Explore UAE’s Yas Island (and its top attractions) from ‘virtually’ anywhere

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Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island has announced the launch of its virtual experiences, allowing users from around the world to digitally explore the entertainment and leisure hub and other iconic landmarks in the emirate.

The initiative is part of a collaboration between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Aldar, Miral, twofour54 and Ethara (formerly Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management and Flash Entertainment).

The virtual experience was developed by Super League and initially breaks through on Roblox, accessible at Yas Island Tycoon – Roblox.

Users’ digital avatars take a journey through key Abu Dhabi landmarks on the island and beyond, featuring Louvre Abu Dhabi, Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Sir Bani Yas Island, Al Ain Oasis and Al Jahili Fort.

Players will be able to traverse the 25-square-kilometre virtual site and experience a playable, socially engaging world designed to entertain and inform audiences globally.

Throughout a blend of interactive experiences, immersive environments, games and soon to come events, players can explore and build cultural and entertainment attractions within Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, as players progress through the virtual destination and its attractions, they will experience more adventures such as theme park rides, driving across the destination in race cars and constructing virtual homes, to name a few.

Yas Island has launched a new virtual experience allowing users from around the world to digitally explore attractions at Abu Dhabi’s premier entertainment and leisure hub pic.twitter.com/N6zVZRgkU8

— Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (@dctabudhabi) August 22, 2023

Saeed Al Fazari, Strategic Affairs executive director at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “While we have shared Abu Dhabi with millions of visitors in the real world, today marks the start of a new phase in our journey. Everyone, wherever they are, can experience the emirate from the comfort of their own home.

We have been on a mission to progress, protect and promote the emirate as a leading tourism destination, and by offering virtual experiences, we aim to share Abu Dhabi with the world in a new way, inspiring curiosity and excitement about everything the UAE capital has to offer.”

Taghrid Alsaeed, executive director of Group Communications and Destination Marketing at Miral, added: “In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, it is imperative to remain relevant to all guests, including those in the virtual realm. The launch of the digital experience is an exciting step in Miral’s commitment to digital transformation, harnessing advanced technology to deliver highly personalised and memorable experiences.”

Rashed Al Omaira, chief commercial officer at Aldar Development, said: “The virtual experience unlocks new opportunities for a global audience to explore the island as a world-class destination to live, visit, and work. The effective use of innovative content creation not only enables us to tell the story of Abu Dhabi but also allows people around the world to become immersed in it.”

Mark Whitehead, CEO of twofour54, said: “Through our community of leading international and regional media businesses, we see first-hand that demand for content that tells Abu Dhabi’s inspiring story has never been higher. The opportunity to explore one of the emirate’s most vibrant destinations using a highly interactive platform is a perfect way to meet this demand. It is yet another demonstration of virtual content creation happening in Abu Dhabi.”

Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, stated: “We are delighted to be part of this unique and innovative experience and are proud to be leading the way for the event industry in the region.

“The virtual experience is in line with both our vision at Ethara and Yas Island’s to highlight itself as a global creative hub and leading entertainment destination. We are constantly seeking ways to deliver thrilling experiences for our fans, and delivering moments that matter.”

Also read: Aldar, Abu Dhabi Housing Authority unveil Dhs8bn project on Yas Island
Abu Dhabi, leisure, virtual tours, roblox, UAE, news, Middle East, gulfbusiness