The magic of Disney is heading to the Middle East for the very first time. The Walt Disney Company has announced its plans to build a new world-class theme park destination in Abu Dhabi, marking the company’s first new theme park since Shanghai Disneyland opened in 2016. This groundbreaking resort will become Disney’s seventh global theme park destination.
In a major partnership with Miral, a leader in entertainment and leisure development in the UAE, Disney will create a waterfront theme park resort on Yas Island. Already recognized as a global entertainment hub, Yas Island is home to iconic attractions like Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World, as well as luxury hotels and innovative leisure experiences.
“This seventh Disney theme park resort will blend the timeless magic of Disney stories and characters with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning coastline, and architectural beauty,” the Disney Parks Blog revealed. According to Disney CEO Robert A. Iger, the project will rise in spectacular fashion, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology with Abu Dhabi’s unique character to deliver an immersive and modern guest experience.
The project will be a collaborative effort — Disney’s creative teams and Imagineers will provide vision and leadership, while Miral will take charge of development, construction, and operation, similar to the successful model used for Tokyo Disneyland Resort. This alliance gives Disney a chance to connect with new audiences, while further establishing Yas Island as a premier destination for family entertainment and leisure.
While detailed information on the park’s attractions has yet to be released, the announcement confirmed that the resort will offer themed accommodations, a variety of dining and retail experiences, and attractions that celebrate both Disney’s beloved heritage and the futuristic, cultural spirit of Abu Dhabi. “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio,” noted Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, emphasizing how the shoreline location will enrich storytelling possibilities.
Yas Island’s prime location makes it an ideal site for Disney’s latest project. The UAE is served by the world’s largest airline hub, making it easily accessible, with one-third of the world’s population within a four-hour flight. As Miral’s Group CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi highlighted, “Bringing a Disney theme park resort to Yas Island marks a historic milestone in our journey to advance the island’s position as a global destination for exceptional entertainment and leisure.”
No official opening date for the Abu Dhabi Disney resort has been announced. When completed, it will join a growing roster of iconic attractions on Yas Island, which already boasts Ferrari World — home to the world’s fastest roller coaster — and Warner Bros. World.
