Disney is set to open its seventh global theme park resort, this time in Abu Dhabi. Marking Disney’s first Middle Eastern park venture, the new destination will take shape on Yas Island, an area already known for its entertainment and family attractions.
Announced in partnership with Miral, a locally-based creator of immersive destinations, the Disney park resort will combine Disney’s storytelling with the culture, landscape and architecture of Abu Dhabi.
Miral will fund and operate the development, while Disney will oversee creative direction and operational standards.
“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,” The Walt Disney Company CEO Robert Iger said.
“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.
“Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this 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.”
Strategically positioned within a four-hour flight of a third of the world’s population, the United Arab Emirates is already a major global hub, drawing 120 million air passengers through Abu Dhabi and Dubai annually. But this should take that up a notch.
“Most advanced” Disney destination
“This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development,” Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro said.
“Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways.
“This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before.”
What to expect at the Disney park
According to Disney, the waterfront resort will feature themed hotels, entertainment, dining and retail, with experiences designed to support tourism and economic growth in the region.
“Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future,” Miral Chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said.
“The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence. 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.”
While timelines for the next Disney park remain under wraps, the companies say further updates will be shared as the project progresses.
For more info on Disney Destinations, click here.
Later this month, The Disney Days 2025 agent training series is back to upskill and inspire Aussie and Kiwi travel advisors to sell more Disney with three trade-only events in Auckland, Melbourne and Sydney this May. Find out more about that here.
