Melissa Donovan
The Walt Disney Company has unveiled plans for its first-ever theme park in the Middle East, marking a significant expansion of its global entertainment footprint. Announced on Wednesday, the upcoming Disney resort will be located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates—a thriving leisure destination that already hosts major attractions such as Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
“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,” said Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
A Strategic Move to a Global Crossroads
Yas Island’s central location places it within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population. Its proximity to major markets across the Middle East, Africa, India, Asia, and Europe, along with its status as part of the world’s largest international airline hub, positions the destination as a prime location for global tourism.
The new Disney theme park resort will be fully funded by Miral, a leading Abu Dhabi-based developer responsible for several of the region’s top entertainment venues. Miral will lead the development and operational management of the project, while Walt Disney Imagineering—the creative powerhouse behind all Disney parks—will guide the design and guest experience.
“The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence,” said His Excellency 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, creating magical moments and memories that families will treasure forever.”
A First for Disney in the Region
This new destination marks several notable firsts for Disney. It will be the company’s first theme park in the Middle East, the first waterfront Disney resort, and the only Disney theme park outside of Central Florida to be co-located with a SeaWorld. These distinctions reflect a broader trend of integrated, immersive entertainment destinations designed to attract international family travelers.
“Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future,” Al Mubarak said.
A Blend of Culture and Creativity
Disney emphasizes that the resort will be both “authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati,” fusing the brand’s beloved storytelling with the cultural richness and architectural elegance of Abu Dhabi. Guests can expect a blend of themed accommodations, signature attractions, interactive experiences, and curated dining and shopping offerings, all thoughtfully designed to celebrate Disney’s legacy while honoring local traditions.
All of Disney’s parks are known for their signature castles, each uniquely themed to different Disney Princesses. In an interview with Good Morning America, Iger noted that the Abu Dhabi location will feature a groundbreaking design: “the first real modern castle built by Disney.”
A Strong Outlook and Future Potential
The announcement coincided with Disney’s strong fiscal second-quarter earnings, bolstered by a rebound in domestic park attendance and growing demand for its streaming platforms. The timing signals the company’s renewed focus on international growth and strategic partnerships.
With its combination of global accessibility, innovative design, and cultural resonance, the upcoming Disneyland Abu Dhabi is poised to become a defining addition to the region’s entertainment landscape—and a new chapter in Disney’s storied history of theme park excellence.
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