The Walt Disney Company has announced an ambitious plan to open its first theme park in the Middle East, a landmark resort set to rise on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This new development, revealed on May 7, 2025, marks Disney's seventh theme park worldwide and is a collaboration with Miral, a local leader in creating immersive entertainment experiences.
Disney CEO Bob Iger described the announcement as a "thrilling moment" for the company, emphasizing that Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be both "authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati." The resort is poised to blend Disney's iconic stories, characters, and attractions with the rich culture and breathtaking architecture of Abu Dhabi, creating a unique and immersive experience for visitors.
Located on the waterfront of Yas Island, the new theme park will be fully developed and operated by Miral. Disney will lend its expertise in creative design and operational oversight through its Imagineers. Iger noted, "This seventh Disney theme park resort 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." The park will feature Disney's first-ever modern castle, a striking centerpiece designed to capture the essence of both Disney magic and Emirati culture.
The announcement comes on the heels of Disney's strong quarterly earnings report, which saw a revenue increase of 7% to $23.6 billion. Following the news, Disney's stock jumped 8% in premarket trading, reflecting investor confidence in the company's expansion strategy. Iger highlighted that the UAE is a significant gateway for tourism, being within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world's population, and is home to the largest global airline hub, with 120 million passengers traveling through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year.
Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, stated that the Abu Dhabi resort will be the "most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio." He emphasized the unique location of the park, which is anchored by a beautiful waterfront, allowing Disney to tell its stories in completely new ways. This project aims to welcome more families to experience Disney than ever before and celebrates the intersection of creativity and progress.
Miral's chairman, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, echoed these sentiments, stating that the collaboration with Disney represents a remarkable fusion of visionary leadership and creative excellence. He expressed excitement about creating a "whole new world of imagination" that will inspire generations across the region and beyond.
While the specifics of the park's attractions remain under wraps, concept art has hinted at a stunning design for the castle, resembling a modern glass or crystal tower. The tagline, "A whole new world awaits," suggests that elements from Disney's beloved Aladdin may be featured in the park.
Disney's decision to establish a theme park in Abu Dhabi has been in discussion since 2017 but was only finalized last year. Iger explained that the region's cultural richness and the existing tourist infrastructure, including renowned sites like the Louvre and Guggenheim, made Abu Dhabi an ideal location for this new venture.
Despite the excitement surrounding the project, it is essential to acknowledge the human rights concerns that have been raised regarding labor practices in the UAE. Reports from organizations like Human Rights Watch have highlighted issues such as wage theft and inadequate protections for migrant workers, who make up a significant portion of the labor force in the region. As Disney moves forward with its plans, the company will need to navigate these complexities carefully.
Disney's previous theme parks have seen significant success, with Disneyland opening in Anaheim, California, in 1955, followed by Walt Disney World in Orlando in 1971. The company's international expansion began in 1983 with a park in Tokyo, followed by Disneyland Paris in 1992, Hong Kong Disneyland in 2005, and Shanghai Disneyland in 2016. The addition of Disneyland Abu Dhabi fills a significant gap in Disney's global portfolio, allowing the company to reach new audiences in the Middle East.
As plans for the new theme park take shape, the timeline for its completion remains uncertain. Iger mentioned that typical development takes between 18 months to two years for design and about five years for construction, but no specific commitments have been made regarding the opening date.
With this new venture, Disney aims to create a destination that not only entertains but also enriches the cultural landscape of Abu Dhabi. As the project progresses, it will undoubtedly be watched closely by both fans and critics alike, eager to see how Disney's magic will be woven into the fabric of this vibrant region.
