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Warner Bros. World Yas Island in Abu Dhabi has been crowned the world’s best theme park after winning the 2026 Liseberg Applause Award, marking a historic first for the Middle East.
The honour makes it the first attraction in the region to receive the internationally acclaimed award, which is widely regarded as the “Oscars” of the global theme park and amusement industry.
Presented by Liseberg, a renowned theme park in Gothenburg, Sweden, the Applause Award is awarded once every two years and recognises excellence in innovation, operations, guest experience, and overall management. Since its inception in 1980, only 22 theme parks worldwide have received the distinction, with just one winner selected in each cycle.
With this achievement, Warner Bros. World joins an elite list of global attractions, including Universal Studios Japan, Tokyo DisneySea, and Siam Park in Spain.
The award was announced during the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Honors Event, highlighting the park’s excellence in creative design, operational standards, and visitor experience.
Dr. Mohammad Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral—the developer behind Yas Island’s major attractions—described the recognition as a proud milestone, particularly as the first Middle Eastern theme park to earn the honour.
Warner Bros. World is the largest indoor theme park in the Middle East and features immersive rides and entertainment experiences based on iconic Warner Bros. characters, including DC superheroes and Looney Tunes.
The park is divided into six themed zones, offering visitors a wide range of attractions inspired by popular film and animation franchises. It continues to play a central role in positioning Yas Island as one of the region’s leading tourism and entertainment destinations.
Further expansion plans are also underway, including the addition of a Harry Potter-themed land and new DC Universe rides, strengthening its long-term growth strategy.
The Liseberg Applause Award, established in 1980, remains one of the most respected honours in the global attractions industry, celebrating parks that set benchmarks in creativity and guest satisfaction.
Past recipients include Universal Studios Japan (2025), Siam Park (2024), Tokyo DisneySea (2022), and Xcaret Park in Mexico (2018).
For Abu Dhabi, the recognition reinforces Yas Island’s growing global reputation as a world-class leisure hub and a key pillar of the emirate’s tourism-driven economy.
