Disney has officially announced plans to open its seventh theme park and resort, this time on the stunning waterfront of Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. This exciting venture will be developed in collaboration with Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, known for bringing world-class attractions like Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Yas Island to life.
While Miral will handle the full development, construction, and operation of the resort, Disney and its team of Imagineers will play a key creative role. As stated by Bob Iger, Disney's CEO, during the company’s Q2 2025 Earnings Call, Disney will not be making any capital investment but will receive royalties through a licensing agreement. “We own our IP and license it to them,” Iger clarified, emphasizing that Disney will maintain full creative control while Miral brings the vision to life.
“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,” said Iger. “Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati — an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world.”
The new park aims to blend Disney’s iconic storytelling and beloved characters with the vibrant heritage, stunning architecture, and coastal beauty of the UAE. Concept art released with the announcement reveals Disney’s first-ever modern castle — a striking tower made of glass or crystal, symbolizing innovation and cultural fusion. The tagline “A whole new world awaits” also hints at a strong Aladdin influence and suggests that the park will offer fresh interpretations of classic Disney stories.
Though discussions around this project have been ongoing since 2017, Iger noted in an interview with ABC News that the idea truly solidified last year. When asked about the timeline during a CNBC appearance, he explained, “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.”
Given its strategic location, the new resort is expected to attract millions of visitors from across the globe. With nearly one-third of the world’s population living within a four-hour flight of the UAE, and the region hosting the world’s largest airline hub — serving over 120 million passengers annually through Abu Dhabi and Dubai — this park will fill a crucial gap in Disney’s global presence by offering a world-class experience in the Middle East.
“Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation,” 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.”
Once completed, the resort will join Disney’s elite portfolio of global parks, including Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and Shanghai Disney. Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, described the upcoming destination as “the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio,” noting that the waterfront setting will allow Disney to tell stories in entirely new and immersive ways.
With its unique positioning, cultural depth, and technological innovation, the upcoming Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi promises to become a beacon of joy and inspiration for families across the Middle East and beyond — a true celebration of creativity, progress, and timeless storytelling.
