The Walt Disney Company and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading developer of immersive destinations, have announced a landmark agreement to establish a Disney theme park resort in the UAE capital. Set to rise on Yas Island, the waterfront development will mark Disney’s seventh global theme park resort and its first in the Middle East.
Positioned as a strategic entertainment hub for travellers from the Middle East, Africa, India, Asia, and Europe, the new resort is expected to merge Disney’s globally beloved characters and storytelling with Abu Dhabi’s rich culture, architectural innovation, and coastal appeal.
“Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future,” said His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral. “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. Through the development of unique attractions and experiences, Abu Dhabi continues to be a destination of choice for the world.”
The project will be fully developed by Miral, while Disney’s renowned Imagineers will oversee creative design and operations to ensure a world-class experience. Miral, which has already partnered with major American and European entertainment brands on Yas Island, will also operate the resort.
“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 Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney 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. 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 located within a four-hour flight of one-third of the global population, the UAE presents a major gateway for international tourism. The country hosts the world’s largest airline hub, with around 120 million passengers passing through Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports annually.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, said: “This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development. 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. Ultimately, it will be a celebration of what’s possible when creativity and progress come together.”
“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,” added Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral. “Together, we are creating a place of boundless innovation, where the vision of our leadership continues to inspire the world.”
The destination will feature signature Disney entertainment, themed hotels, curated dining and retail experiences, and storytelling experiences that reflect both Disney’s heritage and Abu Dhabi’s futuristic cultural identity. The development is also expected to generate long-term economic benefits and reinforce Yas Island’s global status as a world-class entertainment hub.