Yas Island, the UAE’s premier entertainment and leisure destination, today unveiled an exciting line-up of action-packed events on Yas Island for the first half of 2018, with the support of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Flash Entertainment.
With a planned event every week until Ramadan, culminating in a spectacular 3-day Eid Al Fitr celebration and Eid fireworks show, Yas Island’s new event line-up caters to all ages and tastes, and includes seven free events.
Visitors can expect a thrilling, eclectic mix of everything Yas Island has to offer, from world-class sporting events, festivals and cultural celebrations, through to watersports, comedy, music awards and concerts. What’s more, 2018’s calendar is filled with global mega-shows like PAW Patrol Live!, Fifth Harmony, Harlem Globetrotters and the Illusionists, and mega-stars including Mohamed Hamaki, Kymani and Julian Marley, and a host of professional golfers, triathletes and cyclists.
Speaking at the calendar launch, Miral CEO, Mohammed Al Zaabi, said, “In recent years, we’ve been working incredibly hard to create one of the world’s leading, innovative leisure and entertainment destinations. We are excited to launch the 2018 event portfolio for the first half of the year, which shows Yas Island’s ability to attract the world’s best sporting, cultural and live entertainment talent and events.”
General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, H.E. Aref Al Awani, said: “Yas Island serves as an example of the Emirate’s leadership vision to develop sport and youth activities across the Emirate. We’re thrilled that Yas Island will continue to build upon the excitement of the global sporting calendar with top cycling, triathlon and jet-skiing events. We are dedicated to fuelling a passion for sports in the emirate, and putting Abu Dhabi squarely on the international sporting map.”
John Lickrish, CEO Flash Entertainment, said: “Creating unmissable live entertainment experiences for passionate audiences is at the heart of everything we do. We are thrilled to announce a sensational New Year’s Eve concert with Katy Perry, growing from the success of last year’s Coldplay ‘A Head Full of Dreams Tour’, and raise the bar each year on our offering of incredible events that residents and tourists can enjoy. Whether it’s a sport, music, comedy or cultural events, creating memorable experiences is what we love to do, and we are delighted to be part of Yas Island’s growth as a top leisure and live entertainment destination.”
Gerardo Llanes, Executive Director, Destination Management at Miral, elaborated on the calendar, saying: “2018 is a hugely exciting year for Yas Island as we reveal our events calendar which has been specifically designed to perfectly compliment the island’s offerings, ensuring every experience is as memorable and shareable as possible. We are delighted to bring both free and ticketed events to Yas Island, every week from January until Ramadan. There really is something for everyone, at any time.”
Visitors throughout the year can look forward to globally recognized events such as the Abu Dhabi Tour and ITU World Triathlon which will bring the world’s best athletes to Yas Island. Other top sporting spots include the Abu Dhabi Invitation and the Yas Super Street Challenge – a thrilling drag race on the famous Yas Marina Circuit.
The 2018 Yas Island events calendar will also offer seven free events, including the Yas Fitness Festival, the Abu Dhabi Pet Festival, and the flagship Yas Movies in Parks. Yas Movies in Parks will see Gateway Park transformed for a cinematic experience over 6 days, with thousands expected to attend the free events. This will include an awe-inspiring interactive experience, family and Hindi movies, as well as food trucks and a fun fair.
Family favourite PAW Patrol Live! will also make its UAE debut only on Yas Island, at the du Forum in April. The show features a unique combination of live action, amazing giant puppets and all of the incredible vehicles Paw Patrol is famous for, on a stunning, animated set.
And carrying on Yas Island’s growing reputation as a world-renowned home of music, the Cairo Sound Music Festival will be hosted there, with iconic star Aida Al Ayouby, and superstar Mohamed Hamaki. Add to this the 5th edition of the Bob Marley Birthday Festival featuring Bob Marley’s son’s Julian and Kyman Marley, multi-platinum selling pop girl group Fifth Harmony, and the V-Chart Music Awards.
Visitors are encouraged to plan their travel arrangements and book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. This year’s programme of events is not to be missed! Once on the island, visitors are being urged to use #Onlyonyas and #YasIsland when enjoying their Yas Island experience, to be part of the greater Yas Island story.