Abu dhabi: Miral announced that Warner Bros. World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, has been awarded the Best Theme Park in the World at the 2026 Liseberg Applause Award, the attraction industry's oldest and most prestigious award. The recognition makes Warner Bros. World the first theme park in the Middle East to receive the accolade.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Applause Award was presented by a board of senior leaders from the attractions industry as part of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Honors Event. The award was accepted by Hind Galadari, General Manager of Warner Bros. WorldS, and Daniel Wills, Executive Director, Projects Delivery at Miral, on behalf of the entire team.
Dr. Mohammad Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, expressed his pride in receiving the 2026 Liseberg Applause Award, emphasizing that it celebrates the passion, creativity, and dedication of the teams and partners at Warner Bros. He highlighted the theme park's role in crafting immersive experiences that deliver memorable moments for guests and its contribution to positioning Yas Island as a top global destination for leisure and entertainment, in line with Abu Dhabi's 2030 tourism vision.
The Applause Award recognizes excellence in management, operations, and creative accomplishment in theme parks. Since its inception in 1980, only 22 theme parks worldwide have received this award, with only one park recognized per award cycle. Previous winners include Universal Studios Japan (2025), Siam Park in Tenerife, Spain (2024), Tokyo DisneySea, Japan (2022), and Xcaret Park, Mexico (2018).
This accolade underscores Miral's efforts in delivering memorable moments and elevating Yas Island's status as a global leisure and entertainment destination. It also contributes to diversifying Abu Dhabi's economy and strengthening its position as a leading global tourism hub.
Developed in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, Warner Bros. World is the region's largest indoor theme park, offering unforgettable experiences, state-of-the-art rides, and live entertainment across six immersive lands. The park is preparing for an expansion that will introduce a Harry Potter themed land and two new DC-themed rides.