New Disney Theme Park Announced: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This is breaking news! We are trying to find more details and will update as soon as we can.
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, announced an agreement to create a landmark Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The waterfront resort will be located on Yas Island, a world-class destination for entertainment and leisure, connecting travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond. This seventh Disney theme park resort will combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters, and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture.
“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.”– Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Walt Disney Company and Abu Dhabi’s Miral have inked a deal to develop a brand-new Disney theme park resort on Yas Island, according to a joint announcement.
Why it matters: This marks Disney’s seventh theme park destination worldwide and strategically positions the entertainment giant in a region with significant tourism potential, bridging the Middle East, Africa, India, Asia, and Europe.
Details:
- The waterfront resort will be located on Yas Island, already a hub for leisure and entertainment.
- Miral will spearhead the development and construction of the resort.
- Disney’s Imagineers will lead the creative design and operational oversight.
- Miral will operate the resort upon completion.
What they’re saying:
- Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral: “What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is a whole new world of imagination — an experience that will inspire generations across the region and the world…”
- Robert A. Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company: “Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world…”
- 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.”
- Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral: “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.”
The big picture: The UAE’s strategic location, within a four-hour flight of a third of the world’s population and home to a major global airline hub, makes it an attractive market for Disney. The resort aims to blend classic Disney storytelling with Abu Dhabi’s culture and architecture.
What’s next: The development will include signature Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, unique dining and retail, all while celebrating both Disney’s legacy and Abu Dhabi’s future-forward vision. A timeline for the resort’s opening was not disclosed in the announcement.
