The magic of Disney is making its way to the Middle East for the very first time. In a major announcement, The Walt Disney Company revealed plans to open a brand-new theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi, a bold move that expands the entertainment giant’s global footprint to a seventh destination.
Set to rise on the scenic Yas Island — already a bustling hub for entertainment and tourism in the United Arab Emirates — the waterfront resort is being developed in partnership with Miral, a leading local company specializing in immersive destinations. While Disney won’t be investing capital directly into the project, it will provide creative leadership through its renowned Imagineers and earn royalties from the resort’s operations.
Disney CEO Bob Iger described the new venture as a “spectacular” blend of innovative architecture, local culture, and Disney’s signature storytelling. “This is a thrilling new chapter for our company,” Iger said, noting that the project will offer “deeply immersive entertainment experiences in ways we’ve never done before.“
The park — tentatively called Disneyland Abu Dhabi — doesn’t yet have an official opening date. According to Iger, designing and planning a park of this scale typically takes up to two years, followed by several years of construction. However, no firm timeline has been committed just yet.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, emphasized how unique the location is. “Yas Island’s waterfront will give us a canvas unlike any other, where we can tell Disney stories in a new, exciting way,” he said. “This will be our most advanced and interactive destination yet.”
Yas Island already attracts millions of visitors each year and is home to other major attractions, including Ferrari World, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World, and a Formula 1 racetrack. Last year alone, the island recorded more than 34 million visits — a 38% jump from the previous year.
For Disney, the decision to plant its flag in Abu Dhabi was a long time coming. The company has been eyeing the region since 2017, but global disruptions and leadership changes put plans on pause. Now, with Abu Dhabi emerging as a global tourism hub — one-third of the world’s population lives within a four-hour flight — Disney sees tremendous potential for growth.
Miral, which will fund and operate the park, is calling the partnership a “historic milestone.” Its CEO, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, said the project represents a “new world of imagination” that will spark wonder for generations. The collaboration will blend Disney’s beloved characters and worlds with the heritage and futuristic ambition of Abu Dhabi.
Once completed, the resort will feature themed hotels, unique dining and shopping options, and brand-new attractions tailored to the region — all designed to reflect both Disney’s legacy and the local culture. It will also mark Disney’s first new park since Shanghai Disneyland opened in 2016.
As Disney continues to prioritize its “Experiences” division — which includes theme parks, cruises, and resorts — the Abu Dhabi project is expected to play a key role in its long-term strategy. Though separate from the $60 billion the company has earmarked for its global parks and experiences over the next decade, the deal underscores Disney’s ambition to bring its magic to more corners of the world.
From Anaheim to Abu Dhabi, Disney is proving that no matter where you are, there’s always room for a little more magic.