Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi has officially been named the world’s best theme park after receiving the prestigious 2026 Liseberg Applause Award, becoming the first theme park in the Middle East to earn the global honour. The recognition marks a major milestone not only for the indoor attraction itself, but also for Abu Dhabi’s growing position as an international entertainment and tourism hub.
The award was presented during the IAAPA Honors event held in Xcaret, Mexico. Often referred to as the “Oscars of the amusement park industry,” the Liseberg Applause Award is considered one of the highest recognitions in the global attractions sector.
Established in 1980 by Sweden’s Liseberg amusement park, the award honours theme parks that demonstrate excellence in creativity, innovation, management, guest experience, and long-term business success.
According to the official announcement, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi was recognised for redefining the indoor theme park experience and successfully competing with some of the world’s biggest outdoor amusement destinations.
The judging panel highlighted the park’s immersive storytelling, operational quality, and its contribution to the wider development of Yas Island as a global leisure destination.
Developed and operated by Miral in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi opened on Yas Island in 2018. Since then, it has become one of the UAE capital’s most popular attractions and a major driver of tourism to the island. The fully indoor and climate-controlled theme park spans approximately 1.65 million square feet and was recognised by Guinness World Records in 2019 as the world’s largest indoor theme park at the time.
The attraction features six immersive lands inspired by iconic Warner Bros. franchises and characters. Guests can explore Gotham City and Metropolis, home to DC superheroes such as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern.
Other themed areas include Cartoon Junction, Dynamite Gulch, Bedrock, and Warner Bros. Plaza, featuring beloved characters from Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, Tom and Jerry, and The Flintstones.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi currently offers more than 29 rides, attractions, live entertainment experiences, themed dining outlets, and retail stores. Popular attractions include Batman: Knight Flight, Justice League: Warworld Attacks, Scooby-Doo: The Museum of Mysteries, and Fast and Furry-ous. The indoor format has also helped the park remain a year-round destination despite the UAE’s hot summer climate.
Dr. Mohammad Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, described the award as a proud moment for both the company and Abu Dhabi. In statements released following the ceremony, he said the recognition reflects the passion and dedication of the teams behind the attraction and reinforces Yas Island’s status as a leading global destination for leisure and entertainment.
The recognition also places Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi among an elite list of international theme parks that have previously received the Applause Award. Past winners include Tokyo DisneySea, Universal Studios Japan, Dollywood, and Europa-Park.
The achievement comes during a period of rapid expansion for Yas Island’s entertainment sector. Alongside Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the island is home to attractions including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, and the Yas Marina Circuit, which hosts the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The area has increasingly become one of the Middle East’s leading tourism and entertainment destinations.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is also preparing for a major future expansion. Miral previously confirmed plans for a Harry Potter-themed land alongside two new DC-themed rides, further expanding the park’s offerings and strengthening its international appeal.
The 2026 Liseberg Applause Award victory represents another major achievement for Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry as the emirate continues investing in world-class attractions, immersive entertainment experiences, and large-scale destination developments aimed at attracting millions of visitors annually.
