Disney Announces New Theme Park in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Los Angeles, CA — The Walt Disney Company unveiled plans on Wednesday to build a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, marking its entry into the Middle East. This resort will be developed in partnership with Miral, a company known for its immersive experiences in the United Arab Emirates.

Disney CEO Bob Iger described the upcoming resort as a thrilling venture that will showcase the rich culture of Abu Dhabi while providing deeply immersive entertainment. “As our seventh theme park destination, it will blend contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology,” Iger said in a statement.

The park’s design is led by Disney Imagineers, although Miral will handle the park’s construction and operations. Disney anticipates receiving royalties from the park but is not investing capital in the project. Iger noted that the company is not counting this development towards its recently pledged $60 billion investment into its theme parks over the next decade.

Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, indicated that the region presents a significant market with 500 million people living within a four-hour flight of Abu Dhabi. “This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development,” D’Amaro said. He emphasized the uniqueness of the park’s location, which leverages its waterfront setting to offer an array of storytelling opportunities.

Yas Island, where the park will be located, is already a hub for entertainment with existing attractions like Ferrari World and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. The island is also within close proximity to Abu Dhabi’s largest mall and a renowned golf course.

Miral’s chairman, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, expressed his excitement about the project, stating it will create magical moments for families. He said, “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 project is expected to feature themed accommodations, unique dining options, and a variety of retail experiences, all while celebrating both Disney’s heritage and Abu Dhabi’s cultural essence. No specific timeline for the park’s completion has been announced, but it could potentially open in the early 2030s.