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The Walt Disney Company and Miral have announced plans to develop Disney's seventh global theme park resort on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, marking Disney's first venture in the Middle East.
Key Takeaways
- Disney and Miral have formalized a partnership to create a waterfront Disney theme park resort on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
- This will be Disney's seventh global theme park resort and its first in the Middle East region.
- Miral will fully develop, build, and operate the resort while Disney's Imagineers will lead creative design and operational oversight.
- The park will blend Disney's iconic stories with Abu Dhabi's culture, described by CEO Bob Iger as "authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati."
- Yas Island already attracts over 34 million visitors annually and hosts attractions like Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld, and Ferrari World.
Disney Expands Global Footprint with Seventh Resort
The Walt Disney Company has announced plans for its seventh global theme park resort, to be located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This landmark development represents Disney's first major new theme park in nearly a decade and its inaugural venture in the Middle East region. The announcement came on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, formalizing a partnership between Disney and Miral, Abu Dhabi's leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences.
Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed enthusiasm about the project, describing it as "an exhilarating moment" for the organization. According to Iger, the new resort will emerge in a stunning manner, merging modern architecture with state-of-the-art technology to deliver truly immersive entertainment experiences in innovative and contemporary ways. In his remarks, Iger referred to the project as "Disneyland Abu Dhabi" and emphasized that it would be "authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati," echoing language he previously used when describing Shanghai Disneyland as "authentically Disney, distinctly Chinese."
Miral Partnership and Development Model
The new Disney resort will follow a unique development model, with Miral taking responsibility for fully developing and building the waterfront destination. Disney and its legendary Imagineers will lead the creative design and provide operational oversight to ensure a world-class experience. This arrangement is similar to Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan, which is designed by Disney but operated by Oriental Land Company.
Miral has established itself as a prominent developer of family entertainment destinations on Yas Island, having already collaborated with American and European brands on several successful projects. Upon completion, Miral will operate the resort, while Disney will benefit from royalties generated by the park. It's worth noting that Disney will not be providing direct financial investment in the project, and this development is separate from the $60 billion investment Disney has committed to its existing theme parks over the next decade.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating that it "demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence." Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, added that bringing a Disney theme park resort to Yas Island marks a "historic milestone" in advancing the island's position as a global destination for exceptional entertainment and leisure.
Strategic Location on Yas Island
The new Disney resort will be strategically located on the waterfront of Yas Island, which has already established itself as a world-class destination for entertainment and leisure. The island serves as a connecting point for travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond, making it an ideal location for Disney's expansion into the region.
Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney's Experiences unit, explained the strategic importance of the location in an interview with Reuters, noting that Disney has "always had an interest in this region" with the goal of introducing Disney narratives to new, younger audiences. He emphasized that Abu Dhabi was "the perfect choice" for this expansion.
Yas Island already boasts an impressive array of attractions, including Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld Yas Island, and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi. The island is also home to Ferrari World and hosts the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Despite Abu Dhabi having a population of approximately 2.5 million, Yas Island recorded over 34 million visits in 2023, reflecting a 38% increase from the previous year, according to Miral's data.
Vision for the Disney Abu Dhabi Experience
While specific attractions and represented franchises have not yet been announced, Disney has shared its vision for the new resort. The park will combine Disney's iconic stories, characters, and attractions with Abu Dhabi's vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture.
Bob Iger described the project as "an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment" that will "bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways" and become a "source of joy and inspiration" for people throughout the region to enjoy for generations. This language deliberately echoes Walt Disney's original dedication of Disneyland in 1955, creating a connection between this new venture and Disney's rich heritage.
Upon completion, the new theme park resort will offer signature Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, unique dining and retail experiences, and storytelling that celebrates both the heritage of Disney and the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi. Disney's Imagineers have already begun the design phase for the park, although no timeline for its opening has been disclosed.
The development of this unique Disney experience is expected to support sustained economic growth in Abu Dhabi and beyond, further enhancing the UAE's extensive range of partnerships with leaders in the entertainment sector, which already includes attractions like The Louvre and Formula 1 racing.
Disney's expansion into Abu Dhabi represents a significant milestone in the company's global growth strategy and further cements Yas Island's status as a premier international entertainment destination. As the project progresses, Disney and Miral have promised to announce additional details about this exciting new venture.
