2 January 2017 – Yas Island, UAE: Yas Island, the UAE’s premier entertainment destination, wrapped up 2016 with a record-breaking festive season! As the New Year began, Yas Island has declared its month-long ‘Winterland Festival’ and New Year’s Eve celebrations a smashing success.
The Yas ‘Winterland Festival’, an island-wide festival of family-friendly events, activities and offers which took place from December 9 2016 and which will run until January 7 2017, has surpassed all expectations, by attracting a record turnout to date. The ‘Winterland Carnival’ which was held at the du Forum from 27 to 31 December, saw more than 26,000 people enjoy the activities at the unique snow-themed winter event. The Carnival was supported by the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA), and featured exciting rides, games, performers, as well as an array of food trucks which were located just outside the Forum to fuel families’ appetites.
From traditional carnival rides like carousels and roller coasters, to a winter market showcasing the trendiest retailers in the UAE, the ‘Winterland Carnival’ hosted people with all interests and of all ages. People tested their skills with over 10 carnival games and took their kids to the face-painting corner, and checked out the wandering magicians, stilt walkers and polar bears!
On New Year’s Eve, widely beloved British rock band Coldplay, delighted over 30,000 fans with a sold-out show at du Arena; the band put on a visually stunning performance with accompanying venue fireworks as part of their aptly titled world tour, ‘A Head Full Of Dreams’. When the clock struck midnight, every fan and guest at the island also rang in the New Year with a view of Yas Island’s own exceptionally spectacular 10-minute fireworks extravaganza that took place at Yas South, with visitors to the ‘Winterland Carnival’ claiming the best vantage point.
Commenting on this latest success, Mohammad Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral Asset Management stated: “Each year, we strive to raise the Yas Island experience to unprecedented new heights, as we work with our partners to deliver an array of memorable events, activities and entertainment designed to exhilarate visitors. This past year has been no different. From Yas Marina’s ‘Let It Snow’ celebrations and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s ‘Winterfest’, to Yas Mall’s Festive programme, ‘Winterland Carnival’ at du Forum, and the strikingly colourful New Year’s Eve fireworks coinciding with Coldplay’s sold-out show at the du Arena— there was truly a little something for everyone this holiday season.”
Al Zaabi added: “As an Emirati-bred, world-class destination, Yas Island welcomes the New Year with a promise to host new events that we’re sure will delight, excite, and leave its mark on visitors from all corners of the globe.”
For the fourth consecutive year, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi was transformed into a Winter’s Wonderland for the all-time favourite festival, Winterfest. Families can continue to celebrate the magical festive season in style until 7 January 2017 and enjoy the exciting line-up of activities and shows available at the world’s first Ferrari branded theme park, including Bjorn the Polar Bear, a spectacular ice skating show, a gigantic snow slide and much more.
From 16 – 26 December and to the delight of all its visitors, Yas Mall hosted a daily line-up of live entertainment from the creators of the hit ‘Jungle Cirque’ for awe-inspiring acrobatic performances. The fun didn’t stop there; Yas Mall hosted incredible performances and international acts for New Year’s Eve with the ‘Evolution of Dance’, showcasing the various dance celebrations of different cultures from around the world, getting everyone in the mood to welcome the New Year.
du Arena’s Coldplay concert was presented by du Live!, and delivered by FLASH Entertainment in cooperation with TCA and Yas Island.
“The Winterland Carnival at the du Forum was a first for FLASH Entertainment and the record attendance numbers reinforce our quest to bring new and unique experiences to Abu Dhabi. Working with Miral on this event further fortifies out close collaboration. 2016 was capped off successfully with a sold out Coldplay concert and we look forward to an exciting 2017,” said John Lickrish, CEO, FLASH Entertianment.
Visitors are encouraged to visit Yas Island’s newly launched website, www.yasisland.ae and share their favourite Yas Winterland Festival moments, say more about their experience, and recommend those experiences on social media with the hashtags #YasIsland and #YasWinterland.
While 2016 ended with a bang, the excitement does not end there; the year 2017 will see Yas Island host an even more diverse line up of exciting events that will be sure to enthral visitors from all walks of life, backgrounds and ages.
