Disney Announces Plans for a New Theme Park Resort in Abu Dhabi

Disney has officially confirmed it will open a new theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, marking the company’s seventh global resort destination. The project is a collaboration between The Walt Disney Company and Miral, a developer known for creating major entertainment destinations in the UAE.

The new resort will be located on Yas Island, a well-known leisure and entertainment hub in Abu Dhabi. Disney says the park will combine the company's famous characters, stories, and experiences with the local culture, modern architecture, and a beautiful waterfront location.

“This is a thrilling moment for our company,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger. “It will rise from this land in spectacular fashion... offering guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways.” He also emphasized that the park will be “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” bringing together Disney’s classic storytelling with the creative spirit of Abu Dhabi.

The project will be developed and built entirely by Miral, while Disney’s team of Imagineers will lead the creative and design efforts. Miral will also operate the resort once it's open.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, said the partnership is about blending leadership and creativity to build a place that will “inspire generations” and become a destination where families can make lasting memories.

According to Disney, the new park will feature themed attractions, entertainment, restaurants, shopping, and hotels - all designed to reflect both Disney’s world-famous magic and the forward-looking style of the region.

Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, described the project as “a new frontier in theme park development,” calling it the company’s most interactive destination yet.

The UAE’s location played a key role in the decision. With one-third of the world’s population within a four-hour flight, and 120 million travelers passing through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year, the country is seen as a major global gateway for tourism.

This new park will join other attractions on Yas Island, which already includes Warner Bros. World, Ferrari World, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, and more. It also shows Disney’s focus on reaching new audiences and expanding into different regions of the world.

While there’s no confirmed opening date yet, the announcement makes it clear: Disney is making a big move in the Middle East - and it could become one of the most ambitious projects the company has ever built.