Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi has been named the world’s best theme park after winning the 2026 Liseberg Applause Award. The attraction is the first theme park in the Middle East to receive the honour. The achievement marks a major milestone for Abu Dhabi’s tourism and entertainment sector.
For Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE, this is more than just an industry award. It is global recognition that Yas Island has become one of the world’s leading entertainment destinations.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi earns global recognition
In a landmark moment for the UAE, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi has officially been crowned the world’s best theme park after receiving the prestigious 2026 Liseberg Applause Award. The recognition makes it the first theme park in the Middle East to ever win the accolade.
Often described as one of the highest honours in the global attractions industry, the Applause Award celebrates excellence in guest experience, creativity, innovation, operations, and overall contribution to the theme park sector. Since its launch in 1980, only a select group of parks around the world have received the award, with just one winner chosen during each award cycle.
The award was presented during the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Honors event held in Xcaret, Mexico, where representatives from Miral and Warner Bros. World accepted the recognition on behalf of the team.
Why is the Applause Award such a big deal?
Within the global attractions industry, the Liseberg Applause Award is often compared to the Oscars of theme parks. Created by Sweden’s Liseberg amusement park, it recognises destinations that raise industry standards through originality, leadership, and memorable guest experiences.
Past winners include some of the biggest names in the business, such as Universal Studios Japan, Tokyo DisneySea, Siam Park in Spain, and Xcaret Park in Mexico. Joining that list places Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi among the most respected attractions worldwide.
According to Andreas Veilstrup Andersen, President and CEO of the Liseberg Group and Chairman of The Applause Award Board of Governors, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi was recognised for its creativity, innovation, and ability to compete with some of the world’s best outdoor theme parks despite being an indoor attraction.
How Warner Bros. World helped put Yas Island on the global map
Since opening on Yas Island, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi has become one of the UAE’s most popular family attractions. Developed and operated by Miral in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, it is the region’s largest indoor theme park and features six immersive lands inspired by iconic characters and stories.
Visitors can step into worlds featuring Batman, Superman, Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo, Tom and Jerry, and many other beloved characters. The park combines advanced technology, themed environments, family-friendly rides, live entertainment, and interactive experiences under one roof.
The award also highlights Miral’s broader vision for Yas Island. Over the past decade, the destination has evolved into a major tourism hub that includes Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Yas Marina Circuit, luxury hotels, shopping destinations, and entertainment venues.
Impact on Abu Dhabi’s tourism
The win arrives at a time when Abu Dhabi continues investing heavily in tourism and entertainment as part of its long-term economic diversification strategy.
Dr. Mohammad Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, described the achievement as a proud moment that reflects the dedication and creativity of the teams behind the attraction while supporting Abu Dhabi’s 2030 tourism vision.
The recognition is expected to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global destination for leisure travel. It also reinforces Yas Island’s growing international reputation, especially following major announcements including the upcoming Disney resort project and future expansions planned across the destination.
For UAE residents, the award is another reminder that world-class attractions are available right on their doorstep without the need for long-haul travel.
What’s next for Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi?
The future looks equally exciting for the award-winning attraction.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is preparing for a major expansion that will introduce a highly anticipated Harry Potter-themed land, along with additional DC-inspired attractions. These additions are expected to bring new experiences for both residents and international visitors while further strengthening the park’s global appeal.
As Yas Island continues to grow, Warner Bros. World’s latest achievement sets a new benchmark not only for the UAE but for the entire Middle East entertainment industry.
FAQ’s
Q: What award did Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi win?
A: The attraction won the 2026 Liseberg Applause Award, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious honours in the global theme park industry.
Q: Is this the first time a Middle East theme park has won the award?
A: Yes. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is the first theme park from the Middle East to receive the Liseberg Applause Award.
Q: Where is Warner Bros. World located?
A: The theme park is located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and is one of the UAE’s leading family entertainment destinations.
Q: Why is the Applause Award important?
A: The award recognises excellence in innovation, operations, guest experience, creativity, and industry leadership among theme parks worldwide.
Q: Are there any new attractions coming to Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi?
A: Yes. The park is expected to expand with a Harry Potter-themed land and additional DC-inspired rides in the future.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi’s victory at the 2026 Liseberg Applause Award is a defining moment for Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, and the wider UAE tourism industry. Becoming the first Middle Eastern theme park to earn this global recognition demonstrates how far the region’s entertainment sector has come and highlights the UAE’s growing influence on the world stage.
As Yas Island continues attracting international attention, this latest achievement further cements Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a destination capable of delivering world-class experiences for visitors of all ages.
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