Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island has become the first theme park in the Middle East to win the prestigious global Applause Award.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island has been named the world’s best theme park, marking the first time a Middle Eastern attraction has received the prestigious 2026 Liseberg Applause Award.
The Applause Award is an international honour presented by Liseberg, a theme park in Gothenburg, Sweden. It is awarded every two years and is widely regarded as the “Academy Award” of the global theme park and amusement industry.
Considered one of the highest distinctions in the attractions sector, the award has been given to only 22 theme parks worldwide since its inception in 1980. Each cycle recognises just one winner, placing Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi among an elite group of past recipients, including Universal Studios Japan, Tokyo DisneySea, and Siam Park.
The win marks a significant milestone not only for Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, but also for Abu Dhabi’s tourism and entertainment sector, as Yas Island continues to develop into one of the UAE’s leading visitor destinations. The theme park is owned and operated by Abu Dhabi-based Miral, a creator of immersive destinations, experiences, and leisure projects, which also manages major attractions such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
The award was presented at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Honors Event, where Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi was recognised for excellence in operations, management, and creative design.
Dr Mohammad Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, described the recognition of being the first theme park in the Middle East to receive the award as “an incredibly proud moment” for the organisation.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi stands out as the largest indoor theme park in the Middle East, located on Yas Island. It offers a fully immersive experience built around rides, attractions, live entertainment, and themed environments based on popular Warner Bros. characters and stories.
The park is divided into six themed lands, each bringing to life worlds inspired by DC superheroes, Looney Tunes, and other iconic Warner Bros. franchises.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi stands out as the largest indoor theme park in the Middle East, located on Yas Island. It offers a fully immersive experience built around rides, attractions, live entertainment, and themed environments based on popular Warner Bros. characters and stories.
The park is divided into six themed lands, each bringing to life worlds inspired by DC superheroes, Looney Tunes, and other iconic Warner Bros. franchises.
The recognition comes as Yas Island continues to expand its lineup of major attractions, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global tourism destination.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is also preparing for a significant expansion, which includes a new Harry Potter-themed land along with two additional DC-themed rides that have already been announced.
The Liseberg Applause Award, established in 1980, is among the oldest honours in the global attractions industry and recognises theme parks that demonstrate exceptional standards in creativity and guest experience.
Past winners of the award include Universal Studios Japan (2025), Siam Park (2024), Tokyo DisneySea (2022), and Xcaret Park (2018).
For Abu Dhabi, the recognition further strengthens Yas Island’s growing portfolio of international tourism achievements, as the emirate continues to invest in leisure and entertainment as a central pillar of its visitor economy
