This year will see three Hilton-managed properties opened on Yas Island: the DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences project and the world’s first Warner Bros branded hotel which will join the recently opened Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island hotel.

More than 96 per cent of the work has been completed on the DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences project, which is set to open in the fourth quarter of this year, according to Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading curator of magnetic experiences, which is the strategic master developer of Yas Island and its leisure and entertainment attractions.

The 156-unit property, with a mix of studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, is being developed at a total cost of AED200 million ($54.6 million) as part of a wider strategic partnership between Miral and leading hospitality group Hilton.

Across guest units, all of which feature in-room kitchenettes, furniture items are being positioned, with fittings across the accommodation’s gym, pool and other guest amenities nearing completion, says Miral.

Double Tree by Hilton ... expected to open later this year.

The world-class serviced residences will cater to business guests as well as larger families and groups, providing a variety of accommodation options.

This exciting new development is a testament of our long-standing vision to position Yas Island as one of the top global destinations for entertainment, leisure, and business, by uniting people through one-of-a-kind experiences, says a senior official.

“The partnership with Hilton is part of our strategy to deliver flexible and diverse accommodation facilities to Yas Island for both residents and international visitors,” says Gurjit Singh, Chief Portfolio Officer, Miral.

The collaboration with Hilton will see Miral bring two new brands to Abu Dhabi this year; the DoubleTree by Hilton, as well as the upper-upscale Curio Collection by Hilton, that is set to operate the upcoming WB Abu Dhabi, becoming the world’s first Warner Bros branded hotel.

More than 90 per cent of the work has been completed on The WB Abu Dhabi hotel – Miral’s collaboration with Warner Bros Themed Entertainment – and the project is reported to be on track to open later this year. 

Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island ... a luxurious 74,000-sq-m waterfront hotel.

With a design and concept inspired by the world-famous Warner Bros brand, the hotel – developed with a total investment of $112 million – will complement the company’s commitment to diversifying Yas Island’s offerings and delivering holistic experiences for its visitors.

Located next door to the Warner Bros World theme park, the new hotel will feature 257 rooms over eight levels, with a modern décor that celebrates Warner Bros’ extensive film and television library.  The property’s contemporary design will also include signature WB themed restaurants, a premier spa and fitness club, and a shaded rooftop pool where guests can take in Yas Island’s distinctive skyline.

The hotel will provide families with a range of leisure amenities, including a child-friendly pool as well as indoor and outdoor Kid’s Club options. The WB Abu Dhabi will incorporate a broad range of facilities for business and leisure guests alike, including a large ballroom, a range of high quality and adaptable meeting rooms, and a fully equipped Eforea spa and health club.

To date, the first guestroom floors, branding and theming, as well as the ballroom, core spaces, and the building façade within Miral’s newest hospitality development, have been substantially completed.

On the upcoming project, CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi says: “Miral is proud of its long-term partnership with Warner Bros that has resulted in two world-firsts here on Yas Island. The WB Abu Dhabi represents a great addition to Yas Island’s hospitality offerings and attractions, strengthening our commitment to position the island as a top global destination for leisure, entertainment, and business. We look forward to celebrating the hotel’s opening later this year and welcoming guests to experience a truly unique hotel.”

Peter van Roden, SVP Warner Bros Themed Entertainment, says: “We are thrilled to be so close to completion on the world’s first Warner Bros branded hotel. The WB Abu Dhabi will be an amazing complement to the adjacent Warner Bros World theme park. The hotel will be a first-rate family destination inspired by the iconic WB library of film and television shows. Guests will be able to participate in all the thrills and excitement of the theme park and then step inside the hotel for an experience fit for a Hollywood star.”

Matthew Mullan, Cluster General Manager, Hilton Yas Island, says: “We are excited to be working together to bring this unique, ‘world first’ offering to this already exciting multi-purpose entertainment destination, Yas Island.”

The WB Abu Dhabi is within walking distance from Yas Waterworld and is in close proximity to Yas Island’s other attraction and experiences, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Clymb Abu Dhabi, and numerous world-class food and beverage (F&B) outlets on the Island.

Meanwhile, the hospitality group is also managing the five-star Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island hotel, which opened to guests in February. Located in Yas Bay, the luxurious 74,000-sq-m waterfront hotel provides guests with immediate access to the award-winning Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi’s first-of-its-kind multipurpose indoor entertainment venue, a variety of retail and restaurant outlets, and the island’s world-class theme parks.

Featuring 545 guest rooms (including 59 suites), the wide range of facilities on offer include signature dining and cafés, a fully-equipped kid’s club, a beach club, a stunning temperature-controlled outdoor pool, a spa and fitness centre, and a multi-purpose conference centre.

Working in collaboration with WSP Middle East (the design and supervision lead consultant) and HKS, Pascall+Watson provided full executive architecture and site supervision services for the hotel, retail and restaurant complex, and with WSP Middle East and HOK on the state-of-the-art Etihad Arena.

A focus on sustainable design has ensured efficient water, energy and waste management systems are in place throughout the resort.