Recognised as a Visionary CEO at the CEO Middle East Awards, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi manages Miral’s growing portfolio of leisure and entertainment assets on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. They include Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and the CLYMB indoor adventure sports hub.
These attractions and the infrastructure around them form a key part of the Emirate’s mission to create a sustainable, diversified and globally integrated economy. That means delivering world-class experiences that attract visitors from far beyond the UAE’s borders. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi opened in May 2023. The new park features attractions never before seen at a SeaWorld site, as well as the world’s largest aquarium.
Al Zaabi describes the attraction as offering “engaging and immersive family-friendly experiences, featuring up-close animal encounters, state-of-the-art aquariums, dynamic animal habitats, thrill rides, interactive educational experiences, inspiring entertainment as well as dining and shopping experiences.”
Miral CEO since 2015, Al Zaabi has over a decade’s experience in project management and leadership roles, previously with real estate developer Aldar Properties. He also holds board positions at Farah Experiences (operator of Yas Island’s attractions) and Experience Hub, Yas’s trade and promotion arm.
In 2021, the world’s first Warner Bros. hotel opened on Yas Island. The WB Abu Dhabi, adjacent to Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, features a huge collection of Warner Bros. archives, including more than 400 images and props from Warner Bros. films and TV shows.
Meanwhile, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi launched its first-ever drone show in the summer of 2022, offering an “infinite amount of adrenaline and excitement”, as it said in a news release. Guests watched as turbocharged drones create colourful images under the iconic red roof. The park also added live cooking demonstrations and shows, craft areas, and an oversized board game over the summer.
Blooloop has named Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi on its list of the top 15 theme parks and water parks in the Middle East.