Disney CEO Bob Iger announced on May 7, 2025, that the Walt Disney Company is set to build its seventh theme park in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant expansion into the Middle East. This new theme park, which will be located on Yas Island, is touted to be the "most technologically advanced theme park that we've ever built." Iger made the announcement during an appearance on "Good Morning America," expressing his excitement about bringing a Disneyland to the UAE, a move he described as a major endorsement of the region.
"I am excited for the UAE and Abu Dhabi. Bringing a Disneyland to a land in the world is, I think, a big deal and it makes a big statement and it's just a great moment," Iger stated. The new destination will combine Disney's iconic stories, characters, and attractions with the rich culture and stunning architecture of Abu Dhabi, creating a unique blend of entertainment.
The park has been in development since 2017, but the plans solidified after Iger's visit to the region last year, where he noted a strong enthusiasm for Disney. "This is a place that has a very ambitious and very exciting vision for its future," he remarked. The selection of Abu Dhabi as the site for the new Disneyland is strategic, as the UAE serves as a crossroads for international travel, with approximately 120 million airline passengers traveling through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year.
Disney is partnering with Miral, a company known for creating immersive experiences in Abu Dhabi, to bring this ambitious project to life. Miral will oversee the development and operation of the park. "Our company is based on creating smiles," said Miral Chairman H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak. "We're here to create happiness. And this is what Disney's all about. What I truly love about Disney is that it engulfs you in their magic. I'm passionate that we are here building something that is for the next generation. It's a legacy piece – we are a part of something great."
The new resort will feature a waterfront design and will include themed hotels, dining, and retail experiences, making it a comprehensive entertainment destination. Iger emphasized that the park will be "authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati," blending contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences.
"Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be 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," Iger added.
While the announcement is generating excitement, it also comes amidst scrutiny regarding Disney's corporate policies and practices in relation to diversity and inclusion, especially given the UAE's legal stance on homosexuality. In 2022, the UAE banned Disney's animated film "Buzz Lightyear" over a same-sex kiss, highlighting the cultural challenges the company faces in this new market.
Despite these challenges, Iger stated that the company had carefully studied the Middle Eastern region before making the decision to build in Abu Dhabi. He noted, "Obviously building a theme park in a location is a huge endorsement of that location. It speaks volumes in terms of the ability of that location to sustain a Disney theme park."
The new park is expected to attract visitors not only from the UAE but also from neighboring countries and beyond, capitalizing on the region's growing tourism sector. Yas Island is already home to other major attractions, including Warner Bros. World, Ferrari World, and Yas Waterworld, making it a prime location for Disney's latest venture.
As Disney continues to expand its global footprint, this new theme park marks a significant milestone as the company's first new site in 15 years, following the opening of Shanghai Disneyland in 2016. The original Disneyland opened in California in 1955, and since then, the company has established itself as a leader in the global entertainment industry.
In recent financial reports, Disney has shown strong performance, with a reported $3.28 billion in earnings for the quarter ending March 30, 2025, and revenue rising to $23.62 billion. This financial success has provided the company with the resources to pursue ambitious projects like the Abu Dhabi theme park.
As the plans for the new Disneyland unfold, stakeholders are eager to see how Disney will navigate the complexities of operating in a region with differing cultural norms while still delivering the magic and wonder associated with the Disney brand. The collaboration between Disney and Miral is expected to yield a destination that not only entertains but also celebrates the unique heritage of Abu Dhabi.
With the promise of a modern castle rising from the sands and a host of attractions that incorporate both Disney's beloved characters and local culture, the Abu Dhabi theme park is set to become a landmark destination for families and tourists alike.
As the project progresses, both Disney and Miral are committed to ensuring that the new theme park will create lasting memories for visitors, embodying the spirit of joy and creativity that Disney is known for. The anticipated opening date has not yet been announced, but excitement is already building as this groundbreaking project moves forward.
In summary, Disney's new theme park in Abu Dhabi represents not just a new chapter for the company but also a significant cultural exchange, promising to bring the magic of Disney to a region eager for innovative entertainment experiences.
