A new chapter in Disney’s global story is about to begin. Meet Disneyland Abu Dhabi, to be built in the heart of the United Arab Emirates.
Disney and Miral, a creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, have announced plans to bring a world-class Disney theme park resort to Yas Island. This exciting development not only marks the first Disney resort in the Middle East, but also signals a major step in transforming Yas Island into a global hub for entertainment and leisure.
This destination, should it get built, will be Disney’s seventh global theme park resort, joining the ranks of Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disney Resort.
“This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before. Ultimately, it will be a celebration of what’s possible when creativity and progress come together.”
“Bringing a Disney theme park resort to Yas Island marks a historic milestone in our journey to further advance the island’s position as a global destination for exceptional entertainment and leisure,” said Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral. “Together, we are creating a place of boundless innovation, where the vision of our leadership continues to inspire the world.”
The new resort promises to deliver everything fans love about Disney, signature attractions, themed accommodations, unforgettable dining, and immersive storytelling, while also embracing the rich culture and futuristic ambition of Abu Dhabi. From the architecture to the entertainment offerings, the park will reflect both the timeless magic of Disney and the vibrant essence of its new home in the UAE.
For The Walt Disney Company, expanding to Yas Island is a strategic move that aligns perfectly with its long-term growth and international diversification goals. The Middle East, particularly the UAE, represents an untapped market with a young, affluent population and a strong appetite for premium entertainment experiences. Yas Island is already a proven tourism magnet with successful attractions like Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World, offering Disney a ready-made infrastructure and an audience primed for world-class themed entertainment. By partnering with Miral, Disney minimizes its development risk while gaining a foothold in a high-growth region, reinforcing its brand presence in emerging markets and creating new revenue streams across theme parks, merchandise, hospitality, and media.
“This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity,” said Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways and will become a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come.”
When we first heard about this project, we were 50/50 as to whether it was real or a rumor. An Abu Dhabi Disney Resort had been foreshadowed with some partnerships Disney had in the area, and expanding into the Middle East fits perfectly with Disney CEO Bob Iger’s vision for the company. I hesitate to get too excited about this project. In the last 20 years, the number of themed resort projects that were announced for the region that didn’t get built outnumbers those that did finally open.
If they actually do break ground, I know myself and other Disney fans around the world will be watching closely as magic makes its way to the Middle East.