Disney Announces New Theme Park Plans in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, UAE — In spring 2025, Disney announced plans to build a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, partnering with the Miral Group. This venture aims to create a unique Disney experience on Yas Island.

Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed excitement about the project, describing it as a major development for the company. He stated, “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.”

According to Disney’s plans, the park will blend modern architecture with innovative technology, offering immersive entertainment experiences that reflect both Disney traditions and Emirati culture. However, this initiative follows a series of previous theme park projects in the UAE that faced significant challenges.

For instance, Universal‘s Dubailand was announced in 2007 but stalled before completion and was officially abandoned in 2016. Similarly, Six Flags had multiple failed attempts at establishing parks in Dubai, with one project canceled in 2019 due to financial issues.

In contrast, Miral Group has successfully developed four indoor theme parks on Yas Island, including Ferrari World and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. These parks thrived, attracting over 38 million visitors in 2024, which bodes well for Disney’s new venture as it plans to incorporate indoor attractions as well.

Despite the mixed history of theme parks in the UAE, Disney’s collaboration with a proven partner like Miral may enhance the feasibility of Disneyland Abu Dhabi. As the project progresses, the theme park industry will be watching closely.

Stay tuned for more updates as Disney reveals further details about this ambitious project.