Travellers arriving from Saudi Arabia at Zayed International Airport were treated to a festive celebration this weekend, as Yas Island Abu Dhabi and the airport joined forces to mark Saudi National Day.
The arrivals lounge was transformed into a scene of colour and cheer as passengers from the first inbound Saudi flight were welcomed by Warner Bros. World favourites Tom and Jerry. The iconic cartoon duo drew delighted reactions from children and adults alike, with many pausing for photographs and videos to capture the moment.
The celebrations extended beyond character appearances. Each traveller was presented with a curated gift bag containing mementos from Yas Island’s attractions, including Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi. Organisers said the gesture was designed to highlight the breadth of entertainment and hospitality on offer at the island, while creating lasting memories for guests.
The event coincided with Saudi Arabia’s 95th National Day, an occasion that has become increasingly recognised across the region. For Abu Dhabi, it provided an opportunity to celebrate cultural ties with the Kingdom while promoting Yas Island as a leading leisure destination.
“This was a celebration of friendship and hospitality,” a Yas Island spokesperson said. “We wanted to make sure that Saudi travellers feel at home in Abu Dhabi and are introduced immediately to the world-class experiences that await them.”
Airport officials added that the partnership reflected Abu Dhabi’s broader efforts to welcome growing numbers of visitors from Saudi Arabia, who form one of the emirate’s largest inbound markets. Tourism authorities have reported consistent growth in Saudi arrivals in recent years, driven by family travel and the popularity of Abu Dhabi’s theme parks.
For many passengers, the celebration was an unexpected highlight of their journey. Families arriving from Riyadh and Jeddah were seen smiling as children clutched character balloons and posed with their gift bags. Some travellers shared their excitement on social media, praising the warm welcome and unique gesture.
The event also underscored Abu Dhabi’s positioning of Yas Island as a premier entertainment hub. Home to record-breaking rollercoasters, expansive waterparks, global IP-based attractions and luxury resorts, the island has become a cornerstone of the UAE’s tourism strategy.
By linking the celebration to Saudi National Day, officials said the initiative aimed not only to honour the occasion but also to reinforce Yas Island’s appeal to Saudi families seeking short-haul getaways.
“This moment captures what Yas Island stands for—joy, connection, and unforgettable memories,” the spokesperson added.
With direct flights connecting Abu Dhabi to major Saudi cities, industry analysts expect visitor numbers to rise further, especially around festive periods. For Yas Island, the collaboration with Zayed International Airport is set to become a model for how destinations can combine hospitality, culture and entertainment to make arrivals memorable.
