Press release —
WARNER BROS WORLD™ YAS ISLAND, ABU DHABI RECEIVES THE 2026 APPLAUSE AWARD
In 1980, the Applause Award was created as the first global and industry specific award honouring amusement- and theme parks whose management, operations and creative accomplishments have inspired the industry with foresight, originality and sound business development.
At a ceremony on May 14, 2026, in Xcaret, Mexico, Warner Bros World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, received the 23rd Applause Award, joining a very exclusive group of recognized parks:
- Warner Bros World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi receives the Applause Award for the park’s exceptional achievements in creativity and innovation, being the first indoor theme park that genuinely rivals its outdoor competitors, says Andreas Veilstrup Andersen, President and CEO, Liseberg Group and Chairman of The Applause Award Board of Governors.
Warner Bros World Yas Island Abu Dhabi is not just one of the best parks in the world, but also part of an outstanding destination development.
- Miral, the leading creators of immersive destinations in Abu Dhabi, and the entity that built and operates the park, demonstrates a relentless commitment to investment, quality, and service, making Warner Bros. World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi the evident recipient of the first Applause Award presented to a park in the Middle East, Andreas Veilstrup Andersen continues.
-Receiving the 2026 Liseberg Applause Award as the first theme park in the Middle East is an incredibly proud moment for us. Most importantly, it celebrates the exceptional passion, creativity, and dedication of our teams and partners in crafting truly immersive, world-class experiences that deliver joyful and memorable moments for every guest. For Miral, this accolade is a testament to our ongoing efforts in further positioning Yas Island as a top global destination for leisure and entertainment, while contributing to achieving Abu Dhabi’s 2030 tourism vision, says Dr. Mohammad Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral,
The Applause Award was presented as part of the IAAPA Honors ceremony celebrating attractions industry innovation, creativity, and excellence. IAAPA is the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions, representing more than 9 000 members worldwide.
For more information:
Andreas Veilstrup Andersen mobile +46 761 00 8000 / andreas.andersen@liseberg.se
Clara Rosendahl +46 708 96 9007 / clara.rosendahl@liseberg.se
Contact Miral: Arwa Alkhatib, arwa.alkhatib@miral.ae
Previous winners of The Applause Award:
1980 Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, USA
1982 Opryland, USA
1986 Epcot Center, USA
1988 Knott´s Berry Farm, USA
1990 EuropaPark, Germany
1992 Efteling, the Netherlands
1994 Universal Studios, Florida, USA
1996 Cedar Point, USA
1998 Silver Dollar City, USA
2000 Hershey Park, USA
2002 Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, USA
2004 Holiday World & Splashing Safari, USA
2006 Universal´s Islands of Adventure, USA
2008 Xetulul, Guatemala
2010 Dollywood, USA
2012 Ocean Park, Hong Kong
2014 Puy du Fou, France
2016 Busch Gardens Tampa, USA
2018 Xcaret, Mexico
2022 Tokyo DisneySea, Japan
2024 Siam Park, Spain
2025 Universal Studios Japan, Japan
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Liseberg is one of the leading amusement parks in Europe, offering top-notch entertainment, attractions, restaurants, and accommodation. Every year, the park welcomes approximately 3 million visitors, making Liseberg Sweden's most visited destination.
