Disney Abu Dhabi theme park and resort coming
Disney Announces Groundbreaking New Theme Park and Resort in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island
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Concept rendering of Disney’s planned theme park on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The waterfront location will enable unique storytelling opportunities. Image: Disney
Disney’s Major Expansion: Abu Dhabi Theme Park Announcement
The Walt Disney Company has officially announced plans to develop its seventh global theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant expansion of the entertainment giant’s footprint into the Middle East. The announcement, made on Wednesday, confirms a partnership with Miral, an immersive destination and experiences company based in the United Arab Emirates, to bring the magic of Disney to Yas Island.
This new venture represents Disney’s first major theme park in the Middle East region and continues the company’s strategic global expansion beyond its established destinations in the United States (California and Florida), France, Japan, Hong Kong, and China. The announcement comes at a time when Disney’s experiences business continues to show strong growth, representing 37% of the company’s overall revenue and nearly 60% of its operating income in fiscal 2024.
“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. 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.”
Development Details: Miral Partnership and Disney’s Role
The Abu Dhabi Disney resort will follow a different development model than most of Disney’s other global destinations. According to the announcement, Miral will fully develop and build the theme park, while Disney’s legendary Imagineers will lead the creative design and maintain operational oversight of the project. This partnership approach allows Disney to expand its global footprint without the substantial capital investments typically associated with theme park development.
Disney will not be investing capital from its recently announced $60 billion theme park investment plan into this project. Instead, the company will generate revenue through royalties from the licensing arrangement with Miral. This model provides Disney with a potentially lucrative revenue stream while minimizing direct financial risk in the new market.
Key Development Facts
- Developer: Miral will fully develop and construct the theme park
- Disney’s role: Creative design leadership and operational oversight
- Investment structure: Disney will earn royalties without direct capital investment
- Not part of Disney’s $60 billion theme park investment plan
- Design work by Disney Imagineering has already begun
- Typical Disney park development timeline: 18 months to 2 years for design, 5 years for construction
Unique Features of Disney’s Seventh Global Destination
Disney executives have teased that the Abu Dhabi resort will be “the most advanced and interactive destination” in the company’s portfolio. The waterfront location on Yas Island will provide unique storytelling opportunities that differentiate this park from other Disney destinations worldwide. Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, highlighted how this special setting will allow Disney to tell stories “in completely new ways.”
While specific attractions and themed lands have not yet been announced, Disney has confirmed that the resort will include themed accommodations, unique dining options, and retail experiences. These elements will integrate Disney’s renowned storytelling heritage with both the futuristic vision and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi, creating a destination that feels authentically Disney while embracing local influences.
“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.”
Disney CEO Bob Iger (right) and Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, speaking about the Abu Dhabi park announcement on CNBC’s Squawkbox, May 7th, 2025. Image: CNBC
Market Potential: Targeting 500 Million Visitors
Disney’s strategic expansion into the UAE is supported by compelling market demographics. According to the company, approximately one-third of the world’s population lives within a four-hour flight of the UAE, creating an enormous potential customer base. The addressable tourism market in the region encompasses around 500 million visitors – a significant opportunity for Disney to extend its reach to audiences who may not have experienced its parks before.
The Middle East’s tourism sector has been growing rapidly, with Abu Dhabi positioning itself as a premier global destination through significant investments in infrastructure, cultural attractions, and entertainment venues. Disney’s entry into this market aligns with the broader development goals of the UAE, which has been diversifying its economy beyond oil to focus on tourism and entertainment.
Market Advantages of the UAE Location
- Approximately one-third of the world’s population within a 4-hour flight
- Addressable tourism market of 500 million potential visitors
- Strategic position as a connection point between Europe, Asia, and Africa
- Rapidly growing regional tourism industry
- UAE’s established reputation as a luxury travel destination
- Strong existing tourism infrastructure and international connectivity
Yas Island: Entertainment Hub of Abu Dhabi
Disney’s selection of Yas Island as the location for its new theme park strategically positions the company within an already established entertainment destination. The island has developed into Abu Dhabi’s premier leisure hub, featuring a diverse collection of attractions that draw visitors from across the region and around the world.
The future Disney resort will join an impressive roster of existing entertainment venues on Yas Island, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. The island is also home to the Formula 1 Yas Marina Circuit, which hosts the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious events on the Formula 1 calendar. Additionally, visitors to Yas Island can enjoy Abu Dhabi’s largest shopping mall and an award-winning golf course.
According to Josh D’Amaro, the Disney park will be “much larger than anything that’s currently here,” suggesting an ambitious development that will become the centerpiece of Yas Island’s entertainment offerings. While no specific opening date has been announced, CEO Bob Iger indicated that Disney parks typically require 18 months to two years for design and approximately five years for construction.
When completed, this new Disney destination will add another significant draw to Abu Dhabi’s growing tourism sector while bringing Disney’s beloved characters and storytelling to new audiences in the Middle East and beyond.
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