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Disney has announced plans to build a theme park resort in Abu Dhabi with Miral
Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 09 May 2025
The proposed theme park will combine Disney stories with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture Credit: Disney/Miral
Disney has announced that it will build a theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, its first in the Middle East.
The location of the new park is likely due to the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) accessibility – with the country just a four-hour flight for a third of the world’s population – making it a key gateway for international tourism.
It marks a key expansion into the Middle East market for Disney, which is developing the proposed theme park in partnership with local theme park operator Miral.
Located on Yas Island, Disneyland Abu Dhabi, the resort will be Disney’s seventh overall, joining properties in the US, China, Hong Kong, Japan and France. Once complete, it will offer Disney’s ‘signature’ storytelling, entertainment, themed accommodation and dining and retail experiences.
According to a press release, the resort will “combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture.”
It will be fully developed, built and operated by Miral, which has created several leading family entertainment destinations on Yas Island, while Disney will provide creative design and operational oversight.
“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,” said Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, group CEO of Miral.
Disney CEO Bob Iger described the announcement as “a thrilling moment for our company.”
“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,” Iger said.
“Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary entertainment at the 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.”
Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, commented: “This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development. Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive in our portfolio.
“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.”
The news comes as Disney reported its FY2025 Q2 earnings, which revealed strong performances from the company’s Experiences division, driven by its Domestic Parks and Experiences business and Disney Cruise Lines.
“In the 102-year history of The Walt Disney Company, there have been many defining moments, and countless achievements. One such moment was the opening of Disneyland in 1955. Now, 70 years later, having entertained four billion guests across six Disney theme park destinations around the world, we are celebrating another moment in our storied history,” Iger said of the development during his post-earnings remarks.
“Our focus must always be on building for tomorrow as much as managing for today,” he added.
Theme park
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