Disney has recently announced the exciting news of opening its seventh theme park and resort on the waterfront of Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Miral. As the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, Miral will fully develop, build, and operate this new theme park. They are also known for managing other renowned attractions on Yas Island, such as Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Yas Island.
Despite Miral taking the lead in development and operations, Disney and its Imagineers will play a crucial role in the project, ensuring a world-class experience by leading the creative design and operational oversight. Disney's CEO Bob Iger emphasized during the Q2 2025 Earnings Call that Disney will not invest any capital in the project but will receive royalties. "So, there isn't any ownership," Iger clarified. "We own our IP and license it to them is essentially the agreement."
This new theme park resort in Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati - combing Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture. ✨ https://t.co/M1GHeYgr4H #YasIsland… pic.twitter.com/IyjODlj9ar
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) May 7, 2025
Iger expressed his enthusiasm about the project, stating, “This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity. 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."
He further elaborated, "Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways and will become a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come.”
While specific details about the park remain limited, it's confirmed that it will feature Disney's first-ever modern castle, depicted in concept art as a stunning glass or crystal tower. The park's tagline, 'A whole new world awaits,' suggests the inclusion of Aladdin-themed attractions.
Disney has been discussing this project since 2017, with Iger noting in an ABC News interview that it was "crystalized" last year. In a CNBC interview, Iger discussed the project timeline, saying, "We’re not pinning down a date yet. It typically takes us between 18 months and two years to design and fully develop and approximately five years to build but we’re not making any commitments right now."
Iger highlighted the strategic location of the park, pointing out that about one-third of the world's population lives within a four-hour flight of the UAE, which is also home to the world's largest global airline hub, seeing 120 million passengers annually through Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This new park will strategically fill the gap in Disney's global presence in the Middle East.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, shared his vision for the project, stating, “Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future. The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence.
"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, creating magical moments and memories that families will treasure forever. Through the development of unique attractions and experiences, Abu Dhabi continues to be a destination of choice for the world.”
Upon completion, Disney will expand its global presence with parks including Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Shanghai Disney, and this new, yet-to-be-named park in Abu Dhabi.
Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, described the new resort as the "most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio." He added, “This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development. 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. This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before. Ultimately, it will be a celebration of what’s possible when creativity and progress come together.”
For more insights into the world of Disney, explore our coverage of a visit to Walt Disney Imagineering to learn about the first-ever Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic and all the details about Disneyland's 70th anniversary and the Disney Destiny.
