Disney is heading to the Middle East. In a major announcement, The Walt Disney Company has revealed plans to bring a new Disney theme park and resort to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Miral, the Emirati company behind some of the region’s most ambitious entertainment developments.
The Abu Dhabi location will become Disney’s seventh global theme park destination, joining existing resorts in:
- Anaheim, California (Disneyland Resort)
- Orlando, Florida (Walt Disney World Resort)
- Tokyo, Japan (Tokyo Disney Resort)
- Paris, France (Disneyland Paris)
- Hong Kong (Hong Kong Disneyland Resort)
- Shanghai, China (Shanghai Disney Resort)
The upcoming waterfront resort in Abu Dhabi promises to deliver a unique blend of Disney magic and local culture. Miral will develop and operate the resort, while Disney’s renowned Imagineers will lead the creative direction and oversee operations to ensure a world-class experience. Set on Yas Island—a well-known hub for entertainment and leisure—the resort is poised to become a major draw for tourists from across the Middle East, Africa, India, Asia, and Europe.
“This is a thrilling moment for our company,” said Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion… Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati.”
Robert Iger emphasized that the new resort will celebrate the timeless storytelling Disney is known for, while integrating modern design and the cultural richness of the UAE. The park will be designed with cutting-edge technology and immersive storytelling in mind, aiming to offer experiences that can’t be found elsewhere in the world.
Miral’s chairman, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, called the partnership a “whole new world of imagination” and praised the opportunity to blend Abu Dhabi’s forward-thinking innovation with Disney’s legacy of creativity. Miral has already partnered with global brands like Warner Bros. and SeaWorld to develop family-friendly attractions on Yas Island.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, added, “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio… This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before.”
The project will include themed accommodations, one-of-a-kind dining and retail experiences, and attractions that combine the beloved Disney characters and stories with the architectural and cultural essence of the UAE. The waterfront setting will allow for unique storytelling opportunities that are integrated with the landscape.
Located within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population, the UAE is ideally positioned to become a major global tourism hub. With over 120 million passengers traveling through Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports annually, the new Disney resort is expected to draw millions of international and regional visitors.
Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, called the development a “historic milestone,” stating that it further solidifies Yas Island’s position as a global destination for entertainment. He also noted that the long-term economic benefits would be significant for Abu Dhabi and the broader region.
Though an opening date has not yet been announced, this project marks the first time Disney has brought a theme park resort to the Middle East. Once complete, it will offer a mix of traditional Disney charm and forward-thinking innovation, reflecting both the company’s storied legacy and Abu Dhabi’s global ambitions.
