainment, and tourism destinations. Managed by Miral, an Abu Dhabi government-backed asset management company, the island hosts a portfolio of world-class attractions including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the Yas Marina Circuit (home of the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix), and the Etihad Arena, a 18,000-seat multipurpose venue.

UAE Context

Yas Island’s transformation from a largely undeveloped island into a global tourism hub began in the mid-2000s as part of Abu Dhabi’s strategy to diversify its economy away from hydrocarbons. The Yas Marina Circuit, which opened in 2009 and has hosted the season-ending Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix every year since, was the initial flagship development. Theme parks followed, with Ferrari World opening in 2010, Yas Waterworld in 2013, Warner Bros. World in 2018, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi in 2023. The island also includes Yas Mall, one of Abu Dhabi’s largest shopping centres, along with golf courses, hotels, and residential communities.

Key Data

Yas Island attracts millions of visitors annually across its combined attractions. The Yas Marina Circuit is a 5.554-kilometre FIA Grade 1 track. Ferrari World contains the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, which reaches speeds of 240 kilometres per hour. The island’s hotel inventory spans multiple international brands catering to leisure, business, and event travellers.

Vision 2031 Significance

Yas Island is central to Abu Dhabi’s tourism-diversification strategy, providing the critical mass of attractions needed to position the emirate as a year-round leisure destination. Its event-hosting infrastructure supports the UAE’s ambition to be a global events hub, while its ongoing development pipeline ensures continued capital investment and job creation.

  • Miral — The Abu Dhabi entity responsible for developing and managing Yas Island.
  • Saadiyat Cultural District — The complementary cultural tourism destination in Abu Dhabi.
  • D33 Agenda — Dubai’s parallel tourism growth strategy.
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi — Cultural asset that pairs with Yas Island to diversify Abu Dhabi tourism.