Thursday 08 / May / 2025
ABU DHABI: In a landmark announcement that marks Disney’s entry into the Middle East, The Walt Disney Company, in partnership with Abu Dhabi-based Miral, will develop a world-class Disney Theme Park Resort on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi — the seventh Disney theme park destination globally and it's most technologically advanced to date.
Disney Park Abu Dhabi follows existing parks in California (USA), Florida (USA), Tokyo (Japan), Paris (France), Hong Kong (China) and Shanghai (China).
The announcement was made at a press conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on Wednesday in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
Also present at the press conference were Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Miral and Mohamed Abdulla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
Sheikh Khaled highlighted that the new project underscores Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a premier global leisure tourism destination and reflects the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to diversifying its economy through the creative and cultural sectors. He also noted that the creative and cultural economy has become a key pillar in supporting economic diversification and enhancing GDP growth.
Yas Island, already home to leading entertainment landmarks such as SeaWorld, Warner Bros. World, and Ferrari World, will soon welcome Disney’s most “tech-forward” park — a destination expected to blend local identity with the timeless magic of Disney. The resort will feature a unique waterfront setting, a crystal-inspired castle, and cutting-edge immersive experiences.
Miral will fully develop, build, and operate the resort, while Disney Imagineers will lead the creative design and attraction development.
“Abu Dhabi stands as a unique model where authentic heritage meets a bold vision for the future,” said Al Mubarak. “The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence. What we are creating is a whole new world of imagination — an experience that will inspire generations.”
Disney CEO Iger called the project “an extraordinary opportunity” to extend Disney’s iconic storytelling to a new audience.
“Abu Dhabi’s position as an international crossroads, its embrace of global culture, and its ambitious vision for the future make it a perfect location for Disney to reach millions of new families and captivate guests for generations to come,” Iger said, describing the new destination as “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.”
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, emphasised that the new resort will not be a replica of any existing Disney Park but a reimagined experience for the region. “The concept for this resort will push the boundaries of theme park design, showcasing groundbreaking technology and visionary architecture, including a modern castle unlike anything we’ve ever created,” he said. “This will be our most modern, most tech-forward park — like a living Tomorrowland.”
The project is strategically located to serve a vast population. With access to neighbouring GCC and Middle East nations, India, Africa, Asia, and Europe, and supported by Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure, the resort is positioned to be a magnet for international tourism.
This new venture marks Disney’s first theme park announcement in 15 years and comes at a time when international expansion is a key pillar in Disney’s growth strategy, especially as domestic markets stabilise. In 2023, Disney parks attracted over 140 million visitors worldwide — the most of any theme park operator.
As Disney prepares to usher in a new era of expansion alongside its investments in California and Florida, Abu Dhabi is poised to become the next capital of family entertainment — where the dreams of tomorrow begin today.
